Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Currently, there are no intercity buses available for the Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai route. However, we recommend checking departures from larger nearby cities to help you reach your destination.


  Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus Timetable


Traveling by bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

The travel distance between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai is 215 km, which equals the travel time of 04:11h.

Bus companies

As we do not have any bus companies operating the route of Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, below you will find a list of the most popular bus companies within Thailand.

GreenBus
8.9
Sawasdee All Thai
No reviews yet
Hotspring Van Transport
No reviews yet
Aya Service
No reviews yet
Sawasdee Surin
No reviews yet
HiLipe
No reviews yet

Departure and arrival stations

If you're wanting more detailed information about either Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, including general information, station and stop information and other popular routes, you can follow the links below.
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  Chiang Rai

You can see information about the departure station and stops Chiang Rai here

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  Chiang Mai

You can see information about the arrival station and stops Chiang Mai here



  Bus Terminal 1 and Mae Sai Bus Terminal

Bus Terminal 1, also known as the Old Bus Station, is centrally located in Chiang Rai, is a departure point for travelers heading to various destinations, including Chiang Mai. It primarily serves local and regional routes, with several daily departures to major cities in northern Thailand. The terminal is relatively small but well-organized, offering basic amenities such as ticket counters, restrooms, and food stalls. 

On the other hand, Mae Sai Bus Terminal is located further north near the border with Myanmar and is less commonly used for trips to Chiang Mai. It mainly caters to routes serving the northernmost regions and cross-border travel. 

While both terminals provide bus services to Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 1 is the more popular and accessible choice for most travelers.


Trip reviews from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

4 like-minded travellers have taken the time to leave their thoughts and review their trip from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. The average rating based on recent reviews is 8.8. You can read a few of the user submitted reviews for the companies operating the route below.
Read all reviews here
If you're wondering what other places you can visit when traveling from Chiang Rai, these are some of the most popular combinations that other clients have purchased their tickets for:

Other popular destinations from Chiang Mai

If you're looking for inspiration as to where to travel next once you've reached Chiang Mai, here is the list of the most popular travel combinations that our clients have previously purchased their tickets for:


Frequently Asked Questions -  Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus

Where to get bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

In Chiang Rai, you can catch a bus to Chiang Mai from either Bus Terminal 1 (Old Bus Station) or the Mae Sai Bus Terminal.

Bus Terminal 1 is located in the city center, making it the more convenient option for most travelers. Both terminals offer regular bus services to Chiang Mai, with a variety of bus types and departure times available.

How to go Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai?

If you’re traveling to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai, the most common and convenient way is by bus. You can purchase your bus ticket either at the ticket counters in the bus terminals, such as Bus Terminal 1 (Old Bus Station) in Chiang Rai, or online through various booking platforms.

Buses run frequently throughout the day, offering a range of services from standard to VIP options. 

How long is the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

The journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. The duration can vary slightly depending on the bus service, road conditions, and any stops along the way.

How long should I spend in Chiang Mai?

From our experience, spending 4 to 5 days in Chiang Mai is ideal. You can explore city’s rich cultural heritage, visit key attractions like the Old City temples, Doi Suthep, and the Night Bazaar, and also take day trips to nearby destinations such as the Elephant Nature Park or the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon.

If you have more time, a week or more would allow you to dive deeper into the local culture.

How much is the bus fare to Chiang Mai city?

Bus tickets from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai typically range from 6 to 10 euros. The exact price depends on the type of bus service you choose, with standard, VIP, and first-class options available.

Prices may also vary slightly depending on the time of year and demand.


Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus Summary

Route Overview         Key Info                                                    
Departure Station      Chiang Rai                   
Destination Station    Chiang Mai                 
Daily Departures       Over 0 bus departures, including more than 0 night buses.
Earliest Departure     %earliestDeparture% AM (arriving at %earliestDepartureArrival% AM the same day).
Latest Departure       %latestDeparture% PM (arriving at %latestDepartureArrival% AM the following day).
Travel Distance        215 km.                                     
Average Travel Time    01:00 hours                                   

You can pay your tickets using credit cards

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