Getting to Chiang Rai — Flights, Buses from Chiang Mai & Driving, with Real Times 2026

First things first

Getting to Chiang Rai — 3 main ways (and the truth about the train)

Chiang Rai sits at the far north of Thailand, but it's easier to reach than many people expect. There are three main ways in, chosen by budget and time — flying direct from Bangkok is the fastest, the bus from Chiang Mai is the popular overland route, and driving up follows a scenic highway. The thing to know before you plan: there's no train to Chiang Rai — Thailand's Northern Line ends at Chiang Mai. To travel by rail you'd ride up to Chiang Mai first, then take a bus the last ~3 hours. And in the city itself there's no BTS/MRT or any metro — you get around by songthaew, tuk-tuk, Grab or a rented scooter.

CEI

Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport
the city's main airport

Chiang Rai's main airport, handling mostly domestic flights (plus a few regional routes). It sits about 8 km north of the city centre, with several direct flights a day from Bangkok (Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi). The flight takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.

IATA code: CEI

From the city: ~8 km (to the north · 15–20 min)

Flights: mostly domestic + a few regional

Into the city: taxi / Grab / transfer (no public bus now)

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By rail?
No direct train — the line ends at Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai has no railway station; Thailand's Northern Line ends at Chiang Mai. If Chiang Rai is your only goal, flying or taking the bus is far better value. The train-then-bus option really only suits travellers who want the scenic northern rail journey and are stopping in Chiang Mai along the way anyway.

Fastest: direct flight, Bangkok → CEI (~1h20)

Main overland route: GreenBus Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai (~3–3¾ hr)

Saves a night's stay: overnight coach from Mo Chit (~11–12 hr)

Train: ends at Chiang Mai, then a bus

Route

How

Approx. time

Approx. fare

Bangkok → Chiang Rai

Direct flight (DMK/BKK → CEI)

~1h20

~฿700–2,000 (season / how early)

Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai

GreenBus / minivan

~3–3¾ hr

~฿160–290 (by class)

Bangkok (Mo Chit) → Chiang Rai

Overnight coach

~11–12 hr

~฿600–950 (VIP costs more)

Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai

Self-drive (Highway 118)

~3 hr (~180 km)

Fuel + car rental

Check before you go: The fares and times above are approximate ranges compiled in 2026. Flight prices shift with holidays (Songkran / New Year / cool season) and how far ahead you book; for buses and coaches, check timetables and book online ahead over long weekends. Compare prices in a booking app before you decide.

Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple in Chiang Rai, an all-white temple decorated with mirror-glass mosaics, the contemporary Lanna design of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat — Wat Rong Khun — one of the reasons people fly up to Chiang Rai, about 13 km south of the centre

4 options compared

Getting there — 4 ways compared

Chiang Rai has no direct train and no metro, so the main ways in are flying, the bus, or driving — read this before you book.

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Fly direct from Bangkok (CEI)

DMK/BKK → Mae Fah Luang Airport · the fastest

The quickest, easiest way in is a direct flight from Bangkok to Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai Airport (CEI), about 1 hour 20 minutes in the air. There are direct flights from both Don Muang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK), with several airlines a day, and fares run roughly ฿700–2,000 each way depending on the season and how early you book. The airport is about 8 km north of the centre (around 15–20 minutes), reached by taxi, Grab or a transfer. Ideal if you're coming from Bangkok and short on time, with no whole day lost on the road.

~1h20 several flights a day ~฿700–2,000/leg

Best if: you're coming from Bangkok, short on time, and want to arrive fast without a long road trip. Booking ahead gets you much better fares, especially in the cool season when northern travel is busy.

Tip: Once you land at CEI, if you'd like to reach the White Temple, Singha Park, Doi Tung or the Golden Triangle at your own pace, consider renting a car right at the airport. See how to get around the city and beyond in our guide to getting around Chiang Rai.

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Bus from Chiang Mai (GreenBus)

Arcade → Chiang Rai bus station · the main overland route

If you're already in Chiang Mai and want to carry on up to Chiang Rai, the most popular route is the GreenBus, leaving from Chiang Mai's Arcade bus terminal and running almost every hour through the day. The trip takes about 3–3¾ hours, with standard and roomier reclining V-Class seats, and fares run roughly ฿160–290 each way depending on class. You can book online ahead during holidays, or take a minivan from Chiang Mai — similar in speed but with less luggage space. Arrive at Chiang Rai bus station and finish with a songthaew, tuk-tuk or Grab to your hotel.

~฿160–290 roughly hourly ~3–3¾ hr

Best if: you're already in Chiang Mai and want a cheap onward leg, or you'd enjoy the roadside scenery over the hills. Less ideal if you have a lot of luggage or get carsick easily on the winding sections.

Tip: Chiang Mai is the gateway to Chiang Rai — visiting Chiang Mai first, then taking the bus north, works really well. See our Chiang Mai travel guide, and read our Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai vs Pai comparison before you plan.

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Overnight coach from Bangkok

Mo Chit → Chiang Rai · saves a night's accommodation

The other way from Bangkok is an overnight coach from Mo Chit bus terminal straight up to Chiang Rai, taking about 11–12 hours. Most leave in the evening and arrive in the morning, with VIP coaches offering wide reclining seats, a blanket and water. Fares run roughly ฿600–950 depending on class and operator. The upside is saving a night's hotel, but to be honest, if you don't sleep on a coach you'll arrive tired — the 1h20 direct flight is far more comfortable. Choose by budget and travel style.

~฿600–950 leaves evening, arrives morning ~11–12 hr

Best if: you're on a tight budget, want to save a night's accommodation, can sleep on a coach, and aren't in a hurry. Less ideal if you don't sleep well on the road or want to arrive fast.

A morning sea of mist at Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai, with the sun rising over a white cloud sea filling the valley and a rocky cliff jutting out above the clouds — Phu Chi Fa — Chiang Rai's cool-season sea of mist, a payoff worth the trip north

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Drive from Chiang Mai (Highway 118)

Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai · freedom to explore

If you have or rent a car, driving up from Chiang Mai is enjoyable and scenic. You take Highway 118 (Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai), about 180 km, roughly 3 hours. It's a well-surfaced main road through pretty mountain bends around Doi Nang Kaeo, with rest stops to stretch your legs. The big plus is the freedom to carry on to the White Temple, Singha Park, Doi Tung or the Golden Triangle without waiting for public transport. You can rent a car in Chiang Mai or at Chiang Rai airport — just drive carefully in rain and morning mist on the hill sections.

~180 km · ~3 hr freedom to explore scenic mountain road

Watch out: The mountain stretch of Highway 118 has several steep, winding sections — drive slowly and take extra care in rain or when morning mist sits on the road. And if you come during the burning season (Feb–Apr, worst in March), visibility on the road can drop, so plan some extra time.

Landed at CEI

From Chiang Rai airport into the city — there's no bus now

To be straight with you, there has been no public airport bus into the city since around August 2024 — but the distance is short and getting in is easy.

The good news is that Mae Fah Luang Airport is very close to the city, about 8 km north (around 15–20 minutes). The thing to know is that there's no public airport bus into the city any more (it stopped around August 2024). There are three main ways in now — choose by group size, luggage and when you land.

Taxi at the airport

There's a taxi rank / counter at the airport, and a ride into the city centre is roughly ฿200–300, about 15–20 minutes. Agree the fare or check the counter rate before you set off. Handy if there are several of you or you have a lot of luggage.

Fare: ~฿200–300 · Time: ~15–20 min

Grab (book in the app)

Grab works in Chiang Rai, with the price shown upfront and no haggling. To be honest, though, the supply of cars is more limited than in big cities, so you may wait at quieter times. Open the app to check for an available car first. A good option if you're solo or a pair.

Upside: price shown upfront · Limit: fewer cars, some waiting

Hotel transfer / book ahead

Many hotels offer paid airport pickups (some free if you stay several nights), with someone waiting on arrival so you don't have to scramble for a car. Ideal if you're with family, have small children, or land late. Email the hotel ahead with your flight number and arrival time.

Upside: someone waiting, no car to find

Choose your stay first — to budget the ride

Before you book, decide which area you'll stay in — the central Clock Tower / Night Bazaar area is walkable, while riverside resorts on the Kok River or out-of-town places need transport. That helps you budget transfers across the whole trip.

Helps you choose: Where to stay in Chiang Rai

Before you set off

Get these 4 things sorted — for a smooth start

Chiang Rai is easy to travel and the people are friendly, but sorting these four things first makes the whole trip smoother — especially if you're heading out to the temples, hills and sea-of-mist viewpoints around the province.

Check the timing — dodge the haze

The sweet spot is Nov–Feb: cool, clear and the cleanest air. But to be straight with you, Feb–Apr (worst in March) is the burning season — PM2.5 spikes, skies turn hazy, and sensitive travellers should avoid it.

Read more: Best time to visit Chiang Rai

Plan how you'll get around

Chiang Rai has no metro — in town you use songthaew, tuk-tuk (agree the fare first) or Grab, while the temples and hills outside need a rented car, scooter or a tour. Knowing this up front helps you plan well.

