This is an updated travel guide on how to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with the latest bus schedule and fare via GreenBus. Last updated on 6 June 2023.
Are you planning to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and wondering which mode of transportation to choose? Fortunately, there are several options available that you can consider.
The most convenient and popular way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by bus or hired car. Although flying is possible, there are no direct flights between the two cities, and it could end up being a waste of time and money. There is also no train service that connects the two cities.
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Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
The most common and affordable way to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by bus. The GreenBus, which departs from the Arcade Bus Station in northwest Chiang Mai, is the most convenient option. The bus station is located at the far end of Kaeo Narawat Road, not far from Central Festival, and is accessible by songthaew from the city center for around 50 baht (USD1.5) per person.
To purchase a ticket, head to the Green Bus ticket office on the left when you enter the Arcade Bus Station. You can either get your ticket from the machine to the right of the counters or buy a ticket in advance online. It’s worth considering the VIP bus option, which costs 380 baht (US$11) for a single journey, as it’s a safer and more comfortable choice for road travel in Thailand.
The journey to Chiang Rai takes about 3-4 hours and passes through scenic mountain areas. The VIP bus offers plenty of legroom, comfortable seats, and a clean toilet at the back. You’ll also receive a complimentary bottle of water and a snack at the beginning of the journey.
Once you arrive in Chiang Rai, there are two bus stations, with the second stop being the one closer to the city center and the night bazaar. To get to your hotel, you can take a songthaew or tuk-tuk from the bus station. A tuk-tuk may be a better option if your driver isn’t familiar with your hotel’s location, as they are typically more knowledgeable about the city’s streets.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule
There are multiple daily trips from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai via GreenBus. The first trip from Chiang Mai is 7:00 am and the last trip is 6:00 pm.
- 7:00 am
- 7:30 am
- 8:15 am
- 8:45 am
- 9:30 am
- 10:00 am
- 10:30 am
- 11:00 am
- 11:45 am
- 12:15 pm
- 1:00 pm
- 2:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
- 4:30 pm
- 5:00 pm
- 6:00 pm
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Bus Schedule
There are multiple daily trips from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai via GreenBus. The first trip from Chiang Rai is 7:00 am and the last trip is 6:30 pm.
- 7:00 am
- 7:30 am
- 8:00 am
- 9:00 am
- 10:00 am
- 12:00 pm
- 12:30 pm
- 1:00 pm
- 1:30 pm
- 2:30 pm
- 3:00 pm
- 3:30 pm
- 4:00 pm
- 4:30 pm
- 5:15 pm
- 6:00 pm
- 6:30 pm
Passenger Fare & Travel Time
The bus fare between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai starts at 271 Baht (USD7) on Express Bus and 380 Baht (USD11) on VIP. The travel time is around 4 hours.
Book Online
In summary, traveling by bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is a straightforward and safe option. It’s advisable to book your ticket in advance, consider the VIP bus option, and plan for a tuk-tuk ride from the bus station to your hotel in Chiang Rai.
