Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Your Complete Options
Bangkok to Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s classic journeys. The distance is roughly 700 km by road (about 1 hour 15 minutes by air), and you can get there by plane, train, bus, private car, or a mix of slow-travel routes with scenic stopovers. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a time-pressed traveler, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the journey in 2026.
Flying: The Fastest Option
Travelling by air is the quickest way of getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. There are three main budget airlines serving the busy Bangkok-Chiang Mai route: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Lion Air.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Don Mueang Airport is Bangkok’s no-frills airport. This is where you’ll find the budget airlines like Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air. Flights are pretty affordable, costing around $50 (not including luggage). Thai Lion Air makes as many as 10 return flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai daily. Airfare starts from THB 1,000 and up, depending on the date and time of day you wish to fly.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi Airport is the nicer airport in Bangkok, and you’ll find Thai Airways and Bangkok Air fly to Chiang Mai Airport daily for around $100. The fastest flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 1h 10m, and direct flights go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai every day.
In Chiang Mai, taxis and ride-hailing apps usually cost roughly 120–200 THB to the Old City. The airport is close, so transfers are easy.
Train Travel: The Classic Experience
An overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a classic Thailand experience. Although the journey can take 11+ hours, don’t immediately disregard the idea – there is some absolutely fantastic scenery along the way, and you can travel overnight in an inexpensive sleeper berth, saving you your precious daytime and the cost of a hotel room for the night.
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
The main railway station in Bangkok is Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (also known as Bang Sue Grand Station). Chiang Mai Railway Station is about 2.2 km from the popular Chan Klang Road and Night Bazaar area and 3.3 km away from the Thae Pae Gate in the old town. It’s connected to the MRT Blue Line for easy access.
The journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is scheduled to take from 10 to 13 hours depending upon which train service you take. There are currently 5 direct trains per day from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The fastest train is Train #7 departing at 09:05, which is scheduled to complete the journey in 10 hours 25 minutes. The best overnight train is Train #9 departing at 18:40, which is scheduled to arrive 12 hours 35 minutes later at 07:15.
Train Ticket Prices
The cost of traveling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depends heavily on the carriage class and seat type. Prices start from around 250-300 baht for a 3rd class seat and can go up to 1,300-1,500 baht for a seat in a 1st class two-person compartment.
2nd Class Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Price: THB 1,041 (lower bed), THB 941 (upper bed). First Class Prices: THB 1,653 (lower bed), THB 1,453 (upper bed).
Sleeper trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai sell out fast, so it’s best to book 3–6 months in advance.
Bus Travel: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Getting the bus to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is easy, affordable and comfortable enough to sustain you through the long journey. Chiang Mai bound buses originate from the Northern and Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mochit).
Mo Chit Bus Terminal
Starting from THB 500, this 9-11 hour journey transforms travel time into an adventure itself. If you can afford paying some extra baht, opt for VIP coaches with 24 seats (from 800 THB) which ensure enough space both for your legs and elbows. But even the cheapest buses from Bangkok (from 500 THB) are comfortable enough to sleep through the whole journey.
Sombat Tour operates various types of overnight services with Supreme Class (VIP) buses featuring 20-seat configuration, massage chairs, and complimentary meals. Known for luxury Wiang Ping VIP 20 coaches with 1+1 seating, personal entertainment, and superior comfort for the 10-hour journey, with prices from THB 1,131.
Most premium buses depart evening 6pm-10pm, arriving morning 5am-8am the next day. Local transport to old city via red truck (songthaew) costs 20-30 THB per person or tuk-tuk for 100 THB per ride.
Private Transfer and Car Rental
The drive takes around 8–10 hours without long stops. Private transfers commonly cost 8,000–12,000 THB per vehicle for a point-to-point transfer, depending on vehicle size and itinerary. Car rental typically costs 1,000–1,800 THB/day for a compact, plus fuel (often 2,000–3,000 THB for the trip).
Essential Travel Tips for 2026
Booking and Timing
Book flights 3-4 weeks in advance for best prices. Bus and train tickets can usually be purchased 1-2 days ahead, except during Thai holidays when advance booking is essential.
The route between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is popular with both foreign and Thai travellers and the 1st and 2nd Class A/C Sleeper seats tend to sell out a few days, or even weeks (especially during the April Songkran festival and Loi Kratong in November), before the day of travel.
Safety and Practical Advice
Important tip: Be careful with your luggage on night buses in Southeast Asia. There’s a common scam where the bus assistant climbs into the luggage area during the night and goes through all the bags. Make sure to put all important items, such as cash, electronics, passports, etc, in your carry-on bag.
Cultural respect at temples requires modest dress covering shoulders and knees, shoe removal before entering buildings, quiet voices, and no physical contact with monks (especially for women).
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit is November-February with pleasant cool weather, though it’s high season so accommodation and car rental prices may be higher. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid the “Burning Season” (typically mid-February to early April), when agricultural burning significantly reduces air quality.
Getting Around Chiang Mai
Getting around Chiang Mai is easy and affordable. The best way to get around the Old City is by walking, and for longer distances you can hail a taxi using the Grab App, or jump in a songthaew.
Quick Price Comparison
| Transport | Duration | Price (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (Budget) | 1h 10m – 1h 20m | 1,000 – 3,500 |
| Train (2nd Class Sleeper) | 10 – 13 hours | 941 – 1,041 |
| Train (1st Class) | 10 – 13 hours | 1,453 – 1,653 |
| Bus (Standard) | 9 – 11 hours | 500 – 900 |
| Bus (VIP) | 9 – 11 hours | 800 – 1,131 |
Recommended Travel Gear
Make your Bangkok to Chiang Mai journey more comfortable with these essential travel items:
- Travel Neck Pillow – Essential for overnight trains and buses. A quality memory foam pillow makes sleeping upright far more bearable on those 10+ hour journeys. Shop Travel Neck Pillows on Amazon
- Packing Cubes – Keep your belongings organized and easily accessible, especially important when you need to retrieve items quickly from luggage stored in bus compartments or train overhead racks. Shop Packing Cubes on Amazon
- TSA-Approved Luggage Locks – Secure your bags during overnight journeys to deter opportunistic theft, particularly recommended for bus travel where luggage is stored separately. Shop Luggage Locks on Amazon
Ready to Book Your Journey?
Now that you know all your options for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, it’s time to plan your adventure! Whether you choose the quick convenience of a budget flight, the nostalgic charm of the overnight sleeper train, or the budget-friendly overnight bus, you’re in for one of Southeast Asia’s most memorable journeys. Book your transport early—especially during peak season—grab your travel essentials, and get ready to explore the cultural treasures of northern Thailand. Your Chiang Mai adventure awaits!