Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Sat, Mar 14
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Bangkok to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

JR
Johnny R
Everything Ok.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour, Mar 6, 2026
AK
Alexander K
It was extremes cold in the bus and even though it wasn’t completely full, the Bus attendant told me he can’t give me another blanket, because just one was to small for me. Unfortunately the ac was kind of broken. So first you can’t turn of the ac over your head and second even if you try to turn the direction it kinda still goes to your head. And I got a headache for the rest of the day. So it actually was a pretty terrible drive. Plus I couldn’t really sleep in the bus because it really hurt on my head.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour, Mar 5, 2026
MS
Marcelo S
12 Go servicié was perfect. Bus was unpuntual and very poor
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Mar 4, 2026
A
Amelia
The ride itself wasn’t bad. Plenty of space on the seat, room for baggage etc. but people are just inconsiderate. You’d think with it being a SLEEPER bus people would be quiet and not be talking at 3am, but perhaps not
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Mar 4, 2026
SD
Sanne D
Lovely bus, water and cake, stop around 1am with free food.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour, Mar 2, 2026
AC
Amy C
Paid extra for the "VIP" bus. Yes the seats did recline a lot but maybe too much - the seat infront of you will be touching your legs (even if you are not tall) Like many other people have said, the bus was absolutely freezing. The driver stopped for constant cigarette breaks but refused to let passengers have even one break in over 10 hours. I asked a couple of times could I get off for 2 minutes as I was too cold on the bus but the driver was very rude and just kept shouting no and waving in my face. We arrived just about on time but could have arrived earlier if the driver hadn't stopped so often for his own personal breaks, or he could have let the passengers off for 10 minutes at some point to break up that cold and uncomfortable journey. There was a "meal" provided but it was a lucky dip microwave meal from 7eleven, no vegetarian option. None of the staff could speak English at all so trying to get any help was very difficult. I tried to contact 12go for support but that was also a huge waste of my time. Honestly i would save your money and go for one of the cheaper buses - this was definitely not a "VIP" experience.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP Bus, Tour with Thai (ที ดับบลิว ที ทัวร์วิทไทย), Mar 2, 2026
YO
Yves O
It was really OK, chairs are very comfortables but I can’t understand why, just after going out of the parking of MoChit, the driver stop to take some parcels… why I don’t do that before the departure of the bus… it’s seems very inexplicable…
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour, Mar 1, 2026
MA
Mark A
Smooth easy comfortable ride
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour, Mar 1, 2026
RS
Renee S
Most comfortable bus I’ve traveled on, would use again!
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Mar 1, 2026
LD
Luana D
I think one stop in 11 hours is pretty crazy. It didn't look like we were even allowed to go to the in bus bathroom since they didn't let you get up from your seat.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Sritawong Tour, Mar 1, 2026
4.4
7490 customer reviews
5
53%
4
30%
3
12%
2
5%
1
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Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bus Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
06:00
16:30
$18.85
  4.5
Sritawong Tour
Express
07:00
17:55
$17.17
  3.9
Transport Co
Standard
07:25
00:46
$18.85
  4.5
Sombat Tour
Express 44
08:00
18:30
$18.85
  4.3
Nakhonchai Air
Gold Class
08:30
18:38
$22.00
  4.4
Sombat Tour
Express 44
09:00
19:30
$22.00
  4.3
Viriya Tour
Intercity
09:50
20:00
$18.85
  3.8
Nakhonchai Air
First Class
10:15
20:26
$29.33
  4.7
Sritawong Tour
Express
12:00
22:55
$17.17
  3.9
Sombat Tour
Express 44
13:00
23:30
$22.00
  4.3
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
14:00
00:30
$18.85
  4.5
Sritawong Tour
Express
15:00
01:55
$22.00
  3.9
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
16:00
02:30
$18.85
  4.5
Nakhonchai Air
First Class
17:30
03:15
$29.33
  4.6
Sritawong Tour
Express
18:00
04:55
$22.00
  3.9
Budsarakham Tour
Express
18:30
06:45
$22.00
  4.1
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
18:50
05:20
$18.85
  4.5
Sombat Tour
VIP 24
19:15
08:15
$36.25
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
19:35
06:05
$18.85
  4.5
Bangkok Busline
VIP 24
19:55
05:55
$29.33
  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 868 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 17h 21m 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. Transport Co (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด) 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 Sritawong Tour and costs USD 20.63. A Next Step Journey's ticket will set you back USD 20.63 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$21
Fastest Bus9h
Earliest Bus6:00 AM
Latest Bus10:45 PM
Daily Bus Routes71
Distance868 kilometers
Bus CompaniesBangkok Busline, Budsarakham Tour, Cherdchai Tour North, Kittikarn Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Next Step Journey, Sombat Tour, Sritawong Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, The Nine Travel, The Tiger 2022, The Twin 2000, Tour with Thai, Transport Co, Viriya Tour