Exploring Thailand: Chiang Mai To Chiang Rai By Bus

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus is a popular route for tourists and locals alike. With no railways or flight routes between these two cities, travellers must hit the road by bus, taxi, shuttle, or car. The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing as little as $6, and the journey taking around 3-4 hours.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus schedule

The journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes between three and four and a half hours by bus. The distance between the two cities is approximately 114-118 miles (180-190km). There are no train or flight routes between the two cities.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Bus

The bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is the cheapest way to travel between the two cities, with tickets costing between $6 and $13.30. The journey takes approximately three and a half hours, including transfers, and buses depart hourly. The first bus leaves at 7 am, and the last bus is at 6 pm.

Buses are operated by Greenbus Thailand and depart from Chiang Mai station, arriving at Chiang Rai station. At Chiang Rai, the bus stops at both Terminal 1 in the north of the city and Terminal 2 in the south.

Buying Tickets

You can buy tickets at the station from an English-speaking attendant. Tickets can also be purchased online. It is not necessary to book in advance unless you are travelling during busy holiday periods in Thailand. In this case, it is recommended that you buy your ticket the day before departure.

On the Bus

Buses are air-conditioned and fairly comfortable, with narrow overhead storage and room for larger luggage underneath. Seats are assigned at the time of booking. The first-class buses have onboard toilets; otherwise, there is a 10-minute stop for a toilet break.

Chiang Rai bus terminals

Chiang Rai is the northernmost major city in Thailand, with a population of about 200,000 people. The city has two bus terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, located in the north and south of the city, respectively. When travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus, you will arrive at both of these terminals. If you wish to go directly to the famous White Temple, you can stay on the bus until the second stop at Terminal 1, located in the centre of town.

Chiang Rai's Terminal 1 is situated in the northern part of the city. If you accidentally get off at the first stop, Terminal 2, you can take a minibus or songthaew (a pickup truck taxi) to reach Terminal 1. These options are affordable, costing less than $1, and the journey between the two terminals takes around 15 minutes.

Chiang Rai's Terminal 2 is located in the southern part of the city. This terminal is a convenient arrival point if you plan to explore the southern part of Chiang Rai first or if you are connecting to another destination south of the city.

Both terminals are served by various bus companies, including GreenBus, which is one of the most popular choices for this route. GreenBus offers comfortable and fairly clean buses with air conditioning, narrow overhead storage, and space beneath the bus for larger luggage. They also provide assigned seating, so if you are travelling with a companion, be sure to book your tickets together.

In addition to GreenBus, several other bus companies operate between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, such as Kim Transfers Thailand, Firstplan Transport Services, and GB Limousine. These companies provide different classes of buses, including VIP and Express options, with varying levels of comfort and amenities.

When planning your bus trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, it is recommended to book your ticket in advance, especially during busy holiday times in Thailand. However, if you are travelling during off-peak periods, you can usually purchase your ticket at the station a day before your departure. Buses depart hourly, and the journey typically takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Chiang Mai bus terminals

Chiang Mai has several bus terminals, each serving different destinations. Here is a detailed overview of the main bus terminals in Chiang Mai:

Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal

The Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal is located northeast of the city centre. It is easily accessible by songthaew or tuk-tuk. This terminal provides bus services to various destinations within Thailand, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Phuket. From here, you can also catch a bus to Chiang Rai, which takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes. The Arcade Bus Terminal is the departure point for long-distance bus journeys, and it offers a range of amenities to travellers.

Chang Puak Terminal

The Chang Puak Terminal is situated north of the Chiang Puak Gate and offers local bus services within Chiang Mai Province. This terminal primarily caters to travellers heading to destinations within the province and the surrounding areas. It is a convenient option for those looking to explore nearby towns and attractions without venturing too far from Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Station

Chiang Mai Station is the departure point for buses operated by Greenbus Thailand, one of the popular bus companies serving the route to Chiang Rai. This station is located within the city, and it is from here that you can catch a direct bus to Chiang Rai. Greenbus Thailand buses depart hourly, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Other Bus Stops

In addition to the main terminals, there are other bus stops and pick-up points scattered throughout Chiang Mai. These may be smaller stops or locations where private shuttle services operate. It is always a good idea to confirm the exact departure point when booking your bus ticket to ensure you don't miss your ride.

When travelling by bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, it is important to note that the journey time can vary depending on traffic conditions. The distance between the two cities is approximately 114 miles (183 kilometres), and the journey typically takes between 3 and 4 hours.

Chiang Mai's bus terminals provide a range of facilities and services to travellers, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Remember to plan your journey in advance, especially during busy holiday periods, to secure your preferred departure time and avoid any last-minute rushes.

Chiang Rai bus companies

Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost city, is approximately 114-118 miles (180-190km) from Chiang Mai. The bus ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the traffic and time of departure. The best way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by bus or car, as there are no railways or flight routes between these two cities.

There are several Chiang Rai bus companies to choose from, offering a range of prices and amenities. Here is some information about four of them:

• Greenbus Thailand: This is the most popular bus company for this route, with buses departing hourly. Tickets cost $6–$12, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. The buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, with narrow overhead storage and room for larger luggage underneath. They also offer VIP buses with more amenities, such as squat toilets and better seats.
• Kim Transfers Thailand: This company offers a range of transportation services, including VIP buses. While they do not seem to have a set schedule, their buses are comfortable and clean, and the drivers are friendly and helpful.
• BangkokTaxi24: While not a bus company, this taxi service is mentioned as an option for those seeking a quicker trip. A taxi ride between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai will cost approximately USD 104.39 to USD 489.32.
• Firstplan Transport Services: Another option for those seeking a quicker trip, this company offers private transfers that take approximately 3 hours and cost around USD 118.

Chiang Rai bus reviews

GreenBus

"A great experience from start to finish. The driver was chatty, kind and helpful. We were provided with cookies and water and the bus was comfortable and clean."

"Easy to find, no problem with the bus departure. All the information sent by email was clear and complete."

"On time and smiling people, good experience."

"Okay, the seats were rather narrow (I'm average built) and the bus was quite old."

"2 hours delay. Everything else was good."

"The bus was on time and quite clean. The air conditioning was okay. Very nice seats. Would recommend."

"The air conditioning was too cold."

Kim Transfers Thailand Economy 3pax

"Got to the terminal for 6pm to be told the bus had already left."

Firstplan Transport Services

"The most popular transport from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai."

In Summary

The bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including transfers, and costs around $6 to $12. Buses depart hourly and arrive at Chiang Rai station.

The fastest way to get to Chiang Rai is by private transfer, which takes 3 hours and costs $118. However, the cheapest option is the bus.

There is no railway or flight route between the two cities.

Frequently asked questions