The fabulous and sprawling walled city of Chiang Mai is located up in the north of Thailand and it is also known as ‘the cultural capital of Thailand’. In the last few years, more and more travellers decided to check out the north instead of the good old south and the endless white sand beaches in the Gulf of Thailand.
Chiang Mai has a charm of its own: beautiful temples, old city walls, mountain views, cool cafés and a pace that feels a little gentler than Bangkok. It is a city that is easy to enjoy, but because it is more spread out than it first looks, it helps to know your transport options before you arrive.
Not sure how to get around? Here is your guide to transportation in Chiang Mai, from airport arrivals and local rides to day trips and family-friendly options.
Getting to Chiang Mai
By bus, by train or by plane, there are several easy ways to get to Chiang Mai. Flying is still the simplest choice for most travellers, but train journeys and long-distance buses remain popular too, especially if you want to see more of Thailand along the way.
By air
Chiang Mai has its own international airport and it is very close to the city centre, which is one of the nicest things about arriving here. You are not stuck with an epic airport transfer before the holiday even begins. Once you land, you can usually get to the Old City quite quickly by taxi, Grab or city bus, depending on your budget and how much luggage you are dragging around with you.
If you have booked a villa, airport transport may already be included or easy to arrange through the staff. That is often the smoothest option, especially if you are arriving with children, a lot of bags or the kind of energy that says “please make this simple”.
Getting to Chiang Mai by land from Bangkok
Taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is still one of the classic ways to get there. It is a long ride (11 to 13 hours), but it is also scenic, and many travellers enjoy it precisely because it feels slower and more like part of the journey. The railway station is located 3.3 km east of the Old City, so you will need a short onward ride once you arrive.
Local tuk-tuks and Songthaews are waiting around the railway station, eager to take you to town. Bargain a little, and you should be able to get to Chiang Mai centre for 150 Baht by tuk-tuk and 40 Baht by Songthaew.
Buses are another straightforward option from Bangkok. Chiang Mai’s main bus station is not far from the centre, but it is not somewhere you will want to walk from, especially with luggage. A short ride by songthaew, tuk-tuk, taxi, or Grab is usually the easiest next step.
Getting around in Chiang Mai
Getting around on foot is still the easiest and loveliest way to explore the Old City. The historic centre is compact enough that you can walk to many temples, cafés, markets and shops without much effort. In fact, walking is often the best way to discover the kind of little places you would completely miss if you were rushing around in a vehicle.
That said, Chiang Mai is not only the Old City. Once you start heading to Nimman, the riverside, the train station, the bus terminal, or the mountains beyond town, you will want another mode of transport. Here are the best ways to get around.
Songthaew (pronounced Song Tao)
Songthaews are those red pick-up trucks you see cruising around Chiang Mai, and they remain one of the cheapest and most local ways to get around. They work a little like a shared taxi and a little like informal public transport. You flag one down, tell the driver where you want to go, and if it suits the route, you hop in and share the ride with other passengers.
They are especially useful for short rides around town if you are not in a hurry and do not mind a slightly less predictable system. This is one of those transport options that make perfect sense once you have used it, and mildly confusing before that.
Grab and ride-hailing apps
Grab is now one of the easiest ways to get around Chiang Mai. It is convenient, straightforward and especially good for travellers who do not want to negotiate fares every time they leave the hotel. You can book a car, see the fare in advance and track the driver on your phone, which makes life feel much calmer.
It is also more useful than it used to be because in Chiang Mai, you can now see options beyond a regular car ride, including local modes like tuk tuks and rod daeng, through the app. That makes it a very practical choice for visitors who want the local transport experience without the “how much exactly are we doing here?” part of the conversation.
Tuk Tuk’s (pronounced Took Took)
Everybody loves these charming Southeast Asian three-wheelers, and Chiang Mai is still a great place to ride one. Tuk tuks are fun, memorable and very much part of the city experience. They are not usually the cheapest option, but sometimes the point is not to save every baht. Sometimes the point is to ride through Chiang Mai in a noisy little machine and enjoy it.
They are best for short rides, quick hops around town and travellers who want something more atmospheric than an app-booked car. Just agree on the price before you set off, smile a little, bargain a little, and off you go!
