How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – Detailed Guide

Bangkok to Chiang Mai is one of the most popular routes in Thailand — and if you’re planning a trip up north, chances are you’ve already started looking into the best way to get there. The thing is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Whether you’re after the cheapest option, the fastest route, or something more scenic and memorable (hello, overnight sleeper train!), each method comes with its own pros and cons.

We’ve done this journey ourselves and spent way too long comparing all the options, so in this guide, I’ll break it all down for you — from flights and night trains to buses, with updated info on prices, journey times, and what to expect.

Quick Overview

There are three main ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: by plane, overnight train, or bus. Each one has its perks, depending on your time, budget, and how much of an adventure you’re after.k

We’ve taken the train ourselves, and honestly? We’d recommend the night train for most travelers — it’s comfy, affordable, and way more fun than we expected.

For all bookings, we always use 12Go. It’s easy, reliable, and comes with free cancellation, which is perfect if your plans change — plus, their customer support has always been great in our experience.

	Travel time	Price	Comfort	Best for
Flight	1 h 15 min (plus airport transfers)	from ~800–1,200 THB	High (but watch baggage fees)	Travelers short on time, families, connections
Train	11 – 13 hours	from 230 THB (2nd class ~400 THB)	Medium–High (best in 2nd class sleeper)	Scenic travel, budget/mid-range, memorable experience
Bus	9 – 10.5 hours	from ~650 THB	Low–Medium (VIP seats are better)	Budget travelers, last-minute bookings

1. Catch a flight

If speed is your priority, flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is hands-down the fastest and easiest option.

There are dozens of daily flights between the two cities, and if you book in advance, prices can be surprisingly low — sometimes as little as 800–1,200 THB ($22–$33) one way.

The flight time is just over an hour, and most low-cost carriers like AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai VietJet operate from Don Mueang Airport (DMK), while some full-service flights leave from Suvarnabhumi (BKK).

Use Skyscanner to compare all the different flights available.

2. Travel by train

Taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the most adventurous way to make the journey.

The trip takes around 11–13 hours, which makes it perfect for an overnight sleeper. You leave Bangkok in the evening and wake up in the north, rolling through misty mountains and rice fields as the sun comes up. But day train is also an option.

Tickets sell out fast in high season, so booking a few days ahead is smart. You can do this at the station or, more conveniently, online through 12Go.

Overnight sleeper

This is the classic choice, so definitely book ahead. Budget travelers especially love this option since it saves you a one-night stay in a hotel. Here are the train departures:

• Train 9: 18:40 – 07:15
• Train 13: 20:05 – 08:40
• Train 51: 22:30 – 12:10

There are a few classes to choose from:

• 2nd Class Sleeper (AC) – The sweet spot for most travelers. You get a comfy bunk bed, curtains for privacy, and enough space to stretch out.
• 1st Class Sleeper – A private two-berth cabin with more comfort, but also pricier.
• 3rd Class – Wooden benches and fans. It’s cheap and local, but definitely not for everyone on a long ride.

The 2nd class is the best value. Beds are surprisingly comfortable, staff make up your bunk for you, and you’ll usually end up chatting with fellow travelers. Food and drinks are available on board, but we recommend bringing your own snacks and water.

Day train

If you’d rather stay awake and watch the landscapes roll by (or the night train is booked out), the day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is another option.

The journey takes the same 11–13 hours, but instead of sleeping through most of it, you can admire the scenery. It’s a slower pace of travel and can actually be really relaxing if you’re not in a rush.

That said, sitting in a seat for half a day does get tiring, and it’ll eat up the time you could be spending in Chiang Mai itself.

For comfort, go with 2nd class AC seats — they recline, and you’ll have a bit of space to stretch. 3rd class tickets are dirt cheap, but we’d only recommend them for shorter hops, not the full journey north.

We went with a day train once, and were surprised by the amazing service – we were served food 3 times! And the best part is that it’s included in the ticket price.

By bus

Buses are the most budget-friendly way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and there are lots of departures every day and night. It’s not the most comfortable option, but it does get you there, and for many travelers, the price is hard to beat.

Most buses leave from Mo Chit Bus Terminal (near Chatuchak Weekend Market), but you’ll also find some departures from Khao San Road aimed at backpackers.

When booking through 12Go, you can actually see photos of the exact bus you’re booking, which helps a lot. There’s quite a bit of variety:

• Standard buses – Simple seats with a bit of recline, no frills.
• VIP buses – Fewer seats, more legroom, bigger reclining chairs, sometimes with personal screens, blankets, and small meals included.

Even with the VIP options, though, overnight buses in Thailand aren’t like the sleeper buses in Vietnam or India, where you get an actual bed. At the end of the day, you’re still in a chair, and sleeping through the night can be hit-or-miss.

We’ve found night buses doable if you’re trying to save money and combine travel with accommodation, but don’t expect much rest. Day buses are usually more comfortable since you’re awake to pass the time with snacks, music, or a good book.

Tips for booking

Use 12Go for tickets – It’s our go-to for transport bookings in Thailand. It’s reliable, easy to use, and lets you compare all available options in one place. Plus, you get free cancellation, which is a lifesaver if your plans change last minute.

Book early in high season – From December to March, tickets can sell out quickly. If you’re traveling during this time, try to book at least a few days in advance.

Double-check departure points – Bangkok has two main train stations and several bus terminals, and not all transport leaves from the same place.

Final thoughts

So — what’s the best way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Honestly, it depends on your vibe. If you’re in a rush or just want the quickest option, flying is the way to go. If you’ve got a bit more time and want a more local experience, the overnight train is our personal favorite.

Whichever route you choose, the Bangkok to Chiang Mai journey is a classic part of the Thailand travel experience — and with a little planning, it can be just as fun as the destination itself.