Bangkok to Chiang Mai: every way compared
Chiang Mai is the one long trip where the overnight sleeper train is a real option, not just the cheapest one. The cheapest option is the train from about 230 baht; the fastest is the flight at 4 h – 5 h 15 min.
Options compared
| Option | Price (one way) | Time | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlightFastest | 700–3,500 baht ≈ $21–104 | 4 h – 5 h 15 min | Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi |
| TrainCheapest | 230–2,100 baht ≈ $7–63 | 11–13 h | Krung Thep Aphiwat |
| Overnight bus | 480–1,100 baht ≈ $14–33 | 9–11 h | Mo Chit Bus Terminal |
| Private car | 9,500–14,000 baht ≈ $284–418 | 9–10 h | your hotel |
Flight times are door to door: they include getting to the airport, check-in and, for direct flights, the ride into town, so they compare fairly with buses and trains. Price ranges checked in October 2026. Fares change with season and how early you book. Dollar amounts at 33.5 baht per US dollar.
Which option suits you?
Flight
700–3,500 baht, 4 h – 5 h 15 min, from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi. That includes getting to the airport and checking in, and the ride into town at the other end; the flight itself is 1 h 10 min – 1 h 20 min. Budget fares need booking weeks ahead.
Train
230–2,100 baht, 11–13 h, from Krung Thep Aphiwat. Seats from about 230 baht; second-class air-conditioned sleeper berths around 800–1,200; first class up to about 2,100.
Overnight bus
480–1,100 baht, 9–11 h, from Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
Private car
9,500–14,000 baht, 9–10 h, from your hotel.
Questions
How far is Chiang Mai from Bangkok?
About 690 km by road.
What is the cheapest way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Train, from about 230 baht (11–13 h).
What is the fastest way from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Flight: 4 h – 5 h 15 min, from about 700 baht.
Is there a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Yes. Train leaves from Krung Thep Aphiwat.
Starting from the airport? Use the BTS & MRT map to reach your bus terminal or station.
Sources
Price ranges checked: October 2026
Prices are estimates from operators and booking sites and change with season and demand. Check the final price before you book. Spotted an error? Tell us.