The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Cheapest price
8Rp
Average price
10Rp
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai will cost around 10Rp if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only 8Rp.
Of the 7 buses that leave Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai every day 7 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 27 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 45 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.
16612:00 PM3h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 13:45 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 38 Rp1One-way0 changes
166110:25 AM3h30Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 11:55 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 38 Rp1One-way0 changes
1665:00 PM3h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 18:45 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 38 Rp1One-way0 changes
1664:00 PM3h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 17:45 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 38 Rp1One-way0 changes
1666:15 PM3h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 19:35 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 313 Rp1One-way0 changes
1666:15 PM3h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 19:35 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 313 Rp1One-way0 changes
1663:00 PM3h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 16:20 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 313 Rp1One-way0 changes
1665:45 PM3h20Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 19:05 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 313 Rp1One-way0 changes
166110:25 AM3h30Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 11:55 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 38 Rp1One-way0 changes
16612:00 PM3h45Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 13:45 PMChiang Mai, Bus Terminal 38 Rp1One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 coach which can get you there in 3h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 7Rp, and a flight costs an average of 54Rp.
Distance: 153 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
9Rp Average Price Cheapest | 124Rp Average Price |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 32m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1661 | 10:25 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h30 | 1:55 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 12:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 3:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 3:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 6:20 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 4:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 7:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 5:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h45 | 8:45 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 5:45 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 9:05 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 6:15 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 3h20 | 9:35 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 0 changesdirect | |
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 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
15 Aug
16 Aug
17 Aug
18 Aug
19 Aug
20 Aug
21 Aug
22 Aug
23 Aug
24 Aug
25 Aug
26 Aug
27 Aug
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
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 7Rp if you book in advance.
There are 13 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 48m |
Cheapest ticket price 7Rp |
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 - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 7Rp. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greenbus
Greenbus Thailand
Sombat Tour
FAQs: Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 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 Mai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chiang Rai and 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.
Which Chiang Rai station do buses to Chiang Mai leave from?
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.
Which Chiang Mai station do buses from Chiang Rai arrive at?
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.
More options for your journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
