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Chiang Mai International Airport offers a range of transport options to get you to your destination, whether that's the city centre or your hotel. The fastest way to get to the city centre is by taxi, which takes around 15 minutes and costs between €4.25-€5.50 (THB 150-200). You can also take a tuk-tuk, which is a fun way to experience the city, but they are not very spacious if you have a lot of luggage. The cheapest option is the public bus, which costs THB 20 (or THB 30 according to some sources) and takes around 20 minutes. If you're travelling in a group, you can book a private transfer, which is more expensive but convenient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from Chiang Mai Airport to city centre | 5 kilometres (3 miles) |
| Cheapest way to get to the city centre | Public bus with tickets starting from 30 THB ($0.90) or €0.55 (THB 20) |
| Fastest way to get to the city centre | Taxi, which takes 15 minutes |
| Other ways to get to the city centre | Shuttle bus, Songthaew, Tuk-tuk, private shuttle, pre-booked airport transfer, ride-hailing app GRAB, metered taxi, airport taxi |
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What You'll Learn
Taxi or private shuttle
If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient way to get from Chiang Mai Airport to your destination, a taxi or private shuttle is a great option. Here's everything you need to know about taking a taxi or private shuttle from Chiang Mai Airport:
Taxi Services at Chiang Mai Airport
Taking a taxi from Chiang Mai Airport is a popular choice for travellers. There are a few different taxi services available at the airport:
- Airport Taxi: These taxis offer a flat rate of 150 baht to anywhere within Chiang Mai city. They are usually sedans that can comfortably seat 3 adults. For larger groups, you can take a bigger car that fits up to 6 passengers for a slightly higher fare of 200 baht.
- Metered Taxi: These taxis charge based on the distance travelled, with an additional 50 baht airport service fee. While the fare might be slightly higher than the flat rate, it is still a convenient option.
- Pre-booked Taxi: You can also pre-book your taxi in advance with companies like Welcome Pickups. This guarantees a fixed-rate fare with no hidden costs and the convenience of having a driver waiting for you at the airport.
Private Shuttle Services at Chiang Mai Airport
If you prefer a private shuttle, there are several companies that offer this service, such as Jayride. You can book your private shuttle in advance, choosing from a variety of vehicles such as private cars, vans, limos, or even luxury options. This ensures a comfortable and stylish ride to your destination.
Cost Comparison
The cost of a taxi or private shuttle from Chiang Mai Airport to the city centre is relatively affordable. The average cost ranges from €4.25 to €5.50 (THB 150-200), depending on your specific destination. Pre-booked taxis and private shuttles may have slightly higher rates but offer the convenience of a guaranteed ride and additional benefits.
Advantages of Taxi or Private Shuttle
Taking a taxi or private shuttle from Chiang Mai Airport offers several advantages:
- Convenience: Taxis and private shuttles provide a direct and comfortable ride to your destination, saving you time and hassle.
- Short Distance: Chiang Mai Airport is only 5km from the city centre, making the trip quick and efficient, usually lasting around 15 minutes.
- Reliability: Taxis and private shuttles are readily available at the airport, ensuring you can get to your destination without long waits.
- Group Accommodation: Taxis and private shuttles can accommodate larger groups with options for bigger vehicles, making it a versatile choice for travellers.
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Pre-booked airport transfer
Chiang Mai International Airport is just a few kilometres from downtown Chiang Mai, and there are several ways to get from the airport to the city centre. One option is to pre-book an airport transfer service, which offers a comfortable, reliable, and timely journey. Here are some benefits of pre-booking your airport transfer:
Convenience and Peace of Mind
Pre-booking your airport transfer ensures a hassle-free experience. You won't need to worry about navigating public transportation or grappling with taxi queues upon arrival. Your pre-booked ride will be waiting for you, providing a seamless start or end to your trip.
Variety of Options
When pre-booking your airport transfer, you can choose from a diverse range of vehicles, including private cars, luxury vehicles, shared shuttle services, sedans, SUVs, vans, and buses. This allows you to select the option that best suits your preferences, budget, and group size.
Fixed Pricing and Instant Confirmation
Pre-booking your airport transfer often provides fixed or flat-rate pricing, eliminating surprises or hidden costs. You can compare prices across different companies and book with instant confirmation, making it easy to plan your travel budget.
Professional and Safe
Reputable companies offering pre-booked airport transfers in Chiang Mai provide professional and safe services. You can expect clean, well-maintained vehicles and friendly, helpful drivers who ensure a comfortable journey. Many companies also offer English-speaking drivers, making communication effortless.
