How to Get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Compare the best ways to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Find bus prices, flight durations, and private transfer options for your trip.
Last updated: October 29, 2026
Contents
Leaving behind the artistic temples of the far north for the cultural powerhouse of the Lanna Kingdom is a journey through some of Thailand's most rugged and beautiful mountain terrain. While both cities share a northern heritage, the transition from the quiet, creative atmosphere of Chiang Rai to the buzzing, coffee-shop-filled streets of Chiang Mai reveals the diverse layers of Thai highland life. The road connecting them, Highway 118, runs through mountainous country,[1] which makes the ride as much about the scenery as the destination.
For most travelers the bus is the way to go: it runs all day and drops you in Chiang Mai. A private car adds door-to-door convenience and lets you stop on the way. There is no train between the two cities, and direct scheduled flights are not generally available,[1] so flying only makes sense as part of a longer journey.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by Bus
Greenbus runs the route every day. From Chiang Rai, buses leave at 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 12:30, 13:30, 16:00, 18:00 and 18:30, with an extra bus at 10:45 on Mondays and at 14:30 on Fridays and Sundays.[2] The ride generally takes 3 to 4 hours, and the mountain road means you should not plan a tight connection on arrival. Greenbus uses Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 and the Arcade bus station (Bus Terminal 3) in Chiang Mai, so check the terminal on your ticket.[1] You can book your seats on GoAsia.cc.
On booking platforms, standard and VIP bus tickets cost about $8 to $11 (October 2026).[3] VIP buses cost a little more and give you a roomier seat, which is worth it if you want to sleep through the bends.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by Private Transfer
If you are traveling in a group or value privacy, a private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Chiang Rai and drops you at your door in Chiang Mai. On booking platforms, private transfers cost about $92 to $240 per vehicle depending on size and comfort (October 2026), and the drive takes from about 2.5 hours, longer with traffic and stops.[3] One of the perks of a private car is that you can ask the driver to stop at the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) on your way out of town or at a viewpoint in the mountains.
Vehicle Options
- Cars: economy, comfort and SUV cars for 2 to 4 passengers, with a private, air-conditioned cabin.[3]
- Vans: 9- and 10-seat vans, including VIP and luxury vans, for families and groups with more luggage.[3]
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by Flight
There is no direct scheduled flight between the two cities,[1] so flying means a connection, usually in Bangkok. On booking platforms, such itineraries start at about $64 and reach about $84, and they take from about 3 hours 45 minutes, longer with a long layover (October 2026).[3] With two airports to navigate, this is the least practical option for most travelers; the bus or a private car is faster door to door.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Express and VIP) | $8 - $11[3] | 3h - 4h[1] | Standard to high |
| Private Transfer | $92 - $240[3] | From 2h 30m[3] | Premium |
| Flight (with a connection) | $64 - $84[3] | From 3h 45m[3] | Moderate |
Tips for Traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
- Book in Advance: Greenbus tickets can be booked up to 30 days before departure.[1] Buses fill up in the cool season (November to February), so reserve your seat early.
- Prepare for Curves: Highway 118 climbs through mountains and has plenty of sharp bends.[1] If you suffer from motion sickness, take medication about 30 minutes before departure.
- Bring a Jacket: Even if it is hot outside, Thai buses are famous for their powerful air conditioning. A light sweater makes the ride much more pleasant.
- Check Your Terminal: Buses leave from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 and arrive at the Arcade bus station in Chiang Mai, so look at the terminal on your ticket before you set off.[1]
- Snacks and Water: Carry your own bottle and a few snacks. Stops on the mountain road are limited unless you are in a private vehicle.
Timetable
| Flight Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai $ 64.04โ84.39 3h 45m โ 1days 3h 25m | |
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| Bus Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai $ 8.02โ11.25 3h 20m โ 3h 45m | |
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| Taxi Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai $ 91.78โ239.37 2h 30m โ 6h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option, at about $8 to $11 per ticket on booking platforms (October 2026) depending on whether you take a standard or VIP bus. Both are air-conditioned and run all day.
A private transfer is usually the fastest, from about 2.5 hours, and it takes you door to door. The bus takes 3 to 4 hours.
The bus generally takes 3 to 4 hours. Private transfers take from about 2.5 hours, longer with traffic and stops along the way.
No, direct scheduled flights are not generally available. Flights involve a connection, usually in Bangkok, and take from about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Yes. Highway 118 runs through the mountainous terrain of Northern Thailand, so you pass forested hills and villages on the way.
Yes. On booking platforms, 9- and 10-seat vans are available for the whole vehicle, and private transfers cost about $92 to $240 depending on the vehicle (October 2026).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] GreenBus: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Greenbus: Route, Travel Time, Bus Services & Official Booking. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [2] GreenBus: Bus Schedule. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Retrieved October 24, 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.