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Chiang Mai International Airport

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai International Airport is a compact, easy-to-navigate airport just 4km from the city centre. It handles both domestic flights from Bangkok and regional international routes, making it the most convenient gateway to northern Thailand.

Getting to the City

MethodDurationCostNotes
Taxi (red songthaew / meter taxi)10–20 minutes to Old City150–200 THB (metered taxi) / 50–80 THB (shared songthaew)The airport is very close to the city — metered taxis are available at the official desk outside arrivals. Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) are cheaper but slower.
Grab10–20 minutes100–150 THBGrab is widely available in Chiang Mai and often the most affordable private option. Pick-up point is outside the terminal — follow Grab signs.
Airport Shuttle (hotel buses)15–30 minutesFree to 150 THBMany Chiang Mai hotels operate free or low-cost shuttle services. Book through your hotel when making a reservation.
Tuk Tuk15–25 minutes150–200 THBTuk tuks are fun and available outside arrivals — negotiate the price before departure. Best for shorter trips to the Old City area.

Taxi (red songthaew / meter taxi)

The airport is very close to the city — metered taxis are available at the official desk outside arrivals. Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) are cheaper but slower.

Grab

Grab is widely available in Chiang Mai and often the most affordable private option. Pick-up point is outside the terminal — follow Grab signs.

Airport Shuttle (hotel buses)

Many Chiang Mai hotels operate free or low-cost shuttle services. Book through your hotel when making a reservation.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk tuks are fun and available outside arrivals — negotiate the price before departure. Best for shorter trips to the Old City area.

Airport Facilities

  • Free WiFi available throughout both terminal buildings
  • Food court and café options in the departure area
  • Small duty-free shop with Thai products and spirits
  • ATMs and currency exchange in arrivals and departures
  • Left luggage storage near departures entrance

Traveller Tips

1.Chiang Mai airport is extremely close to the city — if your hotel is in the Old City, a taxi takes under 15 minutes.
2.During Songkran (Thai New Year, mid-April) the airport gets very busy — book transport in advance.
3.The domestic terminal and international terminal share the same building — arrivals are on the ground floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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