# Chiang Mai bus station (Arcade): buses to everywhere up north

> Chiang Mai's Arcade bus terminal explained: where it is, buses to Bangkok, Pai, Chiang Rai & the Laos border, the operators, classes and how to book.

When you'd rather travel by road — cheaper than flying, more flexible than the train — Chiang Mai's bus network has you covered. Almost everything intercity leaves from one place: the **Arcade Bus Terminal**. Here's how it works, where it'll take you, and how to do it comfortably.

## Where it is

The **Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminals 2 & 3)** sits about **3 km northeast of the old city**, just off Kaeo Nawarat Road in Wat Ket — a short hop from the house by Grab or **red songthaew** (around 20–30 THB shared from the centre). The two terminals face each other; locals just call the whole thing **"Arcade."** Don't confuse it with **Chang Phuak** station north of the moat, which handles only local routes like Mae Rim and Lamphun. For the full lay of the land on city transport, see our [getting-around guide](/blog/getting-around-chiang-mai).

![Chiang Mai bus station (Arcade): buses to everywhere up north](/blog/bus-station-chiang-mai/visual.webp)

## Where the buses go

Arcade is the jumping-off point for the whole north and beyond. Rough journey times (always changing, so check when you book):

- **Bangkok** — overnight and day coaches, about **9–12 hours**. The classic budget move: a VIP overnight bus doubles as your hotel for the night.
- **Chiang Rai** — frequent buses, about **3 hours**; the easy way to start a [Chiang Rai day trip](/blog/chiang-rai-day-trip).
- **Pai** — mostly **minivans** (see below), 3–4 hours of mountain curves.
- **Mae Hong Son** — around **7 hours** on the spectacular loop road.
- **Sukhothai** — about **5–6 hours** to the old kingdom's ruins.
- **Chiang Khong** (Laos border) — **5–7 hours**, for the Mekong slow boat to Luang Prabang.
- **Mae Sai & the Golden Triangle** — roughly **5–6 hours** via Chiang Rai.

## The operators (simplified)

You don't need to memorise the list — just two rules of thumb:

- **Green Bus** runs most **northern** routes (Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, Mae Sai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang). Modern fleet, several classes.
- **Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air and the state Transport Co.** cover **Bangkok** and other long hauls, from standard 2nd class up to roomy **VIP/first class** with big reclining seats.

Across all of them, "VIP" or "first class" means fewer seats, more legroom, strong air-con and sometimes a snack and blanket; "2nd class" is more basic with more stops.

## Booking: counter or online

You can buy at each company's **counter** in Terminal 2 or 3 — fine for short routes off-season. But for **overnight Bangkok buses**, **Chiang Rai/Chiang Khong** connections and anything during **high season (Dec–Feb)** or Thai holidays, book ahead: the **Green Bus** site/app for northern routes, or aggregators like **12Go** for everything else (small fee, but you see live availability). Arrive **30–45 minutes early** (an hour for holidays) to collect tickets and find your platform.

![Chiang Mai bus station (Arcade): buses to everywhere up north](/blog/bus-station-chiang-mai/visual-2.webp)

## Pai and nearby towns

**Pai** is served mostly by **minivans**, several a day from Arcade (and tourist pick-up points near the old city). The road has hundreds of curves — if you're prone to motion sickness, sit near the front and take a tablet beforehand. For closer towns like **Mae Rim, Chiang Dao or San Kamphaeng**, cheap local **songthaews** run from Chang Phuak and the Warorot Market area — great for day trips.

## Insider tips

- **Pack a layer** — the air-con on long-distance buses runs *cold*. A hoodie, long trousers and socks make overnight trips bearable.
- **Keep valuables with you** — phone, cash and electronics in a daypack on your lap, never in the luggage hold; keep your baggage tag.
- **Buy from official counters or trusted apps** — skip touts outside who insist a bus is "full" and push a pricier private van.
- **Bring snacks, earplugs and an eye mask** for overnight routes (buses do stop at roadside food courts).

One seasonal note: if you're travelling between February and April, the haze of [Chiang Mai's burning season](/blog/burning-season-chiang-mai) can swallow the mountain views from the windows — worth knowing before you pick a scenic daytime route over a sleep-through overnight one.

So whether it's a midnight VIP coach to Bangkok or a morning bus to the Laos border, the road north starts at Arcade. Prefer the rails or the skies? Compare with our [train station guide](/blog/train-station-chiang-mai) and the [Chiang Mai airport guide](/blog/airport-chiang-mai) — and tell us your plans at the house; we'll help you pick the smoothest way to go.