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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
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 22 m
Buses on 10 Sept
11
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Rai to Chiang Mai, including 11 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 3 h 22 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 30 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.
166110:253h30Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 113:55Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes- 1668:303h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 112:15Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
- 16616:003h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 119:45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
- 16613:303h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 117:15Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
- 16618:003h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 121:45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
- 16618:303h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 121:50Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£111One-way0 changes
- 16610:003h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 113:20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£111One-way0 changes
- 1668:003h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 111:20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£111One-way0 changes
- 16612:303h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 115:50Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£111One-way0 changes
- 166110:253h30Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 113:55Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 18m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a flight costs an average of £101.
Distance: 153 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£8 Average Price Cheapest | £101 Average Price | £17 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 50m Average total duration 7h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is a coach with an average price of £8.
This is compared to other travel options from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai:
A coach is £93 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai costing on average £101.
The fastest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is by coach with an average journey time of 3h 48m.
Other travel options to Chiang Mai take longer:
Flight takes on average 7h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai 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 48m versus 3h 25m 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 Rai to Chiang Mai bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 166 | 12:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 15:45 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 12:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 15:50 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 13:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 17:15 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 16:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 19:45 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 18:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 21:45 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 18:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 21:50 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 10 September | |||||
| 166 | 7:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 11:15 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 8:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 11:20 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
| 166 | 8:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 12:15 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Rai to Chiang Mai
ThailandThailand
Buses from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
There are 13 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 45m.
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 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 6:00 |
Last bus 19:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 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, Sombat Tour from Chiang Rai to Chiang MaiYou can travel by bus between Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand, Sombat Tour for as low as £7. 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
9 a day
Sombat Tour
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Sombat Tour Duration
15h 55m
Cheapest Sombat Tour Price
£14
Sombat Tour frequency
1 a day
Bus providers: Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand, Sombat Tour from Chiang Rai to Chiang MaiYou can travel by bus between Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand, Sombat Tour for as low as £7. 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
9 a day
Sombat Tour
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Sombat Tour Duration
15h 55m
Cheapest Sombat Tour Price
£14
Sombat Tour frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Chiang Mai
Things to do in Chiang Mai
Discover the best of Chiang Mai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Mai trip today.
- Recommended
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Excellent overview of Chiang Mai and Lanna history, culture and archaeology inside a well-organised city museum near the Three Kings Monument.
- Recommended
Lanna Folklife Museum
Former district court turned museum displaying traditional houses, textiles and everyday Lanna culture. Compact, informative and often quieter than bigger sites.
- Recommended
MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum
Modern museum presenting Chiang Mai's craft heritage, design traditions and changing urban identity through engaging exhibitions in a restored building.
- Must visit
Chiang Mai Old City
Historic centre enclosed by remnants of walls and moat, filled with temples, lanes and small shops. Ideal for walking and absorbing Chiang Mai's character.
- Recommended
Charoenrat Road, Wat Ket
Riverside creative district with craft shops, galleries and heritage buildings. Popular for a slower local stroll away from the busiest old city streets.
- Recommended
Nong Buak Haad Public Park
Large public park with a lake, shady paths and mountain views. Good for relaxed walks, casual exercise and a break from urban sightseeing.
Khao Soi
Northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles, coconut broth and usually chicken or beef. A signature Chiang Mai dish with rich, layered flavour.
- Gluten-free
Sai Ua
Northern Thai herb-packed pork sausage, grilled and fragrant with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf and chilli. A classic local street food and market favourite.
- Gluten-free
Gaeng Hang Lay
Slow-cooked pork belly curry with ginger, tamarind and garlic. This Northern speciality reflects old regional cooking and is often served at family meals.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
Casual old-town restaurant known for dependable Northern Thai classics, especially khao soi, in a relaxed traditional setting.
The Riverside Bar & Restaurant
Established riverside restaurant serving Lanna dishes, grilled meats and classic Thai fare in a spacious garden atmosphere.
Khao Soi Mae Sai
Popular local spot for hearty khao soi and other Northern noodles, with a simple atmosphere and consistently strong reputation.
Thai baht (฿)
Chiang Mai is budget-friendly for travellers, with low-cost stays, cheap street food and inexpensive local transport compared with many major tourist cities in Asia.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- ฿50-120 for street food or simple local meals.
- Mid-range
- ฿200-500 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- ฿800+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- ฿50-90 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up is common. In restaurants, leave 5-10% for good service if no service charge. Taxi fares can be rounded up, and small tips in cafes are appreciated.
Sawasdee by AOT
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- ฿40
- Day pass
- /** null **/
To the city centre
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 -> Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai
- Distance
- 4 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Airport Shuttle Bus A1 and A2 are listed at ฿40 per trip from Chiang Mai Airport on the official airport page; A3 is ฿60.
- Chiang Mai Airport officially lists taxi meter and Grab pick-up points. Contactless bank card acceptance is not stated on the official transport pages, so expect cash.
FAQs: Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Mai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai can start from as little as £7 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Rai to Chiang Mai is 3h 45m 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 Rai to Chiang Mai leaves at 6:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai leaves at 19:00.
Yes, there are 13 direct coaches a day from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, you can count on Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand, Sombat Tour for the best way to get you to Chiang Mai. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Chiang Rai , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, Ban Mai, AH2 / Highway 118 (Mae Suai), Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 . When arriving in Chiang Mai , you can end your route in coach stations like Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3, located 3 away from the city centre.
A trip to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai including taking a coach and flight.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
No, the coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
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 Rai to Chiang Mai.
No, luggage for the coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
Most Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai buses use the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 station pair. Use this guide to compare Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Chiang Rai
Arrival bus stations in Chiang Mai
Which Chiang Rai station do buses to Chiang Mai leave from?
Buses from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai leave from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1. The station is from Chiang Rai city centre at 773 Pahonyothin Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand.
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.
Which Chiang Mai station do buses from Chiang Rai arrive at?
Buses from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is 4 km from Chiang Mai city centre.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Chiang Rai
More options for your journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Most popular bus connections
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