If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, taking the bus might just be your best option. While flying is faster and the sleeper train has its charm, buses offer the lowest prices, decent comfort, and plenty of departures throughout the day and night.
We spent a few weeks in Chiang Mai back in November 2025. And after having flown from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – which is the most comfortable but also most expensive option (and not particularly great for the environment either) – we decided to travel back to Bangkok by bus.
We recently posted an article outlining all the different ways you can travel between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Click here to read it!
Affordable and Surprisingly Comfortable
We booked our tickets through busonlineticket.co.th, which was super straightforward and in English. We paid 1,316 THB for both of us, which made this one of the cheapest options available at the time. Taking the bus is, by the way, cheaper and faster than taking the overnight train.
Our bus departed from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal in the morning and arrived in Bangkok roughly 9.5 hours later.
Comfort and Snacks
We were pleasantly surprised by how spacious and comfortable the seats were. There was more than enough legroom, the seats reclined generously – making it relatively easy to get some sleep. Everyone also received a small snack box and a bottle of water at the start of the journey, which was a nice touch.
About halfway through the trip, the bus stopped, and we got a simple Thai meal, included in the ticket price. You’ll have about 20–30 minutes to stretch your legs, use the toilets, and grab a few snacks from the minimart. That was the only stop on the journey, so make sure you make most of it!
The Downside: Smelly Toilets at the Back
Now, here’s where things got a little uncomfortable. We booked tickets right at the back of the bus. And I remember thinking that that way we’d be far away from the toilets, as they are often in the middle of the bus. Unfortunately, I was wrong. The toilets are at the back of the bus, and we were right next to them. Not a big problem for the first hour of the journey. But after a few emptied bladders, the smell became more than just a bit unpleasant.
Besides the terrible smell, which we eventually got used the, the toilet itself was functional. The door, however, would sometimes get stuck, which got me panicking about getting stuck (I might be a bit claustrophobic, and I might have screamed a little 😅).
If we were to take this bus again – and we probably will – we’d definitely choose seats further away from the bathroom to make the ride more enjoyable. It’s a comfortable ride overall, but this is something to be aware of when booking.
Luggage, Departure & Arrival
Luggage was loaded underneath the bus, and we kept our backpacks with us on board. We actually had quite a bit of luggage with us (three heavy suitcases), which was also a reason why we decided to take the bus, as we didn’t have to pay extra for luggage. Make sure you arrive at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal at least 30 minutes early to find your bus and check in. In Bangkok, we were dropped off at Mo Chit Bus Terminal, from where you can book a Grab or use the BTS to get to your final destination.
FAQs: Taking the Bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Q: Where can I book a bus ticket?
A: You can book your bus tickets online through platforms like busonlineticket.co.th and 12Go Asia. Both offer English interfaces and accept international payment methods. Alternatively, you can buy tickets at the bus station.
Q: From where do buses from Chiang Mai to Bangkok leave?
A: Buses to Bangkok depart from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal 3, the city’s main intercity bus station. It is located approximately 15 minutes from the Old City by Grab or songthaew.
Q: Are there sleeper buses going from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
A: Yes, many operators offer overnight buses with reclining seats, blankets, and air conditioning. These are often labelled as “VIP” or “First Class” buses.
Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Ticket prices typically range from 600 THB to 1,400 THB, depending on the bus class, company, and how early you book. For instance, we paid 658 THB each for our trip with Bangkok Busline in November 2024.
Q: How long is the journey?
A: The journey takes approximately 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Overnight buses usually depart between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, arriving in Bangkok early the next morning.
Final Thoughts
Would we take a trip by bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on Bangkok Busline? Absolutely – with a big if. It’s a fantastic bargain. The journey was comfortable, the seats were great, and the snacks and lunch were a nice added bonus.
However, if you’ve got a sensitive nose or want a bit more comfort or travel through the night, you’ll probably want to spend a bit more for a higher class of bus. There are certainly more comfortable options available, but for the price, this was a good way to travel the 700 kilometres from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
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