Departure and duration times for all buses leaving from Chiang Mai

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and timetables

Bus remains the most popular and widespread means of transport in Thailand and is used by many Thais and travellers daily across the Kingdom. On the whole the buses are fairly frequent, safe, reliable and comfortable. Usually they leave on time and are always cheap.

Buses depart from Chiang Mai to destinations all over Northern Thailand, as well as hourly buses to and from Bangkok with stops en-route at main centres in central and Northeastern Thailand.

Local buses can get crowded with locals, so you are advised to arrive a little early, however they depart quite regularly. Be sure to check your times for air-conditioned buses, which are far more comfortable in the Thai heat. Long distance buses offer excellent service, with a hostess offering soft-drinks and a snack (tiny packet of peanuts) as well as a wet towel. Videos are shown on most buses, usually in Thai language, and they go on through the night making sleep a little difficult sometimes. Thais also love their air-conditioning on sub-zero temperatures, so remember to dress warmly.

There is stiff competition among bus companies for the Bangkok to Chiang Mai bus route and buses leave hourly. Buses from Chiang Mai to Bangkok leave hourly from the Arcade Bus terminal, east of the city, between 6:30 and 21:00.

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depart at least every hour between 05:30 and 22:00 from Mo Chit Station and take roughly 10 hours. We recommend VIP buses (fare 400 - 600 baht), offered by either the government or private companies. These can also be arranged from travel agents on Khao San Road, with a pick up there, and at other points around the city. Bus timetables from Bangkok.

Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station

Timetables printed are correct as of: Jan: 2010

TO BANGKOKDepartureDurationPhone no.
Air Conditioned BusEvery 1 hour from 06.30 - 21.3010 hours(053) 242664, 246531
TO CHIANG RAIDepartureDurationPhone no.
Ordinary & Air Conditioned BusEvery 30 mins from 06.00-17.45 (Fri & Sun from 06.00-19.00)3 hours(053) 266481-4
TO MAE SAIDepartureDurationPhone no.
Air Conditioned Bus06.30-15.30 (Fri & Sun extra buses at 06.00, 16.30 and 17.30)5 hours(053) 266481-4
TO PAIDepartureDurationPhone no.
MinibusEvery hour from 06.30-16.303 hours(053) 244737, 304748
Ordinary Bus10.30/14.00/15.005 hours
TO MAE HONG SON (via Pai)DepartureDurationPhone no.
MinibusEvery hour from 06.30-13.305 hours(053) 244737, 304748
Ordinary Bus07.00/09.00/12.307 hours
TO MAE HONG SON (via Maesariang)DepartureDurationPhone no.
Air conditioned Bus11.00/21.008 hours(053) 244737, 304748
Ordinary Bus06.30/09.00/13.30/15.00/20.00/21.008 hours

Chang Phuak Bus Station

127/28 Chang Phuak, Sripoom, Chiang Mai. Tel: (053) 211586, 223900

Timetables printed are correct as of: JAN. 2010

TO FANGDepartureDuration
MinibusEvery 30 mins from 05.10-17.303 hours
TO MAE RIMDepartureDuration
MinibusEvery 30 mins from 05.10-17.3020 mins
TO MAE TAENGDepartureDuration
MinibusEvery 30 mins from 05.10-17.3030 mins
TO CHIANG DAODepartureDuration
MinibusEvery 30 mins from 05.10-17.301.5 hours
TO OM KOYDepartureDuration
Ordinary Bus07.50/13.304 hours
TO THATONDepartureDuration
Ordinary Bus05.30/07.20/09.00/10.30/11.30/13.30/15.304 hours
To PEANGLOUNGDepartureDuration
Minibus07.30/10.30/11.30/12.30/13.30/15.304 hours
Ordinary Bus08.30/12.306 hours
TO HODDepartureDuration
Ordinary BusEvery 20 mins from 04.20-17.003 hours
TO DOI TAODepartureDuration
Ordinary Bus07.30/09.10/10.30/12.30/14.30/15.303 hours
TO CHOMTHONGDepartureDuration
Ordinary BusEvery 20 mins from 06.30-16.001.5 hours
TO PRAO (north)DepartureDuration
Ordinary Bus06.20/07.20/09.50/11.20/12.50/13.502 hours
To PRAO (south)DepartureDuration
Ordinary BusEvery 1 hour from 06.00-16.30 (Fri & Sun from 06.00-18.10)2 hours
TO MAE JODepartureDuration
Ordinary BusEvery 5 mins from 04.20-18.0015 mins
TO LAMPOONDepartureDuration
Air conditioned Bus06.30/09.30/12.00/13.00/15.401 hour
Ordinary BusEvery 1 hour from 06.50-18.001 hour
TO SAMOENGDepartureDuration
Ordinary Bus09.00/10.20/11.50/14.15/16.003 hours
TO BAN WATCHANDepartureDuration
Ordinary Bus09.00/11.006 hours

Updated and correct: Jan. 2010

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