The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Cheapest price
£8
Average price
£10
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
153 km
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 £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £8.
Of the 16 buses that leave Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai every day 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 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 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.
16618:003h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 121:45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
16616:003h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 119:45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
16616:303h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 120:15Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
1668:303h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 112:15Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
16615:003h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 118:45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£81One-way0 changes
16617:153h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 120:35Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£131One-way0 changes
16618:303h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 121:50Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£131One-way0 changes
16614:303h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 117:50Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£131One-way0 changes
16613:003h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 116:20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£131One-way0 changes
16614:003h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 117:20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3£131One-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 prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 3h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a flight costs an average of £54.
Distance: 153 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £124 Average Price |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 32m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai coaches for today, Saturday 25 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
166 | 15:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 18:45 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 15:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 18:50 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 | 16:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 20:15 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 17:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 20:20 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 | |
| Sunday 26 July | |||||
166 | 8:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 12:15 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 9:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 12:45 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 12:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 15:45 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 12:15 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 16:00 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 12:45 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 16:30 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 13:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 16:20 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 | 14:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 17:20 Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
26 Jul
27 Jul
28 Jul
29 Jul
30 Jul
31 Jul
01 Aug
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
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 20m.
Distance 153 km |
Average bus duration 3h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 6:00 |
Last bus 19:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Greenbus Thailand
Sombat Tour
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.

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.
Which Chiang Rai station do buses to Chiang Mai leave from?
Getting to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 from Chiang Rai city centre
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.
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:
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?
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:
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.
More options for your journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
