- 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.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bangkok to Chiang Mai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €15 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €15, while a flight costs an average of €79.
Distance: 362 miles (583 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€15 Average price Cheapest | €21 Average price | €79 Average price | €75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 1m Average total duration 12h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 55m Average total duration 10h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a train with an average price of €15.
This is compared to other travel options from Bangkok to Chiang Mai:
A train is €6 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costing on average €21.
A train is €64 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai costing on average €79.
The fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 27m.
Other travel options to Chiang Mai take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 25m.
Train takes on average 12h 31m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bangkok and Chiang Mai including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around €15 compared to roughly €75 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €59. The journey takes 12h 31m versus 8h 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Thailand Railways.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
ThailandThailand
Trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai run on average 4 times per day, taking around 12h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €10 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:15, the last at 15:30. The fastest train covers the 362 miles (583 km) distance in 10h 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 362 miles (583 km) |
Average train duration 12h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price €10 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 10h 20m |
First train 7:15 AM |
Last train 3:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Train companies: Thailand Railways from Bangkok to Chiang Mai trainsThailand Railways trains will get you between Bangkok and Chiang Mai from €10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Thailand Railways
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thailand Railways Duration
10h 20m
Cheapest Thailand Railways Price
€13
Thailand Railways frequency
2 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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Tha Phae Gate Square
Walkable square at the east gate of the old city, busy with photos, pigeons, festivals, and access to markets and temples.
- Must visit
Chiang Mai Old City
The historic walled center of Chiang Mai, ideal for temple hopping, strolling moats, Sunday market, and everyday local life.
- Recommended
Nimmanhaemin
Trendy neighborhood around Nimmanhaemin Road with boutiques, design spaces, nightlife, and a modern side of Chiang Mai.
Khao Soi
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.
- Gluten-free
Sai Ua
Northern Thai herb sausage made with pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, and chili. A classic Lanna street and market food with bold aroma.
- Gluten-free
Gaeng Hang Lay
Northern Thai pork curry simmered with ginger, tamarind, and garlic, usually without coconut milk. A staple Lanna dish known for rich, warming flavor.
Blackitch Artisan Kitchen
Established fine dining venue presenting Thai ingredients with modern technique. Stylish setting and tasting menus make it a standout special-occasion choice.
Ginger Farm Kitchen at The House
Upscale restaurant in a teak house specializing in refined Northern Thai cuisine. Elegant atmosphere, strong local reputation, and polished service.
Khao Soi Khun Yai
Legendary casual shop famed for rich Khao Soi. Expect a simple, local atmosphere and one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic noodle bowls.
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: Trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chiang Mai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €10, while the average price is around €15.
The train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 10h 20m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is 362 miles (583 km).
The first train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai leaves at 7:15 AM.
The last train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai leaves at 3:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Thailand Railways.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is by train, with a cost of around €10.
Yes, you can take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Since neither Bangkok 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 Bangkok to Chiang Mai among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Rail passes are not commonly used or widely accepted on trains in Thailand. Travelers typically purchase individual tickets for specific routes rather than using rail passes.
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 train stations
Popular train stations from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Most Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains use the Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Chiang Mai station pair. Use this guide to compare Bangkok and Chiang Mai train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bangkok
Arrival train stations in Chiang Mai
Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal StationBang Sue, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station train station facilities and services
Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Chiang MaiWat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Chiang Mai train station facilities and services
Chiang Mai has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Mai: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
More options for your journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chiang Mai and Bangkok
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