The Chiang Mai Bus Station provides a seamless transport system for both locals and tourists who wish to connect to various destinations around Chiang Mai and beyond.
The main bus terminal, Arcade Bus Station, is located 3kms north-east of the old city and consists of two large terminals (terminals 2 & 3). The other bus station is called Chang Puak Bus Station (terminal 1) and is the local bus that services the Chiang Mai Province.
Chiang Mai Bus Station, Terminal Map, Prices & Times to Bangkok
The Arcade Bus Terminal not only serves Northern Thailand but also has services that go as far as north-eastern Thailand and central parts of the country. Some of the popular destinations in northern Thailand include Chiang Rai, Lampang as well as Mae Hong Son. Popular destinations in North-eastern Thailand include Khorat, Surin, Udon Thai and Khon Kaen, amongst others.
Arcade Bus Terminal is where many visitors catch a bus to Bangkok, the journey taking anywhere between 12-15 hours. It is important for travellers to note that there are close to 60 transport companies that operate at Arcade station. All of these companies have different rates, schedules and travel on different routes.
The two bus terminals located at Arcade (terminals 2 and 3) are separated by a road. Terminal 3 has an internet cafe, food stalls, an ATM and ticket windows. Travellers should note that most buses for Bangkok depart from this terminal. Terminal 2 also has food stalls and an ATM and also houses a tourist police office.
Buses depart for Bangkok regularly throughout the day starting from as early as 6am and as late as 10pm. Tickets can cost anywhere from 300 THB for a basic bus up to 800 THB for a modern express bus with comfortable reclining chairs. VIP tickets often provide food and water for the trip, but travellers are welcome to bring their own food. Tickets can be purchased directly at the window of the operator you wish to use.
For those wanting to go to Pai in the north, minibuses also depart each hour on the half hour at a cost of only 150 THB. The trip takes around 3hrs and the bus is air-conditioned.
To get to Arcade Bus Terminal from the old city, catch a red truck (songthaew) for around 20-30 THB (per person) or a tuk-tuk for around 100 THB (per ride). The trip should take less than 10 minutes.
Michael created and runs the Chiang Mai Travel Hub website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.
With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having lived in Chiang Mai for several years and has since visited several times), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.
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