Chiang Rai to Bangkok bus with Bangkok Bus Lines

Wed, Aug 26
+ Add return
Thaibus Tour
Bangkok Bus Lines
Kasemthara Tour
Cherdchai Tour
Nakhonchaiair
2,000+ travel companies
Thaibus Tour
Bangkok Bus Lines
Kasemthara Tour
Cherdchai Tour
Nakhonchaiair
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chiang Rai to Bangkok

Showing times and prices for Aug 26

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

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.

  • Thaibus Tour
    7:05 PM10h30
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
    5:35 AMBangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
    191One-way
    0 transfers
  • Cherdchai Tour
    6:00 PM12h30
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
    6:30 AMBangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
    191One-way
    0 transfers
  • Cherdchai Tour
    5:00 PM12h30
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
    5:30 AMBangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
    191One-way
    0 transfers
  • Thaibus Tour
    7:00 PM11h00
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
    6:00 AMBangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
    191One-way
    0 transfers
  • Bangkok Bus Lines
    1:00 PM12h40
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
    1:40 AMBangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)
    201One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Chiang Rai to Bangkok

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)

Compare bus with

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)

Bangkok Bus Lines

Most popular bus company

Thai AirAsia

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Bangkok is a bus with an average price of €21.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Bangkok is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 22m.

Other travel options to Bangkok take longer:

Bus takes on average 12h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chiang Rai and Bangkok including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Chiang Rai to Bangkok among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

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.

Chiang Rai to Bangkok Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Chiang Rai to Bangkok bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Bangkok Bus Lines10:30 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
12h40
11:10 PM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)0 transfersDirect
Bangkok Bus Lines1:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
12h40
1:40 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)0 transfersDirect
Cherdchai Tour5:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
12h30
5:30 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)0 transfersDirect
Kasemthara Tour5:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
13h00
6:30 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)0 transfersDirect
Nakhonchaiair5:46 PM Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai
12h20
6:06 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)0 transfersDirect
Nakhonchaiair6:00 PM Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai
12h20
6:20 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)0 transfersDirect
Bangkok Bus Lines6:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
12h00
6:30 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)0 transfersDirect
Thaibus Tour7:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
11h00
6:00 AM Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2)0 transfersDirect
Thaibus Tour7:05 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 prices and tickets Chiang Rai to Bangkok 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.

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Why should you book Chiang Rai to Bangkok buses with Omio?

Thaibus Tour as well as Bangkok Bus Lines, Kasemthara Tour, Cherdchai Tour, Nakhonchaiair and more offer buses services from Chiang Rai to Bangkok.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Thaibus Tour tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Thaibus Tour?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thaibus Tour, but also compare tickets for the likes of Bangkok Bus Lines, Kasemthara Tour, Cherdchai Tour or Nakhonchaiair to find the best option for your trip from Chiang Rai to Bangkok.
  • 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 Thaibus Tour with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chiang Rai to Bangkok.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok

ThailandThailand
ThailandThailand
Icon of bus

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Kasemthara Tour from Chiang Rai to BangkokYou can travel by bus between Chiang Rai to Bangkok with Bangkok Bus Lines, Cherdchai Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Thaibus Tour, Kasemthara Tour for as low as €18. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Bangkok Bus Lines

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 0m
Cheapest Price
€19
Bangkok Bus Lines frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
Additional luggage
Additional luggage charged per kg
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible buses available on select routes

Thaibus Tour

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 30m
Cheapest Price
€18
Thaibus Tour frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
Additional luggage
Additional luggage charged per kg
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible buses available on select routes

Cherdchai Tour

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 30m
Cheapest Price
€18
Cherdchai Tour frequency
2 a day

Nakhonchaiair

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 20m
Cheapest Price
€23
Nakhonchaiair frequency
2 a day

Kasemthara Tour

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 0m
Cheapest Price
€20
Kasemthara Tour frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Bangkok

Things to do in Bangkok

Discover the best of Bangkok — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bangkok trip today.

  • Must visit

Bangkok National Museum

Thailand's leading museum presents royal regalia, Buddhist art, and archaeology, making it essential for understanding Thai history.

  • Must visit

Jim Thompson House Museum

A beautifully restored house displaying Jim Thompson's art collection and silk legacy, with architecture and gardens beside a canal.

