How do you get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?

The options at a glance

Times and fares are from 12Go listings checked on 11 November 2026 for dates in November and early December. Flight prices rise sharply in the last few days before departure and over New Year.

Option 1: fly (best for most people)

Flights take about 1 hour 25 to 1 hour 30 minutes. 12Go showed more than 40 flight options a day, from both Bangkok airports. Don Mueang (DMK) has most of the low-cost flights, including Thai AirAsia; Suvarnabhumi (BKK) has Thai Vietjet among others, which suits you if you are connecting from an international arrival there.

Booked about three weeks out, fares started at roughly US$62 to US$65 one way on 12Go; for flights in the next few days the same seats were US$100 to US$180 or more. Compare totals with checked bags added, and book early for the cool, dry season from December to February.

Chiang Rai's airport is Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, a short taxi or Grab ride north of the centre. Airports of Thailand notes that taxis booked at the arrivals counter cost slightly more than outside. Our Bangkok airport guide covers getting to BKK.

Option 2: overnight bus from Mo Chit (cheapest)

Long-distance buses north leave from Mo Chit 2, Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal in Chatuchak. The government operator Transport Co. (Bor Kor Sor) and private lines run the route, most leaving in the evening and arriving early the next morning. 12Go listed Transport Co.'s standard bus at about 13 hours 45 minutes to Chiang Rai's Bus Terminal 2, and Cherdchai Tour North's express bus through to Mae Sai on the Myanmar border at about 13 hours 30 minutes.

Fares start at about 789 baht on 12Go (about US$29 to US$34 including the booking fee). VIP and first-class buses with fewer, wider seats cost more and are worth it for a whole night. You can also buy at the operator counters at Mo Chit, but popular evening departures sell out on Friday nights and before holidays.

Check the arrival station. Terminal 2 is on the main highway outside the centre, so you need a songthaew or Grab into town; Terminal 1 is in the centre near the night bazaar. Check which one your ticket names.

Option 3: train to Chiang Mai, then bus

No railway reaches Chiang Rai. A new Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong line is being built and was about 72% complete at the end of September 2026, with opening targeted for 2028. Until then, the rail route is the overnight sleeper from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat station to Chiang Mai, then a Green Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

It is slow, about 16 to 17 hours with the connection, but it makes sense if you want to spend a few days in Chiang Mai anyway. See our Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper train guide and Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Green Bus for each leg.

Private car

12Go listed private cars from Bangkok's airports to Chiang Rai from about US$274 for a 3-seat car, taking roughly 10 hours. For almost everyone, flying is faster and cheaper; a car only makes sense for a group that wants to stop in Sukhothai or Lampang on the way.

Planning around Chiang Rai

Most visitors give Chiang Rai two or three nights for the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Golden Triangle; see how many days in Chiang Rai and our Chiang Rai guide. A common loop is to fly Bangkok to Chiang Rai, take the bus to Chiang Mai, and fly or take the train back, as in our 2-week Thailand itinerary.

Before leaving Bangkok, our where to stay in Bangkok guide helps pick a base near Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi transport if you are flying out early.

Frequently asked questions