Bangkok to Chiang Mai: The Best Ways to Travel

Bangkok to Chiang Mai: The Best Ways to Travel Guide | Updated 2026-03-27

Overview Bangkok and Chiang Mai are roughly 700 km apart. You can get between them by plane, train, bus, or car. Each option trades off time, comfort, cost, and experience. This guide compares the choices and helps you pick the best one for your budget, schedule, and travel style.

Quick comparison

• Fastest: Flight (about 1 hour 15 minutes in the air; 3–4 hours door to door)
• Most comfortable overnight: Night train sleeper
• Cheapest typical cash outlay: Bus (especially standard or VIP 32-seat)
• Most scenic/relaxed by day: Day train
• Most flexible for stops: Self-drive car
• Lowest carbon impact: Train

Flying (Bangkok BKK/DMK to Chiang Mai CNX)

• Duration: 1h10–1h25 flight time; plan 3–4 hours total including airport transfers and check-in.
• Airports:
  • Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK)
  • Chiang Mai: CNX (10–15 minutes to Old City by taxi or rideshare)
• Airlines: Carriers typically include Thai Airways and low-cost airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai VietJet (lineups can change; check current schedules).
• Frequency: Very frequent daily flights from early morning to late evening.
• Price range (one-way, typical):
  • Low-cost carriers: about 800–2,000 THB base fare, plus fees for baggage/seat selection.
  • Full-service: about 1,500–3,500 THB with luggage and refreshments included.
• Pros:
  • Fastest; easy to find seats outside peak holidays.
  • Frequent departures give flexibility.
• Cons:
  • Airport time reduces some speed advantage.
  • Extra fees on low-cost carriers for checked bags.
  • Highest emissions per passenger.
• Booking tips:
  • Book 2–6 weeks ahead for cheaper fares; longer for peak periods (New Year, Songkran in April, and Loy Krathong/Yi Peng in Nov).
  • Check both BKK and DMK; total trip time to your Bangkok origin may favor one.

Night train (sleeper) with State Railway of Thailand (SRT)

• Route: Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (main long-distance hub) to Chiang Mai.
• Duration: About 10–13 hours depending on the train.
• Classes:
  • 1st class sleeper: Private 2-berth cabins (some single cabins on select carriages), air-conditioned, lockable door, attendant call button.
  • 2nd class sleeper A/C: Open-plan berths with curtains (upper and lower). Lower berths are wider and usually a bit more expensive.
  • Seated cars exist on some services but are not recommended for an overnight this long unless on a tight budget.
• Price range (one-way, typical):
  • 2nd class sleeper A/C: roughly 800–1,300 THB (upper lower vary).
  • 1st class sleeper: roughly 1,700–2,400 THB per person in a 2-berth cabin.
• Pros:
  • Sleep while you travel; arrive rested and central.
  • Classic experience with dining car on some services.
  • Lower emissions than flying.
• Cons:
  • Popular berths (especially 1st class and lower 2nd class) sell out early.
  • Motion and station stops can lightly disturb sleep; bring earplugs/eye mask.
• Booking:
  • Official: SRT D-Ticket website/app (account required), major stations, or authorized agents.
  • Booking window typically opens about 30 days in advance and can change—buy as early as possible for peak dates.
• Tips:
  • Choose lower berths for a wider bed and less sway.
  • Bring a light sweater; A/C can be cool.
  • Keep valuables on you; larger bags stow at one end of the carriage.

Day train (scenic)

• Duration: Typically 10–11 hours in daytime.
• Experience: Mountain and countryside views north of Nakhon Sawan and around Khun Tan Pass; more relaxed than bus, with freedom to move around.
• Seating: Reserved, usually A/C; some services have a simple dining/buffet car or seat delivery.
• Price: Often 500–1,000 THB depending on train and class.
• Best for: Travelers who enjoy the journey and don’t mind a full day in transit.

Buses (overnight and day)

• Terminals:
  • Bangkok departures mainly from Mo Chit (Chatuchak) Bus Terminal and operator-owned terminals (e.g., Nakhonchai Air, Sombat Tour).
  • Chiang Mai arrivals at Arcade Bus Terminal (east of the Old City).
• Duration: About 9–11 hours, commonly overnight.
• Classes:
  • Standard/First Class: 2+2 seating, A/C.
  • VIP 32-seat: Fewer seats per bus, extra legroom.
  • VIP 24-seat and “Super VIP”/“Gold Class”: Very spacious, footrests, sometimes personal screens; onboard restroom on many long-haul buses.
• Price range (one-way, typical): About 500–1,200 THB depending on class and operator.
• Pros:
  • Good value; many departures.
  • Overnight saves a hotel night and arrives early.
• Cons:
  • Sleep quality varies; occasional cold A/C.
  • Service levels differ by operator; rest stops can be long.
• Booking:
  • Buy at terminals, operator websites/offices, or reputable booking platforms.
  • For holidays and weekends, book at least several days ahead.
• Safety and comfort tips:
  • Choose reputable operators; VIP classes are typically more comfortable and safer.
  • Buckle up—many buses have seatbelts.
  • Keep valuables with you; do not leave them in the luggage hold.
  • Be cautious with informal “tourist buses” sold curbside; use established companies and official terminals.

