THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- To
- Chiang Rai เชียงราย
- Road distance
- About 189 km
- Straight line
- 154 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~3 h buses take longer
- Return route
- Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai →
Ready to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
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 Chiang Rai
Songthaews and tuk-tuks connect Terminal 2 with the centre.
- Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
In the town centre. Regional buses to Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong. - Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
About 5 km south of the centre. Long-distance buses to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and beyond.
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.
- Buses towards Laos cross at Chiang Khong–Huay Xai. Check visa rules first.
KEEP GOING
From Chiang Rai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Chiang Rai
More buses from Chiang Mai
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai by road?+
About 189 km by road (154 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 3 h 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 Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Mai arrive in Chiang Rai?+
It depends on the operator. In Chiang Rai, services use Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2. Songthaews and tuk-tuks connect Terminal 2 with the centre.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Chiang Rai?+
Songthaews and tuk-tuks connect Terminal 2 with the centre.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?+
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 Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai by bus?+
Direct buses from Chiang Rai include Lampang, Pai, Luang Prabang, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and more. See all connections on our Chiang Rai bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Rai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →