THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Mai to Tak at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- To
- Tak ตาก
- Road distance
- About 268 km
- Straight line
- 214 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~3 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Tak to Chiang Mai →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the main city of northern Thailand. Long-distance buses use the Arcade bus terminal, with services across Thailand and into Laos.
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
North-east of the old city. Long-distance and international services.
Arriving in Tak
Ask the seller where the service ends in Tak. A town-name stop can be a bus station some way from the centre, and the last stretch to your accommodation is usually up to you.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
KEEP GOING
From Tak, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Tak
More buses from Chiang Mai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Mai from Tak by road?+
About 268 km by road (214 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Mai to Tak take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 3 h 30 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Chiang Mai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Mai include Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Tak to Chiang Mai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Tak to Chiang Mai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Mai arrive in Tak?+
It depends on the operator. Some services end at the local bus station, others at an office or a stop on the main road. Ask the seller for the drop-off address before you book.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Mai to Tak?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Chiang Mai to Tak bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Tak by bus?+
Direct buses from Tak include Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Lampang, Chiang Rai, Bangkok and more. See all connections on our Tak bus page.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Chiang Mai to Tak bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →