Facts about the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
| Cheapest Bus | $23 |
| Fastest Bus | 9h |
| Earliest Bus | 9:20 AM |
| Latest Bus | 9:21 PM |
| Daily Bus Routes | 7 |
| Distance | 992 kilometers |
| Bus Companies | Nakhonchai Air, Next Step Journey, Tara Tour and Travel, Torch |
Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews
SD
Sheet DThe bus was very good, comfortable seats, with air conditioner and blankets. We got water and cake. The staff didn’t know English at all, they didn’t inform us anything. When we went on the food break they didn’t say for how long and that we can get free food with our ticket. So a lot didn’t know about the option and came late for the bus after it left the food court
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Aug 17, 2025
SS
Songpon SI’m I’m I’m oh try d
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Aug 16, 2025
SP
Samantha PThe bus seats were comfortable, you can recline but not sit up properly. They give you one snack, water and lunch/dinner. The staff was nice and helpful. Its quite cold so get a jumper or something.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Aug 16, 2025
ML
Moritz LIt was very Cold inside the Bus.
The Seats were comfortable
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Aug 16, 2025
RJ
Rutger JSeats in bus were fine but service was poor. Purser lacked the hospitality we got used to in Thailand. As soon as he could he handed out the bottle of water and snacks. After that we almost didn't see him. He sat in the front with the driver. Now and then he made his announcements, all in Thai although the majority of the passengers were foreign. We didn't know that we had a break and that we could get a free meal by showing our tickets or how long the break was. The stop we had was also poor, the restrooms were dirty (the toilet in the bus was also dirty), the place and meals didn't look appealing. We departed from Mochit at 9.19 p.m. and arrived at Chiang Mai Bus station at approximately 6.30 a.m. instead of 7.50 a.m.
I’m not sure how fast the driver was going, but we arrived over an hour earlier than scheduled. Parts of the road were in poor condition, and with the driver’s speed, the ride was quite bumpy. I hardly got any sleep. Overall, I expected a better experience. I wouldn’t book this bus ride again or recommend it to others.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP 20, Sombat Tour (สมบัติ ทัวร์), Aug 15, 2025
L
Laurent There is not much space in the bus. If you happen to be above 5'6, you will be in trouble! You have no space for your feet. Difficult to find a comfortable position
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP 20, Sombat Tour (สมบัติ ทัวร์), Aug 14, 2025
AS
Anastasiia SDue to a traffic jam, I was late for the bus. I tried to call, but the phone numbers I reached either didn’t answer or said they couldn’t help. Luckily, there was a delay and I managed to catch the bus. However, it was very cold inside, and there was no blanket on my seat — I could only request one during our stop.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Aug 13, 2025
AD
Antoine DThere is no coupon for eat as written.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Aug 12, 2025
YF
Yannik FThe Bus was very confortable for sleeping and far better experience than Night train! Only thing bit enerving was a peeping sound who regularly made loud noises. All beside that was fine!
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Aug 11, 2025
AE
Alexander EThis is not when you like to sleep. The bus stops every 1-2 hours and everybody gets awake.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Aug 11, 2025
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bus Schedule
| Operator | Class | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 06:00 | 16:30 | $18.27 | |
Sritawong Tour | Express | 07:00 | 17:55 | $16.64 | |
Transport Co | Standard | 07:25 | 00:46 | $18.27 | |
Sombat Tour | Express 44 | 08:00 | 18:30 | $18.27 | |
Sritawong Tour | Super VIP | 08:30 | 18:55 | $23.80 | |
Sombat Tour | Express 44 | 09:00 | 19:30 | $21.31 | |
Viriya Tour | Intercity | 09:50 | 20:00 | $18.27 | |
Viriya Tour | Intercity | 10:10 | 20:20 | $18.27 | |
Sritawong Tour | Express | 12:00 | 22:55 | $16.64 | |
Sombat Tour | Express 44 | 13:00 | 23:30 | $21.31 | |
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 14:00 | 00:30 | $18.27 | |
Sritawong Tour | Express | 15:00 | 01:55 | $21.31 | |
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 16:00 | 02:30 | $18.27 | |
Sritawong Tour | Express | 18:00 | 04:55 | $21.31 | |
Budsarakham Tour | Express | 18:30 | 06:45 | $21.31 | |
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 18:50 | 05:20 | $18.27 | |
Sombat Tour | VIP 24 | 19:15 | 08:15 | $35.12 | |
Bangkok Busline | Intercity | 19:35 | 06:05 | $18.27 | |
Bangkok Busline | VIP 24 | 19:55 | 05:55 | $28.42 | |
Budsarakham Tour | Express | 20:15 | 08:30 | $21.31 |
Transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
-
Trains$ 8.55
-
Buses$ 22.85
-
Flights$ 55.97
-
Taxis$ 247.57
-
Vans$ 25.83
-
Ferries are not available
Popular Routes
Popular Routes in Thailand
How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Bus
Taking a bus to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a safe, comfortable and less expensive alternative for traveling this route. To popular destinations, bus companies operate multiple trips per day, often round the clock at 30-60 minute intervals. To less traveled destinations, there may be only 1 scheduled trip a day. The most common bus types are non-air-conditioned, air-conditioned, and premium buses.
It is best to reserve your tickets at least a few days ahead of your travel date. Check our list of bus companies available for online booking offering Bangkok to Chiang Mai tickets. When traveling on weekends and holidays it is recommended to reserve tickets much earlier due to higher numbers of travelers, both vacation-makers and urban workers returning home to their provincial home.
How far is it from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Traveling by bus, the distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depends on the route taken. Most bus companies travel via expressways or tollways. This may not necessarily be the shortest route but it is the fastest one as normally there is less traffic and no traffic lights.
To get to certain island destinations which are not connected to the mainland by a bridge, buses board large car ferries. Passengers are usually asked to get off the bus, but there is no need to take your luggage from the bus. The travel distance from port to port is added to the total distance.
How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Bus?
The estimate travel time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is about 9h. Note that traveling by bus is slower compared to driving your own car or getting a taxi. Depending on the departure time congestion between Bangkok and Chiang Mai may differ greatly There is usually more traffic between morning until afternoon during weekdays than during weekends.
Another important factor that may affect travel time is the type of bus. Premium or VIP buses are usually faster as they use motorways and call to fewer bus stations (if any) en route. Buses normally make short 10-30-minute breaks after a few hours of continuous travel to allow passengers use bathrooms, stock up on munchies and let bus attendants and the driver have rest.
Some premium buses have onboard toilets and the second driver. Nevertheless, usually they still make en route stops for a quick lunch or fuel refill.
How much does it cost to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Bus?
The ticket price from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can vary depending on the type of buses you choose. For a less expensive ticket consider non-air-conditioned or ordinary buses. Premium or luxury buses are more expensive but you can expect more comfort and some additional services like phone charging ports, personal entertainment system screens and toilets.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai timetable
To help you plan your trip, here is the Bangkok to Chiang Mai timetable of bus departure and arrival times.
Best Rated Companies for this Route
Bus companies differ a lot in quality and service they provide. When choosing a bus company for you travels, do some basic research before you buy your tickets.
Safety is one of the most important aspects to consider. We also recommend you checking reviews on overall service quality of the bus companies serving this route.
Our service only partners with reliable and trustworthy bus companies. We do our best to provide your a choice of the best operators available on each route.