Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Thu, Mar 26
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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

LD
Lennard D
The worst bus experience ever! The bus was 4 hours late, took 4 hours too long and I had to share my bus because they overbooked it. I had to get from ban houayxay by my own to Chiang Rai and I still didn't get any money back.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 23, 2026
MC
Max C
Pros: The driver arrived early to pick us up from the hotel. The van was big and comfortable enough. Cons: The driver was scrolling through TikTok the whole time, if not on TikTok he was on YouTube. During the break in the trip he said we had 20 minutes, after 20 mins everyone was in the bus but we had to wait 15 more minutes for the driver while he was smoking. No communication from the company, because they picked us up from our hotel I expected a message to confirm pickup location like I have had before. Overall, the experience was fine.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Mar 22, 2026
CD
Chris D
Sat in row 1 and the air conditioning froze the wife and I. No way to control the temperature or airflow.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 20, 2026
JG
Julia G
The driver excellent and comfortable, we arrive on time and better than expected El conductor excelente, el autobús confortable, puntual y mejor de lo que esperabamos
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 16, 2026
M
Magdalena
Comfortable,on time, feeling safe.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 15, 2026
KG
Kenton G
highway construction slowed our travels and no stop midway
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 14, 2026
JF
Julie F
Super friendly driver, kind and helpful. Arrived on time and reminded us to grab our personal belongings before leaving. Unfortunately my boyfriend left his phone in the van and didn’t realize until after the driver left. Thankfully my boyfriend was able to run after the van and the driver stopped to return the phone. Could have been a huge disaster if it wasn’t for the driver! We slept the whole way back, the seats also reclined which was great.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Van, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Mar 11, 2026
RD
Rick D
The electric bus was beautiful. The air-conditioning was nice and strong, and the seats were the most comfortable seats I’ve ever experienced. However, there was a constant beeping the entire three hours. It would come and go and come back again the entire trip. Also, I think the driver was really enjoying driving the electric bus through the mountains, but it was a bit unsettling.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 10, 2026
CT
Carolin T
Easy, comfortable, fast! Sadly, the bus beeped loudly when the turn signal was on or when we went faster than 80 km/h which happened often.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 9, 2026
JD
James D
All good. Comfortable, punctual, free water, and a sensibly timed rest stop halfway
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 5, 2026
4.4
3940 customer reviews
5
57%
4
27%
3
11%
2
5%
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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Torch
Economy 3pax
Any time
+3h 30m
$71.11
  5.0
Van
Yortdoy Travel
Sedan + Minivan
05:00
09:00
$18.23
Bus
GreenBus
Express
07:30
11:15
$8.66
  4.2
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
08:00
11:20
$13.13
  4.5
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
08:25
22:50
$117.21
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
$8.05
  4.3
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
09:20
14:00
$88.67
Bus
GreenBus
Express
09:45
13:35
$6.29
  4.0
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
10:10
00:30
$136.20
Bus
GreenBus
Express
10:30
14:15
$8.05
  4.2
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
10:50
10:15
$57.96
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:15
15:05
$6.29
  4.0
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:45
15:30
$8.05
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
12:15
16:00
$8.05
  4.2
Flight
Thai Lion Air
Economy
12:35
12:00
$64.53
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
12:55
17:40
$78.44
Bus
GreenBus
Express
13:15
17:00
$8.05
  4.2
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
13:40
23:15
$95.05
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
14:25
23:35
$150.11
Bus
GreenBus
Express
14:45
18:30
$8.05
  4.2

Can you drink the water in Chiang Mai?

Drinking tap water in Chiang Mai is not recommended due to potential contamination and varying water treatment standards. Most locals and visitors rely on bottled or filtered water, which is widely available and affordable. To reduce waste, consider using refill stations found throughout the city for purified water. In restaurants, always confirm whether the water provided is safe for drinking. Boiling tap water can make it safe, but it may still have a taste that some find unpleasant. Additionally, when brushing teeth or washing fruits and vegetables, many prefer to use bottled or filtered water to minimize risks. Staying hydrated is important in Chiang Mai’s tropical climate, so keep clean water accessible at all times.

Is Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai better for tourists?

Choosing between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai depends on your travel preferences, as each offers unique attractions.
  • Chiang Mai: Known for its bustling city vibe, it features famous temples like Wat Phra Singh, markets, and a mix of historical and modern attractions. The city also serves as a hub for trekking and cultural activities like cooking classes.
  • Chiang Rai: A quieter destination, it boasts iconic landmarks such as the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple, alongside a serene atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience or nature-focused trips.
Both cities provide rich cultural experiences, but Chiang Mai is better suited for diverse activities, while Chiang Rai offers tranquility and unique artistic landmarks.

Is Chiang Mai fun for non drinkers?

Yes, Chiang Mai is enjoyable for non-drinkers due to its wide range of activities beyond nightlife. Explore historical sites like Wat Chedi Luang and Doi Suthep, or immerse yourself in local culture at cooking classes and handicraft workshops. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Elephant Nature Park or trek in the surrounding mountains. The city’s numerous cafes and tea houses provide cozy spaces for relaxation and socializing, while night markets like the Sunday Walking Street offer shopping and street food experiences. Chiang Mai’s festivals, such as Yi Peng (Lantern Festival), are also highlights that don’t involve alcohol. For wellness seekers, yoga studios, meditation retreats, and spa treatments abound. Whether you prefer cultural, nature-based, or wellness activities, the city caters to a variety of interests.

How to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

When you want to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Flight
  • Bus
  • Van
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Taxi. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Flight ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 178.22. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 10.94.

How far is Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Your trip will be a total of 91 miles (146 km). The flying distance is 91 miles (146 km).

How long does it take to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

The travel time from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 3 to 9 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

The cost of the trip from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)): travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 10.94 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 178.22.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai:

  • Bus tickets - USD 10.94 to USD 15.41;
  • Van price : USD 13.83 - USD 32.82;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 20.82. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • Bus+Van price: USD 20.82. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 13:00 K Buddy Bike until 13:00 K Buddy Bike
  • taxi+Van price: USD 20.82. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • flight price: USD 147.47 - USD 272.55. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 08:30 Chiang Rai Airport until 14:00 Chiang Rai Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 71.44 to USD 178.22.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • Buses start plying the route from 07:30 - you can also take a bus as late as 09:30. There are 14 available bus trips every day.
  • Vans from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai depart during the day - there are approximately 5 departures a day.
  • 1 by Bus+taxi from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • 1 by Bus+Van from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 13:00 K Buddy Bike until 13:00 K Buddy Bike
  • 1 by taxi+Van from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 71.44.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 79% decided to go for a bus.
  • 8% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 6% opted for a van.
  • 2% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 2% chosen Bus+Van
  • 2% chosen taxi+Van
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Cheapest Transport$11
Fastest Transport2h 55m
Earliest Departure5:00 AM
Latest Departure6:00 PM
Departures per day76
Distance146 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, GreenBus, K Buddy, Khamkhun Tour And Travel, Mekong Transfer, North Ride Go, Pai Friendly Tour, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, So Good Airline Service and Travel, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thailand Travel Taxi, Than Car Service, Torch, Yortdoy Travel