How long does the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai take?

About 1 hour 15 minutes in the air. With airport check-in, security, and transit at both ends, budget 4–5 hours total.

Is the overnight train comfortable?

Second-class sleeper berths are surprisingly comfortable — similar to a European couchette. Air-conditioned, with bedding provided. Upper berths are cheaper and slightly more private. First-class cabins have locking doors.

Can I bring a bicycle or large luggage on the train?

Yes. The train has a luggage car and there are no strict limits for normal luggage. Bikes can be transported for a small fee — contact State Railway of Thailand in advance.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai — Flights, Train & Bus Comparison

Best Option for Most Travellers

Flight for speed (especially from Don Mueang on a budget carrier). Overnight sleeper train for the experience and value — book 1st or 2nd class sleeper via the SRT Ticket booking website.

All Transport Options

Method	Duration	Cost	Frequency
Flight	1h 15m	฿499–2,500	20–25 daily flights
Overnight Train (Sleeper)	11–13 hours	฿481–1,353	Several daily departures; 6pm–8pm best for overnight travel
Bus (VIP/Express)	9–11 hours	฿400–850	Multiple daily from Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal
Private Car / Transfer	7–9 hours	฿3,500–6,000	On demand

Flight

฿499–2,500

Duration1h 15m

Frequency20–25 daily flights

Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways fly Bangkok–Chiang Mai from both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). DMK flights are cheaper. Book 2–4 weeks ahead for the best low-cost fares.

Overnight Train (Sleeper)

฿481–1,353

Duration11–13 hours

FrequencySeveral daily departures; 6pm–8pm best for overnight travel

State Railway of Thailand Trains 9, 13, and 51 depart Hua Lamphong (Bangkok). Second-class sleeper (฿700–800) is excellent value — air-conditioned, proper beds, and scenic. Arrive at Chiang Mai station in the morning.

Bus (VIP/Express)

฿400–850

Duration9–11 hours

FrequencyMultiple daily from Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal

Government (Transport Co.) and private companies (Nakhon Chai Air, Greenbus) run VIP overnight coaches. 42-seat VIP buses are comfortable. Allow extra time from Suvarnabhumi area — Mo Chit is far from most guesthouses.

Private Car / Transfer

฿3,500–6,000

Duration7–9 hours

FrequencyOn demand

Comfortable but expensive unless split between 3–4 people. Useful for groups or those with lots of luggage. Stops en route (Tak, Lampang) possible.

Tips & Things to Know

1
Don Mueang (DMK) handles most low-cost carrier flights to Chiang Mai. It is further from central Bangkok than Suvarnabhumi — allow 90 minutes from Sukhumvit.
2
Train tickets sell out during Songkran (April), Christmas/New Year (December–January), and long weekends. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for the sleeper train.
3
If travelling by bus, use the official Transport Co. terminal at Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal) — avoid touts selling overpriced 'tourist' buses from Khao San Road.

Disclaimer

Transport fares, schedules, and operators change frequently. Always verify current timetables and prices before your trip. Prices shown are approximate and may vary by season, operator, and booking platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related guides

All Travel Planning Guides

All Transport Options

Method	Duration	Cost	Frequency
Flight	1h 15m	฿499–2,500	20–25 daily flights
Overnight Train (Sleeper)	11–13 hours	฿481–1,353	Several daily departures; 6pm–8pm best for overnight travel
Bus (VIP/Express)	9–11 hours	฿400–850	Multiple daily from Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal
Private Car / Transfer	7–9 hours	฿3,500–6,000	On demand

Flight

฿499–2,500

Duration1h 15m

Frequency20–25 daily flights

Overnight Train (Sleeper)

฿481–1,353

Duration11–13 hours

FrequencySeveral daily departures; 6pm–8pm best for overnight travel

Bus (VIP/Express)

฿400–850

Duration9–11 hours

FrequencyMultiple daily from Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal

Private Car / Transfer

฿3,500–6,000

Duration7–9 hours

FrequencyOn demand

Comfortable but expensive unless split between 3–4 people. Useful for groups or those with lots of luggage. Stops en route (Tak, Lampang) possible.

Tips & Things to Know

Don Mueang (DMK) handles most low-cost carrier flights to Chiang Mai. It is further from central Bangkok than Suvarnabhumi — allow 90 minutes from Sukhumvit.

Train tickets sell out during Songkran (April), Christmas/New Year (December–January), and long weekends. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for the sleeper train.

If travelling by bus, use the official Transport Co. terminal at Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal) — avoid touts selling overpriced 'tourist' buses from Khao San Road.