THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Mai to Pai at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- To
- Pai ปาย
- Road distance
- About 129 km
- Straight line
- 85 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~2 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Pai to Chiang Mai →
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 Pai
The town is walkable. Many guesthouses are close to the bus station.
- Pai bus station
In the town centre. Minivans to Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
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.
- If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication before the trip and sit near the front.
KEEP GOING
From Pai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Pai
More buses from Chiang Mai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
Partner links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Mai from Pai by road?+
About 129 km by road (85 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Mai to Pai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 2 h 15 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 Pai to Chiang Mai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Pai to Chiang Mai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Mai arrive in Pai?+
It depends on the operator. In Pai, services use Pai bus station. The town is walkable. Many guesthouses are close to the bus station.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Pai?+
The town is walkable. Many guesthouses are close to the bus station.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Mai to Pai?+
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 Pai 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 Pai by bus?+
Direct buses from Pai include Chiang Rai, Luang Prabang, Bangkok, Phuket Town, Mae Hong Son. See all connections on our Pai bus page.
FOLLOW 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 Pai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Pai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →