Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Mon, Jan 19
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Bangkok to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

LD
The trip was good but TOOOOO COLD the air conditioner was extremely cool , one blanket was not enough:(((
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Jan 16, 2026
EI
Basically slept the entire time so it was probably decent.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Jan 15, 2026
HP
Bus is nice, clean, seats are comfortable but not for sleeping. Don’t expect to get a single minute of rest as there is no way to lie down and the bus is freezing. You will also be awakened at 1am for a 20 minute “meal stop”
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour, Jan 14, 2026
SM
The bus is unbelievably extremely cold, how about being able to turn off the AC. Staying 10 hours in unusual cold is very uncomfortable otherwise the bus ride was without any other problems
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Sritawong Tour, Jan 14, 2026
VL
we got bus accident and no refund
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Premium Bus, Next Step Journey (Next Step Journey), Jan 13, 2026
LS
Good driver but way too cold
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Cherdchai Tour North, Jan 13, 2026
RM
The trip was great! A blanket and snack were provided. The seats are comfortable. The bus is very cold, even with the provided blanket, so dress warmly.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Jan 13, 2026
SR
The streets were bumpy which is why we had trouble sleeping. But the bus was comfortable (toilet on board) and the staff was very friendly.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus First Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Jan 12, 2026
AK
There was a lot of loud beeping in the bus every few seconds and light from the street so I couldn't sleep
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Jan 12, 2026
L
Comfy bus. Bottle of water, some cookies and food v for the lunch break provided. We arrived on time. No complaints.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Sritawong Tour, Jan 11, 2026
4.4
7084 customer reviews
5
53%
4
30%
3
12%
2
5%
1
0%

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bus Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
06:00
16:30
$18.90
  4.5
Sritawong Tour
Express
07:00
17:55
$17.22
  3.9
Transport Co
Standard
07:25
00:46
$18.90
  4.5
Sombat Tour
Express 44
08:00
18:30
$18.90
  4.3
Nakhonchai Air
Gold Class
08:30
18:38
$22.06
  4.4
Sombat Tour
Express 44
09:00
19:30
$22.06
  4.3
Viriya Tour
Intercity
09:50
20:00
$18.90
  3.8
Nakhonchai Air
First Class
10:15
20:26
$29.41
  4.7
Sritawong Tour
Express
12:00
22:55
$17.22
  3.9
Sombat Tour
Express 44
13:00
23:30
$22.06
  4.3
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
14:00
00:30
$18.90
  4.5
Sritawong Tour
Express
15:00
01:55
$22.06
  3.9
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
16:00
02:30
$18.90
  4.5
Nakhonchai Air
First Class
17:30
03:15
$29.41
  4.6
Sritawong Tour
Express
18:00
04:55
$22.06
  3.9
Budsarakham Tour
Express
18:30
06:45
$22.06
  4.1
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
18:50
05:20
$18.90
  4.5
Sombat Tour
VIP 24
19:15
08:15
$36.35
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
19:35
06:05
$18.90
  4.5
Bangkok Busline
VIP 24
19:55
05:55
$29.41
  4.5

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 9h and 11h 35m 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, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์) offers the fastest service. Budsarakham Tour (บุษราคัมทัวร์) 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 Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์) and costs USD 23.65. A Budsarakham Tour (บุษราคัมทัวร์)'s ticket will set you back USD 23.65 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.

Transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Facts about the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Cheapest Bus$24
Fastest Bus9h
Earliest Bus9:50 AM
Latest Bus9:35 PM
Daily Bus Routes5
Distance688 kilometers
Bus CompaniesBudsarakham Tour, Nakhonchai Air, The Tiger 2022