THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Mai to Bangkok at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- To
- Bangkok กรุงเทพมหานคร
- Road distance
- About 686 km
- Straight line
- 583 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~8 h 45 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai →
Ready to travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the main city of northern Thailand. Long-distance buses use the Arcade bus terminal, with services across Thailand and into Laos.
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
North-east of the old city. Long-distance and international services.
Arriving in Bangkok
Bangkok traffic is heavy. Allow plenty of time between your bus and any flight or train.
- Mo Chit (Northern) Bus Terminal
Routes to the north and north-east, and many international buses. - Ekkamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal
Routes to the east coast, such as Pattaya and Trat. - Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
Routes to the south and west.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Check which terminal your ticket uses: they're far apart.
- Land crossings into Cambodia were suspended during the 2025 border dispute. Check the current status before booking.
KEEP GOING
From Bangkok, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Bangkok
More buses from Chiang Mai
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Mai from Bangkok by road?+
About 686 km by road (583 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 8 h 45 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Chiang Mai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Mai include Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Bangkok to Chiang Mai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Mai arrive in Bangkok?+
It depends on the operator. In Bangkok, services use Mo Chit (Northern) Bus Terminal, Ekkamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal, Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). Bangkok traffic is heavy. Allow plenty of time between your bus and any flight or train.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Bangkok?+
Bangkok traffic is heavy. Allow plenty of time between your bus and any flight or train.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Chiang Mai to Bangkok bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Bangkok by bus?+
Direct buses from Bangkok include Phuket Town, Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi and more. See all connections on our Bangkok bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Chiang Mai → Bangkok on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Chiang Mai to Bangkok bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Bangkok (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →