Bangkok is well connected with Chiang Mai. You can get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by bus, train, private transfer, flight, or rental car.
Whether you’re flying, taking the scenic train route, or embarking on a budget-friendly overnight bus, there’s an option for every travel style.
The cheapest way is by train (USD 12). Due to convenience and frequency, flying is the most popular choice, and the fastest option is also by flight, taking just around 1 hour.
From vibrant street life and sacred temples to rooftop bars and boat rides along the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok promises something unforgettable for every kind of traveler.
Transportation Options
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 8-12 hours | USD 16-USD 29 |
| Train | ~13 hours | USD 12-USD 47 |
| Private Transfer | 9 hours | USD 225+ |
| Flight | ~1 hour | – |
| Rental Car | 9 hours | – |
1. Bus
Journey Duration: 8-12 hours
Depending on your budget, you can choose from a wide selection of operators and bus types that operate along the route!
Buses leave from the Arcade Bus Station, three kilometers east of the Old City. The road trip to the capital takes between 8 and 12 hours, and buses stop at various locations along the way.
You can also decide between daytime and nighttime bus departures!
Many night buses travel between 06:00 PM and 08:00 PM, arriving in Bangkok between 04:30 AM and 06:00 AM. Bangkok Busline typically operates these buses and are the most recommended since you don’t have to miss a day of traveling.
The cheapest tickets start at USD 16 and can cost as much as USD 29.
The most expensive buses are VIP24 buses, which have three rows of seats instead of four, giving you more room. Standard express buses are the least expensive; they are also good but might feel a little too crowded.
Although they are a little more expensive, VIP buses provide a good balance between the cost and level of comfort you receive, and they are definitely worth it!
Bangkok Buslines: Bus Schedule
We recommend booking your tickets online to save your seats and get the best deal! You can check the current schedule here:
2. Train
Journey Duration: ~13 hours
The busiest railway line in Thailand is the northern line from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.
Depending on your ticket, the train ride can take anywhere between 11 and 14 hours and be either incredibly smooth or a total disaster!
Thus, double-check the type of seats you are about to purchase before making a train reservation!
The cost also varies depending on the kind of train seats you purchase. There are four different seat options, with the first-class, air-conditioned sleeper being the most expensive.
Purchasing first-class tickets entail sharing a two-person berth and sink. But instead, a lot of passengers choose the second-class sleeper, which has rows of bunk beds and privacy curtains.
The least expensive option, less than ideal for the long journey ahead, is to travel in a seat rather than stay in a bed.
And finally, sitting in the area without air conditioning will allow you to save even more money, although it is not recommended for this long journey. Depending on where you sit, tickets cost anywhere from USD 12 to USD 47!
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: 9 hours
Consider using a private transfer if you’re looking for a little extra comfort during your journey. During this roughly nine-hour journey, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking scenery.
This option is recommended for groups or families since the price only pays off once you share the cost.
There are different vehicle options for other groups, so you can choose the one that works for you! Prices start from USD 225, but the larger the group and vehicle, the more it pays off!
Additionally, if you’d like, you can stop for lunch, a bathroom break, or even some sightseeing.
Your designated driver will either pick you up from your hotel, the airport, or any other convenient location and drop you off at your Bangkok hotel.
Bookaway
On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
4. Flight
Journey Duration: ~1 hour
Several low-cost airlines have already won over many travelers to try flying thanks to their startlingly low airfares!
This route is operated by 16 airlines. However, the most popular is Thai AirAsia!
Four miles to the southwest of Tapae Gate is where you’ll find the Chiang Mai International Airport. You can get there by taking a short 25-minute tuk-tuk ride, which is very inexpensive.
A flight might be your best option if time is your top priority!
Check your desired dates in advance since flights and departure times vary, and book your tickets!
5. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 9 hours
By renting a car, you can take a trip, explore on your own, and get to Bangkok as quickly as possible.
This road trip takes around 9 hours, which is much faster than the bus or the train, even considering the breaks you might want to make along the way!
Furthermore, car rentals in Chiang Mai or throughout Thailand generally are very inexpensive, starting at about USD 25 per day. As a result, it is the quickest and one of the most affordable ways to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok!
Best day tours in Bangkok
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train?
There are five daily direct trains.
How long is the train?
Taking the express/super rapid train takes approximately 12 hours.
How long is the bus?
The fastest bus takes less than 8 hours, and the slowest bus takes 12 hours.
Is the train worth it?
Although train travel is slower than flying, it is also more enjoyable. The train ride has excellent scenery. To avoid paying for a hotel room for the night, you can also choose to travel overnight on a cheap sleeper train.
Can I fly?
Yes, direct flights between Chiang Mai (CNX) and Bangkok (DMK) take around 1 hour.
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