Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

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Best Options

 
$20
 
 
$35

Other Options

Bangkok to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule

Bangkok to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
BangkokTaxi24 Van 9pax Any time$ 357.81
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ13006:30 - 07:55$ 30.84
Thai Smile Economy #WE13008:30 - 10:05$ 56.91
Nok Air Economy #DD10210:35 - 11:50฿ 5,789
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ13213:45 - 15:10฿ 2,588
Thai Vietjet Economy #VZ13214:00 - 15:25฿ 1,743
Nok Air Economy #DD10617:55 - 19:15฿ 1,609
Sombat Tour VIP 33 19:50 - 06:50฿ 1,133
Budsarakham Tour Express 20:10 - 08:55฿ 905
Budsarakham Tour Express 22:00 - 10:20฿ 990

Transportation from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Facts about the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Bus$20
Fastest Bus10h 40m
Earliest Bus7:20 AM
Latest Bus8:35 PM
Daily Bus Routes21
Distance869 kilometers
Bus CompaniesBangkok Busline, Budsarakham Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Sombat Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, Transport Co

Bangkok to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

EB
There were so many mosquitos on the bus! As much as we appreciated the chicken burger from McDonald’s it’s not enough food for 12 hours drive. Other bus companies stop at local buffet restaurants to have a proper meal. Also we didn’t stop once to use a bathroom! Otherwise the bus was comfy and took us from A to B on time.
Bus Express, Cherdchai Tour, Feb 13, 2024
NS
Overall the tour was great. The bus was extra comfy, with blankets, headrests, leg rests and arm rests. Seats were also good. We paid 990 bhat to travel from Mochit to Chiangrai in the Luxury bus. The cost was high, we could have booked a VIP bus. But, as it was the end of the year of 2023, we didn't have much options. Anyway, the bus was very comfy and we didn't feel the usual body pains after the journey. The bus had enough stops to have coffees, snacks etc. Even we were provided with a small sponge cake and a bottle of water at the start of the journey. But the bus was not in time. Although it has to leave from Mochit at 18:15, the bus left after about a delay of one hour. And the delay was there for the entire journey. Overall the journey was good, the operator and the bus attendant were also good.
Bus Express, Budsarakham Tour (บุษราคัมทัวร์), Jan 9, 2024
MB
The bus was on time, seats were comfortable with charges near them (but pretty old - USB-A), head/neck support and leg support and with blankets.
Bus VIP, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Jan 8, 2024
AP
Comfortable bus, friendly staff, great overall experience!
Bus VIP, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Jan 6, 2024
PS
The bus arrived on time, everything was very clean and comfortable. Despite thick sweatpants, sweaters and blankets, we were freezing at night...
This review was autotranslated
Bus VIP, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Dec 26, 2023
AA
Very comfortable bus, helpful staff, water and snacks provided.
Bus Express 42, Sombat Tour (บริษัท เทพสมบัติ จำกัด), Dec 23, 2023
BC
The bus journey was comfortable. We were provided a meal as soon as we boarded, I assume this is because we took the overnight bus to allow the lights to be turned off. The meal was chicken and rice wjth a juice. The seats were comfortable but I often felt myself sliding off. It got a little chilly towards the end of the journey but nothing unbearable. Upon reaching our destination we were given a sandwich and milk.
Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Nov 15, 2023
AP
Seat really comfy, they also give you complimentary water and snacks. During the night (around 2 am) there's a stop where you can go to the toilet, and eat (for free) in a cantine where you can also have juice or milk (soy milk available). Reading the reviews I was expecting to arrive earlier, but luckily we were perfect on time (7.30 at Chiang Rai bus station).
Bus VIP, Bangkok Busline (บางกอกบัสไลน์), Oct 13, 2023
AR
The bus was on time and we had a pleasant ride. We even got dinner and breakfast, we did not expect that. With the seats you could lean back so that a sleeping position could be taken. There is a blanket, but you should still dress warmly because the air conditioning is running all the time.
Bus Gold Class, Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Aug 17, 2023
GC
The bus started 30 minutes earlier and arrived 2 hours earlier. If I would known, I would have bought an earlier flight ticket. The seats are very uncomfortable and the blanket is too thin for the glacial cold inside the bus. Moreover, the air conditioning control is broken so you can't close the air conditioner on your head. I spent a horrible night.
Bus Standard, Transport Co (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด), Aug 14, 2023
4.4
357 customer reviews
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How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by bus

Bus travel remains one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel between many destinations. Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by bus may not be the fastest way of travel, yet many travellers prefer to rely on the bus on this route; with easy online booking and tickets of different classes for all tastes and budgets available, the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai a conscious and budget-friendly option.

Check the timetable before you book your ticket and read other travellers’ reviews to choose the trip that suits you best. Note that there may be several bus terminals at your departure or arrival point – always double-check where you are leaving from and arriving to. It may prove crucial if you have connecting trips.

Here is the list of operators serving the route: .

How far is Bangkok from Chiang Rai?

If travelling by bus, you will cover the distance of 869 km between Bangkok and Chiang Rai.

How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by bus?

Buses normally need between 10h 40m and 14h 5m hours to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok. Note that the travel time is for your reference only and can depend on different factors such as traffic and weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls almost inevitably make the trip longer due to poor visibility or floods. Road and surface repairs which happen quite often, result in detours and longer travel times. Major national holidays, long weekends, or peak season periods may cause delays both in departures and arrivals – plan accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially if you have further connections and a tight schedule.

On this route, Sombat Tour (บริษัท เทพสมบัติ จำกัด) offers the fastest service. Transport Co (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด) buses usually take the longest time to complete the journey.

Remember, though, that tickets offering the shortest travel time are normally the most expensive ones. Yet it pays to spend a bit more to ensure your bus goes direct without additional stops and uses highways instead of local roads.

How much does it cost to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by bus?

The price of your bus ticket will depend not only on the distance you need to cover but on the class of your coach. E.g. expect to shell out more for VIP or sleeper buses while ordinary buses though being the cheapest option, often are a compromise on comfort and travel time. Of course, they do their job, too, and can be the only option if you hop on/off in the middle of the route.

Anyway, travelling by bus between Bangkok and Chiang Rai remains an affordable option. The cheapest ticket is offered by Transport Co (บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด) and costs USD 19.24. A Sombat Tour (บริษัท เทพสมบัติ จำกัด)'s ticket will set you back USD 19.24 on average.

Travelling by bus essentials

  • If you are planning to travel during the high season, weekends, or national holidays, booking your bus tickets in advance is highly recommended. The demand is at its highest, yet very often, the number of coaches serving the route remains the same. The earlier you reserve your seat, the better. On some routes, you need to secure your ticket more than a month in advance; on others, a couple-of-days advanced booking is enough. During such periods, try to book online beforehand whenever possible, as showing up at the bus station without a ticket may result in many-hours of waiting in the queue or leave you downright stranded.
  • VIP, 1st, Gold, and similar bus tickets are the most expensive option, but they provide a higher level of comfort. Normally the price of such tickets will include wide soft reclining seats, blankets, water and snacks or lunch, and sometimes some toiletries. Upper-class buses travel faster, make fewer stops during the route, and normally provide more spacious seating to their passengers and a better travel experience.
  • Not all buses have an on-board toilet, but generally, for all trips longer than three hours, all operators schedule a bathroom and/or a lunch stop. While operators definitely do their best to keep on-board toilets clean, the smell may be an issue sometimes. For longer trips, booking a seat a bit farther from the toilet may be a good idea. Also, using bathroom stops for your toilet needs is always better than trying to find your balance in an on-board toilet on the run.
  • If you travel by an air-con bus, make sure to pack layers. A hoodie, a warm scarf, or a beanie hat may prove a good idea. Air-conditioning on buses tends to be excessive, and running nose and sore throats abound after even not the longest bus rides.
  • Always use the security belts even if your bus ride attendant or driver does not insist on it. Your safety comes first – for you, for sure. All buses normally are equipped with security belts, but they may be fixed behind your seat. Take time to find the belt and fix it appropriately.
  • To avoid being disturbed by overhead lights, switched on during stops even at night, and too loud music or sound from the on-board entertainment system, have earplugs and a sleeping mask at hand.
  • As a courtesy to other passengers, avoid using strong perfumes or smelly foods. Some foods like cheeses or durians are forbidden to take on-board – check in advance. Alcohol is also prohibited on the majority of buses.
  • Note that if the bus requires refuelling en-route, passengers will be asked to get off the bus. Operators are not allowed to refuel with passengers on board due to safety reasons. Usually, it takes from 5 to 10 minutes and is often combined with a toilet/lunch stop.
  • If not stated otherwise in your tickets, arrive at the bus station 20-30 minutes before departure. It will give you enough time to find the departure platform and check-in. For international trips, you may need more time for check-in and border formalities.