Bangkok to Chiang Rai An hour and a half by air, or a night on the bus.
The short answer: fly. There are 15 to 20 nonstop flights a day, most of them from Don Mueang, taking about 80 to 95 minutes, often for around 2,000 baht. The overnight bus from Mo Chit takes 11 to 13 hours for about 720 to 1,070 baht. There is no railway to Chiang Rai yet; the train option is the sleeper to Chiang Mai and a bus of three to four hours.
Below: each option side by side, which bus terminal you arrive at, and how to get from the airport to town.
Bangkok to Chiang Rai at a glance
Times and fares from Visit Thailand Today (Bangkok to Chiang Rai, 2026), 12Go and Baolau for October and November dates. They change with the date.
| Option | Time | Leaves from | Price (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | About 80–95 minutes | Don Mueang (most flights) or Suvarnabhumi | Often around 2,000–2,300 baht | Almost everyone |
| Overnight bus (Transport Co.) | About 11 hours | Mo Chit 2, 17:30–20:00 | About 720–840 baht | The lowest fare, arriving in town |
| Bus (private lines) | About 12–13 hours | Mo Chit 2, day and evening | About 780–1,070 baht | More departure times |
| Sleeper train + Green Bus | About 16–17 hours | Krung Thep Aphiwat, change in Chiang Mai | Berth about 770–1,040 baht, bus 260–400 baht | Stopping in Chiang Mai |
Compare live times and prices: all Bangkok to Chiang Rai options on 12Go.
Which one should you pick?
Fly in almost every case. The flight is short, there are many each day, and Chiang Rai's airport is only about 8 km from town.
Take the overnight bus if you are on a budget. The government Transport Co. buses arrive at the old Terminal 1 in town, which saves a ride from the outer terminal.
Go via Chiang Mai if Chiang Mai is on your trip anyway: the sleeper train, a few days there, then the Green Bus to Chiang Rai. See Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
Flying
From Don Mueang (DMK), Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly to Chiang Rai. From Suvarnabhumi (BKK) there are Thai Vietjet and Thai Airways. Compare the total once bags are added, as the low-cost fares often exclude them.
Chiang Rai's Mae Fah Luang Airport is about 8 km from the centre. Taxis wait at arrivals and Grab works; it is about 15 to 20 minutes and 150 to 200 baht to hotels near the Night Bazaar and the clock tower.
By bus
Buses to Chiang Rai leave from Mo Chit 2, Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal in Chatuchak; Nakhonchai Air uses its own Bangkok station. The government Transport Co. runs several evening buses that take about 11 hours to Terminal 1, the old station beside the Night Bazaar.
Private lines run day and evening buses of about 13 hours to Terminal 2, about 7 km south of town, where you need a songthaew or Grab to the centre. Bring a jacket for the air-con.
Train via Chiang Mai
No railway reaches Chiang Rai yet; a new line is under construction. The rail option is the overnight sleeper from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Chiang Mai, then the Green Bus from Chiang Mai's Bus Terminal 3, about 13 departures a day between 07:00 and 18:00, taking 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes. See Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Booking Bangkok to Chiang Rai on 12Go
12Go shows the nonstop flights from both Bangkok airports and the buses from Mo Chit, with current times, prices and seats.
Prices on 12Go can include a booking fee. For flights, check the airline's own site too, because baggage rules differ.
Bangkok to Chiang Rai FAQ
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
About 80 to 95 minutes nonstop, from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi.
Is there a train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
Not yet. Take the sleeper train to Chiang Mai and the Green Bus from there, about three and a half hours.
Where does the bus to Chiang Rai leave from?
Mo Chit 2, the Northern Bus Terminal in Chatuchak. Transport Co. buses arrive at Terminal 1 in town; most private lines at Terminal 2, 7 km south.
How do I get from Chiang Rai Airport to town?
By taxi or Grab, about 15 to 20 minutes and 150 to 200 baht.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?
Many people do both; see our Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai comparison.
Last checked: 7 November 2026. Flights, airlines, bus times, terminals and fares from Visit Thailand Today's Bangkok to Chiang Rai guide (2026), cross-checked with 12Go and Baolau; Green Bus times from Visit Thailand Today and our Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai page. Prices change daily, so check before you book.