Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai bus with Greenbus

Sun, Jul 26
+ Add return
Greenbus
Greenbus Thailand
Sombat Tour
FlixBus
Alsa
2,000+ travel companies
Greenbus
Greenbus Thailand
Sombat Tour
FlixBus
Alsa
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Showing times and prices for Jul 26

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

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.

  • Greenbus166
    4:00 PM3h45
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
    7:45 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3
    $81One-way
    0 transfers
  • Greenbus166
    6:00 PM3h45
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
    9:45 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3
    $81One-way
    0 transfers
  • Greenbus166
    8:30 AM3h45
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
    12:15 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3
    $81One-way
    0 transfers
  • Greenbus166
    12:45 PM3h45
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
    4:30 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3
    $81One-way
    0 transfers
  • Greenbus166
    3:00 PM3h45
    Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
    6:45 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3
    $81One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Omio 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)

Compare bus with

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

The cheapest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is a bus with an average price of $9 (€9).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 48m.

Other travel options to Chiang Mai take longer:

Flight takes on average 6h 32m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 $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.

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greenbus1663:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
6:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1663:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h20
6:50 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1664:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
7:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1664:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
8:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1665:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h20
8:20 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1666:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
9:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1666:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h20
9:50 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Sunday, July 26
Greenbus1668:30 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
12:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1669:00 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
12:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus16612:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
3:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus16612:15 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
4:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus16612:45 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
4:30 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1661:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h20
4:20 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 transfersDirect
Greenbus1661:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
3h45
5:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 30 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 Chiang Mai 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.

Sun
Jul 26
Mon
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Wed
Jul 29
Thu
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

ThailandThailand
ThailandThailand
Icon of bus

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.

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
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
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: Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand, Sombat Tour from Chiang Rai to Chiang MaiYou can travel by bus between Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand, Sombat Tour for as low as $7 (€7). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Greenbus

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
$7 (€7)
Greenbus frequency
16 a day

Greenbus Thailand

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€15)
Greenbus Thailand frequency
9 a day

Sombat Tour

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15h 55m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€15)
Sombat Tour frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Chiang Mai

Things to do in Chiang Mai

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

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Chiang Mai National Museum

National museum with strong collections on Lanna kingdoms, archaeology, and northern Thai art, ideal for historical context.

  • Recommended

Chiang Mai University Art Museum

University art museum with rotating contemporary exhibitions, strong regional programming, and a quieter local cultural atmosphere.

Thai baht (฿)

Budget-friendly versus many tourist cities. Guesthouses, street food, and local transport are cheap; upscale hotels and fine dining cost more but stay reasonable.

Average meal costs

Budget
฿50-120 for street food or simple local meals.
Mid-range
฿200-450 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
฿800+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
฿50-90 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai can start from as little as $7 (€7) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is $9 (€9) ; 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 Chiang Mai is 3h 20m to travel the 95 miles (153 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 Chiang Mai leaves at 6:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai leaves at 7:00 PM.
Yes, there are 13 direct buses a day from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, you can count on Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand, Sombat Tour for the best way to get you to Chiang Mai. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai 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 1, Ban Mai, AH2 / Highway 118 (Mae Suai), Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 . When arriving in Chiang Mai , you can end your journey in bus stations like Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3, located 3 away from the city centre.
A trip to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai including taking a bus and flight.
No, the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
No, luggage for the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
Since neither Chiang Rai nor Chiang Mai 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai, travelers should be cautious of common scams such as overpriced tuk-tuk or taxi rides, especially when drivers refuse to use the meter. Beware of gem scams where sellers pressure buyers into purchasing fake or overpriced jewelry. Motorcycle rental scams are also frequent, so inspect vehicles carefully and document any existing damage before renting. Additionally, pickpocketing can occur in busy markets and crowded areas, so keep valuables secure. Always use reputable transportation and avoid accepting unsolicited offers for tours or services.
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 Chiang Mai

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.

Departure bus stations in Chiang Rai
Arrival bus stations in Chiang Mai

Which Chiang Rai station do buses to Chiang Mai leave from?

Buses from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai leave from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1. The station is from Chiang Rai city centre at 773 Pahonyothin Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1773 Pahonyothin Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, ThailandWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 from Chiang Rai city centre

Local buses and songthaews available

Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 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 and drink

Food options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants inside and around terminal

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available in terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1: Ground level access, wheelchair friendly.

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.

More options for your journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone