Quick Answer
The best way to get from Nan Airport (NNT) to Chiang Mai depends on your priority. For speed, take a connecting flight via Bangkok (4-6 hours total, ~3,000-6,000 THB). For value, take a minivan to Nan city followed by a direct bus (6-7 hours, ~350-550 THB). There is no direct train or flight; all journeys require at least one transfer. The most common and balanced choice is the direct bus service from Nan Bus Terminal.
Nan Airport to Chiang Mai: Route Overview
Nan Airport (IATA: NNT) is a small regional airport in Northern Thailand. Chiang Mai, a major tourist hub, is located roughly 300 kilometers to the west. There is no direct railway line connecting the two cities, making road travel (bus/minivan) the primary overland method, with flights requiring a connection in Bangkok. The journey traverses mountainous and scenic terrain, part of the Lanna region.
Key Transfer Points: All journeys begin with a short transfer from Nan Airport to Nan City Center or the Nan Bus Terminal. From there, you proceed to Chiang Mai directly by road, or to Bangkok's airports for a connecting flight.
Typical Route Path: Nan Airport â (Taxi, 20 min) â Nan City/Bus Terminal â (Highway 101, 6-7 hrs) â Chiang Mai. The road is winding but well-maintained.
Option 1: By Flight (Connecting via Bangkok)
While there are no direct flights from Nan (NNT) to Chiang Mai (CNX), flying is the fastest overall method by connecting through Bangkok. This option maximizes comfort and minimizes travel fatigue but at a higher cost.
Step-by-Step Flying Guide:
- Nan Airport (NNT) to Bangkok: Take a 1-hour flight with Nok Air or Thai AirAsia to Don Mueang (DMK). 1-3 flights daily. Cost: 1,500 â 2,500 THB one-way.
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Connect to a 1-hour 10-minute flight to Chiang Mai (CNX). Over 20 daily flights from both DMK and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) by multiple airlines. Cost: 1,200 â 3,000 THB one-way.
- Total Door-to-Door Time: 4 to 6 hours (including airport transfers, check-in, and layover).
Detailed Analysis & Considerations:
- Best For: Time-sensitive travelers, families with children, business travelers, those with heavy luggage.
- Airport Nuance: Most Nan flights go to Don Mueang (DMK). If you fly into Suvarnabhumi (BKK), you'll need to transfer airports (allow 2+ hours).
- Booking Tip: Book both legs separately for flexibility, or as a single ticket through Bangkok Airways via Phitsanulok (rare, more expensive). Use Skyscanner to compare rates.
- Cost Example: A typical round-trip (NNTâDMKâCNXâDMKâNNT) can range from 6,000 to 10,000 THB per person in high season.
Verdict: Flying is 4-8 hours faster than land options but costs 5-10 times more. Ideal if your time is worth more than money.
Option 2: By Direct Bus (Most Common & Balanced)
The direct bus from Nan to Chiang Mai is the most popular and practical overland choice, offering a good balance of cost, comfort, and frequency. Services include standard day buses and sleeper night buses.
Bus Services Overview:
| Bus Type | Operator | Departure Time | Duration | Price (THB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (2nd Class) | Green Bus, Government Bus | 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM | 6-7 hours | 300 - 450 | Reclining seats, A/C, toilet stops |
| VIP (24-seat Sleeper) | Sombat Tour, Green Bus VIP | 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM | 7-8 hours | 600 - 900 | Fully reclining seats, blanket, snack, onboard toilet |
| First Class (32-seat) | Green Bus | 8:30 AM, 2:30 PM | 6-7 hours | 450 - 600 | More legroom, personal TV |
Journey Details:
- Step 1: Nan Airport to Nan Bus Terminal. Take a taxi (200-300 THB, 20 mins) or a shared songthaew/tuk-tuk (50-100 THB per person) to the main bus terminal.
- Step 2: Board the Bus to Chiang Mai. Buses depart from Nan Bus Terminal (Bor Kor Sor). Arrive at least 30 minutes prior. The route takes Highway 101, passing through scenic provinces like Phrae.
- Step 3: Arrive in Chiang Mai. Most buses terminate at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminal 3). From there, take a red songthaew (50 THB/person) or Grab taxi to your hotel.
Pro Tips: Book VIP night buses 2-3 days in advance online via 12Go.asia. Front seats (rows 1-5) have less bumpiness. Pack a jacket as A/C can be strong.
Option 3: By Minivan + Bus (The Budget Champion)
For the absolute lowest cost, combine a shared minivan from the airport with a government bus. This is favored by budget backpackers and locals but involves more steps.
