Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Thailand: Transport Guide
With the famous White temple and beautiful nature, Chiang Rai is an excellent day trip from Chiang Mai, Thailand.
In this travel guide, you’ll find useful information about traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus and taxi, including timetable, ticket prices, and tips.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: Overview
The distance between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is about 199 km (124 miles), and you can easily travel between the two cities by bus and taxi.
Currently, there is no direct flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
Taking a bus is the most popular way to get to Chiang Rai. A taxi ride is more convenient but slightly expensive. Expect to pay about $121 for your trip.
I highly recommend taking a day trip from Chiang Mai. It’s convenient and budget-friendly, and you’ll see the White temple and the Golden Triangle.
| Type | Time | Cost | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 3 hours 20 mins | $7 (€6) | Check tickets |
| Taxi | 3 hours | $121 (€110) | Check taxi |
| Tour | 13.5 hours | $64 (€63) | Check availability |
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus
Traveling by bus is the most common option to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
GreenBus offers frequent services to Chiang Rai, taking about 3 hours and 20 minutes to 6 hours 35 minutes depending on the buses.
The ticket price starts at $7 (€6). You should book tickets in advance to secure your seats.
| Bus info | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 3 hours 20 mins |
| Price | $7 (€10) |
| Distance | 199 km (124 miles) |
| Frequency | 20 buses per day |
| First bus | 7:00 am |
| Last bus | 6:00 pm |
| Departure station | Chiang Mai bus terminal 3 |
| Arrival station | Chiang Rai bus terminal 1 |
| Operators | GreenBus |
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| GreenBus | 07:00 | 10:45 | Check tickets |
| GreenBus | 8:00 | 16:05 | Check tickets |
| GreenBus | 9:30 | 12:50 | Check tickets |
| GreenBus | 10:00 | 13:45 | Check tickets |
| GreenBus | 12:30 | 17:40 | Check tickets |
| GreenBus | 14:00 | 17:45 | Check tickets |
How long is the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
The bus to Chiang Rai takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Please come at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in procedures.
How much is the bus ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
The bus ticket to Chiang Rai costs about $7 (€6) to $10 (€9), depending on the bus providers and departure time. Please note that prices may change on weekends and national holidays.
Where are the departure and arrival stations?
Buses usually leave Chiang Mai bus terminal 3 (Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand) and arrive at Chiang Rai bus terminal 1 (WR3M+RPQ, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand).
When is the first and last bus depart from?
The first bus departs at 7:00 am, while the last leaves at 6 pm. For the latest schedule, please check here.
Day trip from Chiang Mai
A day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is an excellent and hassle-free option.
You’ll see the famous White Temple and visit the Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet. Another highlight of the day is a long-tail boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy the charming natural scenery.
The trip includes:
- Round-trip hotel transfers (within 6 km of the city center)
- Transportation with an experienced driver
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Admission fees
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Boat trip on the Mekong River
- Coffee or tea break on the way back to Chiang Mai
- Water
- Travel insurance
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai taxi
A taxi is the most convenient way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. You can choose the departure time and tailor-make your trip. It’s also an excellent option if you travel in a group or have large luggage.
For this route, a taxi costs from $92 (€110) to $157 (€143) depending on the company and vehicle type.
