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What are the best ways of getting around in Chiang Mai in 2026? In this article we will compare and review the best methods of transport for traveling around Chiang Mai.
The best way to get around will depend on your budget, specific needs and your intended travel plans around Chiang Mai. In this article we are not focussing on the long distance connections (trains, buses and mini buses). Instead we just want to offer some tips and advice to help you get around this beautiful north Thai city.
Don’t miss our guide on The BEST areas to stay in Chiang Mai
Find out how to travel from the Chiang Mai Airport to your Hotel
Summary – Getting around in Chiang Mai
| Transport | Rough price | Advantages |
| Bicycle rental | 50 baht per day | Cheap, convenient for short journeys, environmentally friendly, most people can do this |
| Motorbike rental | 100 – 250 baht per day | Fun, cheap, great way to get further afield on a budget. Not great for families or groups |
| Songthaew bus | 20 – 50 baht for short rides | Convenient, cheap and fun. Can be tricky bartering and communicating with drivers |
| Taxi | 50 – 150 baht for short journeys | Convenient, fair prices and no room for ambiguity – destination communicated on the app |
| Car rental | 700 – 1,500 baht per day | Expensive but a great way to get further afield. Lots of independence to explore. May be cheaper than long distance taxi rides. Check out skyscanner for car rental deals |
1 Bicycle rental
If you love the freedom and simplicity of riding a pedal bike then this is one of the best ways to get around the old town. Bike rental is super cheap in Chiang Mai. Many hostels will be able to rent a pedal bike for around 50 baht per day. The old town roads are relatively small and quiet and people tend to drive carefully around the old town. You can see loads of temples and enjoy the atmosphere as you explore by bicycle. Also the old town is pretty small (just 1 mile across). You can cycle across the old town in around 5-10 minutes.
2 Motorbike rental
If you’re planning to travel further afield, consider renting a motorbike. You do need to be sufficiently qualified and experienced to ride a motorbike around Chiang Mai. Many of the roads on the outside of the old town are busy and crowded so take care. Also make sure you are covered by your insurance to ride a motorbike. The advantage of motorbike rental is the price. It normally costs 100 – 250 baht per day (£2 – £5) to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai. The price depends on the rental dealer and the type of bike you choose to rent. When you rent a bike in Thailand make sure you take photos of any damage to the bike before you take it. Bike rental companies may ask you to leave a passport as a deposit. If possible try to negotiate a cash deposit.
TOP TIP: If you are planning to rent for a longer period (over 5 days) ask for a quote for one day. Once you know their starting price barter for a lower price for one day. And when you have a lower price ask if they can give a further discount for a long rental (3 days or more).
3 Songthaew bus
The little red buses in Chiang Mai are called Songthaew buses. They are super cheap, very common and very convenient. A short journey on a Songthaew bus should cost around 15 – 20 baht. BUT be aware. Some buses will try to negotiate a private taxi rate. The aim is to find a bus that is already being shared, agree a price and hop on. It is important to check with the driver before you go – agree on the destination and price. A short journey out of town (around 3km) should not cost more than 50 baht. Songthaw buses are a lot of fun. You can flag them anywhere – you don’t need to be at a bus stop – and the route may be flexible – so check with the driver.
4 Private taxi
Another convenient way of getting around in Chiang Mai is to take a private taxi. You can flag taxis at the side of the road BUT then you need to be able to barter for a fair price. Also with the increased popularity of taxi apps – it is much harder to flag a taxi. So, consider getting a local sim card in Thailand (very cheap and good) and download the main taxi apps. The best taxi apps in Thailand are Grab and Bolt. Bolt is a bit cheaper – but you may find drivers are slower to respond. Having both means that you can compare prices and find a driver faster. Taxi prices are very fair on both apps. On Bolt expect to pay 50 – 150 baht for most taxi rides around Chiang Mai town. We also found drivers very kind and willing to help.
ALSO, just be aware that not all taxis are marked taxis. Many locals register their vehicles with Grab and Bolt to make some money offering a taxi service. This generally works fine so don’t worry about this.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on using the Grab taxi app in Thailand
TOP TIP: Long distance taxi rides may be more expensive than getting a car rental. So consider your itinerary to work out the best option. Expect to pay 1,000 baht or more for a long taxi ride for a day (depending on distance)
5 Car rental
If you are planning to explore some of the amazing attractions further afield consider a car rental in Chiang Mai. Car rental deals can be found for as little as 700 baht per day (around £14 or $18). However, you may need to hunt around and barter with some local dealers for these prices. If you are willing to pay around 1,000 baht per day you should be able to get a car without needing to hunt around too much.
We recommend having an international drivers license if you plan to rent a car in Chiang Mai. You may be asked to leave a deposit. Avoid leaving a passport – try to negotiate a cash deposit. We were asked to leave around 2,000 baht deposit for a car rental in Chiang Mai. Remember to take photos of the car, keep a copy of the rental contract and contact details for your rental dealer.
Take note of the amount of petrol at the start of the rental. Once you have a car rental you can drive to locations like: The Doi Inthanon National Park, the Grand Canyon water park, The San Kamphaeng hot springs. The Pong Yang adventure park, the Sticky Waterfall and much more.
Don’t miss our ultimate 10 day itinerary for Chiang Mai. AND if you only have a short blast in Chiang Mai don’t miss our 3 day Chiang Mai itinerary
Local dealers may be cheaper – but if you want the security of booking in advance online don’t miss Skyscanner car rentals.
