Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Train, Bus or Flight Compared

Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the route that almost every backpacker in Thailand takes. The 700 km journey from the chaotic capital to the laid-back northern city is a rite of passage, and how you do it matters more than you might think.

You have four real options: the sleeper train, a VIP bus, a budget flight, or a regular bus. Each one has its place depending on your budget, how much time you have, and what kind of experience you want. This guide breaks down every option with typical price ranges, pros and cons, and step-by-step booking instructions. Fares change, so treat the numbers as a guide and check the operator's current price before you book.

For the big picture on Thai transport, check our complete transport guide. For deep detail on the train option specifically, we have a full sleeper train guide.

Bangkok's high-rise skyline lit up at night — Bangkok at night. Photo: Benh LIEU SONG / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Quick Comparison: All Options at a Glance

Method	Duration	Cost	Comfort	Best For
Sleeper Train	About 12-13 hours	Roughly 700-1,650 THB for a 2nd class AC or 1st class sleeper (2023 fares, check current)	Good — actual bed	Experience seekers, budget travelers
VIP Bus	About 10 hours	Varies by operator and class; check current fares	Good — reclining seat	Budget travelers, flexible schedules
Budget Flight	About 1 hour 15 minutes in the air	Roughly 900-4,000 THB one way depending on airline and date	Standard	Time-pressed travelers
Regular Bus	10 hours or more	Usually the cheapest bus option; check current fares	Basic	Extreme budget

The short answer: Take the sleeper train at least once for the experience. After that, fly if you are short on time or take a VIP bus if you are watching every baht.

Door to door is longer

Time on the move, Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Source: Seat61 timetable; Rome2rio operator range

What it costs

Sleeper train and flight fares, one way

Bus fares vary by operator and class, so check the operator for today’s price. Source: Seat61 (train); Rome2rio (flight)

Option 1: The Sleeper Train

Duration: About 12-13 hours (overnight) Cost: Roughly 700-1,650 THB for sleepers (2023 fares; check current) Departs from: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bangkok), where all long-distance trains have departed since January 2023 Arrives at: Chiang Mai Railway Station

The sleeper train is the classic backpacker choice, and for good reason. You board in the evening, the attendant makes up your berth, you fall asleep to the gentle rocking, and you wake up in Chiang Mai as the sun rises over the northern hills. You save a night of accommodation, cover 700 km, and get one of the defining experiences of traveling in Thailand.

Which Train to Take

Several trains run this route. Timings below follow the published timetable as compiled by Seat61; confirm the current schedule when you book, as the State Railway of Thailand changes departures from time to time.

Train	Departure	Arrival	Classes	Notes
#9	18:40	07:15 (+1)	1st, 2nd AC sleeper	Newest Chinese-built sleeper cars, earliest arrival
#13	20:05	08:45 (+1)	1st, 2nd AC sleeper	Later departure and arrival
#51	22:30	11:40 (+1)	2nd AC sleeper, 2nd and 3rd class seats	Late departure, arrives around midday

Best pick: Train #9 if available. It has the newest sleeper cars and the earliest arrival. Train #13 is the close second.

Which train

The three overnight trains, departure to arrival

Arrival is the next morning. Confirm the current timetable when you book. Source: Seat61, State Railway of Thailand timetable (2023 fares; check current)

Class and Berth Recommendations

You will choose between three decisions: class, AC vs fan, and upper vs lower berth.

Class:

1st Class (roughly 1,250-1,650 THB per berth in 2023, more for sole use of a cabin): Private two-berth cabin with a lockable door. Great for couples or if you really value privacy. Limited availability, so book as early as your booking window allows.
2nd Class AC (roughly 690-1,040 THB in 2023, depending on train and berth): Open carriage with individual berths and curtains. Air conditioning. This is the sweet spot for most travelers.
2nd Class Fan: Fan-only sleepers are rare on this route (one pair of trains in the timetable we checked) and no current fare is published, so check at booking if you want one.

Berth:

Lower berth (about 70-100 THB more on trains 9 and 13): More space, window access, easier to get in and out. During the day, it serves as the seating area.
Upper berth (cheaper): Less space but more privacy — nobody sits on your berth during the day. You need to climb a small ladder.

The recommendation: 2nd class AC, lower berth. It is the usual choice for budget travelers. On train 13 that was about 840 THB in 2023; check the current price.

Picking a berth

Which sleeper class suits you?

