Transfer to/from - Chiang Mai airport (CNX)

Ride-sharing

The most comfortable option for getting from the airport is Grab. Once you have collected your luggage, open the app, select the airport as the pickup point, and follow the instructions to meet your driver. As alternatives, Bolt also operates at the airport with fares generally 10-20% lower than Grab, although with fewer drivers available. InDrive allows you to negotiate the price directly with the driver before confirming the trip, although it only accepts cash and may require longer waiting times. Uber does not operate in Thailand.

Buses

The RTC Chiang Mai City Bus connects the airport to the historic city center through two circular routes (Line 24), which cover the main tourist and commercial points in opposite directions. Operates from 7:15 am to 7:10 pm; check the updated schedule at the call center (+66 84 668 9125) or through the CM Transit (official RTC app) or ViaBus apps, which show the real-time location of the buses. The stop is located at the International Terminal exit.

The fare is 30 baht per trip (flat rate), payable in cash or with Rabbit Card. Keep in mind that since 2025 an additional baggage fee applies, so for groups or travelers with large suitcases, a private alternative may be more convenient.

Line 24L (left direction): Airport - Wualai Road - Chiang Mai Gate - Night Bazaar - Anusarn Market - Buddhist Center - Tha Pae Gate - Chang Phuak Gate - Kad Suan Kaew - Nimmanhaemin - Suan Dok - Central Airport Mall

Line 24R (right direction): Airport - Far Eastern University - Suan Dok - Nimmanhaemin - Kad Suan Kaew - Chang Phuak Gate - Three Kings Monument - Tha Pae Gate - Waroros Market - Ton Lam Yai Market - Buddhist Center - Night Bazaar - Chiang Mai Gate - Central Airport Mall

Songthaew

Red songthaews (pickup trucks with seats in the back) are the most traditional and flexible transport in Chiang Mai. They are available at the airport exit and take you to any point in the city at a negotiable fare, generally between 60 and 100 baht per person. They are especially useful for destinations not covered by the public bus or for nighttime hours when RTC is not operating.

Taxis

The official taxi counter (Airport Taxi Counter) is located inside the arrivals hall of both terminals. Indicate your destination at the counter, you will receive a receipt with the assigned vehicle number and the corresponding fixed fare — no need to negotiate and no additional charges. The fare to downtown Chiang Mai, the historic airfield, or the Nimmanhaemin area ranges between 150 and 200 baht, including the 50 baht airport surcharge. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Taxis in Chiang Mai mainly operate with fixed fares (not metered), so it is always advisable to confirm the price before getting in if the transfer is arranged outside the official counter. For more distant destinations such as Doi Suthep or the Night Safari, the negotiated fare is usually around 300-400 baht.

Tuk-tuks are not authorized inside the airport premises, but are easily found a few minutes' walk from the exit. They are a lively and economical option for short trips with little luggage; the fare is negotiable, generally between 80 and 150 baht to the center.

More information about transportation on the airport's official website