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How to Get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

3 options190 kmfrom ~$2Research Verified

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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 190 kilometre distance from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 3 ways to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. You can choose between the flight via bangkok, bus, private transport. The most affordable option is by flight via bangkok, starting from $2. The fastest route is by private transport (3h ).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
Private TransportFastest	3h	($116)	--
Bus	3h 20m	($8)	--
Flight via BangkokBudget	11h 30m	($2)	--

Private Transport

Fastest

Duration

Price

$116

Best For

Popularity

Bus

Duration

3h 20m

Price

Best For

Popularity

Flight via Bangkok

Budget

Duration

11h 30m

Price

Best For

Popularity

Related Routes in Thailand

Mae Sot → Bangkok Chiang Mai → Pai Pai → Chiang Mai Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai Pai → Chiang Rai

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Flight via Bangkok

4-11.5 hoursFrom ~$2

Taking a flight from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is not really a practical option. This is because all flights on this route make a stopover in Bangkok. Total travel time can take around 4-11.5 hours.

There are multiple airlines that offer trips from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, such as AirAsia, NokAir, Thai Airways, and Thai Lion Air. A one-way ticket from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starts from $2.

Flights depart from Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, which is a 20-minute taxi ride from the city centre. Outside Chiang Mai Airport (CNX), there are buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews that can take you to the Old City.

Ready to book your flight via bangkok?

From ~$2 · 4-11.5 hours

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Bus

3h 20m - 5h 10mFrom ~$8

Green Bus is the most popular bus company in both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. They operate 2 different types of buses for your convenience: VIP and express.

You can buy your tickets online or at the bus station before boarding the bus. Ticket prices from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai start at $8 for the express bus and 11.90 USD for the VIP bus. Travel time takes about 3h 20m - 5h 10m.

We recommend booking in advance as tickets sell out quickly, especially during holidays and peak season.

Departure and arrival stations

Green Bus departs from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, located in the city centre just next to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar.

Finally, the bus completes its journey at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. From this terminal, you can easily reach the Old City in just 5 minutes.

You can check the schedules below so that you can plan your trip ahead.

Ready to book your bus?

From ~$8 · 3h 20m - 5h 10m

Bookaway

Private Transport

3h - 3h 30mFrom ~$116

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Rates start from $116 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about per person. Travel time is around 3h - 3h 30m.

Ready to book your private transport?

From ~$116 · 3h - 3h 30m

Bookaway

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is Thailand's northernmost city, an intriguing fusion of new and old. Its hundreds of temples, striking Old City and delicious local dishes tell the story of Chiang Mai's culture and history. On the other hand, its cafe culture, friendly coworking spaces and nightlife attract digital nomads from across the globe.

Surrounded by mountains, the city offers plenty of adventures with nature. But if you can, we recommend travelling to Chiang Mai in time for one of its many festivals — like Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) in November and Songkran (Water Splashing Festival) in April.

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Carbon Footprint

This 190 km journey produces approximately 17 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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STAY

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

Rimping Village

Chiang Mai can be tiring exploring all of the temples and going on day trips, so there's nothing better than coming back to a luxurious and beautiful hotel. Rimping Village feels like a mini resort nestled in the middle of Chiang Mai.

The exceptional breakfast served in the gardens each morning is likely to be one of the highlights of your trip. What a way to start the day! Then go for a dip in their beautiful outdoor swimming pool or head back to your spacious room.

Stunning swimming pool

Luxurious rooms and design

Beautiful garden

Exceptional free breakfast

Private rooms start from $88 per night.

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

POR Daowadung

Everything about POR Daowadung feels like a top-quality luxury hotel. Whether it's the ultra-modern but comfortable designs of the rooms or the outdoor swimming pool and sunloungers actually in the pool!

The hotel is in a great location, every room has its own balcony and a delicious breakfast is included every morning. Can you ask for much more from an accommodation?

Great value for money

Outdoor swimming pool

Beautiful design

Delicious free breakfast

Private rooms start from $44 per night.

View on Booking.com

Budget

Chada Mantra Hotel

The star of the show at Chada Mantra Hotel has to be its outdoor swimming pool, which is extremely refreshing after a day spent exploring the city. Located within Chiang Mai Old City, just 700m from the Pae gate, this hotel is perfectly located.

The hotel offers free breakfast, wifi in all rooms and common areas, as well as an onsite bar. Here you'll find beautiful clean rooms with city views and very comfortable beds. The staff are well known to be extremely helpful, always going the extra mile to assist their guests in any way possible.

Beautiful swimming pool

Perfect location

Comfortable beds

Free breakfast

Private rooms start at $28 per night

View on Booking.com

Budget

Asa Hotel

It's hard to believe that Asa Hotel is a budget-friendly accommodation, but a night here will cost you less than $30 for two people. The hotel is ultra-modern with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and sun loungers for you to enjoy.

The staff are incredibly friendly and will help you with anything. The hotel also offers free coffee, tea and water in glass bottles to reduce the use of plastic. Here you're a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.

Outdoor swimming pool

Ultra-modern

Great staff

Free coffee, tea and water

Private rooms start from $27 per night.

View on Booking.com

How to Get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Compare Your Options

Related Routes in Thailand

Join our Community

Flight via Bangkok

Ready to book your flight via bangkok?

Bus

Departure and arrival stations

Ready to book your bus?

Private Transport

Ready to book your private transport?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Why Visit Chiang Mai?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Rimping Village

POR Daowadung

Chada Mantra Hotel

Asa Hotel