Easy Booking Process
Pre-booking your airport transfer is typically a straightforward process. You can book online or through a mobile app, providing your flight information, hotel name, or travel destination. Some services even allow you to choose your preferred vehicle type and book shared or private rides to suit your budget and preferences.
By pre-booking your airport transfer in Chiang Mai, you can enjoy a stress-free journey with the assurance of a reliable, timely, and comfortable ride to or from the airport.
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Tuk-tuk
While tuk-tuks are a fun and local way to get from Chiang Mai Airport to your accommodation, they are not the most ideal option for airport arrivals, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or are jet-lagged from a long flight.
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Public bus
Chiang Mai Airport is served by the RTC Chiang Mai City Bus No. 24, which consists of three routes: 24A, 24B, and 24C. The bus service is a very affordable method of transport to get to the city centre, with the ticket costing €0.55 (THB 20) or 50 THB per person, depending on the source. The bus service runs every 25 to 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and offers free WiFi on all its routes. The bus stop is located outside Exit 1 of the arrivals hall.
The RTC airport bus is a cheaper way to get from Chiang Mai Airport to the Old City. The Route R3 (Red and Yellow line) is a loop that begins and ends at Chiang Mai International Airport, with the Red line going clockwise and the Yellow line going counter-clockwise.
You can also take Route B2, which is a non-continuous loop that starts from the Arcade Bus Terminal and ends at Chiang Mai International Airport before turning back to the Arcade Bus Terminal.
To pay for your bus fare, you can use a RABBIT stored-value card, which you tap on the card reader next to the driver when boarding, and 30 Baht will be deducted from your card. You can also purchase a Tourist Card for 180 Baht for a 1-day unlimited ride or 400 Baht for a 3-day unlimited ride. Both cards can be purchased at the RTC Counters located at Chiang Mai International Airport (exit door No. 1), Central Festival Mall, and Promenada Mall.
Please note that starting from November 2024, the Chiang Mai Airport Bus introduced an additional baggage charge. Only small carry-on suitcases (19-22") can be carried for free, while larger luggage (23-34") incurs an additional charge of 30 THB per unit.
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Ride-hailing app
Chiang Mai International Airport is located just 5km from the city centre, and there are several options for making this short journey. Ride-hailing apps are a popular choice for travellers, and there are a few available in Chiang Mai.
Grab
Grab is a ride-sharing app that works in a similar way to Uber. It is extremely popular in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. The Grab app allows you to set your pick-up and drop-off points, pay via card, and get estimates in advance. Grab has a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point at Chiang Mai Airport, located by the taxi stands and the bus stop.
Grab offers a range of services, including Grab Car, Grab Taxi, Grab RodDaeng, and Grab Car Premium. The cost of a ride from the airport to the city centre will depend on the service you choose and the time of day, with surge pricing during peak hours. As a reference, a Grab Car from the airport to the Promenada Chiang Mai Immigration Office costs 102 baht, while a Grab Taxi costs 136-204 baht.
To use Grab, you will need to download the app and register as a new user. Having a local SIM card is necessary for the verification process. You can choose to register your credit card details or pay in cash to the driver. Grab also has a referral program where you can earn 100 baht free credit by sharing your referral code with new users.
AirAsia Ride
AirAsia Ride is another ride-hailing app available in Chiang Mai. To use this service, you can download the AirAsia MOVE app and create an account or sign in with your existing airasia rewards account. AirAsia Ride offers various services, including AnyRide, Compact, Taxi, LadiesONLY, Minivan, Premium, and more. You can pre-book rides within the app and pay using a credit or debit card by adding it to your in-app wallet.
Other Options
In addition to ride-hailing apps, there are other transport options available from Chiang Mai Airport. These include pre-booked airport transfers, metered or flat-rate taxis, the public Chiang Mai City Bus, and tuk-tuks.
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Frequently asked questions
The fastest way to get from Chiang Mai Airport to the city centre is by taxi, which takes around 15 minutes and costs between 150-200 Baht (or €4.25-€5.50).
The cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai Airport to the city centre is by public bus. Tickets start from 30 Baht (or €0.55) and the journey takes around 20 minutes.
Other options include pre-booking an airport transfer, using a ride-hailing app such as Grab, or taking a tuk-tuk or songthaew.
Chiang Mai Airport is located 5km from the city centre.
Yes, if you are taking the bus, keep in mind that your hotel may be a distance from the closest bus stop, so you may need to carry your luggage. Additionally, the bus does not run very late at night, so if you are arriving after 8 pm, a taxi may be a better option.
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