Chiang Mai Airport to Old City: Overview & Map
You land at Chiang Mai International Airport, grab bags, walk out the main exit. Old City sits 4 kilometers southwest. Five modes cover the run: city bus for 20 THB, metered taxi for 150–200, Grab app rides, pre-booked Klook cars, or private minivans if you’re six people splitting cost. Fastest is 15 minutes in a taxi if traffic’s dead. Slowest is 25 minutes on the RTC bus making stops.
No train connects CNX to Old City. No ferry. Just road. Moat surrounds the old town—Tha Phae Gate is the main east entrance, Suan Dok Gate west side. Taxis drop you at your hotel door. Buses stop near the gates and you walk in with bags.
Cheapest vs Fastest vs Most Reliable Options (2026 Prices)
| Mode | Time | Cost | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer (Klook) | 15 min | 420 THB | High – AC, WiFi, meet-and-greet |
| Private Minivan (Elife) | 15 min | 1935 THB (6 pax) | High – spacious, WiFi, luggage |
| City Bus (RTC R3) | 25 min | 20 THB | Basic – AC, tight space |
| Public Taxi (Metered) | 15-20 min | 150-200 THB | Medium – AC, stiff seats |
| Grab Ride (App) | 15-20 min | 150-200 THB | Medium – AC, USB, surge risk |
Reliability scores put Klook and Elife at 9/10—drivers show up, prices stay fixed, English works. City bus scores 8/10 because it runs on schedule but space gets tight. Metered taxi scores 7/10—some drivers push higher fares at the counter. Grab scores 6/10 due to surge pricing and occasional 10-minute waits during rush.
Bus Routes: Yellow, Red, Green Shuttle Details
RTC city bus (also called R3 route) is the only public bus hitting Old City from CNX. White sign at arrivals main exit says “City Bus” in English and Thai. Stop sits 50 meters outside—look for a small shelter and a digital sign showing next arrival. Bus comes every 25–30 minutes from 6:30am to 11:30pm.
You pay 20 THB cash onboard. No card, no app. Driver doesn’t speak much English. Bus loops through Superhighway, stops near Chang Puak Gate (north Old City), then swings down to Tha Phae Gate. Total ride 25 minutes if no traffic jams. AC runs but feels weak when the bus fills at midday. Luggage rack is tiny—one big backpack plus a roller bag and you’re blocking the aisle.
If you’re heading to Nimmanhaemin after Old City, this bus doesn’t go direct. You’d transfer at a main road stop or just grab a red songthaew from inside the moat.
Taxi & Grab: Fares, Fixed Rates, Booking Guide
Metered taxis park outside arrivals. Prepaid counter before Exit 3 sells tickets with printed fare—usually 150 THB to anywhere in Old City. Driver gets a copy, you get a copy. Some drivers still ask for 200 when you show up tired. Just point at the slip and say “150 only.” They cave fast.
Grab pickup zone is at Exit 3, marked with a blue sign. Open the app after you clear baggage claim. Type “Old City” or your hotel name. Price shows before you confirm—usually 150 THB off-peak, 220 during 7am morning rush or Friday evening. Driver calls when close. If the app says 8-minute wait, expect 12. Traffic near Night Bazaar slows things at night.
Both modes take 15 minutes if roads are clear. Add 10 minutes during 5–7pm rush or if Loi Krathong festival clogs streets. Trunks fit two big suitcases plus carry-ons. AC works but smells like old vinyl in some cabs. No WiFi unless you book Grab and get lucky with a newer sedan.
Check live Grab estimates or compare private car bookings on Kiwitaxi if you want a fixed price locked in before you fly.
Taxi & Grab Booking + Comfort Comparison
City bus offers basic AC and hard plastic seats. No WiFi, no USB, no legroom if you’re tall. You stand if it’s packed. Klook private transfer gives you a sedan with working AC, bottled water, and a driver who waits even if your flight delays two hours. Elife minivan has the same perks plus massive luggage space—fits six people, eight bags, no sweat.
Grab cars vary. Older Toyotas have weak AC and no charging ports. Newer Honda sedans have USB and sometimes WiFi. You won’t know until the driver arrives. Metered taxis are hit-or-miss—vinyl seats, no frills, but trunk space is solid.
If you’re doing Old City to Doi Suthep the next day, pre-book a private car to avoid haggling with songthaew drivers. For getting around town generally, read the full Getting Around Chiang Mai breakdown.
Book airport shuttles and buses ahead on 12Go to lock times and skip the queue at CNX. Private transfers through Klook or Kiwitaxi cost more but save stress if you land tired or late.
15-20 min
