I’ve been to Chiang Mai twice, and both times I travelled from Bangkok. The first time was back in 2014, when I took the overnight bus, and the second time I was a bit smarter and flew, which was literally ten times faster. So the best and easiest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is definitely by plane.
I live in Bangkok, and I flew up to Chiang Mai from Don Mueang in August this year. I paid 4,300 THB for a return ticket including 15 kg of checked luggage, the flight left on time, and I was in the air for less than an hour. For a short trip north, I wouldn’t do it any other way.
In this guide, I’ll break down every way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, including flights, buses, trains, private transfers, travel times, prices, and where you actually end up once you arrive.
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Quick Overview: Best Ways to Get to Chiang Mai
| Option | Time | Price (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1 hr 15 mins | from 1,300 THB | Almost everyone |
| Bus | 10–14 hrs | from 1,100 THB | Tight budgets |
| Train | 10.5–16 hrs | 220–1,000 THB | Train lovers |
| Private transfer | 9 hrs | from 7,900 THB | Families and groups |
Chiang Mai sits around 700 km north of Bangkok, which is why flying wins for almost everyone. The overnight bus and sleeper train only make sense if you’re saving money or you genuinely want the journey to be part of the trip.
➞ If you are planning a trip to Chiang Mai, check out my full 5 day Chiang Mai itinerary.
How to Get to Chiang Mai by Plane: What I Did
Travel time: around 1 hour 15 minutes
Price: from 1,300 THB one way
Flights leave from both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), and they’re pretty affordable. I booked mine only a few days in advance and paid just 4,300 THB for a return ticket including checked baggage, and that wasn’t luck but simply the result of multiple flights a day and several airlines serving this route.
Don Mueang is a well-organised airport, so getting through was quick and efficient. Coming from central Bangkok, I was at my hotel in the Old Town within four hours of leaving home, which makes this the fastest option by a long way.
Airlines Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- From Don Mueang (DMK): AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air
- From Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, VietJet Air, AirAsia
➞ Getting to either airport from central Bangkok is straightforward, and I’ve covered every route in my Bangkok transport guide.
How to Get to Chiang Mai by Bus: The Cheapest Option
Travel time: 10–14 hours
Price: from 1,100 THB one way
Back in 2014, when I was visiting Thailand for the first time, I spent a few months here volunteering for an NGO in Phuket, so I was quite money conscious. That’s why I took an overnight bus to Chiang Mai back then. It was a long, not so comfortable journey, and although the bus had air conditioning and blankets and I was able to lie down, it was still quite bumpy, though maybe the roads have improved since then.
Anyway, travelling by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the cheapest option. The tickets aren’t that much cheaper than the flights, but you’ll also save on one night of accommodation.
Buses leave from Mo Chit Bus Terminal and Khao San Road. You can check the schedule and book online through 12Go Asia, which is better than turning up at the terminal, because seats sell out in peak season. You’ll get an e-ticket by email, and you show it at the numbered counter to collect your seat sticker.
The air conditioning can get very cold overnight, so bring a hoodie or a scarf.
➞ 12Go Asia Review: Is It Worth It? My Honest Take After Booking a Few Trips
How to Get to Chiang Mai by Train: The Scenic Route
Travel time: 12–14 hours
Price: 280–1,000 THB one way
I’d say the train is for those who love trains, have plenty of time, and want to enjoy the countryside views along the way. Trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Railway Station in northern Bangkok, right by Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the easiest way there is the MRT to Bang Sue. You can also board at Don Mueang Railway Station.
There are several classes to choose from, ranging from third class with a fan, which costs less than a taxi from your hotel in Bangkok to the airport, all the way up to second-class sleepers with air conditioning.
Sleeper berths sell out weeks ahead, especially in high season, so book early. I’d use 12Go Asia or the official State Railway site.
