How to Get from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani
Fly nonstop with AirAsia or take the overnight bus from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani. Compare times, prices and private transfers.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Contents
From the misty mountains of the north to the wide plains of Isan, this trip takes you from the Lanna heartland to Thailand's rustic, food-loving northeast. Udon Thani is a gateway to Laos, but it is a destination in its own right: the Red Lotus Sea blooms near town, and the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Ban Chiang is nearby.
Chiang Mai to Udon Thani by Flight
AirAsia opened a nonstop Chiang Mai to Udon Thani route on 1 December 2025, flying on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in its first season, which ran to 28 March 2026. From Udon Thani you can continue to Vientiane in Laos.[1] A flight turns a day on the road into a short hop over the mountains.
Chiang Mai to Udon Thani by Bus
The bus is the budget choice, and the overnight departures save you a night's accommodation. Express buses leave at 17:00 and 19:30, and a VIP 24 coach with wider, more reclining seats leaves at 20:00. The journey takes from about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 45 minutes. On booking platforms, tickets cost about $23 to $31 (November 2026).[2]
Bring a light jacket or sweater, because the air conditioning on Thai buses is strong.
Chiang Mai to Udon Thani by Private Transfer
A private vehicle picks you up at your hotel in Chiang Mai and takes you to your door in Udon Thani. On booking platforms, an economy car, a 4-seat SUV or a 9-seat van costs from about $335 to $419 per vehicle and the drive takes from about 9 hours 40 minutes (November 2026).[2] Split between a group, it is more affordable, and you can ask for stops along the way.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $23 - $31[2] | 10h 30m - 11h 45m[2] | Medium |
| Private Transfer | $335 - $419 per vehicle[2] | From about 9h 40m[2] | Very High |
Tips for Traveling from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani
- Check the flight days: The nonstop flight does not run daily. Pick your day first and book early.
- Prepare for the night bus: Pack an eye mask, earplugs and a light jacket.
- Heading to Laos: Udon Thani is the usual base for the border crossing to Vientiane, so you can combine both trips.
- Luggage: Buses are generous with luggage. On a budget airline, check whether checked baggage is included in your fare.
Timetable
| Flight Chiang Mai - Udon Thani $ 45.27–82.00 2h 50m – 1days 3h 5m | |
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| Bus Chiang Mai - Udon Thani $ 22.77–30.55 10h 30m – 11h 45m | |
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| Taxi Chiang Mai - Udon Thani $ 332.19–415.24 9h 40m – 12h 20m | |
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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 Udon Thani, including current prices and schedules.
The express bus is usually cheapest, at about $23 on booking platforms (November 2026). It also saves a night's accommodation because it travels overnight.
Flying is the fastest. AirAsia started a nonstop flight on this route on 1 December 2025, 4 times a week in its first season.
The bus takes from about 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 45 minutes and a private transfer from about 9 hours 40 minutes. A nonstop flight is much shorter.
Yes. Express buses leave at 17:00 and 19:30 and a VIP 24 coach at 20:00, and they reach Udon Thani the next morning.
Fly if you value time and the nonstop flight runs on your day. Take the bus if you want the cheapest fare or a night's lodging saved.
Booking platforms offer an economy car, a 4-seat SUV and a 9-seat van, which is the most flexible option for groups.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia Newsroom: AirAsia Launches New Cross-Region Route: Chiang Mai to Udon Thani. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Chiang Mai - Udon Thani timetable. 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.