How Do I Get From Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

To get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai there are four options: plane, bus, train, or car. The journey is approximately 700 kilometres. Flights are the quickest, at about one hour and fifteen minutes. Driving, taking the bus, or riding the train is a ten or twelve hour journey. 

Once you’ve arrived in the Rose of the North, a car rental in Chiang Mai can be found at the Drive Car Rental desk inside Chiang Mai International Airport. If you rent a car from us in Bangkok and drive to Chiang Mai, you can return the car at our Chiang Mai Airport location.

Here are some additional tips about getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai:

Quick Flights

Those arriving in Thailand from other countries typically land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). It is the primary international airport for Bangkok. However, those departing for Chiang Mai (CNX) will almost always use Don Mueang Airport (DMK). 

Situated about twenty minutes north of downtown, DMK handles the majority of Thai domestic flights from Bangkok. Flights all over the country can be found here–Chiang Mai flights depart once or twice an hour via several airlines. 

Nok Air and AirAsia are the two domestic carriers with the most flights to CNX. They are also discount airlines, so be prepared to pay for checked bags and meals in advance. 

The flight itself is one hour and fifteen minutes. Besides watching the clock, one way to know you are getting close to Chiang Mai is when you start seeing mountains out the window. Chiang Mai province is home to Thailand’s tallest mountain–Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 metres (8415 feet). The province is made up of many mountainous jungles that hold much of the region’s charm. 

Scenic Trains

Not everyone enjoys a train journey, but for those who do, this one is worth it. The train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and vice versa is available as an all-day or overnight journey. 

Most journeys start from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station, also known as Bang Sue Central Station. It takes about ten to thirteen hours and accommodations are available in first, second, and third class. Those travelling in first and second-class air-conditioned coaches should consider bringing a jacket or blanket as it can get quite frosty. Sleeper berths are also available.

Tickets can be purchased at the State Railway of Thailand website and should be booked well in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially sleeper cars and first-class cabins. A minimum of two weeks advance is recommended. 

Tickets are likely to be sold out even further in advance during the high season from late October until March or April. Arguably, November is the best time of year to visit Chiang Mai, as the weather is cooler and the rains have stopped. 

Most of the journey is rice fields as far as the eye can see. As the train approaches Chiang Mai, the climb into the mountains begins, and visitors can see steep jungle ravines as the train winds through the mountain tunnels. 

Bus and Car

Depending on the number of stops and how fast one drives, the journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is approximately ten to twelve hours. The primary roads are Highways thirty-two, one, and eleven. 

Travellers who want to break up the trip into two days can opt to stop in Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, two ancient capitals of Thailand. Each has hundreds of temple ruins to see, allowing visitors to experience life as it was in ancient Thailand more than 800 years ago. 

Plenty of rest stops, gas stations, and restaurants are also available in small towns along the journey. Remember to stop and stretch at least every few hours, and don’t hesitate to have an extra cup of coffee to stay awake and alert. 

Make the Most of Thailand with Drive Car Rental

Whether you’re driving from Bangkok in one of our cars or flying to Chiang Mai and renting your wheels there, Drive Car Rental is here to serve you.

Visit our site today and browse our full vehicle selection–we even have electric cars for travellers who want to go green. Vehicle selection during the high season may be limited, so book your rental as early as possible to secure the vehicle you want. Early bird booking discounts are also available!