- Must visit
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Excellent cultural museum explaining Lanna history, Buddhism, crafts, and Chiang Mai's development through well-curated exhibits.
Cheapest price
$8
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai will cost around $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 16 buses that leave Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai on Sun, Jul 26, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 26 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 Sun, Jul 26 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.
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166Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a flight costs an average of $54.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 32m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai:
A bus is $115 (€115) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai costing on average $124 (€124).
Other travel options to Chiang Mai take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 32m.
Tickets start at around $9 (€9) compared to roughly $19 (€19) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€10). The journey takes 3h 48m versus 3h 25m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $8 |
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai buses for today, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
166 | 3:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 6:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 3:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 6:50 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 4:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 7:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 4:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 8:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 5:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 8:20 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 6:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 9:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 6:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 9:50 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 26 | |||||
166 | 8:30 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 12:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 9:00 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 12:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 12:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 3:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 12:15 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 4:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 12:45 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 4:30 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 1:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 4:20 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 | 1:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 5:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 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 Chiang Mai run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 13 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 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€7) |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Chiang Mai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Mai trip today.
Excellent cultural museum explaining Lanna history, Buddhism, crafts, and Chiang Mai's development through well-curated exhibits.
National museum with strong collections on Lanna kingdoms, archaeology, and northern Thai art, ideal for historical context.
University art museum with rotating contemporary exhibitions, strong regional programming, and a quieter local cultural atmosphere.
Walkable square at the east gate of the old city, busy with photos, pigeons, festivals, and access to markets and temples.
The historic walled center of Chiang Mai, ideal for temple hopping, strolling moats, Sunday market, and everyday local life.
Trendy neighborhood around Nimmanhaemin Road with boutiques, design spaces, nightlife, and a modern side of Chiang Mai.
Creamy Northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, and chili oil. Chiang Mai’s signature dish, rooted in Lanna and Muslim influences.
Northern Thai herb sausage made with pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, and chili. A classic Lanna street and market food with bold aroma.
Northern Thai pork curry simmered with ginger, tamarind, and garlic, usually without coconut milk. A staple Lanna dish known for rich, warming flavor.
Established fine dining venue presenting Thai ingredients with modern technique. Stylish setting and tasting menus make it a standout special-occasion choice.
Upscale restaurant in a teak house specializing in refined Northern Thai cuisine. Elegant atmosphere, strong local reputation, and polished service.
Legendary casual shop famed for rich Khao Soi. Expect a simple, local atmosphere and one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic noodle bowls.
Budget-friendly versus many tourist cities. Guesthouses, street food, and local transport are cheap; upscale hotels and fine dining cost more but stay reasonable.
Tipping is not mandatory. Round up small bills for taxis and cafes. In restaurants, leave 5-10% for good service if no service charge is added.
Official public transport app
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 -> Tha Phae Gate
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Mai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai buses use the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 station pair. Use this guide to compare Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants inside and around terminal
Free Wi-Fi available in terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks.
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
Available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1: Ground level access, wheelchair friendly.
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.
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is 3 km from Chiang Mai city centre. Public transport options include:
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 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 Mai Bus Terminal 3.
Available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need