The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only $12.
Of the 10 buses that leave Chiang Mai for Chiang Rai every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
1666:15 PM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 310:00 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$121One-way0 changes
1665:00 PM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 38:45 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$121One-way0 changes
1661:30 PM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 35:15 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$121One-way0 changes
1667:00 AM3h45Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 310:45 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$121One-way0 changes
1668:45 AM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 312:05 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$121One-way0 changes
1668:45 AM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 312:05 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$121One-way0 changes
1669:30 AM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 312:50 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$181One-way0 changes
1666:30 PM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 39:50 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$181One-way0 changes
1667:30 AM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 310:50 AMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$181One-way0 changes
1662:00 PM3h20Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 35:20 PMChiang Rai Bus Terminal 1$181One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and flight for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of $8, and a flight costs an average of $69.
Distance: 153 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|
$11 Average Price Cheapest | $178 Average Price |
4h 7m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai coaches for tomorrow, Saturday, 25 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
166 | 7:00 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 10:45 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 7:30 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 10:50 AM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 8:45 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 12:05 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 9:30 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 12:50 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 1:30 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 5:15 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 2:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 5:20 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 4:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 7:20 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 5:00 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 8:45 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 6:15 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h45 | 10:00 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
166 | 6:30 PM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 3 | 3h20 | 9:50 PM Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by coach or flight
Compare coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
25 Apr
26 Apr
27 Apr
28 Apr
29 Apr
30 Apr
01 May
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 if you book in advance.
There are 14 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 06:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest coach covers the 153 km distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 153 km |
Average bus duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Bus providers: Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand from Chiang Mai to Chiang RaiYou can travel by bus between Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with Greenbus, Greenbus Thailand for as low as $8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greenbus
Greenbus Thailand
FAQs: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chiang Rai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
- 05:00-21:00
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal
- Free parking available for both cars and motorcycles
- Food court and several local food vendors inside terminal
- Available at designated taxi stand outside terminal
- Wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities
- Public restrooms available with 5 baht fee
- Bus: R3, RTC Shuttle
- Songthaew: Red trucks from city center
- 05:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in terminal
- Free parking available for passengers
- Local food stalls and small restaurants inside and around terminal
- Taxis and tuk-tuks available at the terminal entrance
- Ground level access, wheelchair friendly
- Public toilets available
- Local buses and songthaews available
- 05:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal
- Free parking available for passengers
- Food court and several local food vendors inside terminal
- Available at designated taxi stand outside terminal
- Wheelchair ramps and assistance available
- Public restrooms available for small fee
- Local Bus: City routes
- Songthaew: Red trucks
More options for your journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
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