Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Fri, Jun 19
+ Add return
2 Passengers
Finding the best routes for you — almost ready!
Sort by
Recommended
Filters
Departure time
Transport type
Departure station
Arrival station
Booking Facilities
Price
Arrival time
Operators
 
 
 
 
 

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

CS
Chutamas S
The night before my trip, staff of K Buddy called to inform me that the departure time I had booked was no longer available and offered a later departure in the afternoon or cancellation. After I chose to cancel, they called back and assured me there was a 5:00 AM there is car available. She confirmed that it would be a private transfer. However, the vehicle that arrived was actually a metered taxi already carrying three other passengers. I ended up squeezed into the back seat with strangers for a three-hour journey. I paid 615 THB expecting a comfortable and convenient transfer. Instead, I paid for an uncomfortable back seat for 3 travelers. If I had known it was a shared car, I would have cancelled and booked another service. The whole reason for booking online was convenience and comfort, but I ended up paying money for a much worse travel experience. Because of this experience, I will not use 12Go again. In the future, if I need public transportation, I would rather contact the local bus station directly and book with the operator myself. Don't be misled by the positive reviews like I was. I hope this review helps other travelers make a more informed decision before booking. What disappointed me most was how poorly the company handled the situation. They did not clearly distinguish between a private transfer and a shared transfer when communicating with me. My main issue is not whether the ride was private or shared. The real problem was being required to sit three adults across the back seat of a small car for a three-hour journey. It was extremely cramped and uncomfortable, especially for a long-distance trip. Had I been informed of the actual travel arrangement in advance, I would have chosen a different transportation option.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jun 14, 2026
KP
Karen P
Bus had aircon . Comfortable seats that recline, toilet stop about halfway through. Excellent value
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jun 14, 2026
GA
Gaia A
Small break of 10 minutes. 1 bottle of water and a wet wipe pro person. Punctual and OK. I suggest it.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jun 2, 2026
VM
Victor M
Bus seats are very hard. Bus left 15 mins late. No instructions were given in English.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jun 1, 2026
EV
Eloi V
Super kind and smooth trip. Highly recommend
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), May 31, 2026
HA
Han A
Easy to book ticket and seat
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), May 27, 2026
TW
Taylor W
Wet food service and on time. Thank you .
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), May 21, 2026
XF
Xavi F
I've got a fat girl near me, if some use 1 sit and half, have to pay for 1 sit and half
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), May 19, 2026
CC
Christina C
What’s good: - Easy to book, confirmation email sent immediately - My transport was an 11-seater, vehicle looks new-ish and clean - I was picked up from the comfort of my hotel (instead of having to go to the bus station) What can be improved: - No communication from service provider apart from the auto confirmation email. I have to WhatsApp them to ask what time is pick up (I was informed pick up is between 1 - 1:30pm) & if driver is going to come and find me in lobby - Driver was driving very fast - it felt unsafe. He was racing through pot holes and overtaking cars. I understand this may be common / how driving is in Thailand, but felt unsafe. I rather the travel time is 4 - 4.5 hours and he doesn’t have to rush
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), May 17, 2026
SS
Samantha S
Was a little bit wary about using the bus for the first time in Thailand but really pleased 😊 Bus was spacious, snacks, reclining seats and water with a toilet on board. No problems at all on the journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. All on time and easy to navigate, would use again 👍
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Apr 25, 2026
4.4
4067 customer reviews
5
58%
4
27%
3
10%
2
5%
1
0%

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Torch
Economy 3pax
Any time
+3h 30m
$71.88
  5.0
Van
Yortdoy Travel
Sedan + Minivan
05:00
09:00
$18.43
Bus
GreenBus
Express
07:30
11:15
$8.75
  4.2
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
08:00
11:20
$13.27
  4.5
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
08:25
22:50
$117.21
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
$8.14
  4.3
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
09:20
14:00
$88.75
Bus
GreenBus
Express
09:45
13:35
$6.36
  4.0
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
10:10
00:30
$136.32
Bus
GreenBus
Express
10:30
14:15
$8.14
  4.2
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
10:50
10:15
$58.01
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:15
15:05
$6.36
  4.0
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:45
15:30
$8.14
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
12:15
16:00
$8.14
  4.2
Flight
Thai Lion Air
Economy
12:35
12:00
$64.59
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
12:55
17:40
$78.51
Bus
GreenBus
Express
13:15
17:00
$8.14
  4.2
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
13:40
23:15
$95.13
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
14:25
23:35
$150.24
Bus
GreenBus
Express
14:45
18:30
$8.14
  4.2

Can you drink the water in Chiang Mai?

