Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Tue, May 19
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Bangkok to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

BO
Bastien O
The journey was generally fine, and the staff were friendly, but we had booked comfortable buses and that wasn't the case at all; the seats were hard, with no legroom.But let's look on the bright side... It's the land of massage, so it's a great opportunity to discover the local culture.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), May 15, 2026
AH
Alex H
It was poor - average at best tbh. The bus left on time but it got incredibly hot on there in the middle of the day and the air-con wasn’t super reliable. Also there was a women on the bus who verified tickets and we were told we were going to be given free lunch coupons but then she disappeared and couldn’t be found when we actually got to the service station. There was only one stop over a 12 hour bus journey which only last for 20 minutes yet the bus driver pulled over every 30 minutes to pick up random boxes and stuff on the side of the road which delayed us by nearly an hour to Chiang mai. My partner was rudely spoken to by the women working on the bus when she asked if she could use the toilet during a stop at a bus station despite the fact we were there for 10 minutes … the toilets on the bus were pretty much inaccessible. Can’t comment on other buses but the one we got from Bangkok to Chiang mai wasn’t great and will probably spend a little bit more for a better experience next time. But on a budget it does the job and will get you there.. albeit an hour or so late
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), May 14, 2026
YA
Yannick A
The bus was alright but a bit older. it was a bit warm and then too cold. The bus was also 1h late.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), May 10, 2026
AC
Armorn C
I wasn't able to get it because I was late. But I think it's a good company.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus First Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), May 10, 2026
TT
Tristen T
The seats were very uncomfortable for such a long drive. There was no way to get settled for the 10-hour drive. They were hard, didn't recline enough and the leg rest didn't come up high enough. I've been on many night buses which have been way more comfortable. This was the worse. I hardly got any sleep because of this which has wrecked me for days. The rest was pretty smooth sailing and the staff were friendly enough but the uncomfortable seats really took away from this experience.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP Bus, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Apr 28, 2026
SH
Swan H
This is a really terrible bus company. There was no proper vehicle inspection, and the departure time was not accurate. Now the bus has a mechanical problem and the trip is being seriously delayed. There is still no replacement bus yet. The problem started at 9:30 PM, and now it is already 12:51 AM. This situation is extremely bad and unacceptable. I strongly do not recommend this bus company. Do not take this bus line.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Apr 20, 2026
ZK
Zin K
aircon are not working and it hot,
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Super VIP, Sritawong Tour (Sritawong Tour), Apr 18, 2026
MC
Montatip C
This bus is tour bus ... Thay left us before bus station. No food. No break
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Apr 13, 2026
JT
James T
My original bus was overpacked so I had to change
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Apr 11, 2026
EL
Edwina L
The trip was smooth and comfortable! Thank you!
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Apr 10, 2026
4.4
7668 customer reviews
5
53%
4
30%
3
12%
2
5%
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Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bus Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
06:00
16:30
$18.20
  4.5
Sritawong Tour
Express
07:00
17:55
$16.58
  3.9
Transport Co
Standard
07:25
00:46
$18.20
  4.5
Sombat Tour
Express 44
08:00
18:30
$18.20
  4.3
Nakhonchai Air
Gold Class
08:30
18:38
$21.24
  4.4
Sombat Tour
Express 44
09:00
19:30
$21.24
  4.3
Viriya Tour
Intercity
09:50
20:00
$18.20
  3.8
Nakhonchai Air
First Class
10:15
20:26
$28.32
  4.7
Sritawong Tour
Express
12:00
22:55
$16.58
  3.9
Sombat Tour
Express 44
13:00
23:30
$21.24
  4.3
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
14:00
00:30
$18.20
  4.5
Sritawong Tour
Express
15:00
01:55
$21.24
  3.9
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
16:00
02:30
$18.20
  4.5
Nakhonchai Air
First Class
17:30
03:15
$28.32
  4.6
Sritawong Tour
Express
18:00
04:55
$21.24
  3.9
Budsarakham Tour
Express
18:30
06:45
$21.24
  4.1
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
18:50
05:20
$18.20
  4.5
Sombat Tour
VIP 24
19:15
08:15
$35.00
Bangkok Busline
Intercity
19:35
06:05
$18.20
  4.5
Bangkok Busline
VIP 24
19:55
05:55
$28.32
  4.5

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 8h 40m. 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.

Transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Facts about the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Cheapest Bus$23
Fastest Bus8h 40m
Earliest Bus6:00 오전
Latest Bus10:45 오후
Daily Bus Routes58
Distance868 kilometers
Bus CompaniesBangkok Busline, Budsarakham Tour, Cherdchai Tour North, Kittikarn Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Next Step Journey, Sritawong Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, The Tiger 2022, Tour with Thai, Transport Co, Van2Travel Train, Viriya Tour