The cheapest and fastest buses from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$22
Fastest journey
14 h 51 m
Average duration
14 h 51 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
484 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen 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 Khon Kaen will cost around $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
Of the 2 buses that leave Chiang Mai for Khon Kaen on Thu, Jul 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct buses cover the 484 km distance in an average of 14 h 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 51 m .
On Thu, Jul 30 the slowest buses will take 14 h 51 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.
ESAN TOUR7:00 PM14h51Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade)9:51 AMChum Phae, Bus Terminal$221One-way0 transfers
ESAN TOUR9:30 AM14h51Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade)12:21 AMChum Phae, Bus Terminal$221One-way0 transfers
ESAN TOUR7:00 PM14h51Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade)9:51 AMChum Phae, Bus Terminal$221One-way0 transfers
ESAN TOUR9:30 AM14h51Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade)12:21 AMChum Phae, Bus Terminal$221One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $40.
Distance: 300 miles (484 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 53m Average total duration 13h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 13m 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 Khon Kaen:
A bus is $62 (€51) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen costing on average $86 (€71).
Other travel options to Khon Kaen take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 23m.
Tickets start at around $24 (€20) compared to roughly $79 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $55 (€45). The journey takes 13h 23m versus 9h 13m 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 Esarn Tour, Esan Tour, Sombat Tour, Phetprasert Tour.
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 Khon Kaen Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Esan Tour | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:21AM | Duration 14h51 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Esan Tour | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:51AM | Duration 14h51 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Live departures
Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ESAN TOUR | 9:30 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade) | 14h51 | 12:21 AM Chum Phae, Bus Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
ESAN TOUR | 7:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade) | 14h51 | 9:51 AM Chum Phae, Bus Terminal | 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 Khon Kaen 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.
Jul 30
Jul 31
Aug 01
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Aug 12
Why should you book Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Esarn Tour?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Esarn Tour, but also compare tickets for the likes of Esan Tour, Sombat Tour or Phetprasert Tour to find the best option for your trip from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen.
- 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 Esarn Tour with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen.
Why book with Omio over Busbud, Checkmybus or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Esan Tour, Sombat Tour or Phetprasert Tour to find the best option for your trip from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen
Buses from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:00, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 300 miles (484 km) distance in 14h 51m.
Distance 300 miles (484 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€17) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 14h 51m |
First bus 9:00 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Bus providers: Esarn Tour, Esan Tour, Sombat Tour, Phetprasert Tour from Chiang Mai to Khon KaenYou can travel by bus between Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen with Esarn Tour, Esan Tour, Sombat Tour, Phetprasert Tour for as low as $20 (€17). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Esan Tour
Esarn Tour
Sombat Tour
Phetprasert Tour
FAQs: Bus from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen 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 Khon Kaen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Esan Tour
- Luggage included in fare
- specific size/type not provided.
- Esan Tour
- Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen
Most Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen buses use the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Chum Phae Bus Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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 Khon Kaen station do buses from Chiang Mai arrive at?
Getting to Khon Kaen Bus Terminal from Khon Kaen city centre
Khon Kaen Bus Terminal is 7 km from Khon Kaen city centre. Public transport options include:
Khon Kaen Bus Terminal bus station facilities and services
Khon Kaen 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 several local food vendors inside terminal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are aTMs from multiple banks available.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal: Wheelchair accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Chiang Mai
More options for your journey from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


