Thailand travel guide
Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Sleeper Train, Flight or Bus
Fastest: fly — 1 hour 15 minutes, low-cost fares from around 1,000–1,800 THB (~A$46–83). Best experience: the overnight sleeper train, 11–13 hours, 900–1,300 THB for a 2nd-class air-con berth, saving a hotel night. Cheapest: VIP bus, 9–10 hours, from about 600 THB.
The options at a glance
| Flight (LCC) | ~1h 15m · ~1,000–1,800 THB (~A$46–83) · from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi |
|---|---|
| Overnight train | 11–13 h · 900–1,300 THB (~A$41–60) 2nd-class AC sleeper · saves a hotel night |
| VIP / 1st-class bus | 9–10 h · 600–800 THB (~A$28–37) · Mo Chit terminal |
The overnight sleeper train
The classic move. Trains leave Krung Thep Aphiwat central station (Bang Sue) between about 6 pm and 10 pm and roll into Chiang Mai between 7 am and 9 am. Book a lower berth in the 2nd-class air-con sleeper — wider than the upper, with a window. Upper berths cost a little less. The special express trains (numbers 9/10) have the newest carriages and sell out first at holiday times; book as early as the railway allows (typically 30–90 days ahead). Bedding is provided; bring a light jumper because the air-con runs cold.
Flying
Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and others fly the route dozens of times a day, mostly from Don Mueang. Advance fares regularly drop to 1,000–1,500 THB with a cabin bag; checked luggage and seat selection add up. From Chiang Mai airport it is a 15-minute ride into the old city — see our getting around Chiang Mai guide. Flying makes sense if you are short on days or find a fare under about 1,200 THB.
The bus
VIP and 1st-class buses leave Bangkok’s Mo Chit (northern) terminal through the evening and take 9–10 hours. Legroom is good, but you arrive at 5–6 am with nothing open — workable, not glorious. Avoid overnight buses during Songkran and New Year unless booked well ahead.
Our take
Take the sleeper train at least once: it is comfortable, safe and genuinely restful, and you wake up in the north with a full day ahead. Fly if the calendar is tight. Then pick up our 3-day Chiang Mai itinerary.
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Bangkok to Chiang Mai — FAQs
How long is the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Between 11 and 13 hours depending on the service. The evening special expresses arrive early morning; slower daytime trains take up to 14 hours.
Is the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai worth it?
Yes — a 2nd-class air-con sleeper berth (900–1,300 THB) replaces a hotel night and arrives rested. Book the lower berth early; special express trains sell out around Thai holidays.
How much is a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Low-cost carriers sell advance one-way fares from around 1,000–1,800 THB (~A$46–83) with cabin baggage. Full-service fares and peak dates run higher.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.