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Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Mai City Center

Every transport option from CNX — cost, journey time, and which one to pick. Updated for 2026 travellers arriving in Thailand.

Airport
CNX
Country
Thailand
Fastest
20–30 min
Cheapest
THB 40–80 (€1–2)

How to get from CNX to Chiang Mai

OptionCostJourney time
Songthaew (red truck taxi)THB 40–80 (€1–2)20–30 min
Grab / InDriverTHB 80–150 (€2–4)15–25 min
Taxi (official airport)THB 150–250 (€4–7)15–25 min

CNX is 4km from Old City — songthaew (Chiang Mai's shared red-truck taxi) is the cheapest option (THB 40-80 / €1-2) but multi-stop. Grab is the standard tourist choice. For Doi Suthep temple: hire songthaew at Chang Phueak gate (THB 250 return for the day).

Skip the queue — pre-book an arrival transfer

A fixed-price transfer meets you inside arrivals with a name-board. No haggling, no cash, no scam risk after a long flight into CNX.

Getting out of Chiang Mai (CNX)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer prices
Renting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Where to stay near Chiang Mai

Comparing hotels across Chiang Mai — filter by neighbourhood, price, and distance from Chiang Mai International Airport.

Common questions

How much does a taxi from Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Mai cost?

THB 40–80 (€1–2) — expect the higher end during rush hour or bad weather. Pre-book a fixed-price transfer if you want price certainty.

What's the cheapest way from CNX to Chiang Mai?

Songthaew (red truck taxi) at THB 40–80 (€1–2)20–30 min to central Chiang Mai.

Do I need to buy a visa on arrival in Thailand?

Thailand visa-on-arrival 60+ nationalities (no fee for many Western passports up to 30-60 days). E-visa available at Thai immigration website.