Facts about the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
| Cheapest Bus | $31 |
| Fastest Bus | 11h 30m |
| Earliest Bus | 5:30 PM |
| Latest Bus | 7:50 PM |
| Daily Bus Routes | 4 |
| Distance | 688 kilometers |
| Bus Companies | Budsarakham Tour, Next Step Journey, The Tiger 2022 |
Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Finding the best routes for you — almost ready!
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews
FA
Frode AThe bus was way to cold! We knew this and had extra clothes, but still way to cold
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Dec 7, 2025
MP
Miranda PLooked after us really well. Lovely bus pick up from hostel and across the border. However, didn’t communicate about pick up until we messaged first.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express 44, Sombat Tour (สมบัติ ทัวร์), Dec 5, 2025
NL
Neil LArrived on time which is always good
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus First Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Dec 5, 2025
DA
Divya AVery comfortable bus, with business-class level leg space. Operator was accurate about both pick up and drop off timings, gave a free voucher for food en route and the also a snack inside the bus. Only advice would be to check in early so you can avoid getting the last seat which doesn't recline as much.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour, Dec 5, 2025
TD
Tomas DMy only complaint was there was a loud beeping sound going off throughout the journey which makes it hard to sleep for light sleepers. However the bus is very comfy and there is plenty of room.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Dec 5, 2025
L
Lonne It was the best organised bus company we used in Thailand so far. We got a small snack and a bottle of water after we got on the bus and made a stop at midnight where we could get free, basic, Thai food. It is still a bus, so it wasn't extremely comfy, but it was definitely fine. We arrived about 1 hour earlier than expected.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Dec 3, 2025
LS
Lili SAfter the booking the waiting to confirm isn’t immediate. I had several msgs saying we had to wait for confirmation, when we got one with seats assigned, we then received another saying that they are still waiting don’t understand why 12GO doesn’t have immediate confirmation as they are the processors! Very confusing
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus First Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Dec 3, 2025
YV
Yasmin VThe seats where a lot better than in other busses. A lot of room en we got a welcome treat and a blanket. That was very sweet. For this long trip this was the best you can get for this price I think. The only thing that was less comfortable was the VC. It was very cold and we couldn't regulate it much. Oh jeah and the buss driver was also very kind.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Dec 3, 2025
AR
Adrian RBus accident
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour, Dec 2, 2025
EI
Eirin IThe seats were ok. Not that much leg room but otherwise fine. Made some stops along the way, wish they kept the lights of on the stops, so they don’t have to wake up everyone. Once at like 3 in the middle of the night the bus driver who seemed to be in a very bad mood woke me up for a random ticket check? Don’t see why that was necessary as they’d already checked the ticket when we boarded the bus.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Dec 2, 2025
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bus Schedule
| Operator | Class | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 06:00 | 16:30 | $18.64 | |
Sritawong Tour | Express | 07:00 | 17:55 | $16.97 | |
Transport Co | Standard | 07:25 | 00:46 | $18.64 | |
Sombat Tour | Express 44 | 08:00 | 18:30 | $18.64 | |
Nakhonchai Air | Gold Class | 08:30 | 18:38 | $21.74 | |
Sombat Tour | Express 44 | 09:00 | 19:30 | $21.74 | |
Viriya Tour | Intercity | 09:50 | 20:00 | $18.64 | |
Nakhonchai Air | First Class | 10:15 | 20:26 | $28.99 | |
Sritawong Tour | Express | 12:00 | 22:55 | $16.97 | |
Sombat Tour | Express 44 | 13:00 | 23:30 | $21.74 | |
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 14:00 | 00:30 | $18.64 | |
Sritawong Tour | Express | 15:00 | 01:55 | $21.74 | |
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 16:00 | 02:30 | $18.64 | |
Nakhonchai Air | First Class | 17:30 | 03:15 | $28.99 | |
Sritawong Tour | Express | 18:00 | 04:55 | $21.74 | |
Budsarakham Tour | Express | 18:30 | 06:45 | $21.74 | |
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 18:50 | 05:20 | $18.64 | |
Sombat Tour | VIP 24 | 19:15 | 08:15 | $35.83 | |
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 19:35 | 06:05 | $18.64 | |
Bangkok Busline | VIP 24 | 19:55 | 05:55 | $28.99 |
Transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
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Trains$ 8.72
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Buses$ 30.40
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Flights$ 155.58
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Taxis$ 234.16
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Vans$ 32.00
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Ferries are not available
Popular Routes
Popular Routes in Thailand
How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus
Bus travel remains one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel between many destinations. Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus may not be the fastest way of travel, yet many travellers prefer to rely on the bus on this route; with easy online booking and tickets of different classes for all tastes and budgets available, the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai a conscious and budget-friendly option.
