Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Smart En Plus VIP Van 9pax Any time฿ 4,290
GreenBus VIP 07:30 - 10:50฿ 380
GreenBus Express 08:45 - 12:40฿ 271
GreenBus Express 11:00 - 14:45฿ 271
Nok Air Economy 12:10 - 08:15฿ 3,111
Thai AirAsia Economy 14:15 - 21:00฿ 5,670
GreenBus Express 17:00 - 20:55฿ 271
GreenBus VIP 18:00 - 21:20฿ 380
Thai Vietjet Economy 22:25 - 13:05฿ 3,090

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Facts about the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Bus$8
Fastest Bus3h 20m
Earliest Bus7:00 AM
Latest Bus6:30 PM
Daily Bus Routes23
Distance150 kilometers
Bus CompaniesGreenBus

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

C
Comfortable, safe, fast
Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 11, 2024
JL
Chauffeurs imprudence
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 9, 2024
CZ
Fast, efficient travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang rai. Telephone ticket sufficient. The station is well laid out and the Green bus staff explain where to wait. Everything is written on the buses, so it's pretty easy. A small bottle of water is provided, which is appreciated. A little legroom is missing.
This review was autotranslated
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Mar 5, 2024
MC
Really swanky VIP bus. Loads of leg room, banging AC, free bottle of water and snack, clean toilet on board and we arrived nearly an hour before expected. Brilliant
Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Feb 23, 2024
A
Our experience with green-bus was great. But with 12go asia not so much. We were charged more than what green bus charges for and also charged for an insurance we didn’t even accept to buy.
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Feb 22, 2024
HW
The bus was 35 mins late, however we quickly boarded and headed off! The bus was so spacious and had comfy reclinable seats! We got given a bottle of water, snack and sick bag. I would recommend!! :)
Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Feb 13, 2024
HD
Unfortunately there were some delays but otherwise had a great trip!
This review was autotranslated
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 29, 2024
TL
Very pleasant trip despite the very cold air-conditioning, but we knew that, so we even brought a hat for those who were a little chilly. Good driver.
This review was autotranslated
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 26, 2024
MH
Seat was uncomfortable for a long journey. Bus station takes a bit to figure out. But overall a great experience
Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 22, 2024
BM
Nice seats, good driver but a bit cold AC, everyone was freezing
Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 21, 2024
4.4
3545 customer reviews
5
52%
4
32%
3
12%
2
4%
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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 3h 20m. 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.