4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Cheapest price
€19
Average price
€22
Fastest journey
11 h
Average duration
11 h 32 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
688 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai will cost around €22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.
Of the 13 buses that leave Bangkok for Chiang Rai on Wed, Aug 26, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 688 km distance in an average of 11 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 12 h 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.
4:30 PM12h40Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)5:10 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 2€191One-way0 transfers
7:30 PM12h00Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)7:30 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 2€191One-way0 transfers- 5:30 PM12h30Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)6:00 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 2€191One-way0 transfers
- 6:00 PM11h00Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)5:00 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 2€191One-way0 transfers
9:30 AM12h40Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)10:10 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 2€201One-way0 transfers
- 8:30 PM11h00Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)7:30 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 2€231One-way0 transfers
- 6:00 PM11h00Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)5:00 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 2€191One-way0 transfers
7:16 PM11h49Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)7:05 AMNakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai€241One-way0 transfers- 7:55 PM11h49Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)7:44 AMNakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai€241One-way0 transfers
- 7:30 PM12h00Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)7:30 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 2€191One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bangkok to Chiang Rai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a flight costs an average of €23.
Distance: 427 miles (688 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€22 Average price Cheapest | €63 Average price | €84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 43m Average total duration 12h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bangkok to Chiang Rai:
A bus is €41 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai costing on average €63.
Other travel options to Chiang Rai take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 13m.
Tickets start at around €22 compared to roughly €84 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €61. The journey takes 12h 13m versus 10h 57m 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 Cherdchai Tour, Bangkok Bus Lines, Kasemthara Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Budsarakham, Cherdchai Tour North, Bangkok Buslines, Kasemthara Tour, Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air.
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.
Bangkok to Chiang Rai Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Tara Tour & Travel | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator Thaibus Tour | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Budsarakham | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator Cherdchai Tour | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Thaibus Tour | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Kasemthara Tour | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 07:16PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 11h49 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Cherdchai Tour | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Budsarakham | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 07:44AM | Duration 11h49 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €23 |
Live departures
Bangkok to Chiang Rai bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bangkok to Chiang Rai buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h40 | 1:10 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
 TARA TOUR & TRAVEL | 4:00 PM Bangkok, Samsen Rd (Tara Tour Office) | 14h05 | 6:05 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:30 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h40 | 5:10 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
 | 5:00 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h20 | 5:20 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 957-7 | 5:30 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h30 | 6:00 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:00 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 11h00 | 5:00 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
 90-10 | 6:40 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h30 | 7:10 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:16 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 11h49 | 7:05 AM Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 909-30 | 7:30 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h00 | 7:30 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:40 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h20 | 8:00 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:55 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 11h49 | 7:44 AM Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:30 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 11h00 | 7:30 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
| 9:30 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h40 | 10:10 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bangkok to Chiang Rai by bus or flight
Compare bus 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.
Aug 26
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Why should you book Bangkok to Chiang Rai buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Cherdchai Tour?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Cherdchai Tour, but also compare tickets for the likes of Bangkok Bus Lines, Kasemthara Tour, Nakhonchaiair or Thaibus Tour to find the best option for your trip from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Cherdchai Tour with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Bangkok Bus Lines, Kasemthara Tour, Nakhonchaiair or Thaibus Tour to find the best option for your trip from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
ThailandThailand
Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai run on average 13 times per day, taking around 12h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:30, the last at 20:30. The fastest bus covers the 427 miles (688 km) distance in 11h 0m.
Distance 427 miles (688 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 11h 0m |
First bus 9:30 AM |
Last bus 8:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Bus providers: Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Budsarakham, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Kasemthara Tour, Tara Tour & Travel from Bangkok to Chiang RaiYou can travel by bus between Bangkok to Chiang Rai with Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Budsarakham, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Kasemthara Tour, Tara Tour & Travel for as low as €18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Budsarakham
Bangkok Bus Lines
Thaibus Tour
Tara Tour & Travel
Cherdchai Tour
Nakhonchaiair
Kasemthara Tour
Why book with Omio
Omio simplifies your travel planning across Southeast Asia by bringing together over 1,000 trusted travel companies on one comprehensive platform. Whether you're booking local trains, long-distance buses, or ferry tickets, Omio lets you compare options, prices, and schedules instantly to find the perfect journey for your needs. With convenient mobile tickets delivered straight to your phone and real-time travel updates keeping you informed every step of the way, you can travel with confidence knowing that dedicated customer support is always available when you need it. From discovering trending destinations to seamlessly connecting different modes of transport, Omio transforms complex multi-leg journeys into simple, stress-free bookings that let you focus on exploring incredible destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Pros and cons of taking bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Pros: Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai offer considerable cost savings compared to flights, with tickets ranging from 500-900 THB. The journey provides scenic views of Thailand's countryside with minimal luggage restrictions. Higher-end services feature amenities such as reclining seats, onboard toilets, refreshments, and WiFi. Buses typically depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and arrive at Chiang Rai's central bus station, requiring minimal additional transfers to city centers.
Cons: The journey takes approximately 12-14 hours, significantly longer than a 1.5-hour flight. Overnight buses, while saving on accommodation, may reduce sleep quality. Delays are common due to traffic congestion leaving Bangkok and mountainous terrain approaching Chiang Rai. During peak holiday periods, advanced booking is essential as services can fill quickly. The final buses typically depart by early evening, limiting flexibility for late departures.
Things to do in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai captivates visitors with its unique blend of contemporary art, ancient temples, and cultural diversity in northern Thailand. The iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) showcases stunning modern Buddhist architecture with intricate mirror work and surreal designs. The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) offers equally mesmerizing azure interiors and golden Buddha statues. Travelers can explore the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge along the Mekong River, and visit local hill tribe villages to experience traditional cultures. The vibrant Saturday Night Walking Street provides excellent shopping for handicrafts and street food. Adventure seekers can enjoy hot springs, tea plantations, and the mysterious Black House Museum showcasing dark art collections.
FAQs: Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chiang Rai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Bangkok Bus Lines
- Wheelchair accessible buses available on select routes
- Thaibus Tour
- Wheelchair accessible buses available on select routes
- Bangkok Bus Lines
- One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
- Thaibus Tour
- One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
- Budsarakham
- One piece of luggage per passenger
- Bangkok Bus Lines
- Additional luggage charged per kg
- Thaibus Tour
- Additional luggage charged per kg
- Cherdchai Tour North
- Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Most Bangkok to Chiang Rai buses use the Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 station pair, with some services arriving at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai. Use this guide to compare Bangkok and Chiang Rai bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Bangkok station do buses to Chiang Rai leave from?
Getting to Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal from Bangkok city centre
Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal is 8 km from Bangkok city centre. Public transport options include:
Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal bus station facilities and services
Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal 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 various food stalls available inside terminal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
Getting to Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak) from Bangkok city centre
Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak) is 8 km from Bangkok city centre. Public transport options include:
Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak) bus station facilities and services
Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak) 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 available inside terminal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak): Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
Getting to Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road from Bangkok city centre
Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road bus station facilities and services
Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Street food vendors and local restaurants nearby
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks nearby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road: Basic ramps available.
Which Chiang Rai station do buses from Bangkok arrive at?
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.
Getting to Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai from Chiang Rai city centre
Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai is 4 km from Chiang Rai city centre. Public transport options include:
Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai bus station facilities and services
Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small food court and convenience store available
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in terminal. ATMs are aTM machines available in terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai: Wheelchair accessible.
Getting to Chiang Rai, Ban Du from Chiang Rai city centre
Chiang Rai, Ban Du is 8 km from Chiang Rai city centre. Public transport options include:
Chiang Rai, Ban Du bus station facilities and services
Chiang Rai, Ban Du has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Small local food stalls and vendors
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are several ATMs on site.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Rai, Ban Du.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chiang Rai, Ban Du: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Rai, Ban Du: Basic wheelchair access.
Most popular bus connections from Bangkok
More options for your journey from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chiang Rai and Bangkok
Most popular bus connections to Chiang Rai
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