- Must visit
Jim Thompson House Museum
A celebrated museum in a traditional Thai teak house complex, showcasing Asian art and the story of Jim Thompson. One of Bangkok’s most iconic cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
11 h
Average duration
12 h 6 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
688 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chiang Rai to Bangkok is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chiang Rai to Bangkok will cost around $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
Of the 7 buses that leave Chiang Rai for Bangkok on Sat, Jul 11, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct buses cover the 688 km distance in an average of 12 h 6 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest buses will take 12 h 40 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.
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Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Chiang Rai to Bangkok among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $30.
Distance: 427 miles (688 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 31m Average total duration 14h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m 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 Chiang Rai to Bangkok:
A bus is $47 (€39) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok costing on average $71 (€58).
Other travel options to Bangkok take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 1m.
Tickets start at around $24 (€19) compared to roughly $101 (€83) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $77 (€64). The journey takes 14h 1m 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 Thaibus Tour, Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Cherdchai Tour North, Bangkok Buslines, Kasemthara Tour, Sombat 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Cherdchai Tour | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Kasemthara Tour | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 05:46PM | Arrival Time 06:06AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Cherdchai Tour | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Thaibus Tour | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Thaibus Tour | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Rai to Bangkok buses for tomorrow, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:30 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 12h40 | 11:10 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 12h40 | 1:40 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
909-22 | 5:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 12h30 | 5:30 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 13h00 | 6:30 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai | 12h20 | 6:20 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 12h00 | 6:30 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 11h00 | 6:00 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Chiang Rai to Bangkok run on average 8 times per day, taking around 14h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:35, the last at 21:00. The fastest bus covers the 427 miles (688 km) distance in 10h 30m.
Distance 427 miles (688 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 10h 30m |
First bus 6:35 AM |
Last bus 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Bangkok — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bangkok trip today.
A celebrated museum in a traditional Thai teak house complex, showcasing Asian art and the story of Jim Thompson. One of Bangkok’s most iconic cultural attractions.
Thailand’s main national museum, with major collections of art, archaeology, royal regalia, and religious sculpture. A strong first stop for understanding Thai history and culture.
An interactive museum near Rattanakosin that presents Thai identity, society, and history through modern multimedia exhibits. Popular with younger visitors and easy to combine with nearby landmarks.
Bangkok’s Chinatown main street, known for neon signs, dense street life, temples, and heritage shophouses. It is one of the city’s most atmospheric areas and highly popular online.
A famous backpacker street with constant activity and easy access to the old city. While touristy, it remains one of Bangkok’s best-known walking areas.
A characterful riverside neighborhood with street art, old garages, shrines, and historic lanes. It has become very popular for photography and short urban walks.
Thailand’s iconic stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, palm sugar, egg, tofu, and often shrimp. In Bangkok it is a classic street-food staple balancing sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
A hot and sour soup with river prawns, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and lime juice. It is one of Bangkok’s most famous dishes for its bright, aromatic flavor.
Spicy green papaya salad pounded with lime, chili, garlic, tomatoes, and long beans. Bangkok versions are widely loved, though many include fish sauce or dried shrimp.
Well-known Isan restaurant specializing in som tam, grilled meats, and northeastern Thai flavors. Stylish but approachable, with strong local and international reputation.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on sophisticated Thai cuisine with deep attention to traditional flavors and presentation. Best for a high-end Bangkok dining experience.
Legendary Michelin-starred street-food restaurant celebrated for crab omelette and fiery wok cooking. Expect premium prices, queues, and a memorable old-Bangkok atmosphere.
Affordable for most tourists. Street food and transit are cheap, while hotels and upscale dining vary widely by area and season.
Not mandatory. Round up small bills, leave THB 20-100 at casual restaurants, or about 10% in nicer places if no service charge is added.
Official public transport app
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok -> Phaya Thai Station, Bangkok
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Rai to Bangkok 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 Bangkok, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chiang Rai to Bangkok buses use the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 to Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal station pair, with some services arriving at Bangkok, Minibus Station (Chatuchak). Use this guide to compare Chiang Rai and Bangkok bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need