Most travelers arriving in Thailand do so via Bangkok, and from there, many head to Chiang Mai. The northern capital is famous for its mountainous and jungle landscapes, breathtaking temples, and warm hospitality. To help you understand how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, we’ve outlined each available option by air, road, and rail.
The distance between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is approximately 700 kilometers, and while flying is the fastest way to travel between the two cities, it may not be the most authentic experience.
The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes just over an hour. Keep in mind that Bangkok has two airports, which are far apart from each other. The main airport is Suvarnabhumi (BKK), but most budget flights depart from Don Mueang (DMK). There isn’t much difference in travel time from the city center to either airport.
Given that there are usually no significant differences between the two airports, simply choose the cheapest flight at the most convenient time for you.
To get to Suvarnabhumi, there’s an airport rail link that takes you from various stations in Bangkok for around 30 baht. If you’re heading to Don Mueang, you can take the Skytrain and transfer at Mochit Station. From Khaosan Road, you can catch a bus to Don Mueang for about 30 baht, and it usually takes around an hour.
The easiest option is to take a taxi, which costs around 300 baht (roughly 9 euros) with the meter on, and it takes about 40 minutes from most places.
Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, taxis have a standard fare of 150 baht (about four euros) to take you to the city center.
The most scenic way to travel between Thailand’s capital and the northern capital is by train. Many travelers are curious about taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai because the landscape is beautiful and feels authentic, especially during the night.
The train journey to Chiang Mai takes about 12 hours, so it’s best to book a second-class sleeper. The price is usually around 25 euros, which can be more expensive than a flight, but it’s a more eco-friendly option, the ride is enjoyable, and if you’re on a budget, you’ll save on a night’s accommodation by sleeping on the train.
The overnight train to Chiang Mai departs at around 8 p.m. and arrives at 8 a.m. There are also third-class seat options without air conditioning for less than half the price, and a train that departs around midday. You can book tickets using the button above, and it’s advisable to do so as early as possible.
One important detail: as of 2023, trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depart from the new Bang Sue station (map), which is a bit farther from the city center, so keep that in mind.
Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus is often the least popular option, but it’s more comfortable than you might think. The price is certainly affordable, with tickets starting at around 15 euros. It’s also faster than the train, as buses typically take about nine to ten hours to complete the journey and are usually on time.
The air conditioning can be strong, so don’t forget to bring something warm or a blanket. The seats are very comfortable -what Southeast Asia calls a “VIP Bus”- with different prices based on comfort levels. So, if you have time, enjoy road travel, and are on a budget, the bus is an ideal option.
You can purchase tickets from the button above, as there are many companies to choose from. Most buses to Chiang Mai depart from Mochit Station (map).
In addition to these options for getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, it’s also possible to travel by taxi or private car, although the price would be around 300 euros. Several taxi companies offer such services.
