The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Cheapest price
8Rp
Average price
10Rp
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai will cost around 10Rp if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only 8Rp.
Of the 12 buses that leave Chiang Mai for Chiang Rai every day 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These 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 .
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.
16611:00 AM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 32:45 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 18 Rp1One-way0 changes
1661:30 PM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 35:15 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 18 Rp1One-way0 changes
1668:45 AM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 312:30 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 18 Rp1One-way0 changes
1667:00 AM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 310:45 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 18 Rp1One-way0 changes
1666:15 PM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 310:00 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 18 Rp1One-way0 changes
1664:00 PM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 37:20 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 113 Rp1One-way0 changes
1666:30 PM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 39:50 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 113 Rp1One-way0 changes
1661:00 PM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 34:20 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 113 Rp1One-way0 changes
16610:15 AM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 31:35 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 113 Rp1One-way0 changes
1661:45 PM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 35:05 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 113 Rp1One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 7Rp. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 7Rp, and a flight costs an average of 55Rp.
Distance: 153 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
9Rp Average Price Cheapest | 137Rp Average Price |
4h 7m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai coaches for tomorrow, Friday, 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
166 | 7:00 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 10:45 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 8:45 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 12:30 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 10:15 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 1:35 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 11:00 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 2:45 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 12:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 3:45 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
1661 | 12:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h40 | 4:25 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 1:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 4:20 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 1:30 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 5:15 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 1:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 5:05 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 4:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 7:20 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 6:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 10:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 6:30 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 9:50 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by coach or flight
Compare coach 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.
14 Aug
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26 Aug
27 Aug
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at 7Rp if you book in advance.
There are 14 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 06:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest coach covers the 153 km distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 153 km |
Average bus duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price 7Rp |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Bus providers: Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand from Chiang Mai to Chiang RaiYou can travel by bus between Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand for as low as 7Rp. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greenbus
Greenbus Thailand
FAQs: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chiang Rai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Most Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai buses use the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 station pair, with some services arriving at Ban Mai, AH2 / Highway 118 (Mae Suai). Use this guide to compare Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Chiang Mai station do buses to Chiang Rai leave from?
Getting to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 from Chiang Mai city centre
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is 3 km from Chiang Mai city centre. Public transport options include:
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 bus station facilities and services
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 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 Mai Bus Terminal 3.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities.
Which Chiang Rai station do buses from Chiang Mai arrive at?
Getting to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 from Chiang Rai city centre
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.
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:
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 Mai to Chiang Rai
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