Chiang Mai Airport Shuttle Bus

Chiang Mai Airport Shuttle Bus: A New Option for Travelers

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I want to share my experience traveling by bus betweenChiang Mai AirportandNew Arcade Bus Terminalwhich I just recently tried. It’s considered a very interesting new option for tourists and locals who want to save on travel costs and experience the real atmosphere of Chiang Mai city.

Previously, when I traveled from Chiang Mai Airport to the Arcade or vice versa, I usually chose to take a taxi or a red songthaew with fares costing several hundred baht. But this time, I traveled from Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai and was heading to the airport to fly to Udon Thani. On the way, I stopped for a meal at the old Arcade. When I came out to wait for the bus, I saw the green municipal bus with a sign saying “To Airport.” So, I decided to try it. It turned out the fare was only 15 baht, which I really liked.

This bus route not only connects the airport with the Arcade but also passes important tourist spots in the old city area of Chiang Mai, surrounded by ancient city walls and moats, includingJang Muang Fresh Marketwhich is a center for northern food and lifestyle, or the Kad Luang area full of local shops and delicious traditional restaurants where you can stop and taste along the way.

How to Travel and Real Experience with the New Bus Route

I boarded the bus from the new Arcade, which is Chiang Mai’s main bus terminal. The large green bus was clean and comfortable. The driver was friendly and polite. The fare was 15 baht, which is very cheap compared to taxis that I used to pay 150-200 baht. The trip took about 30-40 minutes from the Arcade to the airport depending on traffic conditions.

Along the way, the bus passed through the old city area of Chiang Mai that I am familiar with. When I saw Hia S. Roasted Duck shop near the airport, I couldn’t help but remember the crispy roasted duck flavor that I had to follow up on.Hia S. Roasted Duck Chiang Mai VideoThis is the charm of traveling by bus that lets us see the real local lifestyle and atmosphere, unlike sitting in a taxi where you feel trapped behind glass, only seeing the road.

Why This Bus Route Is Suitable for Tourists

As mentioned, this bus route passes many important points in Chiang Mai city, making it a great choice for tourists who want to travel economically and truly experience the old city atmosphere. For example, if you get off at the old city wall area, you can easily walk around to visit ancient temples or stop to taste local food.

For those interested in deep exploration around Chiang Mai, I recommend visitingSan Thong Omkoi Templewhich I have mentioned in a previous article. It is not far from Chiang Mai city. This temple features the beautiful Phra Chao San Thong and has a very interesting history. Or if you love nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle, I also havea story about visiting the Doi Tao lake ruinswhich is a peaceful atmosphere perfect for nature lovers.

Things to Know and Small Tips

This bus service is operated by the Chiang Mai Municipality, designed to facilitate city travelers and tourists. Therefore, you might have to wait a bit during times when buses are less frequent, especially in the morning and evening when many people use the service. But if you have time and want to save money on transportation, I think it’s worth it.

Another tip I recommend is not to forget to bring drinking water or small snacks because there are many rest stops or roadside food stalls along the way, such as Kad Muang Mai or Khao Soi restaurants in Chiang Mai city. But if you want to save time, you can easily order food through delivery apps as I have done.Holy Basil Stir-fry with PorkEating at your accommodation is also convenient.

Summary

I, mr.hotsia, recommend the shuttle bus route between Chiang Mai Airport and the new Arcade Bus Terminal as another great option for tourists and Chiang Mai locals. Besides saving travel costs, it also offers a close experience of the old city atmosphere and a real glimpse into the daily life of Chiang Mai people. For those visiting Chiang Mai who don’t want to rely on expensive taxis or red songthaews, try this bus. I guarantee you’ll have an enjoyable travel experience like I did.