How to Get to Chiang Mai by Private Transfer
Travel time: around 9 hours
Price: from 7,900 THB per vehicle
If you’d rather not fly and you want door-to-door transport, a private transfer is the most comfortable option on this list. It’s great for families, larger groups, and anyone travelling with a lot of luggage.
I’ve used a private car on the shorter Kanchanaburi route and the experience was excellent, since it was very comfortable and nothing beats being picked up from your own front door. Out of curiosity, I checked Grab for the full run to Chiang Mai and the estimate came to 7,300 THB. Through 12Go Asia, a standard car starts at around 7,800 THB and a minivan for up to nine passengers from 13,900 THB.
Where You Arrive in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) sits just 3 km from the Old Town, so you’re in the centre faster than almost anywhere else in Thailand. Once you exit the arrival hall, you have a few options. You can take the city bus for 50 THB, which runs on two lines, yellow and red, and there’s a map at the stop so you can easily work out the exact routes.
There are also taxis and a Grab pickup point. I took a Grab and was at my hotel in the northern part of the Old Town in about twelve minutes.
If you come by bus, you’ll almost certainly arrive at Terminal 3, from where a shuttle bus runs to the Old Town every 30 minutes, and a taxi takes about ten minutes.
Best Way to Get to Chiang Mai: My Recommendation
- If you’re on a one or two week trip: book a flight. Losing a full day each way to a 700 km road journey is not worth it when flights are so affordable.
- If you’re on a tight budget: take the overnight bus and save a night of accommodation.
- If the journey is part of the experience and you love trains: book a first or second class sleeper berth.
- If you’re travelling as a family or a group, or you’d rather not fly: a private transfer is worth the money for the door-to-door convenience.
My Travel Tips for Getting to Chiang Mai
- Pack an extra layer: Chiang Mai is cooler than Bangkok, and overnight buses and trains run their air conditioning at full blast. I’m always a bit chilly at the airport too, so just keep an extra shirt in your bag.
- Book early in high season: Prices climb up between December and March, and sleeper berths go quickly.
- Avoid the festival weeks unless you plan far ahead: Songkran in April and Yi Peng in November sell out flights, buses, and trains, and prices multiply. I looked into Yi Peng last year and was shocked to find that hotel and flight prices had tripled.
- Avoid February to April if you can: This is burning season in the north, when farmers burn crop residue and the air quality drops sharply. It gets bad in Bangkok too, so I know exactly how unpleasant it is.
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FAQ: Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
What’s the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Third class train tickets start around 220 THB, but you’ll be sitting on a hard seat with a fan for up to 14 hours. The overnight bus is the better value option, because on top of the blankets and reclining seats you’ll also save a night of accommodation.
What is the best way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
For me it’s 100% the flight, and I wouldn’t do it any other way. Tickets are very affordable, from around 45 USD one way, and the scheduled flight time is about 1 hour 15 minutes, though my own flight from Don Mueang took less than an hour.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
I’ll say it again, for me it’s the flight. But I do understand that for some people the train journey is part of the experience, so it really comes down to what you want from the trip.
Which Bangkok airport is better for flights to Chiang Mai?
Somewhere deep down I prefer Suvarnabhumi, but honestly they’re both equally good. I flew to Chiang Mai from Don Mueang and the experience couldn’t have been better, since it was smooth and efficient, and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants, along with a Boots that was already open at 5 AM.
Are there night flights to Chiang Mai?
Not really. The last flight of the day departs just after 10 PM, and the first one is scheduled for 6 AM.
Check Out My Other Chiang Mai Guides
- Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: Nimman or Old Town?
- Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Meditation and Monk Chat at Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai: What It’s Really Like
- Visiting Chiang Mai in August: What the Rainy Season Is Really Like
- Staying at QUU Hotel Chiang Mai: My Honest Review
- Jing Jai Market Chiang Mai: What to Eat and When to Go
- Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? My Honest Answer
- What to Do in Chiang Mai Old Town: 12 Things I Loved
- Baan Kang Wat, Chiang Mai: Visiting the Artist Village