Check the timetable before you book your ticket and read other travellers’ reviews to choose the trip that suits you best. Note that there may be several bus terminals at your departure or arrival point – always double-check where you are leaving from and arriving to. It may prove crucial if you have connecting trips.
Here is the list of operators serving the route: .
How far is Bangkok from Chiang Mai?
If travelling by bus, you will cover the distance of 688 km between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus?
Buses normally need between 11h 30m and 11h 45m hours to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. Note that the travel time is for your reference only and can depend on different factors such as traffic and weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls almost inevitably make the trip longer due to poor visibility or floods. Road and surface repairs which happen quite often, result in detours and longer travel times. Major national holidays, long weekends, or peak season periods may cause delays both in departures and arrivals – plan accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially if you have further connections and a tight schedule.
On this route, Budsarakham Tour (บุษราคัมทัวร์) offers the fastest service. Next Step Journey buses usually take the longest time to complete the journey.
Remember, though, that tickets offering the shortest travel time are normally the most expensive ones. Yet it pays to spend a bit more to ensure your bus goes direct without additional stops and uses highways instead of local roads.
How much does it cost to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus?
The price of your bus ticket will depend not only on the distance you need to cover but on the class of your coach. E.g. expect to shell out more for VIP or sleeper buses while ordinary buses though being the cheapest option, often are a compromise on comfort and travel time. Of course, they do their job, too, and can be the only option if you hop on/off in the middle of the route.
Anyway, travelling by bus between Bangkok and Chiang Mai remains an affordable option. The cheapest ticket is offered by Next Step Journey and costs USD 30.40. A Budsarakham Tour (บุษราคัมทัวร์)'s ticket will set you back USD 30.40 on average.
Travelling by bus essentials
- If you are planning to travel during the high season, weekends, or national holidays, booking your bus tickets in advance is highly recommended. The demand is at its highest, yet very often, the number of coaches serving the route remains the same. The earlier you reserve your seat, the better. On some routes, you need to secure your ticket more than a month in advance; on others, a couple-of-days advanced booking is enough. During such periods, try to book online beforehand whenever possible, as showing up at the bus station without a ticket may result in many-hours of waiting in the queue or leave you downright stranded.
- VIP, 1st, Gold, and similar bus tickets are the most expensive option, but they provide a higher level of comfort. Normally the price of such tickets will include wide soft reclining seats, blankets, water and snacks or lunch, and sometimes some toiletries. Upper-class buses travel faster, make fewer stops during the route, and normally provide more spacious seating to their passengers and a better travel experience.
- Not all buses have an on-board toilet, but generally, for all trips longer than three hours, all operators schedule a bathroom and/or a lunch stop. While operators definitely do their best to keep on-board toilets clean, the smell may be an issue sometimes. For longer trips, booking a seat a bit farther from the toilet may be a good idea. Also, using bathroom stops for your toilet needs is always better than trying to find your balance in an on-board toilet on the run.
- If you travel by an air-con bus, make sure to pack layers. A hoodie, a warm scarf, or a beanie hat may prove a good idea. Air-conditioning on buses tends to be excessive, and running nose and sore throats abound after even not the longest bus rides.
- Always use the security belts even if your bus ride attendant or driver does not insist on it. Your safety comes first – for you, for sure. All buses normally are equipped with security belts, but they may be fixed behind your seat. Take time to find the belt and fix it appropriately.
- To avoid being disturbed by overhead lights, switched on during stops even at night, and too loud music or sound from the on-board entertainment system, have earplugs and a sleeping mask at hand.
- As a courtesy to other passengers, avoid using strong perfumes or smelly foods. Some foods like cheeses or durians are forbidden to take on-board – check in advance. Alcohol is also prohibited on the majority of buses.
- Note that if the bus requires refuelling en-route, passengers will be asked to get off the bus. Operators are not allowed to refuel with passengers on board due to safety reasons. Usually, it takes from 5 to 10 minutes and is often combined with a toilet/lunch stop.
- If not stated otherwise in your tickets, arrive at the bus station 20-30 minutes before departure. It will give you enough time to find the departure platform and check-in. For international trips, you may need more time for check-in and border formalities.