Detailed Breakdown:
- Leg 1: Airport to Nan City Center. Upon exiting Nan Airport, look for shared white minivans or songthaews. They wait for enough passengers (6-8) and go to the city center or the old bus station. Cost: 50-100 THB. Time: 20-30 mins.
- Leg 2: Local Transport to Main Bus Terminal. From the city drop-off point, you may need a short tuk-tuk ride (30-50 THB) to the main Nan Bus Terminal (Bor Kor Sor).
- Leg 3: Government Bus to Chiang Mai. Purchase a ticket for the non-VIP government bus (Bor Kor Sor). These are older but reliable. Departures: ~7:00, 9:00, 13:00. Cost: 300-350 THB. Duration: 7 hours.
Cost & Time Summary:
Total Cost: ~350 - 500 THB. Total Time: 7.5 - 8.5 hours (including transfers and wait times).
Caveats & Advice:
- Luggage: Minivans have strict space limits. One backpack or small suitcase per person.
- Frequency: Government buses have fewer departures than private buses. Miss one, and you may wait hours.
- Comfort: Minimal legroom, basic seats, frequent stops. Not recommended for tall travelers or those needing high comfort.
- Reliability: Very reliable in terms of safety but subject to road conditions and weather in rainy season.
Verdict: Unbeatable price, but sacrifices convenience and comfort. Best for solo travelers with one backpack and a flexible schedule.
Option 4: By Taxi or Private Transfer (Luxury & Convenience)
A private taxi or van transfer directly from Nan Airport to a Chiang Mai hotel is possible but is a premium, niche option due to the long distance and high cost. It's not a standard metered taxi ride.
How to Arrange & What to Expect:
- Booking: Must be pre-arranged through a private car company, your Nan hotel concierge, or a travel agency. You cannot typically hail one at the airport.
- Vehicle Options: Sedan (for 1-2 people + luggage), SUV (for 3-4), or Minivan (for 5-9).
- Price Range: 4,500 - 7,000+ THB for a one-way trip. Price is for the vehicle, not per person, and includes driver and fuel.
- Duration: Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours of driving time, depending on breaks and traffic.
Who Should Consider This?
- Small Groups/Families (4+ people): When split, the cost can rival buying multiple flight tickets, while offering door-to-door service.
- Travelers with Significant Mobility Issues or Excessive Luggage: Eliminates all transfers and hauling of bags.
- Urgent or Unusual Travel Schedules: If you must travel in the middle of the night when no buses operate.
Important Considerations:
- Driver's Welfare: By law, for such a long trip, you may need to pay for the driver's return journey or his accommodation in Chiang Mai, significantly increasing cost. Clarify this when booking.
- Alternative: A more economical private option is to hire a taxi just from Nan Airport to Nan Bus Terminal (300 THB), then take a VIP bus.
Verdict: An expensive luxury. Only justifiable for groups, special needs, or as an expense-account business trip.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Nan Airport to Chiang Mai
Use this table to quickly compare all your options based on key decision-making factors.
| Transport Method | Total Door-to-Door Time* | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Comfort Level | Best For | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (via Bangkok) | 4 - 6 hours | 3,000 - 6,000 THB | High (Airport lounges available) | Time, comfort, business | Book 2-4 weeks ahead for deals on Skyscanner. |
| VIP Night Bus | 8 - 9 hours | 600 - 900 THB | Medium-High (Sleeper seat) | Budget comfort, saving on a hotel night | Book online 2-3 days in advance, especially for front seats. |
| Standard Day Bus | 7 - 8 hours | 300 - 450 THB | Medium (Standard coach) | Daytime travel, scenery, most travelers | Can often book day-of at the terminal, or 1 day ahead online. |
| Minivan + Gov't Bus | 7.5 - 8.5 hours | 350 - 550 THB | Low (Multiple transfers, basic bus) | Ultra-budget, backpackers | No advance booking for minivan. Buy bus ticket at terminal. |
| Private Transfer | 5.5 - 6.5 hours | 4,500 - 7,000+ THB (per vehicle) | Very High (Door-to-door, private) | Groups, special needs, luxury | Arrange via hotel/travel agent at least 48 hours ahead. |
*Time includes estimated transfer/wait times from airport arrival to final destination in Chiang Mai city.
Our Recommendation: For most tourists, the VIP Night Bus or Standard Day Bus offers the best overall value. Choose the flight only if time is critical and budget is flexible.