  • Recommended

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok)

Thailand's premier contemporary art museum showcases major national and international exhibitions in a large modern building.

Thai baht (฿)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
฿60-150 for street food or simple local meals.
Mid-range
฿250-600 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
฿1,500+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
฿60-120 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Chiang Rai to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Chiang Rai to Bangkok can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chiang Rai to Bangkok is €21 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok is 10h 30m to travel the 427 miles (688 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok leaves at 6:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok leaves at 9:00 PM.
Yes, there are 9 direct buses a day from Chiang Rai to Bangkok with Thaibus Tour, Bangkok Bus Lines, Kasemthara Tour, Cherdchai Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Cherdchai Tour North, Bangkok Buslines, Kasemthara Tour, Sombat Tour. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok, you can count on Thaibus Tour, Bangkok Bus Lines, Kasemthara Tour, Cherdchai Tour, Nakhonchaiair, Cherdchai Tour North, Bangkok Buslines, Kasemthara Tour, Sombat Tour for the best way to get you to Bangkok. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chiang Rai and Bangkok and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Chiang Rai , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai . When arriving in Bangkok , you can end your journey in bus stations like Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2), Bangkok, Chatuchak Minivan Terminal (Mo Chit Van Terminal) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, which is located around 3 miles (5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2), located 8 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bangkok from Chiang Rai is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chiang Rai and Bangkok including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok:
  • Bangkok Bus Lines
    • Wheelchair accessible buses available on select routes
  • Thaibus Tour
    • Wheelchair accessible buses available on select routes
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok for bus company Bangkok Bus Lines, Thaibus Tour, Cherdchai Tour North, Bangkok Buslines, Kasemthara Tour.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chiang Rai to Bangkok:
  • Bangkok Bus Lines
    • One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
  • Thaibus Tour
    • One piece of luggage up to 20kg included
  • Cherdchai Tour North
    • Luggage included in fare
    • specific size/type not provided.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Chiang Rai to Bangkok:
  • Bangkok Bus Lines
    • Additional luggage charged per kg
  • Thaibus Tour
    • Additional luggage charged per kg
  • Cherdchai Tour North
    • Excess luggage and bulky luggage allowed for an additional fee
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok with the following bus company: Cherdchai Tour North, Bangkok Buslines, Kasemthara Tour
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok with the following bus company: Bangkok Bus Lines, Thaibus Tour.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok with the following bus company: Bangkok Bus Lines, Thaibus Tour, Bangkok Buslines.
Since neither Chiang Rai nor Bangkok are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Thailand and Thailand. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Chiang Rai to Bangkok among Omio's users.
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB) as its currency. Travelers often find it convenient to use cash for small purchases, markets, and transportation, while cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Carrying some cash is advisable, but using cards can offer better security and exchange rates in urban areas.
In Bangkok, travelers should be cautious of common scams such as tuk-tuk drivers offering overly cheap tours that lead to unwanted stops at shops, and gem scams where overpriced or fake jewelry is sold. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas and on public transport. It's advisable to use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, avoid accepting unsolicited offers for tours, and stay alert in busy markets and tourist spots.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Chiang Rai to Bangkok

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.

Departure bus stations in Chiang Rai
Arrival bus stations in Bangkok

Which Chiang Rai station do buses to Bangkok leave from?

Buses from Chiang Rai to Bangkok leave from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2. The station is 3 miles (6 km) from Chiang Rai city centre at 102 Moo 13, Phaholyothin Road, Robwiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2102 Moo 13, Phaholyothin Road, Robwiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, ThailandWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

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:

Local BusCity routes
SongthaewRed trucks

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.

Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai99 Moo 13, Phaholyothin Road, Sankongnoi, Muang, Chiang Rai 57000, ThailandWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai from Chiang Rai city centre

Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai is 4 km from Chiang Rai city centre. Public transport options include:

Local BusRoute 1
Songthaew (shared taxi)

Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai bus station facilities and services

Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Small food court and convenience store available

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available in terminal. ATMs are aTM machines available in terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai: Wheelchair accessible.

More options for your journey from Chiang Rai to Bangkok

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