Facts about the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
| Cheapest Bus | $12 |
| Fastest Bus | 3h 20m |
| Earliest Bus | 7:30 AM |
| Latest Bus | 6:00 PM |
| Daily Bus Routes | 13 |
| Distance | 150 kilometers |
| Bus Companies | GreenBus, LaoLuang Travel, Yortdoy Travel |
Buses from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews
NS
Nina SVery comfortable trip
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 10, 2025
L
Linda On time and very good
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 9, 2025
AT
Anthony Tcos is a small terminal so its find, the operator was hard to find and not helpful. The bus was late, we didn't know which bus as there are no information on the bus that we need to Board.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 9, 2025
MH
Mobeen HWhen we arrived at Chiang Rai bus terminal 30 minutes before departure as advised. We spoke to the staff and they told us to wait by stop number 13/14 which we did. Our departure time approached and no bus was in sight, I then eventually flagged down some staff and they told me that the VIP coach I booked had broken down so we needed to collect new tickets from a desk.
The communication was poor, we kept getting told the coach would be arriving in 15 minutes; we were delayed by over an hour in the end. There was no communication from the bus company about the delays before we arrived. Very poor.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 8, 2025
I
Iryna Overall the trip was good and I would have given it 5 stars if we hadn't had an accident (3 cars collided including ours), but I'm glad our bus didn't flip over and we're alive.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 8, 2025
EL
Eileen LBus was late
Bathroom door was stuck and very very hard to open and close
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 8, 2025
SG
Sunyatta GOn time, relatively comfortable seats that can recline a long way ( as long as it doesn't bother the person sitting behind you. Punctual and one stop on the way. Took longer to get to our destination because the highway is in repair for a significant part of our journey. Shocks need some work- take your anti motion sickness tablets!
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 7, 2025
RS
Reka SThe ride was all right, the seat was a bit uncomfortable for me personally, but other than that, everything was good. We left on time and although almost through the whole way there were many constructions blocking fast movement, we arrived at Chiang Mai at around the expected time. I recommend Greenbus. :)
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 6, 2025
MA
Marc AThe bus was dirty and the driving a bit aggressive
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 6, 2025
JC
John CBus trip was fine. The only problem was the construction that made us late.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Nov 5, 2025
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus Schedule
| Operator | Class | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GreenBus | Express | 07:30 | 11:15 | $8.80 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 08:00 | 11:20 | $13.34 | |
GreenBus | Express | 08:30 | 12:15 | $8.80 | |
GreenBus | Express | 09:00 | 12:45 | $8.18 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 09:30 | 12:50 | $12.72 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 10:00 | 13:20 | $13.34 | |
GreenBus | Express | 10:25 | 13:55 | $8.80 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 10:45 | 14:05 | $13.34 | |
GreenBus | Express | 11:15 | 15:05 | $6.39 | |
GreenBus | Express | 11:45 | 15:30 | $8.18 | |
GreenBus | Express | 12:15 | 16:00 | $8.18 | |
GreenBus | Express | 12:45 | 16:30 | $8.18 | |
GreenBus | Express Combo | 13:10 | 16:10 | $6.67 | |
GreenBus | Express | 13:30 | 17:15 | $8.80 | |
GreenBus | VIP | 14:30 | 17:50 | $12.72 | |
GreenBus | Express | 15:00 | 18:45 | $8.80 | |
GreenBus | Express | 15:30 | 19:15 | $8.18 | |
GreenBus | Express | 16:00 | 19:45 | $8.80 | |
GreenBus | Express | 16:30 | 20:15 | $8.18 | |
GreenBus | Express | 17:00 | 20:45 | $8.18 |
Transportation from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
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Buses$ 11.11
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Flights$ 155.27
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Taxis$ 23.15
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Vans$ 20.06
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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 Rai to Chiang Mai by Bus
Taking a bus to get from Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?
Traveling by bus, the distance from Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by Bus?
The estimate travel time from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Rai 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 Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by Bus?
The ticket price from Chiang Rai 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.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai timetable
To help you plan your trip, here is the Chiang Rai 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.