Traveler Tips & Insider Insights
1. Managing Luggage
Buses and minivans have strict luggage policies (typically one 20kg suitcase + small hand luggage in the hold). If you have extra bags, consider sending them ahead via Thailand's reliable "Kerry Express" or "Nim Express" parcel services from a Nan post office or agent to your Chiang Mai hotel. Cost: ~150-300 THB per package, takes 1-2 days.
2. Navigating Nan Airport Arrival
Nan Airport is tiny. After collecting bags, you'll exit directly to the small arrivals area. Ignore touts offering overpriced rides. Walk straight to the official taxi desk or the line of shared minivans parked outside. Have your destination written in Thai: "สà¸à¸²à¸à¸µà¸à¸à¸ªà¹à¸ à¸à¹à¸²à¸" (Nan Bus Terminal) or "à¸à¸±à¸§à¹à¸¡à¸·à¸à¸à¸à¹à¸²à¸" (Nan City).
3. Scenic Stops & Breaking the Journey
The bus ride is scenic. If you have time, consider breaking your journey in Phrae (about halfway), known for its teak wood houses and quiet atmosphere. Stay one night, then catch another bus to Chiang Mai the next day. This turns a long transit into a mini-adventure.
4. Connectivity & Essentials
Purchase a local Thai SIM card (e.g., AIS, TrueMove) at Nan Airport or a 7-Eleven. Coverage is good along the route. Download offline maps (Google Maps) and have your hotel's Thai name and address saved on your phone to show taxi drivers in Chiang Mai.
5. Seasonal Considerations
- Cool Season (Nov-Feb): Most pleasant for bus travel. Book buses weeks in advance for periods around Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year.
- Hot Season (Mar-May): Very hot. Ensure your bus has strong A/C. Carry water.
- Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Landslides can occasionally delay road travel. Flights are more reliable but may face delays. Allow buffer time.
6. Safety & Security
Bus travel in Northern Thailand is very safe. Your main luggage will be stored in the locked hold. However, keep valuables (passport, money, electronics) in a small bag on your person. On night buses, consider using a small lock on your bag's zippers for added peace of mind.
FAQs: Getting from Nan Airport to Chiang Mai
Is there a direct train from Nan Airport to Chiang Mai?
No. Nan Airport has no railway station. The nearest major train station is in Den Chai (Phrae province) or Lampang, both requiring a lengthy bus or taxi ride from Nan first. The most realistic train route would involve bus to Phitsanulok + train to Chiang Mai, taking 12+ hours and not being cost or time-effective compared to a direct bus.
What is the fastest way to get from Nan Airport to Chiang Mai?
The fastest way is by connecting flight via Bangkok. The total door-to-door travel time is typically 4 to 6 hours. While the flight time is short, you must factor in the layover in Bangkok (1-3 hours), airport procedures, and travel to/from airports at both ends.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Nan to Chiang Mai?
The cheapest method is the minivan + government bus combination, with a total cost of approximately 350 to 550 Thai Baht. This involves taking a shared minivan from the airport to Nan city, then transferring to a standard government bus at the main terminal.
Can I take a night bus from Nan to Chiang Mai?
Yes. Several private operators like Sombat Tour and Green Bus offer comfortable VIP night buses with reclining seats. They depart Nan between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM and arrive in Chiang Mai between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. It's a popular way to save on accommodation and travel time.
Is it worth flying from Nan to Chiang Mai?
It depends on your budget and priorities. Flying is worth it if: 1) You have very limited time, 2) You dislike long road journeys, 3) You are traveling with family or have lots of luggage, 4) Your budget allows for the extra cost (typically 5-10x more than a bus). For most budget-conscious travelers, the bus offers better value.
How much does a taxi or private transfer from Nan Airport to Chiang Mai cost?
A private transfer for the entire 300km journey is a premium service. Expect to pay 4,500 to 7,000+ Thai Baht for a one-way trip for a standard sedan or SUV. This is cost-effective only for groups of 4 or more people splitting the fare.
Where can I buy bus or minivan tickets from Nan to Chiang Mai?
You have several options:
- At the Station: Nan Bus Terminal (Bor Kor Sor).
- Online: Use 12Go.asia for English booking and e-tickets for private buses.
- Through Your Hotel: Most guesthouses in Nan can book tickets for a small fee.
- Minivans: Tickets are sold at the minivan station or paid directly to the driver.
What should I know before traveling from Nan to Chiang Mai?
Key points: 1) No direct routes exist; all involve a transfer. 2) Book in advance during weekends and holidays. 3) Pack light for bus/minivan travel. 4) The road is winding; motion sickness sufferers should prepare. 5) Have cash (Thai Baht) for local transport and small vendors. 6) Enjoy the scenery â it's a beautiful journey through rural Northern Thailand.