Complete guide to bus travel from Pattaya to Chiang Mai — schedules, prices, operators and booking tips.
Pattaya to Chiang Mai connects Thailand's most famous beach resort with its most beloved northern city — a journey that crosses the entire width of the country.
The Pattaya to Chiang Mai route can be done either as a direct overnight service or by connecting through Bangkok. Some operators run direct buses, making this an efficient way to move between the two popular tourist destinations.
If taking the direct route, depart from North Pattaya Road Bus Terminal in the evening and arrive in Chiang Mai the following morning. The journey covers approximately 720 kilometres through Thailand's central plains.
Alternatively, take the frequent bus from Pattaya to Bangkok's Ekkamai terminal (2–3 hours), then connect to an overnight bus from Mo Chit to Chiang Mai. This two-leg approach gives more flexibility in departure times.
The following operators run regular services on the Pattaya–Chiang Mai route:
Compare prices across all operators before booking — fares can vary significantly by class and season.
Departures: Via Bangkok or direct evening services
From: North Pattaya Road Bus Terminal
To: Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminal 2), Chiang Mai
Schedules may vary by operator and season. Confirm departure times when booking, particularly during Thai public holidays.
✅ Check for direct overnight services — some operators run Pattaya to Chiang Mai without changing in Bangkok.
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Book 1–2 days ahead on weekdays. During Songkran (April), New Year and long weekends, book at least one week in advance — buses sell out fast on popular routes.