Getting Around Chiang Mai: Songthaew, Grab, Bus, Tuk-Tuk
Walk inside the Old City moat, take a red songthaew for longer hops, and use Grab or Bolt for a door-to-door price. The RTC airport bus restarts free on 10 October 2026, then 50 baht. The Old City is a square about 1 mile on each side, with the moat around it.
Which ride to take depends on distance, luggage and the hour. These are the going fares for each mode.
Mode
Fare
Bicycle, per day
50 baht
RTC airport bus, from 10 October 2026
50 baht per ride, free until 19 October
A red songthaew.
Walking the Old City
The Old City is a square about 1 mile on each side, with the moat around it.
The Old City moat.Tha Phae Gate and the road in front.Tha Phae Gate Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Red songthaews
You flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go.
GrabCar and JustGrab services are available in all regions of Thailand, with the Northern Region including Chiang Mai. Bolt offers Economy, Bolt, Taxi and Motor categories.
Stricter law enforcement for app-based ride-hailing services started on 1 October 2026. What changed in Chiang Mai since then is unclear. Fares, payment, airport pickup and the enforcement news are in Grab vs Bolt in Chiang Mai.
Regional Transit Cooperation (RTC) has operated the city bus since 2018. The operator suspended services in July 2026 amid soaring fuel costs and low passenger numbers. Reports in August said buses would return on 31 August, but that date did not hold. On 2 October 2026 RTC said it is ready to restart, starting with route 24.
What the operator announced on 2 October 2026:
Route 24 loops in two directions (left and right) between the airport, Nimman, Chang Phueak, Warorot Market, Tha Phae Gate and Wualai Road.
The first two buses run from 10 to 19 October as a free trial, possibly extended to the end of the month. A third bus joins from 25 October.
The fare stays at a single price of 50 baht for the whole route. Card tap payment with Mastercard credit and debit cards is planned.
Frequency is planned at one bus every 20 minutes per direction. In December 2026 electric buses join the older ones (7 buses in all) and hours extend to 06:00-22:00.
The fare is 50 baht flat. Treat older figures as out of date.
The August hours of 7am to 6.30pm were announced before the restart, so check the bus stop on the day.
The disabled and monks ride free.
Inside Chiang Mai International Airport.Chiang Mai International Airport 60 ถนน มหิดล Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Bus routes such as B1, B2 and R3 from the Arcade bus terminal and the airport stopped operating during COVID-19. RTC bus 24R stops at Chang Phueak Bus Terminal.
Red trucks queue at the Chiang Mai bus station, also called Arcade 2. Songthaews to Chom Thong, Wiang Kalong, Wiang Pa Pao and Mae Rim depart from the Chang Phueak Bus Terminal.
Minivans at the Arcade bus terminal.Chiang Mai Arcade 2 Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The forecourt of Chang Phueak Bus Terminal.Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 1 (Chang Phueak Bus Terminal) Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Chiang Mai Railway Station Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand · Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Not confirmed: RTC bus: no published timetable beyond "every 20 minutes"; the operator's late-2026 plans (third bus 25 October, longer hours in December) may change. Ride-hailing: enforcement started on 1 October 2026, but what changed in Chiang Mai is unclear, so expect checks on unregistered drivers and keep a card on file.
It is restarting. It was due back on August 31. Route 24 starts with two buses on 10 October. They run free to 19 October, then a flat 50 baht.
Should I use Grab or Bolt in Chiang Mai?
Both operate. GrabCar covers the Northern Region including Chiang Mai, and Bolt offers Economy, Bolt, Taxi and Motor categories. Compare the quote in each app; the detail is in the Grab vs Bolt article.
Do I need cash for transport in Chiang Mai?
Carry baht in small notes for songthaews, tuk-tuks and taxis that do not accept cards.
How do I get from the airport into the city?
The full comparison is in the airport article.
How far can I walk inside the Old City?
The Old City is a square about 1 mile by 1 mile, with the moat around it.
General information checked against the sources listed above, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and office practice change; confirm with the immigration office or a licensed adviser before you act. See how guides are checked.
