THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Rai to Mae Sot at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Rai เชียงราย
- To
- Mae Sot แม่สอด
- Road distance
- About 493 km
- Straight line
- 380 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~6 h buses take longer
- Return route
- Mae Sot to Chiang Rai →
Ready to travel from Chiang Rai to Mae Sot?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is northern Thailand's second city and a gateway to the Golden Triangle and Laos. It has two bus terminals: one in the centre for regional buses and one south of town for long-distance services.
- 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.
Arriving in Mae Sot
Songthaews and motorbike taxis run into town.
- Mae Sot bus station
Outside the town centre. Long-distance buses and minivans.
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 the current status of border crossings before planning to travel on.
KEEP GOING
From Mae Sot, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Mae Sot
More buses from Chiang Rai
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Rai from Mae Sot by road?+
About 493 km by road (380 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Rai to Mae Sot take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 6 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 Rai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Rai include Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Mae Sot to Chiang Rai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Mae Sot to Chiang Rai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Rai arrive in Mae Sot?+
It depends on the operator. In Mae Sot, services use Mae Sot bus station. Songthaews and motorbike taxis run into town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Mae Sot?+
Songthaews and motorbike taxis run into town.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Rai to Mae Sot?+
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 Rai to Mae Sot 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 Mae Sot by bus?+
Direct buses from Mae Sot include Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and more. See all connections on our Mae Sot bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Chiang Rai → Mae Sot 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 Rai to Mae Sot bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Rai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Mae Sot (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →