The best way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the overnight sleeper, train 9 from Krung Thep Aphiwat: it leaves at 18:40, rolls into Chiang Mai around 07:15, and a lower second-class berth costs about THB 1,040. In a hurry? Around 40 nonstop flights a day take 1 hour 15 minutes, from about THB 1,400 when booked early.
Buses from Mochit start at THB 722 and take about 10 hours, while a private car door to door costs from THB 7,130 per vehicle.
We recommend the train first, because you sleep through most of the distance and save a hotel night.
See every train, bus and flight on one page
Check Bangkok → Chiang Mai on 12Go →The detail everyone misses: every Chiang Mai train also stops at Don Mueang station, right across the road from Don Mueang Airport, about 17 minutes after leaving Krung Thep Aphiwat.
If you land at Don Mueang in the afternoon, you can walk over the footbridge and board train 13 at 20:22 without going into Bangkok at all.
At a Glance
Bangkok to Chiang Mai transport options
Compare fares and travel times, then jump to the option that fits your trip.
| Transport | Fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight sleeper trainTrains 9, 13 and 51 from Krung Thep Aphiwat | FareAbout THB 770 to 1,650per berth, by class | Travel time12h 35m to 13h 10m |
| FlightFrom Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi | FareFrom about THB 1,400per person, booked early | Travel time1h 10m to 1h 25m |
| Bus from MochitDay and overnight coaches | FareFrom THB 722per person | Travel timeAbout 9h 55m to 11h |
| Day train 7Seats only, daylight views | FareAbout THB 558per person | Travel timeAbout 10h 20m |
| Private car or vanHotel to hotel | FareFrom THB 7,130per vehicle | Travel timeAbout 8h to 9h |
| Rental carSelf-drive on Highways 1 and 11 | FareVariesplus fuel | Travel timeAbout 8h to 9h |
Bus, flight and car fares are 12Go and Bookaway listings for a Sunday departure; train fares follow the State Railway of Thailand fare table. Prices move with the date, so check live before you book.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai timetable
These are the regular departures 12Go lists from Bangkok and its two airports to Chiang Mai, with the lowest fare for each type in baht.
Tap a route to see live seats and book.
| Transport | From | Time | Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Bangkok | |||
| Train (sleeper and seats) | THB 278 | 10h 10m to 13h 50m | 14:15, 18:40, 20:05, 22:30 from Krung Thep Aphiwat; the same trains leave Don Mueang about 17 minutes later |
| Bus | THB 651 | 8h 55m to 11h on most coaches | About 30 departures from 06:00 to 22:35, most of them overnight |
| Flight from Suvarnabhumi | THB 1,660 | 1h 15m to 1h 25m | 20 flights from 06:10 to 22:35 |
| Private car | THB 9,614 | 8h to 10h | Pickup at any time you choose |
| From Don Mueang Airport | |||
| Flight | THB 1,377 | 1h 10m to 1h 20m | 21 flights from 05:10 to 21:50 |
| Private car | THB 9,900 | 8h to 9h 25m | Pickup at any time you choose |
| From Suvarnabhumi Airport | |||
| Private car | THB 8,800 | 9h to 10h | Pickup at any time you choose |
Lowest fares across all operators in the 12Go timetable. Fares and times vary by date and operator, so tap a route to see live seats.
1. Overnight sleeper train, the trip we would book
Three night trains run from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, the huge station at Bang Sue that replaced Hua Lamphong for long-distance trains.
Train 9 leaves at 18:40 and arrives around 07:15, train 13 leaves at 20:05 and arrives around 08:45, and train 51 leaves at 22:30 and arrives around 11:40.
Train 9 is the one to aim for. It uses the newer Chinese-built carriages, with cleaner bathrooms and berths that fold down from comfortable seats.
| Class on train 9 | Upper berth | Lower berth |
|---|---|---|
| Second class sleeper, air-con | About THB 940 | About THB 1,040 |
| First class sleeper, 2-berth cabin | About THB 1,450 | About THB 1,650 |
| First class, whole cabin for one | About THB 2,450 |
Train 13 is cheaper, at about THB 771 for an upper and THB 841 for a lower second-class berth, but its carriages are older.
Train 51 adds fan seats, and the afternoon rapid train 109 has third-class seats from THB 278 on 12Go, which is the cheapest way north if you can sleep sitting up.
Where to catch it
Krung Thep Aphiwat is on the MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue and on the SRT Red Line.
Long-distance trains leave from the second floor, so give yourself 30 to 45 minutes to find the platform and buy snacks.
Lower berths are wider and have the window, so they sell out first.
When we searched three days ahead, the sleepers on the night trains were already gone and only fan seats were left, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Tickets open 90 days before travel. Lights stay on in second class all night, so pack an eye mask and earplugs.
My verdict: the classic way to reach the north, and it doubles as a night of accommodation. Book train 9, lower berth, as early as you can.
Sleeper berths sell out days ahead
Book the Chiang Mai train on 12Go →2. Flight, fastest from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi
Chiang Mai is one of the busiest domestic routes in Thailand, and nonstop flights take 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.
Budget airlines Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly from Don Mueang, while Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia also fly from Suvarnabhumi.
| From | Airlines | Typical fare on 12Go | Flights a day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Mueang (DMK) | Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air | From THB 1,377 booked ahead | 21 in the timetable |
| Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Thai Vietjet, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways | From THB 1,660 booked ahead | 20 in the timetable |
Fares climb close to the date.
For a Sunday three days out, 12Go showed most seats between THB 2,800 and 4,000, and Thai Airways started at about US$130 on Bookaway.
Budget fares usually include only a 7 kg cabin bag, so add checked luggage when you book. Door to door, including the trip to the airport and check-in, plan on 3 to 5 hours.
Staying near Khao San Road or the north of the city? Don Mueang is closer.
Our Don Mueang Airport guide explains the train and bus links.
My verdict: the obvious pick if you only have a long weekend. Book two or three weeks ahead and the fare can drop below a first-class sleeper berth.
Compare every flight to Chiang Mai
See flights on 12Go →3. Bus from Mochit, cheap and surprisingly comfortable
Long-distance buses leave from Mochit 2, the Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road.
It is about 2 km from BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak Park, so take a taxi or Grab for the last stretch rather than walking with bags.
| Operator | Leaves | Fare on 12Go | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Co | 5 departures from 07:25 | From THB 722 | Chiang Mai Arcade, about 10h 20m |
| Bangkok Busline | 4 departures from 06:00 | From THB 859 | Arcade Terminal 3, about 10h |
| Cherdchai Tour North | 20:00 express | THB 859 | Arcade Terminal 3 at 06:10 |
| Tara Tour and Travel | 20:00 express | THB 1,112 | Arcade Terminal 3 at 05:55 |
| Sritawong Tour | 21:30 Super VIP | THB 1,274 | Arcade Terminal 3 at 07:50 |
Nakhonchai Air, the premium operator many Thais prefer, sells its Gold Class seats from about US$32 on Bookaway and uses its own Bangkok and Chiang Mai stations.
Tour with Thai offers a first-class coach with city pickup from THB 1,775 on 12Go.
Most night buses arrive before dawn.
Bring a warm layer, because the air-conditioning is strong, and keep your passport and phone with you rather than in the hold.
We would skip the cheapest buses and minivans sold from Khao San Road offices. They are often packed, change vehicles on the way, and drop you on the edge of town.
My verdict: the best budget choice when the trains are full. A VIP seat with 24 to 32 seats is worth the extra few hundred baht.
Compare buses by seat class and time
See Bangkok → Chiang Mai buses on 12Go →4. Day train 7, for the scenery
Special express train 7 leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat at 07:30 and reaches Chiang Mai at 17:50, with second-class air-conditioned seats for about THB 558.
It runs through Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Phitsanulok, then climbs through the forested hills of the north in the afternoon.
There are no sleepers, so it is a long day in a reclining seat. Bring snacks, water and something to read.
It also makes a natural stopover trip: get off at Ayutthaya for the ruins, or at Phitsanulok for Sukhothai.
See our Bangkok to Ayutthaya guide if you want to split the journey.
My verdict: lovely for train fans and photographers. If you would rather not lose a whole day, take the night train instead.
Prefer to travel by daylight?
Check day train seats on 12Go →5. Private car or van, best for groups and families
A private car collects you at your Bangkok hotel and drops you at your door in Chiang Mai, about 8 to 9 hours later with rest stops.
Because the price is per vehicle, it gets reasonable for a family or a group of friends.
| Vehicle | Price per vehicle | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan, up to 3 people | From THB 7,130 | 12Go |
| MPV or SUV, up to 4 people | From THB 7,705 | 12Go |
| Commuter van | From THB 10,350 | 12Go |
| Luxury VIP van, up to 9 people | From THB 13,368 | 12Go |
| Private VIP minivan, any hotel to any hotel | From US$368 | Bookaway |
Ask the company whether tolls, fuel and the driver’s return trip are included, and agree on rest stops before you leave.
On a drive this long, a proper lunch break makes a big difference.
My verdict: for four people with luggage, it costs about the same per head as flying, and you can stop wherever you like.
Traveling as a family or group?
Compare private cars on 12Go →Want more options?
See private vans on Bookaway →6. Rental car, if you plan a northern road trip
Driving yourself covers about 693 km, mostly on Highways 1 and 11, and takes 8 to 9 hours of actual driving.
Most people split it with a night in Phitsanulok or Sukhothai.
Thailand drives on the left, and you need your license plus an International Driving Permit. To compare prices, see rental cars in Bangkok.
My verdict: only worth it if you want to explore Sukhothai, Lampang or the Mae Hong Son loop. For a straight run to Chiang Mai, the train or a flight is easier.
Ask for a lower berth in the middle of the carriage, away from the doors. The ends are noisier, and the bathroom door bangs all night.
Step by step: the sleeper train to Chiang Mai
- Book your berth on 12Go or the SRT D-Ticket site as soon as your dates are fixed, up to 90 days ahead.
- Ride the MRT Blue Line to Bang Sue and follow the signs into Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
- Head to the second floor, where long-distance trains leave, and check the board for your platform.
- Buy dinner and water at the station before you board.
- Find your carriage and berth number on your ticket; an attendant makes up the beds in the evening.
- Get off at Chiang Mai, the last stop, and take a red songthaew, Grab or Bolt into the Old City.
What it costs for 1, 2 or 4 people
| Option | 1 person | 2 people | 4 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper train 9, lower berth | About THB 1,040 | About THB 2,080 | About THB 4,160 |
| Transport Co bus | THB 722 | THB 1,444 | THB 2,888 |
| Flight, booked a few days out | From THB 2,800 | From THB 5,600 | From THB 11,200 |
| Private car (sedan, then MPV for 4) | From THB 7,130 | From THB 7,130 | From THB 7,705 |
For one or two people, the bus and the train win easily. For four, a private MPV works out at under THB 2,000 each, less than a last-minute flight.
Which option should you choose?
- First trip to Thailand: sleeper train 9, for the experience.
- Short on time: a morning flight from Don Mueang.
- Tight budget: a Transport Co or Bangkok Busline coach from Mochit.
- Family or group of 4 or more: a private MPV or van.
- Landing at Don Mueang in the afternoon: walk across to the station and catch train 13.
- Want to see the country: day train 7, or a rental car with a night in Sukhothai.
Arriving in Chiang Mai
Trains end at Chiang Mai Railway Station on Charoen Muang Road, about 3 to 4 km east of the Old City.
It is a small, easy station with a few food stalls and songthaews waiting outside.
- Old City and Tha Phae Gate: a red songthaew for about THB 30 to 40 per person, or THB 100 to 150 by Grab.
- Arcade Bus Terminal: buses arrive here, about 3 km east of the Old City moat; songthaews, tuk-tuks and taxis wait at Terminals 2 and 3.
- Chiang Mai Airport: 10 to 20 minutes from the Old City or Nimman, about THB 150 to 250 by Grab.
- Night Bazaar and the riverside: about 2 km from the train station, a short songthaew or Grab ride.
Inside the city, the red songthaews (rot daeng) work like shared taxis. Wave one down, say where you are going, and agree the fare before you climb in.
Chiang Mai: things to do and where to stay
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of the north, with hundreds of temples, a moated Old City and cooler air from November to February.
Most travelers spend at least three or four days here.
Ride up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for the view, walk the Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road, take a Thai cooking class, and spend a day at an ethical elephant sanctuary or on Doi Inthanon.
See the tours section below for day trips.
Which area to stay in
- Old City: temples, cafes and guesthouses inside the moat; walkable and central.
- Nimman (Nimmanhaemin): trendy cafes, malls and nightlife west of the Old City, close to the airport.
- Riverside and the Night Bazaar: big hotels along the Ping River, close to the train and bus stations.
- Mae Rim: green valley resorts about 30 minutes north, for a slower stay.
Best luxury hotels in and around Chiang Mai
- Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai: pavilions and pool villas around working rice terraces in the Mae Rim valley, about 30 minutes north of the city.
- 137 Pillars House: built around the former East Borneo Company headquarters, just across the river from Warorot Market.
- Rachamankha: a Lanna-style hideaway inside the Old City walls, a few minutes on foot from Wat Phra Singh; no guests under 12.
- Anantara Chiang Mai Resort: a riverside resort on Charoen Prathet Road, a short walk from the Night Bazaar.
- Raya Heritage: a calm, craft-focused resort on the Ping River, about 20 minutes north of the center.
Four Seasons and Raya Heritage are outside town, so a private transfer from Bangkok, or a Grab from the station, is the easiest way to arrive.
Practical tips before you go
Carry small cash. Songthaew drivers, station stalls and night markets prefer baht, and few drivers can change a THB 1,000 note at 07:00.
Be careful on public Wi-Fi. Station, airport and hotel networks are open to everyone. A VPN such as ExpressVPN keeps your bookings and banking private.
Book ahead for the cool season and holidays. November to February, Loy Krathong, Songkran and every long weekend fill the sleepers and cheap flights fast.
Pack a layer. Night trains and buses are cold, and Chiang Mai mornings feel cool from December to January.
Heading somewhere else afterward? Sukhothai sits halfway between the two cities; read Ayutthaya to Sukhothai and Sukhothai to Bangkok to plan a loop.
Our Bangkok public transport guide explains the MRT ride to Bang Sue.
Tours from Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon, elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes and day trips to Chiang Rai’s White Temple are the classics.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Day train 7 takes about 10 hours 20 minutes. The overnight trains take 12 hours 35 minutes (train 9) to 13 hours 45 minutes (rapid train 109, which leaves at 14:15), and they often arrive 30 to 60 minutes late.
How much is the sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
On train 9, a second-class air-conditioned berth costs about THB 940 upper and THB 1,040 lower, and a first-class berth about THB 1,450 to 1,650. Train 13 is cheaper, from about THB 771. 12Go adds a small booking fee.
Is it better to fly or take the train to Chiang Mai?
Fly if time is short: the flight is 1 hour 15 minutes and fares start around THB 1,400 booked early. Take the sleeper if you want the experience and to save a hotel night.
Where do buses to Chiang Mai leave from in Bangkok?
Mostly from Mochit 2, the Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, about 2 km from BTS Mo Chit. Nakhonchai Air uses its own station, and a few operators pick up near Khao San Road or from hotels.
What time is the first and last bus to Chiang Mai?
The 12Go timetable lists the first coach at 06:00 and the last at 22:35. Most departures leave between 18:00 and 21:30 and arrive early the next morning.
How far is Chiang Mai from Bangkok?
About 693 km by road and 751 km by rail. The flight covers about 580 km in a straight line.
How much is a taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A pre-booked private sedan starts at THB 7,130 per vehicle on 12Go, an MPV at THB 7,705, and a 9-seat van from about THB 13,368. The trip takes about 8 to 9 hours.
How do I get from Chiang Mai station to the Old City?
The station is about 3 to 4 km east of the Old City. A shared red songthaew costs about THB 30 to 40 per person, and Grab or Bolt about THB 100 to 150.
Ready for the north?
Live seats and prices for trains, buses, flights and private cars from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: train, bus, flight and private car fares from 12Go’s and Bookaway’s live listings and the 12Go timetable; train times and berth fares from the State Railway of Thailand schedule; station, songthaew and hotel details from local travel guides and the MICHELIN Guide.
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Tim Kroeger is a luxury wellness travel specialist, founder of Universal Traveller, and creator of The Restorative Index, a performance-based framework for evaluating wellness hotels. After 15+ years across 110+ countries, he shifted from destination-chasing to travel recovery. Based in Bangkok, he reviews luxury wellness hotels and spas on tim-kroeger.com through a performance lens, combining firsthand testing with expert insights.
