Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

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Bangkok to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule

Bangkok to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
BangkokTaxi24 Van 9pax Any time$ 357.81
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ13006:30 - 07:55$ 30.84
Thai Smile Economy #WE13008:30 - 10:05$ 56.91
Nok Air Economy #DD10210:35 - 11:50฿ 5,789
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ13213:45 - 15:10฿ 2,588
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ13214:00 - 15:25฿ 1,743
Nok Air Economy #DD10617:55 - 19:15฿ 1,609
Sombat Tour VIP 33 19:50 - 06:50฿ 1,133
Budsarakham Tour Express 20:10 - 08:55฿ 905
Budsarakham Tour Express 22:00 - 10:20฿ 990

Transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Facts about the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Bus$20
Fastest Bus10h 40m
Earliest Bus7:20 AM
Latest Bus8:35 PM
Daily Bus Routes21
Distance869 kilometers
Bus CompaniesBangkok Busline, Budsarakham Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Sombat Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, Transport Co

Bangkok to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

EB
There were so many mosquitos on the bus! As much as we appreciated the chicken burger from McDonald’s it’s not enough food for 12 hours drive. Other bus companies stop at local buffet restaurants to have a proper meal. Also we didn’t stop once to use a bathroom! Otherwise the bus was comfy and took us from A to B on time.
Bus Express, Cherdchai Tour, Feb 13, 2024
NS
Overall the tour was great. The bus was extra comfy, with blankets, headrests, leg rests and arm rests. Seats were also good. We paid 990 bhat to travel from Mochit to Chiangrai in the Luxury bus. The cost was high, we could have booked a VIP bus. But, as it was the end of the year of 2023, we didn't have much options. Anyway, the bus was very comfy and we didn't feel the usual body pains after the journey. The bus had enough stops to have coffees, snacks etc. Even we were provided with a small sponge cake and a bottle of water at the start of the journey. But the bus was not in time. Although it has to leave from Mochit at 18:15, the bus left after about a delay of one hour. And the delay was there for the entire journey. Overall the journey was good, the operator and the bus attendant were also good.
Bus Express, Budsarakham Tour (บุษราคัมทัวร์), Jan 9, 2024
MB
The bus was on time, seats were comfortable with charges near them (but pretty old - USB-A), head/neck support and leg support and with blankets.
Bus VIP, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Jan 8, 2024
AP
Comfortable bus, friendly staff, great overall experience!
Bus VIP, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Jan 6, 2024
PS
The bus arrived on time, everything was very clean and comfortable. Despite thick sweatpants, sweaters and blankets, we were freezing at night...
This review was autotranslated
Bus VIP, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Dec 26, 2023
AA
Very comfortable bus, helpful staff, water and snacks provided.
Bus Express 42, Sombat Tour (บริษัท เทพสมบัติ จำกัด), Dec 23, 2023
BC
The bus journey was comfortable. We were provided a meal as soon as we boarded, I assume this is because we took the overnight bus to allow the lights to be turned off. The meal was chicken and rice wjth a juice. The seats were comfortable but I often felt myself sliding off. It got a little chilly towards the end of the journey but nothing unbearable. Upon reaching our destination we were given a sandwich and milk.
Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Nov 15, 2023
AP
Seat really comfy, they also give you complimentary water and snacks. During the night (around 2 am) there's a stop where you can go to the toilet, and eat (for free) in a cantine where you can also have juice or milk (soy milk available). Reading the reviews I was expecting to arrive earlier, but luckily we were perfect on time (7.30 at Chiang Rai bus station).
Bus VIP, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Oct 13, 2023
AR
The bus was on time and we had a pleasant ride. We even got dinner and breakfast, we did not expect that. With the seats you could lean back so that a sleeping position could be taken. There is a blanket, but you should still dress warmly because the air conditioning is running all the time.
Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Aug 17, 2023
GC
The bus started 30 minutes earlier and arrived 2 hours earlier. If I would known, I would have bought an earlier flight ticket. The seats are very uncomfortable and the blanket is too thin for the glacial cold inside the bus. Moreover, the air conditioning control is broken so you can't close the air conditioner on your head. I spent a horrible night.
Bus Standard, Transport Co (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด), Aug 14, 2023
4.4
356 customer reviews
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How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by Bus

Taking a bus to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai 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 Rai 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 Rai?

Traveling by bus, the distance from Bangkok to Chiang Rai 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 Rai by Bus?

The estimate travel time from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is about 10h 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 Rai 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 Rai by Bus?

The ticket price from Bangkok to Chiang Rai 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 Rai timetable

To help you plan your trip, here is the Bangkok to Chiang Rai 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.