Chiang Mai to Sukhothai
Chiang Mai and Sukhothai both lie in the north of Thailand, with around 300 kilometers dividing them. Sukhothai is home to one of the best-kept historical treasures – Sukhothai Historical Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a huge cultural significance. Sukhothai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, a precursor to the modern Kingdom of Thailand. It is considered the birthplace of Thai civilization, and this historical park is filled with many well-preserved ruins. If you plan to travel from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai, you have a few options: a bus, a taxi, a train via Phitsanulok, or a connecting flight via Bangkok. Below, we will describe each of these options and share schedules and ticket prices.
Chiang Mai to Sukhothai by Bus
The cheapest and most popular option
- Price: 570 THB
- Transport type: bus
- Companies: Tour with Thai
- Travel time: 5.5 hours
Currently, there is one company that operates on this route, it’s named Tour with Thai. There are two daily departures from the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2. You’ll find the check-in at counter number 15. To ensure a timely departure, it is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
In Sukhothai, buses arrive at the Sukhothai Bus Terminal.
The total travel time from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai is around 5.5 hours, but can slightly differ depending on the traffic conditions.
The standard ticket price is 570 THB per seat.
The bus is well-equipped with reclining seats, an onboard toilet, and air conditioning. Moreover, the bus will make several short stops along the way, giving you the chance to stretch your legs and refresh.
Chiang Mai to Sukhothai Bus Schedule
| Chiang Mai | Sukhothai | Company | Service |
| 12:50 | 18:20 | Tour with Thai | Express |
| 15:00 | 20:30 | Tour with Thai | Express |
Chiang Mai to Sukhothai by Taxi
The fastest option
- Price: 4,048 THB
- Transport type: economy, SUV, van
- Companies: Glassflower, Smart En Plus, Bangkoktaxi24, Kim Transfers Thailand
- Travel time: 4-5 hours
The convenience of a taxi ride does come at a higher cost, with prices starting at 4,048 THB per economy car.
With taxis, you can choose from a range of vehicle options, such as economy cars, SUVs, and vans. Choose whatever suits your group size and preference.
Several reputable taxi companies operate this route, including Glassflower, Smart En Plus, Bangkoktaxi24, and Kim Transfers Thailand. Each company is known for its reliable drivers and overall good service.
The taxi trip time from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai is typically between 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. This is the fastest and most direct way of traveling between the two cities.
You can book a taxi that will pick you up directly from your hotel in the city of Chiang Mai or from Chiang Mai Airport. It will also bring you directly to the hotel in Sukhothai, or to the Sukhothai Historic Park.
Chiang Mai to Sukhothai by Train (via Phitsanulok)
- Price: 400 THB
- Transport type: train, taxi
- Companies: Thai Railways, local taxi
- Travel time: 7 hours
While you cannot travel all the way from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai by train, you can make a switch from train to bus at Phitsanulok.
Step 1: Your adventure begins with a train ride from Chiang Mai train Station to Phitsanulok. There are 5 direct train services daily.
The quickest option is Train #8, which departs at 08:50 and completes the journey in approximately 5 hours and 44 minutes.
On the other hand, the leisurely Train #408 sets off at 09:30, offering a more relaxed journey with an arrival time in Phitsanulok of 7 hours and 52 minutes later.
Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok Train Schedule
| Chiang Mai | Phitsanulok | Train Number | Type |
| 6:30 | 13:16 | 102 | Rapid |
| 8:50 | 14:34 | 8 | Special Express |
| 15:30 | 22:58 | 52 | Express |
| 17:00 | 23:53 | 14 | Special Express |
| 18:00 | 0:47 | 10 | Special Express |
Step 2: Once you arrive in Phitsanulok, you’ll need to travel the remaining 62.7 kilometers to Sukhothai. You can take a local bus or a taxi.
Chiang Mai to Sukhothai by Flight (via Bangkok)
- Price: from 4,000 THB
- Transport type: flight
- Companies: Bangkok Air
- Travel time: 4-6 hours
While there is no direct flight, you can book a self-connecting flight by Bangkok Air. It consists of two parts: a flight from Chiang Mai Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. After that, take another flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhothai Airport. Each flight is around 1.5 hours.
Sukhothai Airport is located around 30 kilometers to the north of New Sukhothai. The journey from this airport to either Old or New Sukhothai is a quick one, taking around 45 minutes in total.
A tip: consider looking into the shuttle service offered by Bangkok Airways. This service, albeit at a fee, provides an effortless way to bridge the gap between the airport and your desired destination. To uncover more details on pricing, schedules, and availability, reach out to Bangkok Airways after booking a flight.
Don’t forget to touch base with your chosen accommodation. Many hotels provide complimentary airport transfer services.
How to Get from Suhkothai City to Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai is split into two distinct areas: the New Sukhothai and the historic Old Sukhothai, with a 12-kilometer distance separating them.
Getting from the New City to Sukhothai Historical Park is made convenient with ride-sharing apps like Grab and local motorbike taxis, which are popular choices for locals. Additionally, songthaews provide a 24/7 service throughout the city. Simply walk to the main road, and you can easily catch one of these shared taxis.
The ride to the Park is around 15 minutes.
