THE SHORT VERSION
Pai to Chiang Mai at a glance.
- From
- Pai ปาย
- To
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- Road distance
- About 129 km
- Straight line
- 85 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~2 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Chiang Mai to Pai →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Pai
Pai is a small town in the mountains north-west of Chiang Mai. Minivans run from Chiang Mai along a famously winding road with hundreds of bends.
- Pai bus station
In the town centre. Minivans to Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.
Arriving in Chiang Mai
Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
North-east of the old city. Long-distance and international services.
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.
- Buses towards Laos usually cross at Chiang Khong–Huay Xai. Check visa rules first.
KEEP GOING
From Chiang Mai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Chiang Mai
More buses from Pai
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 Pai from Chiang Mai by road?+
About 129 km by road (85 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Pai to Chiang Mai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 2 h 15 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 Pai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Pai include Pai bus station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Chiang Mai to Pai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Chiang Mai to Pai guide.
Where does the bus from Pai arrive in Chiang Mai?+
It depends on the operator. In Chiang Mai, services use Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal. Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Chiang Mai?+
Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
What kind of bus runs from Pai to Chiang Mai?+
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 Pai to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai by bus?+
Direct buses from Chiang Mai include Lampang, Chiang Rai, Huay Xai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and more. See all connections on our Chiang Mai 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: Pai to Chiang Mai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Pai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →