4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Cheapest price on Aug 31
$10
Average ticket price on Aug 31
$13
Fastest journey on Aug 31
3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Aug 31
3 h 20 m
Buses on Aug 31
12
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
On Mon, Aug 31, we found 12 buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, including 12 direct services.
On Mon, Aug 31 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Mon, Aug 31 the slowest buses will take 3 h 20 m 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.
1665:00 PM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 38:45 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$101One-way0 transfers- 1668:45 AM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 312:30 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$101One-way0 transfers
- 1661:30 PM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 35:15 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$101One-way0 transfers
- 16611:00 AM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 32:45 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$101One-way0 transfers
- 1667:00 AM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 310:45 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$101One-way0 transfers
- 1666:30 PM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 39:50 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$161One-way0 transfers
- 1666:00 AM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 39:20 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$161One-way0 transfers
- 1662:00 PM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 35:20 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$161One-way0 transfers
- 1669:30 AM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 312:50 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$161One-way0 transfers
- 1667:30 AM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 310:50 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$161One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $13 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 4h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, while a flight costs an average of $173.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$13 Average price Cheapest | $173 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration 2h 33m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 23m 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 Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai:
A bus is $161 (€131) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai costing on average $174 (€141).
Other travel options to Chiang Rai take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 39m.
Tickets start at around $13 (€10) compared to roughly $24 (€19) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $11 (€9). The journey takes 3h 39m versus 3h 23m 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 Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand.
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.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Live departures
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 166 | 6:00 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 9:20 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 7:00 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 10:45 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 7:30 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 10:50 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 8:45 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 12:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 9:30 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 12:50 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 11:00 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 2:45 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1661 | 12:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h40 | 4:25 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 1:30 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 5:15 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 2:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 5:20 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 5:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 8:45 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 6:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 10:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 166 | 6:30 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 9:50 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
ThailandThailand
Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 14 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€6) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: Greenbus from Chiang Mai to Chiang RaiYou can travel by bus between Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with Greenbus for as low as $8 (€6). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greenbus
FAQs: Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Mai 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Most Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai buses use the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 station pair, with some services arriving at Ban Mai, AH2 / Highway 118 (Mae Suai). Use this guide to compare Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Chiang Mai station do buses to Chiang Rai leave from?
Getting to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 from Chiang Mai city centre
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is 3 km from Chiang Mai city centre. Public transport options include:
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 bus station facilities and services
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 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 Mai Bus Terminal 3.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities.
Which Chiang Rai station do buses from Chiang Mai arrive at?
Getting to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 from Chiang Rai city centre
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 bus station facilities and services
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants inside and around terminal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available in terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1: Ground level access, wheelchair friendly.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Chiang Mai
More options for your journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
Most popular bus connections to Chiang Rai
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