Driving yourself (car rental or private car)

• Distance and time: Approximately 680–720 km depending on route; about 8–10 hours of driving without major delays.
• Main routes:
  • Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Rd) to Highway 11 via Nakhon Sawan–Tak–Lampang–Chiang Mai.
  • Scenic detours via Sukhothai Historical Park or Lampang.
• Road conditions: Dual carriageways most of the way; mountain sections near Lampang/Chiang Mai are well-maintained but can be wet in rainy season.
• Costs (very rough): Fuel for a compact car about 2,000–3,000 THB one-way; tolls mainly around Bangkok exits/expressways; most northern highways are toll-free.
• Pros:
  • Maximum flexibility for stops and detours.
  • Great for visiting Ayutthaya, Lopburi (monkeys), Sukhothai, and Lampang.
• Cons:
  • Fatigue on long drives; night driving not advised due to visibility and occasional livestock/stray animals.
  • City traffic leaving Bangkok can be heavy; parking in Chiang Mai Old City is limited.
• Requirements:
  • Carry your passport, home-country license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Thai or English.
  • Mandatory insurance; check rental excess and cross-province policy.
• Private transfers:
  • Comfortable sedans/vans with driver can be arranged; expect roughly 10,000–18,000 THB one-way depending on vehicle size and inclusions.
  • Best for groups, families with lots of luggage, or mobility needs.

Which option is best for you?

• Short on time: Fly. It’s the only practical way for a same-day morning departure and lunchtime arrival.
• Value + comfort overnight: Night train 2nd class sleeper (lower berth if available).
• Maximum comfort overnight: Night train 1st class sleeper or a reputable VIP 24/32-seat bus.
• Daytime scenic journey: Day train.
• With lots of luggage or gear: Train (generous luggage) or private transfer; low-cost flights can get expensive with multiple checked bags.
• Traveling during peak festivals: Book any option early; night trains and VIP buses sell out first, then flights.
• Eco-minded: Prefer train over plane. If you must fly, choose nonstop flights and lighter baggage.

Getting to and from stations and terminals

• Bangkok:
  • Krung Thep Aphiwat (train): Connected by MRT Blue Line (Bang Sue). Allow extra time for large station layout.
  • Mo Chit Bus Terminal: Taxi, rideshare, or local buses; not the same as BTS Mo Chit station (short taxi ride away).
  • Airports: BKK has Airport Rail Link and taxis; DMK has commuter rail, shuttle buses, and taxis.
• Chiang Mai:
  • Airport (CNX): 10–15 minutes by taxi/rideshare to Old City; red songthaews operate fixed routes.
  • Train station: East of the Ping River near Wat Ket; 10–15 minutes by songthaew, tuk-tuk, or rideshare to Old City.
  • Arcade Bus Terminal: 10–15 minutes by songthaew or rideshare.

Booking windows and how to buy

• Flights: Book 2–8 weeks in advance for typical savings; earlier for November and mid-April. Watch for promo sales from low-cost carriers.
• Trains: SRT’s advance purchase window is commonly about 30 days (subject to change). Use the official D-Ticket site/app, stations, or trusted agents. Bring the same passport used to book.
• Buses: Purchase at terminals, official operator sites, or well-known aggregators. For overnight VIP services or holidays, buy several days to a week ahead.

Typical budgets (one-way, per person)

• Flight (hand luggage only on LCC): 800–2,000 THB; with 20 kg bag, add 300–600 THB.
• Night train 2nd class sleeper A/C: 800–1,300 THB (lower berth pricier than upper).
• Night train 1st class sleeper: 1,700–2,400 THB.
• Bus (standard/VIP): 500–1,200 THB.
• Private transfer (shared cost across group): 10,000–18,000 THB per vehicle.

Packing and comfort tips

• Night travel: Eye mask, earplugs, light sweater; keep valuables on your person.
• Trains: Lower berth is wider; bring small locks for bags if you want extra peace of mind.
• Buses: Dress in layers; A/C can be cold. Carry snacks and water; rest stops vary.
• Flights: Verify baggage allowances—LCCs are strict on weight and size.

Environmental note (approximate, for context)

• Nonstop flight: Roughly 100–150 kg CO2e per passenger one-way, depending on aircraft and load.
• Train: Often 15–30 kg CO2e per passenger one-way.
• If reducing emissions is a priority, choose train over plane, or offset where meaningful.

Sample plans

• Fast and easy weekend: Fly up Friday evening, fly back Sunday night.
• Comfortable overnight without flying: Night train 2nd class lower berth to Chiang Mai, day train back for scenery.
• Flexible road trip: Drive Bangkok → Ayutthaya → Sukhothai (overnight) → Lampang (lunch) → Chiang Mai.

Key dates to book early

• New Year (late Dec–early Jan)
• Chinese New Year (varies)
• Songkran (mid-April, nationwide)
• Loy Krathong/Yi Peng in Chiang Mai (usually November)
• Long weekends and school holidays

Bottom line

• Choose flights if speed matters most or you find a good fare.
• Choose the night train for the classic, comfortable, and lower-carbon journey.
• Choose a VIP bus for budget-friendly overnight travel with decent comfort.
• Choose to drive (or hire a private transfer) for maximum flexibility and countryside stops.

Prices, schedules, and policies change. Confirm details close to your travel date and book early for peak seasons. Safe travels from Bangkok to Chiang Mai!