How to Get from Chiang Mai to Phuket
Compare flights, the VIP bus and private transfers from Chiang Mai to Phuket, with journey times and fares for November 2026.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Contents
Misty mountains and temple-lined streets in the north, turquoise water and limestone cliffs in the south: going from Chiang Mai to Phuket changes scenery, climate and pace in one trip. The two cities lie at opposite ends of Thailand, so the way you travel shapes your holiday. You can fly across the central plains in about 2 hours or spend a full day on the road. Whichever you pick, GoAsia.cc lets you compare and book.
Chiang Mai to Phuket by Flight
Flying is the sensible choice for almost everyone. Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways fly non-stop from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Phuket (HKT) in around 2 hours, with departures from early morning to late evening. Fares start at about ฿2,650 (about $79) and climb on busy dates.[1] Morning flights get you to the beach by lunchtime, and evening flights leave time for one last khao soi in Chiang Mai.
Phuket airport lies in the north of the island, far from the southern beaches. The Phuket Smart Bus route 1 runs from the airport via Cherngtalay, Kamala, Patong and Kata to Rawai.[2] You can also pre-book a transfer to your hotel.
Chiang Mai to Phuket by Bus
The overland option is a long VIP coach. On booking platforms, a daily departure at 15:00 costs about ฿2,108 (about $63) in November 2026 and takes about 24 hours 40 minutes.[3] It is a trip for the patient: you cross the whole length of Thailand, from the northern highlands to the tropical south.
Chiang Mai to Phuket by Private Transfer
A private car or luxury VIP van takes you from door to door and lets you stop where you like. On booking platforms, transfers cost ฿17,197 to ฿19,900 (about $514 to $595) in November 2026 and take about 21 hours.[3] It only makes sense for a family or a group with a lot of luggage and plenty of time.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | From about ฿2,650 (about $79) | Around 2h[1] |
| VIP bus | About ฿2,108 (about $63) | About 24h 40m[3] |
| Private transfer | ฿17,197 to ฿19,900 (about $514 to $595) | About 21h[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Chiang Mai to Phuket
- Book flights early: Fares rise on busy dates, especially in high season.
- Weigh your bag: Low-cost airlines charge more for checked luggage at the airport than online.
- Pack a jacket: Planes and coaches are strongly air-conditioned.
- Arrange your arrival in Phuket: Pre-booking a transfer saves you haggling with taxi drivers at the airport.
Timetable
| Flight Chiang Mai - Phuket $ 45.27–152.20 1h 55m – 1days 35m | |
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| Bus Chiang Mai - Phuket $ 62.41 1days 40m | |
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| Taxi Chiang Mai - Phuket $ 509.17–589.19 21h | |
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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 Phuket, including current prices and schedules.
The VIP bus has the lowest fare at about ฿2,108 (about $63), but it takes about 24 hours 40 minutes. A flight from about ฿2,650 (about $79) saves nearly a day.
Flying. A non-stop flight takes around 2 hours.
A non-stop flight takes around 2 hours. The VIP bus takes about 24 hours 40 minutes and a private transfer about 21 hours.
Yes. Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways fly the route non-stop.
Only for groups or families with lots of luggage who want to travel door to door. It takes about 21 hours and costs ฿17,197 to ฿19,900 (about $514 to $595).
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and Phuket International Airport (HKT).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap flights from Chiang Mai to Phuket. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [2] Phuket Smart Bus: Phuket Smart Bus 3 routes. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Chiang Mai - Phuket. Retrieved November 11, 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.