Chiang Mai City Bus
If you want a more budget-friendly and structured option, the Chiang Mai City Bus is worth considering. It is especially useful from the airport and works well if you are staying somewhere along its route. It is not the city’s most glamorous transport option, but it is simple, air-conditioned and much easier than many travellers expect.
For visitors who are happy to trade a little convenience for a cheaper fare, this is a genuinely useful way of getting around Chiang Mai.
Bicycle rental and e-bikes
Cycling can still be a lovely way to get around Chiang Mai, especially in and around the Old City where the pace is slower and the distances are manageable.
It is a good option for travellers who like to move at their own pace and prefer a more relaxed, low-cost way of exploring. It also works particularly well in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is kinder, and the city feels more enjoyable on two wheels.
Motorbike rental
Many tourists and expats still choose to rent a motorbike to get around Chiang Mai. It is fast, flexible and convenient, especially if you plan to head outside the city or visit places in the hills. If that is your plan, a stronger bike will make life easier than the smallest scooter on offer.
That said, this option is best for confident riders only. Chiang Mai feels calmer than Bangkok, but that does not mean every road is forgiving. If you are not already comfortable on a motorbike, a holiday is not always the best time to discover that fact dramatically.
Personal driver
If you are coming to Chiang Mai with kids, older family members or simply a strong preference for easy days, a private car and driver is still one of the most convenient ways to get around. It is especially good for day trips to waterfalls, viewpoints, temples, and places outside the city, where transport can be less straightforward.
A private driver also works well if your day involves several stops and you do not want to keep booking new rides or figuring out how to get back. It is the least stressful option and often the one that feels most holiday-like, which is really the whole point.
Which transport option is best for your Chiang Mai plans?
If you are mostly staying inside the Old City, walking plus the occasional short ride is often more than enough. Chiang Mai is one of those places where wandering actually works in your favour.
If you are on a tighter budget, songthaews and city buses make the most sense. They are not fancy, but they do the job and let you save your budget for the more interesting parts of the trip.
If you are travelling with family, a Grab car or private driver is usually the easiest answer. It is more comfortable, more direct and a lot less complicated when everyone is hungry, tired or carrying something sticky.
If you are planning to explore beyond town, especially into the hills or countryside, a rental car, motorbike or private driver will suit you much better than relying on local city transport.
FAQs about transportation in Chiang Mai
What is the best way to get around Chiang Mai?
It depends on your plans. Walking is best for the Old City, Grab is the easiest all-round option, and a private driver is great for day trips or family travel.
Can you walk around Chiang Mai Old City?
Yes, and it is often the nicest way to explore it. The Old City is compact enough for walking, especially if you are temple-hopping, café-hopping or just taking it slowly.
Is Grab available in Chiang Mai?
Yes, Grab is widely used in Chiang Mai and is one of the most convenient transport options for visitors.
Is there public transport in Chiang Mai?
Yes, though it is not like a big-city metro or bus network. Songthaews and Chiang Mai City Bus are the closest thing to practical public transport for most travellers.
How do I get from Chiang Mai Airport to the Old City?
The easiest options are Grab, taxi or a pre-arranged transfer. There is also a city bus option if you want something cheaper.
Are songthaews in Chiang Mai safe?
They are widely used and generally fine for everyday short rides. They are best when you are travelling light and not too pressed for time.
Are tuk tuks cheaper than Grab in Chiang Mai?
Not usually. Tuk tuks can be a little more expensive, but they are more about the experience than pure value.
Should I rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai?
Only if you are already comfortable riding one. It is a convenient option, but not the best idea for beginners.
What is the best transport option in Chiang Mai for families?
A private driver or Grab car is usually the easiest and most comfortable choice for families.
Pick the transport style that suits your Chiang Mai trip
Chiang Mai is one of those cities that becomes easier the moment you stop trying to force one transport option to do everything. Walk when you are in the Old City, use Grab for something simple, and choose a private driver or rental vehicle when you are heading farther out. Match the ride to the plan, and Chiang Mai feels much more relaxed from the start.
Been to Chiang Mai? How was it? What was your preferred way of transportation? Any tips or feedback? We’d love to hear all about it!
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