How to Get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Compare flights, trains, buses and private transfers from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, with timetable times and booking platform prices for November 2026.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Contents
From Chiang Mai's temples and misty hills to the energy of the capital, this is one of Thailand's classic journeys. You can fly it in about an hour, ride a train through the night or take a coach. GoAsia.cc lets you compare the options and book.
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Flight
Flying is the quickest way. Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways fly non-stop from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Bangkok in around 1 hour 15 minutes, and fares start at about ฿1,028 (about $31).[1]
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is the international gateway and the better choice for onward flights or for reaching central Bangkok on the Airport Rail Link. Don Mueang (DMK) is the hub of the low-cost airlines, and flights there take from about 1 hour 5 minutes.[2]
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Train
The train carries you through the hills of the north and the plains around Ayutthaya before it pulls into Krung Thep Aphiwat station in Bangkok. The Special Express DRC 8 leaves Chiang Mai at 07:30 and arrives at 17:40. Express 52 departs at 15:30 and arrives at 05:28 the next morning, and Uttrawithi 10 departs at 18:20 and arrives at 06:30.[3] Night trains save you a hotel night. On booking platforms, tickets cost ฿278 to ฿1,796 (about $8 to $54) in November 2026, depending on class, from fan-cooled seats to sleepers.[2]
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Bus
Buses leave throughout the day, most of them in the evening, and take 9 to 15 hours. Classes range from standard and express to VIP, First Class and Gold Class. On booking platforms, tickets cost ฿651 to ฿1,016 (about $19 to $30) in November 2026.[2]
Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Private Transfer
A private transfer gives you door-to-door service and your own schedule. On booking platforms, a transfer to central Bangkok costs ฿8,095 to ฿14,025 (about $242 to $419) in November 2026 and takes 9 to 11 hours. Transfers straight to Suvarnabhumi Airport start at about ฿8,635 (about $258). Vehicles range from economy cars and SUVs to VIP vans.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight to Suvarnabhumi | From about ฿1,028 (about $31) | Around 1h 15m[1] |
| Flight to Don Mueang | Varies by airline and date | From about 1h 5m[2] |
| Train | ฿278 to ฿1,796 (about $8 to $54) | 10h to 14h[3] |
| Bus | ฿651 to ฿1,016 (about $19 to $30) | 9h to 15h[2] |
| Private transfer | ฿8,095 to ฿14,025 (about $242 to $419) | 9h to 11h[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
- Book sleeper berths early: Beds on the night trains are limited.
- Choose your airport: BKK suits Sukhumvit and Silom, while DMK is handy for northern Bangkok.
- Pack a jacket: Trains, coaches and planes are strongly air-conditioned.
- Keep valuables with you: On trains and buses, carry your passport and electronics in a small bag.
Timetable
| Flight Chiang Mai - Bangkok $ 46.05–131.82 1h 15m – 1h 25m | |
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| Bus Chiang Mai - Bangkok $ 19.28–30.09 9h – 15h | |
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| Taxi Chiang Mai - Bangkok $ 239.67–415.24 9h – 11h | |
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| Train Chiang Mai - Bangkok $ 8.23–53.17 10h 5m – 13h 40m | |
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| Taxi Chiang Mai - Suvarnabhumi Airport $ 255.66–711.28 9h – 10h | |
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| Flight Chiang Mai - Don Mueang Airport $ 40.76–73.40 1h 5m – 1h 20m | |
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| Taxi Chiang Mai - Don Mueang Airport $ 293.11–618.79 8h – 9h 44m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, including current prices and schedules.
The train, with tickets from about ฿278 (about $8) on booking platforms in November 2026. Buses start at about ฿651 (about $19).
Flying. Flights to Suvarnabhumi take around 1 hour 15 minutes, and flights to Don Mueang take from about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Flying takes about 1 hour, the train 10 to 14 hours and the bus 9 to 15 hours.
Fly if you want to save time. Take the train for the scenery and to save a hotel night on an overnight service.
Fly into Don Mueang (DMK) for low-cost airlines and the north of the city. Choose Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for international connections and the Airport Rail Link.
Yes. The Special Express DRC 8 leaves Chiang Mai at 07:30 and arrives at 17:40, while Express 52 and Uttrawithi 10 depart in the afternoon or evening and arrive the next morning.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap flights from Chiang Mai to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Chiang Mai - Bangkok. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [3] State Railway of Thailand: SRT Timetable Matrix 2026: Northern Line inbound. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.