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After giving yourself time to explore the fascinating city of Chiang Rai, it’s time to start planning your next destination. And, when in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a must. So, how do you actually get there? There are a few options, and from my own experience, I’d confidently say the bus to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai is the best choice.
But keep reading, with budget, comfort and convenience in mind, I’ll also give you details on 4 other ways to get to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai.
I spent 3 days in Chiang Rai (you can read more about it here), then it was time to check out of the hotel and head to Chiang Mai.
From Chiang Rai, my family and I travelled on the VIP Green Bus, and in this guide I’ll share exactly how I booked it, what it was like, and a few tips to make the journey as smooth as possible.
Remember to save this post for your trip to Thailand as it has the most up-to-date information. Green Bus recently changed the way you can purchase tickets.
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How to Get to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai
The most straightforward option is the bus. GreenBus is the main company running this route, with both Express and VIP services operating multiple times daily.
Chiang Rai has two bus stations. Bus Terminal 1 is right in the centre of town, near the Night Bazaar. That’s where we caught my bus, and the kind staff at my hotel (Le Patta) even dropped us there for free, which saved lugging our bags.
Bus Terminal 2 is a 10-minute drive out of town. Double-check your ticket carefully, because I would assume you’d find Terminal 1 more convenient.
Booking Tickets on the Green Bus
GreenBus runs around 9–13 daily departures between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, including both Express and VIP services. The first bus leaves around 7:30 AM and the last around 5-6 PM.
Booking has become much easier recently, thanks to their online system. There is no longer a need to go to the bus station and line up to purchase your tickets.
From the GreenBus website, click the red button at the top, and it takes you to Fair Fair, their booking partner. Here you can select your time and seat, though I found the English translation a bit patchy. If you’d prefer a smoother process, sites like 12Go Asia are great alternatives for booking buses and trains in Thailand.
I did manage to book on Fair Fair, and my e-tickets arrived by email with QR codes, which I just scanned when boarding. If you’d rather book in person, look for the green GreenBus booth at the station.
Tip: Book your tickets at least 1–2 days in advance. This route is very popular, and buses do sell out.
How Much Does the VIP Green Bus Cost?
I paid 305 THB per ticket for the VIP service. In general, VIP costs about 100–150 THB more than Express. For me, the upgrade was absolutely worth it: fewer seats per row, more legroom, air-conditioning, and the sweet bonus of bottled water, a snack, and a refreshing towel.
The Journey: Bus to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai
The trip took just under 3.5 hours. Once we left Chiang Rai, the bus didn’t stop until we arrived in Chiang Mai.
The seats were wide and comfortable, with plenty of leg room. And, I’d booked near the front to avoid being next to the onboard toilet. I didn’t use the on-board toilet, but it’s good to know there is one.
With the 2-1 seating layout, solo travellers don’t need to sit beside a stranger, another big win for VIP.
The air-con was icy, so bring a jumper. I didn’t sleep much because I didn’t want to miss the scenery: endless greenery and rolling hills until we arrived in Chiang Mai.
Arriving in Chiang Mai: What to Expect
The bus arrives at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade). From there, I booked a Bolt to our Airbnb in the Old Town (near Fern Forest Café), which cost 163 THB.
Note: Bolt and Grab drivers aren’t allowed inside the terminal, so you’ll need to walk across the road to meet them. Also, be sure to request a car large enough for your luggage.
If you arrive before hotel check-in, both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai terminals have luggage storage. And since most announcements are in Thai or broken English, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and have your offline maps ready so you can track your stop.
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Is the Green Bus VIP Worth It?
For me, yes — absolutely. For less than $15, the Green Bus to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai was comfortable, easy, and stress-free, even with my hands full with luggage and a toddler.
The seats reclined, the curtains dimmed the light, and the whole experience felt straightforward. I’d happily recommend it as the best way to travel between the two cities.
Other Ways to Travel Between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
While I think the bus is the best option, here are 4 alternative transport options:
Private driver
Day Trip specialises in comfortable private transfers. This is a great site for connecting travellers with local drivers, and they also handle the payment. The door-to-door service is a bonus and the car would be more comfortable, but at around $74 USD per person, it’s far pricier than the bus.
Day trip to Chiang Rai
Possible, but exhausting. You’ll spend up to 8 hours on the road, and every stop will be crowded with other tour groups. But, if that’s all the time you have, this tour with Get Your Guide is highly rated.
Flying
Not practical. You’d have to connect through Bangkok, which makes it more expensive and time-consuming.
Self-drive or Scooter
Freedom and the roads are fine, but sitting on a scooter for that long sounds miserable if you ask me!
Final Tips for the Journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
To wrap it up, my main tips you’ll need to remember for when you travel between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are;
* Book your ticket at least a day or two in advance.
* Choose the VIP Green Bus if your budget allows.
* Bring a jumper, snacks, and water.
* Have offline maps ready for when you arrive.
For me, the bus to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai ticked every box. It was affordable, comfortable, and simple. I hope you’ve found this guide incredibly helpful and have the most amazing time in Northern Thailand. It really is such a special part of the world.
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels.
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
