Bangkok to Chiang Rai bus with Bangkok Bus Lines

Mon 02 Nov
+ Add return
Bangkok Bus Lines
Cherdchai Tour
Kasemthara Tour
Nakhonchaiair
Thaibus Tour
2,000+ travel companies
Bangkok Bus Lines
Cherdchai Tour
Kasemthara Tour
Nakhonchaiair
Thaibus Tour
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
Cheapest price on 02 Nov
£19
Average ticket price on 02 Nov
£22
Fastest journey on 02 Nov
11 h
Average journey duration on 02 Nov
11 h 44 m
Buses on 02 Nov
9
Distance
688 km
Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.

Fast coaches

On Mon 02 Nov, we found 9 buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, including 9 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 688 km distance in an average of 11 h 44 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h .

The slowest buses will take 12 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Cherdchai Tour
    0 changes
  • Thaibus Tour
    0 changes
  • Bangkok Bus Lines
    0 changes
  • Kasemthara Tour90-9
    0 changes
  • Budsarakham
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

ThailandThailand
ThailandThailand
Icon of bus

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai run on average 11 times per day, taking around 12h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.

There are 11 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 09:30, the last at 20:30. The fastest coach covers the 688 km distance in 11h 0m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
688 km
Average bus duration
12h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Buses per day
11
Direct buses
11
Fastest bus
11h 0m
First bus
9:30
Last bus
20:30
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
49 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Frequently asked questions about your Bangkok to Chiang Rai trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

Cheap coach tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Rai can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bangkok to Chiang Rai is £20; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai leaves at 9:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai leaves at 20:30.
Yes, there are 11 direct coaches a day from Bangkok to Chiang Rai with Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Kasemthara Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Budsarakham, Tara Tour & Travel. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.

Live departures

Bangkok to Chiang Rai bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bangkok to Chiang Rai coaches for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Tara Tour & TravelTARA TOUR & TRAVEL16:00 Bangkok, Samsen Rd (Tara Tour Office)
14h05
6:05 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 20 changesdirect
Thaibus Tour16:30 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
12h40
5:10 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 20 changesdirect
Budsarakham17:00 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
12h20
5:20 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 20 changesdirect
Thaibus Tour18:00 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
11h00
5:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 20 changesdirect
Budsarakham19:40 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
12h20
8:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 20 changesdirect
Bangkok Bus Lines20:30 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
11h00
7:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 20 changesdirect
Monday 2 November
Bangkok Bus Lines9:30 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
12h40
22:10 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 20 changesdirect
Bangkok Bus Lines12:30 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
12h40
1:10 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 20 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Bangkok to Chiang Rai coaches with Omio?

Bangkok Bus Lines as well as Cherdchai Tour, Kasemthara Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour and more offer coaches services from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Bangkok Bus Lines tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Bangkok Bus Lines?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Bangkok Bus Lines, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cherdchai Tour, Kasemthara Tour, Nakhonchaiair or Thaibus Tour to find the best option for your trip from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Bangkok Bus Lines with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?

  • Official reseller: Bangkok Bus Lines tickets can only be bought on Omio or Bangkok Bus Lines's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Bangkok Bus Lines tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell Bangkok Bus Lines tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

Bus providers: Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Budsarakham, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Kasemthara Tour, Tara Tour & Travel from Bangkok to Chiang RaiYou can travel by bus between Bangkok to Chiang Rai with Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Budsarakham, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Kasemthara Tour, Tara Tour & Travel for as low as £17. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Budsarakham

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Budsarakham Duration
12h 20m
Cheapest Budsarakham Price
£19
Budsarakham frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage per passenger
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs

Bangkok Bus Lines

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Bangkok Bus Lines Duration
11h 0m
Cheapest Bangkok Bus Lines Price
£18
Bangkok Bus Lines frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
Additional luggage
Additional luggage charged per kg
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Toilets
USB plugs

Thaibus Tour

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thaibus Tour Duration
11h 0m
Cheapest Thaibus Tour Price
£17
Thaibus Tour frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
Additional luggage
Additional luggage charged per kg
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Toilets
USB plugs

Tara Tour & Travel

About
Established in Indonesia, offers a variety of coach options including sleeper coaches, express buses, ordinary buses, second class buses, first class buses, and VIP options. Operating from Morning market Vientiane. Luggage is included with no additional luggage allowed. Free onboard WiFi and USB plugs are available. Pets and bikes are not permitted. Food is offered onboard, with seat reservations and bathrooms available for passenger convenience.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Tara Tour & Travel Duration
14h 5m
Cheapest Tara Tour & Travel Price
£30
Tara Tour & Travel frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
No specific luggage size and type information provided.
Amenities on board the bus
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets

Cherdchai Tour

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cherdchai Tour Duration
12h 0m
Cheapest Cherdchai Tour Price
£17
Cherdchai Tour frequency
2 a day

Nakhonchaiair

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Nakhonchaiair Duration
11h 49m
Cheapest Nakhonchaiair Price
£21
Nakhonchaiair frequency
2 a day

Kasemthara Tour

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Kasemthara Tour Duration
12h 0m
Cheapest Kasemthara Tour Price
£18
Kasemthara Tour frequency
1 a day

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bangkok and Chiang Rai

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, you can count on Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Kasemthara Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Budsarakham, Tara Tour & Travel for the best way to get you to Chiang Rai. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bangkok and Chiang Rai and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai:
  • Bangkok Bus Lines
    • Wheelchair accessible buses available on select routes
  • Thaibus Tour
    • Wheelchair accessible buses available on select routes
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai for coach company Bangkok Bus Lines, Thaibus Tour, Budsarakham, Tara Tour & Travel.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai:
  • Bangkok Bus Lines
    • One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
  • Thaibus Tour
    • One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
  • Budsarakham
    • One piece of luggage per passenger
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai:
  • Bangkok Bus Lines
    • Additional luggage charged per kg
  • Thaibus Tour
    • Additional luggage charged per kg
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai with the following coach company: Budsarakham, Tara Tour & Travel
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai with the following coach company: Bangkok Bus Lines, Thaibus Tour, Budsarakham.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bangkok to Chiang Rai with the following coach company: Bangkok Bus Lines, Thaibus Tour, Budsarakham.

Complete guide to Chiang Rai

Things to do in Chiang Rai

Discover the best of Chiang Rai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Rai trip today.

  • Must visit

Baan Dam Museum

Private art museum with dark, thought-provoking buildings by Thawan Duchanee. It offers a very different visual experience from Chiang Rai’s temples.

  • Recommended

Oub Kham Museum

Museum and art house by Chalermchai Kositpipat displaying paintings, Buddhist art, and personal collections connected with the White Temple artist.

  • Recommended

House of Opium

Community museum focused on the Hall of Opium story and nearby Golden Triangle history. Useful for understanding the region’s past and trade routes.

Thai baht (฿)

Budget-friendly for Thailand: guesthouses, street food and local transport are cheap, while hotels and tourist dining still cost less than in Bangkok or Phuket.

Average meal costs

Budget
฿50-120 for street food or simple local meals.
Mid-range
฿150-350 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
฿800+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
฿50-90 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is not obligatory. Round up or leave ฿20-50 in restaurants and cafés for good service. Taxis usually do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

Why book with Omio

Omio simplifies your travel planning across Southeast Asia by bringing together over 1,000 trusted travel companies on one comprehensive platform. Whether you're booking local trains, long-distance buses, or ferry tickets, Omio lets you compare options, prices, and schedules instantly to find the perfect journey for your needs. With convenient mobile tickets delivered straight to your phone and real-time travel updates keeping you informed every step of the way, you can travel with confidence knowing that dedicated customer support is always available when you need it. From discovering trending destinations to seamlessly connecting different modes of transport, Omio transforms complex multi-leg journeys into simple, stress-free bookings that let you focus on exploring incredible destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Pros and cons of taking bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Pros: Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai offer considerable cost savings compared to flights, with tickets ranging from 500-900 THB. The journey provides scenic views of Thailand's countryside with minimal luggage restrictions. Higher-end services feature amenities such as reclining seats, onboard toilets, refreshments, and WiFi. Buses typically depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and arrive at Chiang Rai's central bus station, requiring minimal additional transfers to city centers.

Cons: The journey takes approximately 12-14 hours, significantly longer than a 1.5-hour flight. Overnight buses, while saving on accommodation, may reduce sleep quality. Delays are common due to traffic congestion leaving Bangkok and mountainous terrain approaching Chiang Rai. During peak holiday periods, advanced booking is essential as services can fill quickly. The final buses typically depart by early evening, limiting flexibility for late departures.

Things to do in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai captivates visitors with its unique blend of contemporary art, ancient temples, and cultural diversity in northern Thailand. The iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) showcases stunning modern Buddhist architecture with intricate mirror work and surreal designs. The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) offers equally mesmerizing azure interiors and golden Buddha statues. Travelers can explore the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge along the Mekong River, and visit local hill tribe villages to experience traditional cultures. The vibrant Saturday Night Walking Street provides excellent shopping for handicrafts and street food. Adventure seekers can enjoy hot springs, tea plantations, and the mysterious Black House Museum showcasing dark art collections.

FAQs: Bangkok to Chiang Rai coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chiang Rai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bangkok and Chiang Rai including taking a coach and flight.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bangkok and Chiang Rai

Most Bangkok to Chiang Rai buses use the Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 station pair, with some services arriving at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai. Use this guide to compare Bangkok and Chiang Rai bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Bangkok
Arrival bus stations in Chiang Rai

Which Bangkok station do buses to Chiang Rai leave from?

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai leave from Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal. The station is 8 km from Bangkok city centre at Mo Chit Bus Terminal, 999 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus TerminalMo Chit Bus Terminal, 999 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand+66 64 806 0265WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal from Bangkok city centre

Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal is 8 km from Bangkok city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus509 Inbound · 37m · £1 · every ~6 min
2-37 · 1h 1m · £1 · every ~8 min

Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal bus station facilities and services

Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Food court and various food stalls available inside terminal

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.

Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San RoadChakrabongse Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, ThailandWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road from Bangkok city centre

BusA4, S1, 4-2 · 9m · £1 · every ~24 min

Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road bus station facilities and services

Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Street food vendors and local restaurants nearby

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free public Wi-Fi. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks nearby.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road: Basic ramps available.

Bus stations for Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Check bus stations information for Bangkok and Chiang Rai, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.

When departing from Bangkok , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal, Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road . When arriving in Chiang Rai , you can end your route in coach stations like Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal, which is located around 8 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, located 6 away from the city centre.

More options for your journey from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular bus connections

HomeCoachesBuses in ThailandBangkok to Chiang Rai bus

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