- 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.
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bangkok to Chiang Mai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £10 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £10, while a flight costs an average of £41.
Distance: 583 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£10 Average Price Cheapest | £17 Average Price | £41 Average Price | £67 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 30m Average total duration 13h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 23m Average total duration 9h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 24m Average total duration Fastest 4h 24m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bangkok to Chiang Mai:
A train is £6 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costing on average £17.
A train is £30 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costing on average £41.
Other travel options to Chiang Mai take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 53m.
Train takes on average 13h 0m.
Tickets start at around £10 compared to roughly £67 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £57. The journey takes 13h 0m versus 8h 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Thailand Railways.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare coach, train 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.
Trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai run on average 4 times per day, taking around 13h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 15:30. The fastest train covers the 583 km distance in 13h 10m.
Distance 583 km |
Average train duration 13h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 13h 10m |
First train 7:15 |
Last train 15:30 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Chiang Mai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Mai trip today.
Excellent overview of Chiang Mai and Lanna history, culture and archaeology inside a well-organised city museum near the Three Kings Monument.
Former district court turned museum displaying traditional houses, textiles and everyday Lanna culture. Compact, informative and often quieter than bigger sites.
Modern museum presenting Chiang Mai's craft heritage, design traditions and changing urban identity through engaging exhibitions in a restored building.
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.
Riverside creative district with craft shops, galleries and heritage buildings. Popular for a slower local stroll away from the busiest old city streets.
Large public park with a lake, shady paths and mountain views. Good for relaxed walks, casual exercise and a break from urban sightseeing.
Northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles, coconut broth and usually chicken or beef. A signature Chiang Mai dish with rich, layered flavour.
Northern Thai herb-packed pork sausage, grilled and fragrant with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf and chilli. A classic local street food and market favourite.
Slow-cooked pork belly curry with ginger, tamarind and garlic. This Northern speciality reflects old regional cooking and is often served at family meals.
Casual old-town restaurant known for dependable Northern Thai classics, especially khao soi, in a relaxed traditional setting.
Established riverside restaurant serving Lanna dishes, grilled meats and classic Thai fare in a spacious garden atmosphere.
Popular local spot for hearty khao soi and other Northern noodles, with a simple atmosphere and consistently strong reputation.
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.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chiang Mai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains use the Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Chiang Mai station pair. Use this guide to compare Bangkok and Chiang Mai train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Chiang Mai has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Mai: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need