Traveling from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai can be done by bus, private taxi, or flight, as there is no direct train between the two cities. Here are the best options:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="546" src="https://smartenplus-wp-s3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01103223/batch_cnx1.webp" alt="Pai to chiang mai" class="wp-image-1977" srcset="https://smartenplus-wp-s3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01103223/batch_cnx1.webp 820w, https://smartenplus-wp-s3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01103223/batch_cnx1-300x200.webp 300w, https://smartenplus-wp-s3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01103223/batch_cnx1-768x511.webp 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pai to chiang mai</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Option 1: Bus (Most Budget-Friendly Option)</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Duration: ~6 hours</li>



<li>Cost: ~400-600 THB</li>



<li>Departure: Buses leave from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal</li>



<li>Comfort: VIP and first-class buses are available with reclining seats and air conditioning</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Option 2: Private Van (Most Comfortable Option)</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Duration: ~4.5-5 hours</li>



<li>Cost: ~4,500-7,000 THB</li>



<li>Convenience: Direct hotel-to-hotel transfer, ideal for families or groups</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Option 3: Train (Indirect Route via Phitsanulok)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="600" src="https://smartenplus-wp-s3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21151553/Resize1553247447832.jpg" alt="phitsanulok train station" class="wp-image-2185" srcset="https://smartenplus-wp-s3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21151553/Resize1553247447832.jpg 900w, https://smartenplus-wp-s3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21151553/Resize1553247447832-300x200.jpg 300w, https://smartenplus-wp-s3.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21151553/Resize1553247447832-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">phitsanulok train station</figcaption></figure>



Since Sukhothai does not have a railway station, travelers can take a bus or taxi to Phitsanulok and then board a train to Chiang Mai.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Minivan or Taxi from <a href="https://www.smartenplus.co.th/trips/Sukhothai/Phitsanulok?date=2025-07-31&amp;people=1&amp;direction=forword">Sukhothai to Phitsanulok</a> (~1 hour, ~2,000-3,000 THB)</li>



<li>Train from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai (~6-8 hours, ~300-1,500 THB, depending on class)</li>
</ol>