How to Get from Mae Fah Luang University to Chiang Rai Airport

Chiang Rai province has no railway station. The nearest major rail hubs are in Chiang Mai (approx. 180 km southwest) and Bangkok (approx. 800 km south). Therefore, a direct train from MFU to Chiang Rai Airport is not an option. However, if you are planning a longer journey beyond Chiang Rai, combining a short taxi ride to the airport with a domestic flight to a rail-connected city is the most efficient approach.

Why No Train?

Thailand's northern rail network terminates at Chiang Mai Railway Station. The mountainous terrain between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai has historically made rail extension challenging, though feasibility studies for a Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong line have been discussed. As of 2025, no construction timeline has been confirmed. Source: State Railway of Thailand – Network Map.

Best Rail-Inclusive Combination Routes

Route	Steps	Total Time (approx.)	Total Cost (approx.)
MFU → Chiang Rai Airport → Fly to Chiang Mai → Train north	Taxi to airport (15 min) + flight to Chiang Mai (1 hr) + train to destinations	3–5 hours depending on connections	1,500–3,500 THB (US$43–100) including flight
MFU → Chiang Rai Airport → Fly to Bangkok → Connect to rail network	Taxi to airport + flight to Bangkok (1.5 hr) + train to any destination	4–6 hours	2,000–5,000 THB (US$57–143)
MFU → Bus to Chiang Mai → Train from Chiang Mai	Songthaew to bus terminal (20 min) + bus to Chiang Mai (3 hr) + train	5–7 hours	500–1,200 THB (US$14–34)

Key takeaway: If you specifically want to experience Thailand's railways, your best bet is to first reach Chiang Rai Airport, fly to Chiang Mai or Bangkok, and then board a train. For the direct MFU-to-airport journey, road transport is your only option.

While you cannot fly directly from MFU to Chiang Rai Airport (they are only 12 km apart), once you arrive at the airport you can connect to domestic flights to multiple Thai cities. This section focuses on the total door-to-door time from MFU to your final destination via air, and compares it with ground alternatives.

Domestic Routes from Chiang Rai Airport (CEI)

Destination	Airlines	Flight Time	Typical Fare (one-way)
Bangkok (DMK / BKK)	Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Lion, Thai Vietjet	1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min	800–2,500 THB (US$23–71)
Chiang Mai (CNX)	Air Asia, Nok Air	55 min – 1 hr 10 min	900–2,200 THB (US$26–63)
Phuket (HKT)	Air Asia, Thai Vietjet	2 hr 20 min – 2 hr 40 min	1,500–4,000 THB (US$43–114)
Krabi (KBV)	Air Asia	2 hr 10 min	1,800–3,500 THB (US$51–100)

Total door-to-door time example: MFU to Bangkok via Chiang Rai Airport = 15 min taxi to airport + 1.5 hr check-in/security + 1.5 hr flight + 30 min baggage claim = approximately 3.5–4 hours. By contrast, a direct bus from Chiang Rai to Bangkok takes 10–12 hours.

Hidden time to consider: Add 30–45 minutes for check-in and security at Chiang Rai Airport, plus 15–20 minutes for baggage collection on arrival. Source: Airports of Thailand – Chiang Rai Airport Guide.

Verdict: Flying is only relevant if you are continuing to a distant Thai city. For the MFU-to-airport leg itself, stick with road transport.

For travelers on a tight budget, public transport from MFU to Chiang Rai Airport is viable, though it requires a transfer. Below is a breakdown of all ground shared-transport options.

Option A: Songthaew (Shared Pickup Truck) – Direct but Limited

Route: Mae Fah Luang University → Chiang Rai Airport (via Highway 1211 and Route 1).
Cost: 50–80 THB (US$1.40–2.30) per person.
Time: 25–35 minutes.
Frequency: Every 20–40 minutes during daylight hours (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
Boarding point: Main gate of MFU, opposite the university sign.
Note: Songthaews are red or white trucks with bench seating in the back. They operate on a shared basis and may wait until full before departing. No advance booking is possible.

