Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Train, Bus or Flight Compared
Flying takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, with fares from THB 895. BKS runs a THB 924 VIP bus from Mo Chit 2. Overnight trains leave Bangkok at 18.40, 20.05 and 22.30. Check train status first, because flooding cancelled the sleepers on 26 September 2026.
There are three trade-offs. The flight is around 1 hour 15 minutes in the air. Buses run from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal, Mo Chit.
The three options side by side
A train alongside a platform at Chiang Mai railway station.
Option
Leaves Bangkok
Arrives
Fare
BKS VIP bus
Mo Chit 2, 19:00 on the first run
Not confirmed
THB 924
Flight
Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang
around 1 hour 15 minutes later
from THB 895 or THB 1104
By train: overnight sleepers and a day service
A red line train at a platform of Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok.
SRT’s timetable lists Northern Line departures from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal at 07.30, 09.05, 14.15, 18.40, 20.05, 20.45 and 22.30. Overnight trains can arrive 30 to 60 minutes late, so leave a buffer before any onward ticket. Train types may change without notice.
Check that your train is running
Flooding closed part of the Northern Line in Nakhon Sawan, between Nong Pho and Noen Makok, on 26 September 2026. SRT cancelled nine long-distance trains from their starting stations, including the overnight Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains in both directions. A full refund is available at any SRT station for a cancelled train.
The line reopened for normal running from 09.30 on 27 September 2026. Check train status on SRT’s tracking site ttsview.railway.co.th, or call hotline 1690 at any hour.
The Chiang Mai railway station is about 3 km east of the centre, and songthaews and tuk-tuks wait for each train.
A roofed bus bay and forecourt at the Arcade bus station.
The Transport Co. (BKS) began a pilot of VIP buses on 19 December 2025, with 24 seats in air-conditioned first class. The route is 713 km, the fare THB 924, and two trips run each day. The first bus left Mo Chit 2 at 19:00, and the first return left Chiang Mai at 19:00 the next day.
The BKS VIP bus is the one to book, because its THB 924 fare and its Mo Chit 2 departure are dated.
The older choices are rougher guides. Non-stop 1st class buses such as Nakhonchai Air take around 9 hours and cost around THB 488 to 550. Government buses stop in every minor township and take around 12 hours. Neither figure carries a date.
Buses from Bangkok arrive at the Arcade station, which sits at the far end of Kaeo Nawarat Road. A public minibus to the old town costs THB 15. Tuk-tuk drivers ask as much as THB 100 to 200. Terminals, songthaews and the flood record are in Chiang Mai bus and train stations.
The baggage belt in the arrivals hall at Chiang Mai airport.
Fares start at THB 895 from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and THB 1104 from Don Mueang (DMK). Both were seen on 14 October 2026, and the prices may vary dynamically.
A non-stop flight takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. Allow 4 to 5 hours door to door, including the airport at both ends. Hand luggage must not exceed 7 kg, and heavier bags need a checked baggage allowance.
Thai AirAsia, Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways International, Thai Lion Air and Bangkok Airways fly direct. Ways out of the airport are in Chiang Mai airport to the city.
How long does the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai take?
Overnight trains leave Bangkok at 18.40, 20.05 and 22.30, and they can arrive 30 to 60 minutes late.
How much is the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The BKS 24-seat VIP bus costs THB 924 on a 713 km route. Older 1st class buses are rated at around THB 488 to 550 and about 9 hours, but that figure carries no date.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A non-stop flight takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. Allow 4 to 5 hours door to door.
How much is a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Fares start at THB 895 from Suvarnabhumi and THB 1104 from Don Mueang, and the price may vary dynamically.
Are the Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains running after the September 2026 floods?
Flooding in Nakhon Sawan closed the Northern Line and cancelled the overnight trains. The line reopened at 09.30 on 27 September 2026. Check train status on SRT's tracking site ttsview.railway.co.th or on hotline 1690 before you go.
Where does the bus from Bangkok arrive in Chiang Mai?
At the Arcade bus station, at the far end of Kaeo Nawarat Road.
General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
