Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Route Summary
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai bus is a popular way of traveling. There are up to 33 daily bus departures available. The earliest bus departs from Chiang Rai bus station at 07:30h, arriving at Chiang Mai bus station at 11:15h the same day. While latest bus departs at 18:00h, arriving at 21:20h the same day.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus Timetable
Getting from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai by bus
The shortest travel distance between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai is 215 km. The fastest bus which departs at 08:00 has a travel time of 03:20h. The longest travel time on the route is 08:10h. Depending on the selected departure, the following amenities are available: toilet, seat belts and multimedia. You can book tickets in advance to secure your seat, especially during peak travel times.Bus companies operating the Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai route
GreenBus is the carrier operating this route. This company has been rated 7 times by travelers. Here you can see their average rating.Departure and arrival stations
For more details about Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai bus stations, including general information, and other popular routes, you can check the links below.
Cheapest tickets
Budget-friendly tickets are listed below, depending on availability.Adult ticket: €6 (One-Way) or €12 (Return).
Bus Terminal 1 and Mae Sai Bus Terminal
Bus Terminal 1, also known as the Old Bus Station, is centrally located in Chiang Rai, is a departure point for travelers heading to various destinations, including Chiang Mai. It primarily serves local and regional routes, with several daily departures to major cities in northern Thailand. The terminal is relatively small but well-organized, offering basic amenities such as ticket counters, restrooms, and food stalls.
On the other hand, Mae Sai Bus Terminal is located further north near the border with Myanmar and is less commonly used for trips to Chiang Mai. It mainly caters to routes serving the northernmost regions and cross-border travel.
While both terminals provide bus services to Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 1 is the more popular and accessible choice for most travelers.
Other popular destinations from Chiang Rai
If you're wondering what other destinations you can visit when traveling from Chiang Rai, below are some of the most popular routes that other clients have purchased their tickets for:Other popular destinations from Chiang Mai
If you're looking for inspiration as to where to travel next once you've reached Chiang Mai, here is the list of the most popular travel routes that our clients have previously purchased their tickets for:Frequently Asked Questions - Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus
Where to get bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?
In Chiang Rai, you can catch a bus to Chiang Mai from either Bus Terminal 1 (Old Bus Station) or the Mae Sai Bus Terminal.
Bus Terminal 1 is located in the city center, making it the more convenient option for most travelers. Both terminals offer regular bus services to Chiang Mai, with a variety of bus types and departure times available.
How to go Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai?
If you’re traveling to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai, the most common and convenient way is by bus. You can purchase your bus ticket either at the ticket counters in the bus terminals, such as Bus Terminal 1 (Old Bus Station) in Chiang Rai, or online through various booking platforms.
Buses run frequently throughout the day, offering a range of services from standard to VIP options.
How long is the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
The journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. The duration can vary slightly depending on the bus service, road conditions, and any stops along the way.
How long should I spend in Chiang Mai?
From our experience, spending 4 to 5 days in Chiang Mai is ideal. You can explore city’s rich cultural heritage, visit key attractions like the Old City temples, Doi Suthep, and the Night Bazaar, and also take day trips to nearby destinations such as the Elephant Nature Park or the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon.
If you have more time, a week or more would allow you to dive deeper into the local culture.
How much is the bus fare to Chiang Mai city?
Bus tickets from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai typically range from 6 to 10 euros. The exact price depends on the type of bus service you choose, with standard, VIP, and first-class options available.
Prices may also vary slightly depending on the time of year and demand.
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