Read more: Getting around Chiang Rai

eSIM / mobile data

You need data to call a Grab, open maps and book tickets on the spot. An eSIM you set up before you fly works the moment you land, with no SIM swap — handy out on the hills where the signal thins in places.

Read more: Thailand eSIM & SIM guide

Know which area you're staying in

Before you book your travel, decide whether you'll stay central, by the Kok River or out of town — the route and fares differ, and it helps you pick how to arrive (flight or bus) to match your plan.

Start here: Chiang Rai for first-timers — start here

Frequently asked

FAQ · before you travel to Chiang Rai

Is there a train to Chiang Rai?

Not directly. Chiang Rai has no railway station — Thailand's Northern Line ends at Chiang Mai. If you want to travel by rail, you take the train from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) up to Chiang Mai, then transfer to a GreenBus or minivan for the remaining ~3–3¾ hours into Chiang Rai. That combination takes a long time overall and rarely makes sense if Chiang Rai is your only goal, so most people fly direct or take the bus from Chiang Mai instead.

How long is the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, and which airport does it use?

A direct flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, landing at Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport (code CEI), roughly 8 km north of the city centre. There are direct flights from both Don Muang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK), with several airlines a day. It's the fastest option and usually good value if you book ahead — far quicker than the 11–12 hour overnight coach from Bangkok.

How do I get from Chiang Rai airport (CEI) into the city, and is there an airport bus?

To be straight with you, there has been no public airport bus from Chiang Rai airport into the city since around August 2024. The ways in now are the taxi rank at the airport, a Grab (it works, but the supply of cars is limited so you may wait), or a private transfer booked ahead. The distance is short (~8 km, about 15–20 minutes), and a ride into the city centre costs roughly ฿200–300. Agree the fare before you set off, and note that many hotels run their own airport pickups — email ahead to ask.

How do I take the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, and how long does it take?

This is the most popular overland route. GreenBus coaches run from Chiang Mai's Arcade bus terminal to Chiang Rai bus station almost every hour through the day, taking about 3–3¾ hours. There are standard and roomier V-Class seats, and the fare is roughly ฿160–290 each way depending on class. You can book online ahead during holidays. Minivans from Chiang Mai also run, similar in speed but with less luggage space. See our Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai vs Pai comparison too.

Can I take a coach straight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?

Yes. Overnight coaches run daily from Mo Chit bus terminal in Bangkok direct to Chiang Rai, taking about 11–12 hours. Most leave in the evening and arrive in the morning, with VIP coaches offering wide reclining seats. The fare is roughly ฿600–950 depending on class and operator. The upside is that you save a night's accommodation, but if you don't sleep well on a coach, the 1h20 direct flight is far more comfortable.

What's it like to drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai — is the road difficult?

Driving yourself is enjoyable and scenic. You take Highway 118 (Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai), about 180 km, roughly 3 hours. It's a well-surfaced main road, but there are steep, winding mountain sections around Doi Nang Kaeo, so drive carefully when it rains or when morning mist sits on the road. The big plus of having a car is the freedom to carry on to the White Temple, Singha Park, Doi Tung or the Golden Triangle without waiting for public transport. You can rent a car in Chiang Mai or at Chiang Rai airport.

Chiang Rai travel guide

Where to stay, what to see and eat — temples, hills and the sea of mist

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Getting around Chiang Rai

Songthaew, tuk-tuk, Grab, scooters and cars for the temples and hills

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Where to stay in Chiang Rai

Central, riverside on the Kok, or out of town — matched to your style

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Chiang Rai trip budget

Transport, stays, food and tours — backpacker, mid-range and comfort

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Chiang Rai for first-timers — start here

When to go, how to arrive, getting around, where to stay and what to eat

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Chiang Mai — the gateway to Chiang Rai

Visit Chiang Mai first, then take the GreenBus 3 hours up north

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Getting to Chiang Rai
fly, bus or drive — match it to your budget and time

Getting to Chiang Rai — 3 main ways (and the truth about the train)

Getting there — 4 ways compared

From Chiang Rai airport into the city — there's no bus now

Get these 4 things sorted — for a smooth start

FAQ · before you travel to Chiang Rai

In Chiang Rai — book your tours and tickets ahead and skip the scramble

Getting to Chiang Raifly, bus or drive — match it to your budget and time

Getting to Chiang Rai — 3 main ways (and the truth about the train)

Getting there — 4 ways compared

From Chiang Rai airport into the city — there's no bus now

Get these 4 things sorted — for a smooth start

FAQ · before you travel to Chiang Rai

In Chiang Rai — book your tours and tickets ahead and skip the scramble

Getting to Chiang Rai
fly, bus or drive — match it to your budget and time