How to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok

Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand, is a must-visit destination for travellers heading to the Land of Smiles. Whether you’re planning a temple-hopping adventure, a remote work retreat, or an escape into the misty mountains, getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is easy and offers options for every budget and travel style.

In this guide, we break down the most popular ways to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – by plane, train, and coach – including our personal tips and what to expect along the way.

We have recently posted an in-depth guide covering everything you need to know before visiting Chiang Mai in 2025. Click here to read it!

The image shows train tracks on a sunny day at the station Mae Mo, Lampang. — Travelling through Thailand is slow, relaxing and scenic

Table of Contents

Flying to Chiang Mai

If you’re short on time or just want the most straightforward journey, flying is hands-down the easiest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The flight takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, with departures from both Don Mueang Airport (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is small and efficient, and you’ll be in the Old Town within 20 minutes of landing. To get into town, you can either book a Grab or take a bus. You can find more information on bus routes and rates on the RTC’s official Facebook page.

Budget airlines like AirAsia, Thai VietJet, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air offer multiple flights throughout the day, often for as little as 600 THB – 1,200 THB if you book in advance. Out of those budget airlines, my personal favourite is definitely AirAsia, and I avoid Thai VietJet religiously after one particularly turbulent experience onboard. Full-service carriers such as Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways also fly this route, but they obviously come with a steeper price.

Taking the Train from Bangkok

If you’ve got time and you’re in the mood for a slow travel experience, we highly recommend taking the sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It’s not the fastest option, but it’s one of the most memorable.

Trains now depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (formerly Hua Lamphong), Bangkok’s new central railway hub. The journey takes 11 to 13 hours, and both day and overnight services are available.

We suggest going for an overnight train, where you can choose between 1st-class private cabins or 2nd-class air-conditioned sleepers with comfortable bunk beds. Watching the countryside roll by in the early morning is a magical way to arrive in Chiang Mai.

Travel Tip: Book your sleeper train early, especially during Thai holidays and high season. You can reserve tickets online via platforms like 12Go.Asia, or buy them in person at the station.

The image shows an auburn coloured sleeper train in Bangkok on a cloudy day. — The sleeper trains in Thailand come with a vintage vibe

Taking the Bus to Chiang Mai

If you’re travelling on a budget or missed out on train tickets, buses are a solid (and the cheapest!) alternative. Coaches depart regularly from Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, and the journey takes around 9 to 11 hours, depending on traffic and the service you choose.

We took a bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and booked our tickets via BusOnlineTicket. We only paid 658 THB per person, and our tickets included a snack, water, and a main meal. The bus had reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard toilets (which btw smelled pretty badly, so make sure not to book seats close to the toilets!!).

Overall, it was a very comfortable experience, but for even more comfort, we’d recommend booking a VIP or VIP24 bus. Prices range from 400 THB to 900 THB, depending on the level of comfort.

Read more about our experience taking the bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok here.

The centre image is a selfie of Emily and Tommas on a coach from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. The images on the left and right show snacks and the meal which were included in the ticket. — Taking the bus was cheap and surprisingly comfortable

Hiring a Car and Driving Yourself

If you prefer flexibility and don’t mind a long drive, you can rent a car and take the 700 km journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via Highway 1 or Route 11. The drive takes 8 to 10 hours, and gives you the freedom to stop off in lesser-known destinations like Sukhothai, Lampang, or Phitsanulok along the way.

Note: You’ll need an International Driving Permit and should feel comfortable driving in Thai traffic.

FAQs: How to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok

Q: What’s the best way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A: It depends on what you consider ‘best’. The fastest and most comfortable way is to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The cheapest way is to travel by bus. And if you’re looking for a typical backpacker experience, then travelling by sleeper train is the best option for you. Plus, travelling through the night means you won’t lose a day to travelling.

Q: Is it worth taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A: Yes, absolutely! Taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is cheap, ecological, comfortable, and overall a unique experience.

Q: How much is a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A: It depends if you’re booking a first or second class ticket. But overall, prices start from around 428 THB.

Q: How far is Chiang Mai from Bangkok?
A: Roughly 700 km (435 miles).

Q: What’s the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A: Taking a standard coach or a 3rd class train is the cheapest, starting around ฿300.

Thanks for reading this blog post! What is your favourite way of travelling around Thailand? Let us know in the comments!