How to Get from Chiang Rai to Bangkok
Chiang Rai to Bangkok: fly in about 1 hour 25 minutes or take the overnight bus in about 11 hours 35 minutes. There is no train. See times and fares.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Contents
Chiang Rai sits in the far north, close to the Golden Triangle, and Bangkok is 844 km south.[1] The White Temple and the misty hills are a long way from the capital, so you choose between a one-and-a-half-hour flight and an overnight bus. There is no train to Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai to Bangkok by Flight
Flying is the fast way south. A non-stop flight takes around 1 hour 25 minutes, and Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet and Thai Airways all fly the route. Fares start at THB 1,274. Thai Vietjet flies at 08:30 and lands at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) at 09:55, which puts you in the city before lunch.[2]
Flights go to both Bangkok airports. Suvarnabhumi suits international connections, and Don Mueang (DMK) is the low-cost hub, where the Thai AirAsia flight lands at 22:35.[2]
Chiang Rai to Bangkok by Bus
The overnight bus saves you a night in a hotel. Nakhonchai Air runs Gold Class (VIP) coaches from Chiang Rai at 17:46 and 18:00, arriving in Bangkok at 05:56 and 06:10, a journey of about 11 hours 35 minutes in normal traffic. You board at the Nakhonchai Air station in Chiang Rai or at the Chiang Rai bus terminal.[1]
In Bangkok the coach stops at the Nakhonchai Air station and at Mo Chit bus terminal. A free shuttle runs from the Nakhonchai Air station to the BTS and MRT.[1]
The Transport Co. (BKS) also runs this corridor between Chiang Rai and Mo Chit 2, with tickets from 650 baht.[3]
Chiang Rai to Bangkok by Private Transfer
A private car or van takes you door to door in about 11 hours and lets you stop when you like. On booking platforms private transfers start at about $354 (November 2026).[4] It works best for groups who share the cost.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Departures | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Flight to Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang | Several a day, for example 08:30 with Thai Vietjet[2] | About 1 hour 25 minutes[2] |
| Nakhonchai Air Gold Class bus | 17:46 and 18:00[1] | About 11 hours 35 minutes[1] |
| Private transfer | Any time | From about 11 hours[4] |
Tips for the trip
- Bus arrival: The coaches reach Bangkok around 06:00, so plan your first hours before hotel check-in.[1]
Timetable
| Flight Chiang Rai - Bangkok $ 48.22–70.39 1h 25m – 1h 30m | |
|
|
| Bus Chiang Rai - Bangkok $ 21.36–37.94 11h – 12h 40m | |
|
|
| Taxi Chiang Rai - Bangkok $ 350.27–397.17 11h | |
|
| Taxi Chiang Rai - Suvarnabhumi Airport $ 341.96–384.30 11h 35m | |
|
| Flight Chiang Rai - Don Mueang Airport $ 52.96–72.12 1h 15m – 1h 25m | |
|
|
| Taxi Chiang Rai - Don Mueang Airport $ 341.96–387.56 11h 10m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chiang Rai to Bangkok, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is usually cheapest: Transport Co. tickets from Mo Chit 2 to Chiang Rai start at 650 baht. Flights start at THB 1,274 on the cheapest dates.
Flying. A non-stop flight takes around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Nakhonchai Air lists about 11 hours 35 minutes in normal traffic for the 844 km.
Yes. Nakhonchai Air Gold Class coaches leave Chiang Rai at 17:46 and 18:00 and arrive in Bangkok at 05:56 and 06:10.
No. There is no train to Chiang Rai, so you fly, take the bus or hire a private transfer.
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) suits international connections. Don Mueang (DMK) is the base for Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air evening flights.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Nakhonchai Air: Bangkok - Chiang Rai route. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [2] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [3] The Transport Co., Ltd.: Find Buses with Transport Co.. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: 12Go Timetable Chiang Rai - Bangkok. 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.