Drinking tap water in Chiang Mai is not recommended due to potential contamination and varying water treatment standards. Most locals and visitors rely on bottled or filtered water, which is widely available and affordable. To reduce waste, consider using refill stations found throughout the city for purified water. In restaurants, always confirm whether the water provided is safe for drinking. Boiling tap water can make it safe, but it may still have a taste that some find unpleasant. Additionally, when brushing teeth or washing fruits and vegetables, many prefer to use bottled or filtered water to minimize risks. Staying hydrated is important in Chiang Mai’s tropical climate, so keep clean water accessible at all times.

Is Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai better for tourists?

Choosing between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai depends on your travel preferences, as each offers unique attractions.
  • Chiang Mai: Known for its bustling city vibe, it features famous temples like Wat Phra Singh, markets, and a mix of historical and modern attractions. The city also serves as a hub for trekking and cultural activities like cooking classes.
  • Chiang Rai: A quieter destination, it boasts iconic landmarks such as the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple, alongside a serene atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience or nature-focused trips.
Both cities provide rich cultural experiences, but Chiang Mai is better suited for diverse activities, while Chiang Rai offers tranquility and unique artistic landmarks.

Is Chiang Mai fun for non drinkers?

Yes, Chiang Mai is enjoyable for non-drinkers due to its wide range of activities beyond nightlife. Explore historical sites like Wat Chedi Luang and Doi Suthep, or immerse yourself in local culture at cooking classes and handicraft workshops. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Elephant Nature Park or trek in the surrounding mountains. The city’s numerous cafes and tea houses provide cozy spaces for relaxation and socializing, while night markets like the Sunday Walking Street offer shopping and street food experiences. Chiang Mai’s festivals, such as Yi Peng (Lantern Festival), are also highlights that don’t involve alcohol. For wellness seekers, yoga studios, meditation retreats, and spa treatments abound. Whether you prefer cultural, nature-based, or wellness activities, the city caters to a variety of interests.

How to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

When you want to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Flight
  • Bus
  • Van
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Van. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Flight ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 180.17. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 11.69.

How far is Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Your trip will be a total of 78 miles (125 km). The flying distance is 78 miles (125 km).

How long does it take to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

The travel time from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 3 to 9 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

The cost of the trip from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)): travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 11.69 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 180.17.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai:

  • Bus tickets - USD 11.67 to USD 17.76;
  • Van price : USD 16.59 - USD 35.94;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 24.11. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • taxi+Van price: USD 24.11. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • Bus+Van price: USD 46.08. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 09:00 Chiang Khong Border Control until 09:00 Chiang Khong Border Control
  • flight price: USD 149.08 - USD 275.52. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 08:30 Chiang Rai Airport until 14:00 Chiang Rai Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 72.22 to USD 180.17.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • Buses start plying the route from 07:30 - you can also take a bus as late as 13:10. There are 15 available bus trips every day.
  • Vans from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai depart during the day - there are approximately 7 departures a day.
  • 1 by Bus+taxi from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • 1 by taxi+Van from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 72.22.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 85% decided to go for a bus.
  • 8% opted for a van.
  • 2% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 2% chosen taxi+Van
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Cheapest Transport$12
Fastest Transport2h 30m
Earliest Departure5:00 AM
Latest Departure6:00 PM
Departures per day84
Distance125 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, GreenBus, K Buddy, Khamkhun Tour And Travel, Mekong Transfer, North Ride Go, Pai Friendly Tour, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, So Good Airline Service and Travel, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thailand Travel Taxi, Than Car Service, Torch, Yortdoy Travel