General Information
There are three main bus terminals in Chiang Mai. First, Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 1 serves local public transportation within the province. Secondly, Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 and 3 handle long-distance express buses. These two terminals are the primary hubs for travelers leaving the city.
Bus Terminal 1 is locally known as Chang Phueak Bus Station. It is located near the Old City Moat. Furthermore, this station only hosts vans and songthaews rather than large buses. For instance, you can find the van from Chiang Mai to Pai at this specific location.
In contrast, the long-distance terminals are often called the Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal. These two buildings sit next to each other about 3km east of the city center. However, local bus services still connect the Arcade Terminal to the city for your convenience.
How to Get to the Bus Terminal
Driving from the city center to the Arcade Bus Terminal takes about 15-20 minutes. The cheapest transport option is the songthaew, which is a red pickup truck. Additionally, you can easily find these trucks roaming all around the city.
Another option is taking a tuk-tuk for a more direct trip. Although the cost is higher, the driver will take you straight to your destination. Alternatively, you can choose a taxi for better safety and comfort. Regardless of your choice, remember to agree on the price before you board. Consequently, choosing a metered taxi is usually the best practice.
Location of the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal
Express Bus Services in Chiang Mai Arcade
You can buy tickets at the counters in both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Most operators have counters in both buildings. However, their schedules might differ slightly. Popular routes include buses from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Phitsanulok.
Many tickets are also available online at BusOnlineTicket.co.th. This platform allows you to check schedules and compare prices easily. Therefore, booking online is highly recommended to secure your seat in advance.
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