Source: Seat61, State Railway of Thailand timetable (2023 fares; check current)

What to Expect Hour by Hour

Here is how a typical evening-departure journey unfolds. Exact times depend on which train you take.

18:00-18:30 — Boarding. Arrive at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal 30-45 minutes early. Find your platform on the departure board, locate your carriage number, and settle into your seat. During this initial phase, the berths are configured as facing seats.

18:30-19:30 — Departure and city outskirts. The train pulls out and crawls through Bangkok's northern suburbs. This is a good time to eat dinner if you brought food or to visit the dining car.

19:30-20:30 — Berth setup. The train attendant works through the carriage, converting the seats into berths, pulling down upper bunks, and distributing bedding (sheet, pillow, blanket). The transformation takes about 30-45 minutes for the whole carriage.

20:30-21:00 — Settling in. Brush your teeth (small washbasins at the end of the carriage), change into comfortable clothes, set up your berth area with essentials (phone, earplugs, eye mask, water). The overhead lights dim.

21:00-05:30 — Sleep. The rhythmic rocking of the train genuinely helps with sleep. Earplugs are essential — the train rattles, wheels click on rails, and the horn sounds at crossings. The AC can be aggressive, so keep your warm layer accessible.

05:30-06:30 — Wake up. The carriage starts to stir. If you are awake early, pull back your curtain for some stunning northern Thai scenery — limestone hills, mist over rice paddies, small stations.

06:30-07:30 — Arrival. The attendant collects bedding and converts berths back to seats about 30 minutes before arrival. The train pulls into Chiang Mai station, and you step out into the cool northern morning air.

On board

Your night on the sleeper

Source: Seat61, State Railway of Thailand timetable (2023 fares; check current)

How to Book the Train

Official SRT booking: Tickets are sold through the State Railway of Thailand's D-Ticket site and app (dticket.railway.co.th), by calling 1690, and at station counters such as Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The booking window depends on how far you travel: for long routes like Bangkok to Chiang Mai, tickets are released up to about 90 days ahead, while shorter trips open much closer to departure. Sales open at 8:30am.

Through an agent: 12go.asia sells the same trains for a service fee. Seat61 reports it needs at least 3 days' notice, so it does not suit last-minute bookings.

When to book: Sleepers on the best trains often sell out weeks in advance, especially around New Year and Songkran. Book as soon as your booking window opens for those dates. Outside holidays, a shorter lead time often works, but lower berths on long routes tend to go first.

Booking the train

Where to buy a sleeper ticket

On long routes like this one, tickets are released up to about 90 days ahead. Source: Seat61; State Railway of Thailand

What to Bring

The essentials: earplugs, eye mask, warm hoodie or fleece (the AC is cold), water, snacks, phone charger/power bank, small lock for your bag, flip-flops for the bathroom. See our sleeper train guide for the complete packing list.

Option 2: VIP Bus

Duration: About 10 hours (overnight or daytime) Cost: Varies by operator and class; check current fares Departs from: Mo Chit 2 (Northern Bus Terminal) or the operator's own terminal Arrives at: Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal

VIP buses are a popular budget option. The major operators run coaches with reclining seats, onboard toilets and entertainment screens, with amenities varying by operator and class. They are usually cheaper than the sleeper train, though less comfortable for sleeping.

Bus Operators Worth Booking

These are three long-established operators on the route:

Nakhonchai Air (NCA) — A large operator with its own booking site and app. Its newest First Class coach, according to NCA's own website, is a 12 m coach with 23 seats in a 2-1 layout, with massage seats, a 13.3-inch personal touchscreen, USB-A and USB-C charging, reading lights, foldable trays and an onboard toilet. Classes and amenities differ by coach, so check what your booking includes.

Departures: Multiple times per day, including overnight services
Fares: Check the NCA site or call 1624 for current prices by class

Sombat Tour — A major operator on northern routes with several daily departures, including overnight. Class names and seat layouts differ by service; check them when booking.

The Transport Co. — The state-owned bus operator (founded 1930), with counters at Mo Chit 2. Booking channels include its website, a 24-hour call centre on 1490 and ticket counters. Its service is generally more basic than the premium private operators; check class and fare when booking.

Night Bus vs Day Bus

Night bus (recommended for most):

Typically departs in the evening and arrives early the next morning
Saves a night of accommodation
You will not see scenery but you cover distance while sleeping
The seats recline far but not flat — less comfortable than a train berth

Day bus:

Departs in the morning and arrives in the afternoon or early evening
You see the countryside
Burns a full day of travel
Makes sense if overnight options are sold out

How to Book the Bus

12go.asia: Search the route, filter by bus, select your operator and departure time. E-ticket to your email.

Operator websites: NCA has its own booking site (nakhonchaiair.com) with an English version. Compare the price with agents such as 12go.asia.

At the bus station: Walk up to the operator's counter at Mo Chit 2. Walk-up tickets are often available, but seats can sell out on weekends and holidays, so book ahead for those.

Booking the bus

Three ways to get a bus seat

Source: Operator websites; Transport Co.

What to Expect on the Bus

Reclining seats (VIP coaches typically have three seats per row, regular buses four)
Bus air conditioning is often strong, so bring a layer
Blankets, snacks and charging points depend on the operator and class
Rest stops at highway service stations with toilets, shops and food stalls
Onboard toilet on most VIP coaches

Arriving in Chiang Mai by Bus

Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal is a few kilometres north-east of the Old City. From there:

Songthaew: Shared red trucks run to the Old City; agree the fare before you get in
Grab: The app shows the fare before you book
Tuk-tuk: Negotiate the price before you get in

Option 3: Budget Flight

Duration: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes (flight only) Cost: Roughly 900-4,000 THB one way, depending on airline and date (aggregator estimates) Departs from: Don Mueang Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Arrives at: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

Flying is the fastest way to cover the distance and can be competitive with the train on price if you book early and travel light.

Airlines and What They Cost

Airline	Airport	Notes
Thai AirAsia	Don Mueang (DMK)	Low-cost; frequent departures
Nok Air	Don Mueang (DMK)	Low-cost; check what baggage your fare includes
Thai Lion Air	Check at booking	Low-cost; airport can vary
Thai Airways	Suvarnabhumi (BKK)	Full-service; resumed Bangkok–Chiang Mai after absorbing Thai Smile, which stopped flying on 31 December 2023
Bangkok Airways	Suvarnabhumi (BKK)	Full-service

Baggage allowances and fares differ by airline and fare type, so check the fare rules before you book.

The Real Cost of Flying

The ticket price is not the whole story. Factor in:

Checked baggage: Budget fares often include only a small carry-on, so a backpack usually means paying for checked luggage. The price depends on the airline and whether you add it at booking or at the airport
Getting to the airport: Budget for a taxi, Grab or public transport to Bangkok's airport. For taxi meter rates and airport rules, see our Grab vs taxi guide
Getting from the airport: Chiang Mai's airport is close to the Old City, so a Grab or taxi is short and inexpensive
Arrive early: Factor in the time cost at the airport
No saved hotel night: Unlike the train or night bus, you still need accommodation for the night

Working out the real cost: Add the ticket, checked bag, transport to and from both airports and the hotel night you would have saved on a sleeper. A cheap fare can end up close to or above the train once these are included.

Flying

Working out what a flight really costs

Booking Tips for Flights

Book early where you can. Last-minute fares are usually higher.
Be flexible on dates. Prices vary by day of the week and season.
Check every airline. Prices can differ a lot for the same day.
Consider booking direct on airline websites rather than through a third-party seller, so changes and refunds are handled by the airline.
Carry-on only if possible. If you can fit your bag within the airline's weight and size limits, you skip the checked bag fee and the baggage carousel.

Don Mueang vs Suvarnabhumi

Most budget flights use Don Mueang Airport (DMK). If you are staying near Khao San Road or central Bangkok, check which airport your flight uses before choosing where to stay.

Getting to Don Mueang:

Airport bus routes from Mo Chit BTS (such as the A1)
Grab or taxi
SRT trains from some stations

A BTS Skytrain crossing the Bangkok skyline at sunset, with skyscrapers behind — A BTS Skytrain crossing the Bangkok skyline at sunset. Photo: User:Diliff / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Getting to Suvarnabhumi:

Airport Rail Link from Phaya Thai
Grab or taxi

Arriving in Chiang Mai by Air

Chiang Mai International Airport is only a few kilometres from the Old City — one of the most convenient airport locations in Thailand.

Grab: The app shows the fare before you book; the ride takes about 10-15 minutes
Taxi: Ask for the meter or agree the fare first
Songthaew: Shared red trucks follow loose routes; ask if the driver passes near your accommodation

Option 4: Regular Bus

Duration: 10 hours or more Cost: Usually the cheapest bus option; check current fares Departs from: Mo Chit 2 Arrives at: Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal

Regular (non-VIP) buses are the cheapest option and the one we recommend least for this route. The seats are narrower (typically four per row), recline less, and the experience is usually less comfortable than VIP services. The price difference is often modest.

When Regular Bus Makes Sense

You are on an extreme budget and every baht matters
VIP buses are sold out (can happen during Songkran and major holidays)
You want a departure time that VIP operators do not offer

What to Expect

Standard coach seating
Air conditioning quality varies
Possibly more stops than VIP services
Blankets, snacks and water may not be provided — bring your own
Rest stops at roadside stations

Assessment: If the price gap is small, the VIP bus is usually more comfortable. The regular bus works, but it is a more basic ride.

Which Option Should You Choose?

This depends on what kind of traveler you are:

Our pick

Which option for which traveller

The Budget Backpacker

Best choice: Sleeper train (2nd class AC) or VIP bus

Both save you a night's accommodation and get you there by morning. The train is more comfortable for sleeping (actual bed vs reclining seat) and more of an experience. The bus is often cheaper and usually a little faster.

Budget comparison: Subtract the hostel night you save from the fare for the train or night bus. For a flight, add baggage and airport transfers and remember you still need a bed that night. Check current fares for your date, then compare the net costs.

The Time-Pressed Traveler

Best choice: Budget flight

If you only have two weeks in Thailand, burning a full night on transport twice (once each way) costs you two days. A flight is about 1 hour 15 minutes in the air. The extra cost is worth it when time is your scarcest resource.

The Experience Seeker

Best choice: Sleeper train, no question

The train is the experience. Falling asleep in Bangkok and waking up in Chiang Mai, watching the northern Thai countryside roll past at dawn, chatting with other travelers in the carriage — this is what people remember about their Thailand trip. Do it at least once.

The Comfort Seeker

Best choice: 1st class sleeper train or a full-service flight

If budget is not your primary concern, 1st class on the sleeper train gives you a private cabin with a lockable door. Or fly with a full-service airline such as Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways from Suvarnabhumi.

Step-by-Step Booking Summary

Here is the simplest path for each option:

Sleeper Train:

Open D-Ticket (dticket.railway.co.th) or 12go.asia, search "Bangkok to Chiang Mai," select your date
Choose Train #9 or #13 (or another sleeper that suits you)
Select 2nd Class AC, lower berth
Pay online and keep your e-ticket
Show up at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal 30-45 minutes early

VIP Bus:

Go to nakhonchaiair.com or 12go.asia
Select your departure date and time (night bus recommended)
Choose your class
Pay online, receive e-ticket or booking reference
Show up at the departure terminal in good time

Budget Flight:

Check AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air websites for your date
Book the cheapest option with carry-on or add checked bag
Download the airline app and check in online if offered
Get to the airport in good time (check which airport your flight uses)

What to Do When You Arrive in Chiang Mai

However you arrive, your first priority is getting to the Old City, where most backpacker accommodation is concentrated.

Getting into town

Paying for the ride into town

The airport is a few kilometres from the Old City.

From the train station:

Songthaew (red truck): usually waiting outside the station; agree the fare first
Grab: the app shows the fare before you book
Walk: About 30 minutes to the east side of the Old City (fine with a light pack)

From the Arcade Bus Terminal:

Songthaew: agree the fare first
Grab: fare shown in the app
Tuk-tuk: negotiate before you get in

From the airport:

Grab: fastest and easiest
Taxi: ask for the meter or agree the fare
Songthaew: slower, shared

Once you are settled, check out our Chiang Mai backpacker and digital nomad guide for everything you need to know about the city.

Final Thoughts

Bangkok to Chiang Mai is not just a route — it is a transition between two completely different versions of Thailand. The crowded, electric energy of Bangkok gives way to the temple-filled, mountain-backed calm of Chiang Mai, and how you make that transition is part of the story.

Our recommendation: take the sleeper train on your first trip. It is the experience that backpackers have been sharing for decades, and it is still one of the highlights. After that, fly or bus based on what suits your schedule and budget.

For more on getting around the rest of Thailand, see our complete transport guide. For planning your overall trip, start with our first-time guide and budget breakdown.