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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Sept
Cheapest price on 10 Sept
£8
Average ticket price on 10 Sept
£9
Fastest journey on 10 Sept
3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 10 Sept
3 h 24 m
Buses on 10 Sept
11
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £8.
Fast coaches
On Thu 10 Sept, we found 11 buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, including 11 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 40 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.
16618:153h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 322:00Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£81One-way0 changes- 16613:303h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 317:15Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£81One-way0 changes
- 16617:003h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 320:45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£81One-way0 changes
- 1668:453h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 312:30Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£81One-way0 changes
- 16611:003h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 314:45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£81One-way0 changes
- 16618:303h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 321:50Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£111One-way0 changes
- 16614:003h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 317:20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£111One-way0 changes
- 1669:303h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 312:50Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£111One-way0 changes
- 1667:303h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 310:50Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£111One-way0 changes
- 166112:453h40Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 316:25Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1£81One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 4h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a flight costs an average of £108.
Distance: 153 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£8 Average Price Cheapest | £108 Average Price | £17 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration 2h 33m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is a coach with an average price of £8.
This is compared to other travel options from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai:
A coach is £100 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai costing on average £108.
The fastest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 33m.
Other travel options to Chiang Rai take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 37m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai including taking a coach and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £8 compared to roughly £17 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £10. The journey takes 3h 37m versus 3h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai coaches for today, Wednesday 9 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1661 | 12:45 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h40 | 16:25 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 13:30 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 17:15 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 17:00 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 20:45 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 18:15 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 22:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 18:30 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 21:50 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 7:00 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 10:45 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 7:30 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 10:50 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 8:45 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 12:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by coach or flight
Compare coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
ThailandThailand
Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 14 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 06:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest coach covers the 153 km distance in 3h 40m.
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 153 km |
Average bus duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 6:00 |
Last bus 19:00 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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
Bus providers: Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand from Chiang Mai to Chiang RaiYou can travel by bus between Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand for as low as £6. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greenbus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greenbus Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Greenbus Price
£6
Greenbus frequency
8 a day
Greenbus Thailand
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greenbus Thailand Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Greenbus Thailand Price
£14
Greenbus Thailand frequency
10 a day
Bus providers: Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand from Chiang Mai to Chiang RaiYou can travel by bus between Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand for as low as £6. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greenbus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greenbus Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Greenbus Price
£6
Greenbus frequency
8 a day
What's included in each class
Compare Greenbus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Greenbus Thailand
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greenbus Thailand Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Greenbus Thailand Price
£14
Greenbus Thailand frequency
10 a day
FAQs: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Mai 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai can start from as little as £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is £8; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is 3h 40m to travel the 153 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai leaves at 6:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai leaves at 19:00.
Yes, there are 14 direct coaches a day from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, you can count on Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand for the best way to get you to Chiang Rai. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Chiang Mai , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 . When arriving in Chiang Rai , you can end your route in coach stations like Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, Ban Mai, AH2 / Highway 118 (Mae Suai), Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3, which is located around 3 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai including taking a coach and flight.
No, the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
No, luggage for the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Most Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai buses use the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 station pair, with some services arriving at Ban Mai, AH2 / Highway 118 (Mae Suai). Use this guide to compare Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai
Arrival bus stations in Chiang Rai
Which Chiang Mai station do buses to Chiang Rai leave from?
Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai leave from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. The station is 4 km from Chiang Mai city centre at 192 Moo 10, Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, Tambon Nong Pa Khrang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand.
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3192 Moo 10, Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, Tambon Nong Pa Khrang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
City-centre transport
Getting to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 from Chiang Mai city centre
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is 3 km from Chiang Mai city centre. Public transport options include:
BusR1-Zoo · 13m · every ~6 min
R1-Zoo · 19m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
R1-Zoo · 31m · every ~6 min
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 bus station facilities and services
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 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 several local food vendors inside terminal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks available.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities.
Which Chiang Rai station do buses from Chiang Mai arrive at?
Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai most often arrive at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1. Some services arrive at Ban Mai, AH2 / Highway 118 (Mae Suai), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Chiang Rai arrival station.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1773 Pahonyothin Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
City-centre transport
Getting to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 from Chiang Rai city centre
Local buses and songthaews available
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 bus station facilities and services
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants inside and around terminal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1: Ground level access, wheelchair friendly.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2102 Moo 13, Phaholyothin Road, Robwiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
City-centre transport
Getting to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 from Chiang Rai city centre
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 is 5 km from Chiang Rai city centre. Public transport options include:
Local BusCity routes
SongthaewRed trucks
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 bus station facilities and services
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 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 several local food vendors inside terminal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks available.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2: Wheelchair ramps and assistance available.
Most popular bus connections from Chiang Mai
More options for your journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
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