Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: Bus, Schedules and Fares
The Greenbus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes 3 to 4 hours over 180 to 185 km. Ten buses leave every day, the first at 07:00 and the last at 18:30. The fare shows on FairFair after you pick a departure.
On this page
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai at a glance
The Greenbus takes 3 to 4 hours over 180 to 185 km. The fare shows on FairFair after you pick a departure. There is no direct passenger train between the two cities.
| Greenbus | |
|---|---|
| Journey time | 3 to 4 hours |
| Daily departures from Chiang Mai | Ten, 07:00 to 18:30 |
| Daily departures from Chiang Rai | Ten, 07:30 to 18:30 |
| Chiang Mai terminal | Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade) |
| Chiang Rai terminal | Bus Terminal 1 |
| Fare | Shown on FairFair after you select a departure |
| Main road | Highway 118 |
Greenbus published this timetable with a latest update of 15 September 2026. The times can change, so search your actual date before you pay.
Departure times
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
| Days | Departures |
|---|---|
| Every day | 07:00, 07:30, 08:45, 09:30, 11:00, 13:30, 14:00, 17:00, 18:15, 18:30 |
| Mondays | Extra bus at 06:00 |
| Fridays and Sundays | Extra bus at 16:00 |
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
| Days | Departures |
|---|---|
| Every day | 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 12:30, 13:30, 16:00, 18:00, 18:30 |
| Mondays | Extra bus at 10:45 |
| Fridays and Sundays | Extra bus at 14:30 |
Bus classes
The classes to check on this route are V-Class and X-Class, subject to availability. Fares vary by departure.
- V-Class is a first-class air-conditioned bus with VIP seats, three per row, and a toilet.
- VX-Class mixes VIP seats at 3 per row with standard seats at 4 per row.
- A-Class has standard seats, 4 per row, and no toilet.
Every class lists CCTV and a USB charger.
Terminals
Greenbus uses Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade) in Chiang Mai. In Chiang Rai it uses Bus Terminal 1 for the applicable services. Terminals can differ by service, so use the one on your booking confirmation.
Booking and the fare
Greenbus tickets are sold on fairfair.co.th and at fairfair counters in Greenbus stations and offices. Advance booking runs up to 30 days, subject to availability.
Fares vary. Select a departure on FairFair to see the applicable fare and booking total. The Greenbus contact number is 053 266 480.
Beyond Chiang Rai
Greenbus also runs Chiang Mai to Mae Sai every day at 08:00, 10:00, 12:30 and 15:00. A daily Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong service leaves at 08:30 and 10:30.
The White Temple is about 12 km from Chiang Rai city centre. It takes about 20 to 25 minutes from the city by car, taxi or hired transport. Tickets and hours are in the White Temple guide.
Day trip or overnight
A same-day round trip takes roughly 6 to 8 hours on buses, before waiting and sightseeing. The first daily departure from Chiang Mai is 07:00.
For Chiang Mai itself, see the Chiang Mai first-time guide. For hotels, cafes and food in both cities, use the sister guide at chiangmaijao.com (opens in a new tab). Getting around Thailand covers the other routes, and the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train guide covers the way up from Bangkok.
Not confirmed: Greenbus does not print fares as text; you see the fare on FairFair after you select a departure. The timetable is dated 15 September 2026 and can change. Which Greenbus departure stops at the White Temple is not stated.
Common questions
How long is the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
The Greenbus journey generally takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, stops and the service. The two cities are about 180 to 185 km apart by road.
How many buses run between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
Greenbus runs ten departures a day from Chiang Mai, from 07:00 to 18:30. Extra buses leave at 06:00 on Mondays and at 16:00 on Fridays and Sundays.
How much is the Greenbus ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
Fares vary. Select a departure on FairFair to see the applicable fare and booking total.
Where does the Greenbus leave from in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade) is the Chiang Mai departure point for Greenbus services to Chiang Rai. Check the terminal on your booking confirmation.
Where does the bus arrive in Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 is the arrival and departure point for the applicable Greenbus services in Chiang Rai.
Is there a train from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
There is no direct passenger train between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Can I book Greenbus tickets online?
Greenbus tickets are sold on fairfair.co.th and at fairfair counters in Greenbus stations and offices. Advance booking runs up to 30 days, subject to availability.
Can I do Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai?
A same-day round trip takes roughly 6 to 8 hours on buses, before waiting and sightseeing.
Read next
- White Temple Tickets: THB 200 for Foreigners, 08:00 to 17:00 on WeekdaysVerified
- Chiang Mai First-Time Guide: Train 9 Reaches It at 07:15, 2026 Burning Ban Ran to 31 MayVerified
- Getting Around Thailand: Every Route From BangkokVerified
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train: Berths From THB 688, Train 9 at 18:40Verified
Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.
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