- Must visit
Baan Dam Museum
Artist Thawan Duchanee’s black-themed compound of halls and collections. It offers a dramatic look at contemporary Thai art and symbolism.
Cheapest price on Oct 10
€20
Average ticket price on Oct 10
€24
Fastest journey on Oct 10
11 h
Average journey duration on Oct 10
11 h 32 m
Buses on Oct 10
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 €24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
On Sat, Oct 10, we found 13 buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, including 13 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 10 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 Sat, Oct 10 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.










Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai run on average 11 times per day, taking around 12h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
There are 11 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 12m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 11 |
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 |
Best time to book 49 days |
| 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 €21 |
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 Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €35 |
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 Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Cherdchai Tour | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Thaibus Tour | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Kasemthara Tour | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 07:16PM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 11h49 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Cherdchai Tour | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Budsarakham | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 07:44AM | Duration 11h49 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €23 |
The table below shows live departures for Bangkok to Chiang Rai buses for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 11h00 | 5:00 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
90-9 | 6:40 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h30 | 7:10 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h00 | 7:30 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 11h00 | 7:30 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, October 10 | |||||
![]() | 9:30 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h40 | 10:10 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h40 | 1:10 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Chiang Rai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Rai trip today.
Artist Thawan Duchanee’s black-themed compound of halls and collections. It offers a dramatic look at contemporary Thai art and symbolism.
Community museum preserving Lanna architecture, artifacts, textiles, and local history in a traditional wooden house near the old city.
Museum beside Wat Rong Khun presenting paintings and works by Chalermchai Kositpipat. A useful stop for context before or after the temple.
Central clock tower square designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. A lively meeting point, especially in the evening when lights animate the area.
Forest park on a hill west of town with short trails, giant trees, and quiet viewpoints. A local favorite for nature close to the city.
Scenic hill viewpoint above the city near the old temple area. Worth visiting for broad panoramas, fresh air, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Northern Thai pork-and-herb sausage with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf and chili. A classic Lanna snack often grilled fresh in local markets.
Northern curry noodle soup with coconut milk, egg noodles and usually chicken or beef. Rich, aromatic and one of the region's signature comfort dishes.
Slow-cooked pork belly curry with ginger, garlic and turmeric, influenced by neighboring Myanmar. A beloved northern dish with deep savory flavor.
Riverside dining with refined Thai and Lanna dishes in an elegant resort atmosphere. Suitable for a quieter meal with polished service.
Popular casual spot for noodles, rice dishes and local specialties near the night bazaar area. Busy, affordable and convenient for everyday dining.
Casual local favorite for northern Thai dishes such as khao soi and sai ua. Simple setting, reliable flavors and a popular stop for traditional Lanna food.
Budget-friendly for Thailand: guesthouses, local meals, and short rides are cheap; upscale hotels and fine dining cost more but stay below Bangkok resort areas.
Tipping is not required, but appreciated. Round up small cafe or taxi bills, or leave about 5-10% at restaurants if no service charge is added.
Official public transport app
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 -> Chiang Rai Clock Tower, 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.

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.
Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal is 8 km from Bangkok city centre. Public transport options include:
Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various food stalls available inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks.
Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal.
Available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Street food vendors and local restaurants nearby
Free public Wi-Fi. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks nearby.
Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road.
Available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road: Basic ramps available.
Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak) is 8 km from Bangkok city centre. Public transport options include:
Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and several local food vendors available inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks.
Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak).
Available at Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak): Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 is 5 km from Chiang Rai city centre. Public transport options include:
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and several local food vendors inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks available.
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2.
Available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2: Wheelchair ramps and assistance available.
Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai is 4 km from Chiang Rai city centre. Public transport options include:
Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small food court and convenience store available
Free Wi-Fi available in terminal. ATMs are aTM machines available in terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai.
Available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai: Wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need