Facts about the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
| Cheapest Bus | $16 |
| Fastest Bus | 5h 40m |
| Earliest Bus | 8:30 AM |
| Latest Bus | 9:30 AM |
| Daily Bus Routes | 0 |
| Distance | 125 kilometers |
| Bus Companies | GreenBus, Naluangs, Yortdoy Travel |
Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews
MM
Michal MOn time, comfortable
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 18, 2025
KH
Kristin HClean Bus and enough space to make yourself comfortable. The driver was driving carefully. Due to roadworks we arrived 20 minutes late which was absolutely acceptable for the distance between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 18, 2025
TB
Thomad BThe busstart was 30 minutes later und the bus was Not in good condition.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 15, 2025
M
Mike The VIP bus was comfortable. There is a bathroom in the back. The worst part is there is no place to charge your devices.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 15, 2025
C
Courtney The driver could not keep a steady pace and made me cat sick instantly, as he kept slamming on gas and taking his foot off to drive. He also didn't follow the rules of the road, as he was going slow in the fast lane.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 15, 2025
DR
David RGreat journey through wonderful scenery on a comfortable air conditioned bus coach. 🙏
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 15, 2025
PO
Paul OComfortable spacious seating in the VIP seats, bottle of water and snack provided, air conditioned modern coach . Would definitely use again.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP combo, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 15, 2025
S
Severine Bus confortable avec une collation offerte
Top
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 13, 2025
วไ
วทัญญา ไOn time, nice staff,
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 12, 2025
LT
Lois TThe seats were comfortable and wide, lots of space in each seat.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 12, 2025
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule
| Operator | Class | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GreenBus | VIP | 06:00 | 09:20 | $13.33 | |
GreenBus | Express | 07:00 | 10:45 | $8.79 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 07:30 | 10:50 | $13.33 | |
GreenBus | Express | 08:15 | 12:00 | $8.17 | |
GreenBus | Express | 08:45 | 12:30 | $8.79 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 09:30 | 12:50 | $12.71 | |
GreenBus | Express | 10:00 | 13:45 | $8.79 | |
GreenBus | Express | 10:30 | 14:15 | $8.17 | |
GreenBus | Express | 11:00 | 14:45 | $8.79 | |
GreenBus | Express | 11:30 | 15:15 | $8.17 | |
GreenBus | Express | 12:00 | 15:45 | $8.17 | |
GreenBus | Express | 12:45 | 16:25 | $8.79 | |
GreenBus | Express | 13:15 | 17:00 | $8.17 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 13:45 | 17:05 | $12.71 | |
GreenBus | Express | 14:15 | 18:00 | $8.17 | |
GreenBus | Express | 15:15 | 19:05 | $6.39 | |
GreenBus | Express | 16:30 | 20:20 | $6.39 | |
GreenBus | Express | 17:00 | 20:45 | $8.79 | |
GreenBus | Express | 17:30 | 21:20 | $6.39 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 18:00 | 21:20 | $13.33 |
Transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
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Buses$ 15.70
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Flights$ 120.18
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Taxis$ 29.61
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Vans$ 16.97
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Trains are not available
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Ferries are not available
Popular Routes
Popular Routes in Thailand
How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Bus
Taking a bus to get from Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
Traveling by bus, the distance from Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Bus?
The estimate travel time from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is about 5h 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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Bus?
The ticket price from Chiang Mai 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.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai timetable
To help you plan your trip, here is the Chiang Mai 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.