Option B: Local Bus + Songthaew Transfer (Cheapest)

Step 1: Take a local bus from MFU to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 (also called the Old Bus Station). Cost: 15–25 THB (US$0.43–0.71). Time: 20–25 minutes. Buses run every 15–30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Step 2: At Bus Terminal 1, board a songthaew heading to the airport. Cost: 30–50 THB (US$0.86–1.43). Time: 15–20 minutes.
Total cost: 45–75 THB (US$1.29–2.14).
Total time: 40–55 minutes including waiting.

Option C: Minivan (Private / Shared)

Several minivan operators near MFU offer direct rides to the airport. These are typically pre-booked through hotel reception or local travel agencies. Cost: 100–150 THB (US$2.86–4.29) per person if shared, or 400–600 THB (US$11.43–17.14) for a private van. Time: 20–25 minutes. Minivans are air-conditioned and more comfortable than songthaews.

Overnight Bus Option (Long-Distance)

If you are continuing beyond the airport to another province, overnight buses depart from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 (near the airport) to destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Udon Thani. From MFU, take a taxi or songthaew to Terminal 2 (15–20 minutes, 50–100 THB). Overnight buses to Bangkok cost 400–900 THB (US$11.43–25.71) and take 10–12 hours. Source: Department of Land Transport – Bus Schedule.

Mode	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Time	Comfort	Best For
Songthaew (direct)	50–80	1.40–2.30	25–35 min	Basic	Budget solo travelers
Local bus + songthaew	45–75	1.29–2.14	40–55 min	Basic	Lowest cost
Shared minivan	100–150	2.86–4.29	20–25 min	Good (AC)	Comfort on a budget
Private minivan	400–600	11.43–17.14	20–25 min	Excellent (AC)	Groups or families

For most travelers, a taxi or ride-hailing service is the preferred way to cover the 12 km from MFU to Chiang Rai Airport. It is fast, affordable, and available 24/7. Below is a detailed comparison.

Standard Taxi (Metered)

Where to find: Taxis queue at the main entrance of MFU, near the guardhouse. You can also call a taxi via the Taxi Chiang Rai hotline: 053-123-456.
Fare: 150–250 THB (US$4.30–7.10) including flag fall and distance.
Time: 15–20 minutes.
Tip: Confirm the driver uses the meter. If not, agree on a fixed price before boarding – 200 THB is a fair rate.

Grab (GrabCar / GrabTaxi)

App: Available on iOS and Android. Grab is widely used in Chiang Rai.
Estimated fare: 140–220 THB (US$4.00–6.30) for GrabCar (private car).
Time: 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Availability: Generally good between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Late-night rides may have surge pricing (1.5x–2x).
Tip: Book 5–10 minutes in advance. The pickup point is usually the MFU main gate or your specific faculty building.

Bolt

App: Bolt is also active in Chiang Rai and often slightly cheaper than Grab.
Estimated fare: 130–200 THB (US$3.71–5.71).
Note: Driver availability may be lower than Grab, especially outside peak hours.

Private Airport Transfer (Pre-Booked)

Providers: Hotels near MFU, local transfer companies (e.g., Chiang Rai Private Transfer), and online platforms like Klook or 12Go.
Cost: 300–500 THB (US$8.57–14.29) for a standard sedan.
Advantages: Fixed price, no surge, meet-and-greet service, and assistance with luggage.
Best for: Families, groups of 3–4, or travelers with heavy luggage.

When to Choose Taxi / Private Transfer?

• Late-night or early-morning flights (before 6:00 AM or after 10:00 PM) – songthaews and buses do not run.
• Heavy luggage – taxis and private cars offer trunk space; songthaews have limited room.
• Groups of 3–4 – a private transfer often costs the same per person as a songthaew.
• Time-sensitive travelers – 15 minutes vs. 40+ minutes by public transport.

Option	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Time (min)	Available 24/7	Luggage Capacity
Metered taxi	150–250	4.30–7.10	15–20	Yes	2–3 suitcases
GrabCar	140–220	4.00–6.30	15–20	Mostly (surge late night)	2–3 suitcases
Bolt	130–200	3.71–5.71	15–20	Limited late night	2 suitcases
Private transfer (pre-booked)	300–500	8.57–14.29	15–20	Yes (by arrangement)	3–4 suitcases

Use the table below to quickly compare every available way to get from Mae Fah Luang University to Chiang Rai Airport. Prices are in Thai Baht with US dollar equivalents, and times are door-to-door estimates.

Transport Mode	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Travel Time	Transfers Needed	Best For
GrabCar / Bolt (App)	130–220	3.71–6.30	15–20 min	0	Best overall – speed + value
Metered taxi	150–250	4.30–7.10	15–20 min	0	Best for reliability 24/7
Private transfer (pre-booked)	300–500	8.57–14.29	15–20 min	0	Families / heavy luggage
Shared minivan (AC)	100–150	2.86–4.29	20–25 min	0	Comfort on a budget
Songthaew (direct)	50–80	1.40–2.30	25–35 min	0	Cheapest direct option
Local bus + songthaew	45–75	1.29–2.14	40–55 min	1 transfer	Lowest cost overall
Private minivan (group)	400–600	11.43–17.14	20–25 min	0	Groups of 4–8

Summary: For most travelers, GrabCar or a meter taxi offers the ideal balance of cost, speed, and convenience. If you are on a strict budget, the direct songthaew is the cheapest door-to-door option without a transfer. Avoid the local bus + songthaew combination unless you are familiar with the route and have extra time.

Where to book: Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Bolt) can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Taxis can be hailed at the MFU main gate. For pre-booked private transfers, use 12Go or your hotel's concierge. Source: Grab Thailand – Official Site.

Based on feedback from frequent travelers and local residents, here are practical tips to make your journey from MFU to Chiang Rai Airport easier, safer, and more efficient.

1. Luggage Handling – Use Takkyubin for Heavy Bags

If you have large suitcases or multiple bags, consider using Takkyubin (luggage delivery service). Available at the MFU post office or through your hotel, this service delivers your luggage directly to Chiang Rai Airport (or your final destination) for 300–600 THB (US$8.57–17.14) per bag depending on size. This allows you to travel hands-free by songthaew or bus. Source: Chiang Rai Luggage Services.

2. Watch the Timing – Peak Hours & Flight Check-In

Chiang Rai Airport is small, but security lines can be slow during peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM). If you are taking a domestic flight, arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure. For international flights, allow 2.5 hours. Add 15–20 minutes for the taxi ride from MFU. Pre-book your ride to avoid last-minute stress.

3. Songthaew Etiquette – Know Before You Go

• Wave down a songthaew by extending your arm. If the driver stops, state your destination: "Sanam Bin" (airport).
• Agree on the fare before boarding. Drivers may initially quote a higher price for foreigners – 80 THB is the maximum you should pay.
• Songthaews do not operate after dark (past 6:00–7:00 PM). Plan your trip accordingly.
• Keep small bills handy; drivers rarely have change for 1,000 THB notes.

4. Connectivity & SIM Cards

Both Grab and Bolt require mobile data. If you are arriving at MFU without a Thai SIM, buy a tourist SIM at the 7-Eleven near MFU's main gate (packages start at 49 THB for 7 days). Alternatively, use the airport's free Wi-Fi to book your ride upon arrival at CEI – but for departure from MFU, ensure you have data on your phone.

5. What If You Miss Your Ride?

If your taxi or Grab does not show up (rare but possible), head to the MFU security booth at the main entrance. The guards can call a local taxi for you. Alternatively, walk 5 minutes to Highway 1211 where passing songthaews can be flagged down.

6. Early Morning Flights – Book the Night Before

For flights departing before 8:00 AM, pre-book a taxi or private transfer the evening before. Ride-hailing apps may have limited drivers at 5:00 AM. Ask your hotel to arrange a 4:30 AM pickup – most hotels near MFU offer this service for 200–350 THB (US$5.71–10.00).

7. Fuel Surcharge & Toll Fees

The route from MFU to Chiang Rai Airport uses Highway 1 and local roads. There are no tolls on this route. The fare quoted by the driver should be all-inclusive. If a driver tries to add a fuel surcharge, politely decline as it is not standard practice for this short journey.

Pro tip: Download the Grab and Bolt apps before you travel. Register your payment method (credit card or cash) to save time. Bolt is often 10–20% cheaper than Grab in Chiang Rai. Source: Bolt – Ride-Hailing in Thailand.