THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Rai to Ubon Ratchathani at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Rai เชียงราย
- To
- Ubon Ratchathani อุบลราชธานี
- Road distance
- About 997 km
- Straight line
- 744 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~13 h buses take longer
- Return route
- Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Rai →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is northern Thailand's second city and a gateway to the Golden Triangle and Laos. It has two bus terminals: one in the centre for regional buses and one south of town for long-distance services.
- Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
In the town centre. Regional buses to Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong. - Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
About 5 km south of the centre. Long-distance buses to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and beyond.
Arriving in Ubon Ratchathani
Songthaews and tuk-tuks run into the centre.
- Ubon Ratchathani bus terminal
North of the centre. Long-distance and international buses.
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.
- International buses to Pakse cross at Chong Mek. Check Lao visa rules.
KEEP GOING
From Ubon Ratchathani, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Ubon Ratchathani
More buses from Chiang Rai
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 Rai from Ubon Ratchathani by road?+
About 997 km by road (744 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Rai to Ubon Ratchathani take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 13 h 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 Rai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Rai include Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Rai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Rai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Rai arrive in Ubon Ratchathani?+
It depends on the operator. In Ubon Ratchathani, services use Ubon Ratchathani bus terminal. Songthaews and tuk-tuks run into the centre.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Ubon Ratchathani?+
Songthaews and tuk-tuks run into the centre.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Rai to Ubon Ratchathani?+
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 Rai to Ubon Ratchathani 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 Ubon Ratchathani by bus?+
Direct buses from Ubon Ratchathani include Pakse, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Udon Thani, Ayutthaya and more. See all connections on our Ubon Ratchathani bus page.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 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 Rai to Ubon Ratchathani bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Rai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Ubon Ratchathani (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →