- Must visit
Bangkok National Museum
Thailand's leading museum presents royal regalia, Buddhist art, and archaeology, making it essential for understanding Thai history.
Cheapest price
€19
Average price
€21
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 38 m
Buses per day
10
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 €21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.
Of the 10 buses that leave Chiang Rai for Bangkok on Wed, Aug 26, 10 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 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 12 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.










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 €18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a flight costs an average of €25.
Distance: 427 miles (688 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€21 Average price Cheapest | €60 Average price | €84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 44m Average total duration 12h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m 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 €38 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok costing on average €60.
Other travel options to Bangkok take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 14m.
Tickets start at around €21 compared to roughly €84 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €63. The journey takes 12h 14m 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, Kasemthara Tour, 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 €20 |
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Cherdchai Tour | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Kasemthara Tour | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 05:46PM | Arrival Time 06:06AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Cherdchai Tour | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Bangkok Bus Lines | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator Thaibus Tour | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Thaibus Tour | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €19 |
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Rai to Bangkok 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 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 | |
![]() | 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 | |
![]() | 5:46 PM Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai | 12h20 | 6:06 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 | |
![]() | 7:05 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 10h30 | 5:35 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 9 times per day, taking around 12h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €18 if you book in advance.
There are 9 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 12h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 10h 30m |
First bus 6:35 AM |
Last bus 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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.
Thailand's leading museum presents royal regalia, Buddhist art, and archaeology, making it essential for understanding Thai history.
A beautifully restored house displaying Jim Thompson's art collection and silk legacy, with architecture and gardens beside a canal.
Thailand's premier contemporary art museum showcases major national and international exhibitions in a large modern building.
Bangkok's historic royal island area concentrates major temples, museums, and old streets, making it ideal for first-time exploration.
Bangkok's Chinatown offers dense historic lanes, temples, markets, and vivid neon scenes that reveal the city's deep Chinese heritage.
The old town's backpacker hub is famous for street life, nightlife, and easy access to heritage sites, though best visited for atmosphere.
Pad Thai is a classic stir-fried rice noodle dish with tamarind, tofu, peanuts, and often shrimp. It became a national dish and is a staple of Bangkok street food.
Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, galangal, and lime. Its bold balance of flavors makes it one of Thailand’s most iconic dishes.
Som Tam is a spicy green papaya salad from Thai street food culture, often found across Bangkok. It is prized for its fresh crunch and sweet-sour-heat balance.
Well-known casual restaurant for northeastern Thai food, especially som tam, grilled chicken, and sticky rice. Lively atmosphere and dependable local flavors.
Upscale restaurant by chef Jay Fai, famous for crab omelette and wok-fried classics. Busy, open-kitchen setting with a legendary street-food reputation.
Refined Thai restaurant in a traditional house, known for elegant royal-inspired recipes and polished service. Calm setting suited to a special meal.
Budget-friendly for most travelers. Street food, local transit, and many hotels cost less than in major Asian capitals, though luxury malls, rooftop bars, and upscale stays raise daily spend.
Tipping is modest. Restaurants may add a 10% service charge; otherwise round up or leave ฿20-100. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Suvarnabhumi Airport Station -> Phaya Thai Station
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