Getting Around Chiang Mai 2025
Navigate Chiang Mai like a local with our transportation guide.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's cultural capital in the north, a city of ancient temples, night markets, and misty mountains. Once the heart of the Lanna Kingdom, it blends centuries of history with a thriving modern scene of cafes, art galleries, and wellness retreats.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Chiang Mai.
Public Transit
Red songthaews are the city's informal bus network; share with other passengers for 20-30 THB. RTC Smart Buses cover 5 air-conditioned routes.
Taxis
Grab app is the best option for reliable, metered rides. Tuk-tuks are good for short distances but require fare negotiation.
Car Rental
Scooters are the best way to explore outside the city and reach national parks. Bicycles are ideal within the Old City.
Walking
The Old City within the moat (1.8km x 1.8km) is extremely walkable. Temple cluster near Nimman is also pedestrian-friendly.
Getting There
How to arrive in Chiang Mai.
✈️ By Air
Chiang Mai International Airport
The main airport serving Chiang Mai, located just 3km south of the Old City. International routes connect to regional Asian cities (Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo). Domestic routes connect to Bangkok (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi), Phuket, Koh Samui, and other Thai cities. Major carriers include Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, and Nok Air.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai's Old City is highly walkable with major temples within a 15-20 minute walk of each other. Songthaews cover the broader city efficiently at low cost. Scooter rental opens up the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Walking (Old City)
Songthaew (red truck)
Grab app
Tuk-tuk
Scooter rental
Bicycle
RTC Smart Bus
🚌 Buses
RTC Smart Bus: 5 air-conditioned routes covering major areas. 30-50 THB per ride. Limited network.
🛺 Local Alternatives
Songthaews (shared red trucks) cover all areas at 20-30 THB; Grab for convenient point-to-point; bicycle rental for Old City exploration
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Buses connect Chiang Mai to Bangkok (9-11 hours overnight), Chiang Rai (3-4 hours), Pai (3 hours by minivan), Mae Hong Son, and other northern cities. Train service runs to Bangkok via Lampang (12-13 hours overnight). Shared minivans (rot tu) serve popular routes like Pai and Chiang Rai.
Long-Distance Buses
Long-distance buses to Bangkok from 250-800 THB depending on class; Arcade Bus Terminal in northern Chiang Mai serves all routes
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared minivans (rot tu) to Pai (150 THB), Chiang Rai (200 THB), Mae Hong Son from Chang Puak Bus Terminal
Domestic Flights
Bangkok Don Mueang flights from 800-1,500 THB; Bangkok Suvarnabhumi from 1,200-2,500 THB; book via AirAsia or Nok Air
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire from 1,500 THB/day for exploring northern Thailand
Driving in Chiang Mai
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
left
License Required
International Driving Permit (IDP) required for motorbikes; standard license for cars. Rental without IDP is illegal and voids insurance.
Road Conditions
Mountain roads to Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon are winding and steep. Burning season (Feb-March) can reduce visibility. Road quality within the city is good.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Download the Grab app before arrival for easy, metered, trustworthy transport throughout your stay
Agree on prices with tuk-tuks BEFORE getting in - always say 'meter?' first even though most won't use one
Songthaews going your direction will slow down and honk - jump in and pay at destination
The red route R3 airport bus is the cheapest airport transfer but stops running at 10:30 PM
Always wear a helmet when renting a scooter - police checkpoints are common and head injuries are the leading cause of tourist deaths
Avoid driving on mountain roads at night or in rain without experience
Chiang Mai Gate and Tha Phae Gate are the two best starting points for exploring the Old City on foot
Long-tail boat tours on the Ping River are available near Narawat Bridge for ~200 THB/hour
Useful Apps
Grab
Best for reliable, metered car and motorcycle rides throughout Chiang Mai. Most drivers speak basic English.
InDrive
Bid-based ride hailing app with competitive prices, good alternative to Grab
Google Maps
Works well in Chiang Mai for navigation; songthaew routes not always shown but walking and driving directions are accurate
Maps.me
Offline maps work excellently in Chiang Mai for walking navigation without data
Navigate Chiang Mai Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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