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Getting Around Chiang Mai By Public Bus

Complete guide to the RTC Smart City Bus system – the cheapest and most scenic way to explore Chiang Mai.

RTC Smart City Bus in Chiang Mai

About RTC Smart City Bus

With the introduction of the RTC Smart City Bus in mid-2018, getting around Chiang Mai by public transport has become the most affordable way to explore the city. These modern, air-conditioned buses charge a flat fare of only 30 Baht per ride, making it the cheapest public transportation option in Chiang Mai.

The RTC City Bus covers a vast area of Chiang Mai city and offers a comfortable journey with priority seats for elderly, pregnant women, disabled or injured people, and those traveling with small children. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on-board with network name "CM TRANSIT FREE WIFI" – no registration required.

RTC City Bus interior with air conditioning RTC City Bus exterior view
Wheelchair accessible RTC bus with priority seats

How To Board The Bus And Pay

Buses will only stop at designated bus stops marked with poles and signs. To board a bus:

  1. Wave your arm up and down when you see the bus approaching
  2. Board through the front door near the driver
  3. Pay the fare either by coins or Rabbit Card
Bus stop sign Bus fare payment options

Payment Methods

Cash

Pay with coins into the fare machine. The flat fare is 30 Baht, so keep two 10 Baht coins ready, or change coins with the driver.

Rabbit Stored-Value Card

Tap your Rabbit Card on the card reader next to the driver, and 30 Baht will be automatically deducted. This card can also be used at restaurants, cinemas, supermarkets, convenience stores, and the MRT/BTS systems in Bangkok.

Tourist Card

Perfect for frequent riders:

  • 180 Baht – 1-day unlimited rides
  • 400 Baht – 3-day unlimited rides

Both Rabbit Card and Tourist Card can be purchased at RTC Counters located at Chiang Mai International Airport (exit door No.1), Central Festival Mall, and Promenada Mall. You can also buy directly from bus drivers, but cards may run out quickly.

Rabbit Card for bus fare payment Tourist card options

Bus Routes

The RTC Chiang Mai City Bus covers major parts of Chiang Mai city but not rural areas. For attractions far from the city like elephant sanctuaries, national parks, hill tribe villages, or the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon, you'll need a taxi, songthaew, or Grab.

Complete RTC Chiang Mai bus routes map Complete RTC Chiang Mai bus routes map

Route B1 – Arcade Bus Terminal > Kruba Srivichai Monument

A non-continuous loop from Arcade Bus Terminal to Kruba Srivichai Monument (foothill of Doi Suthep).

Points of Interest: Arcade Bus Terminal, Chiang Mai Railway Station, Warorot Market, Thapae Gate, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Suan Dok Gate, Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai University, Malin Plaza, Chiang Mai Zoo, Kruba Srivichai Monument.

Route B2 – Arcade Bus Terminal > Chiang Mai International Airport

A non-continuous loop from Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai International Airport.

Points of Interest: Arcade Bus Terminal, Nawarat Market, Warorot Market, Thapae Gate, The Three Kings Monument, Wat Phra Singh, Suan Dok Gate, Nong Buak Hard Public Park, Electric Plaza, Saturday Night Market, Chiang Mai Gate, Wat Srisupan (The Silver Temple), The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, Chiang Mai Immigration Office, Chiang Mai International Airport.

Route B3 – Arcade Bus Terminal > Chiang Mai Provincial Government Office

A non-continuous loop from Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai Provincial Government Office.

Points of Interest: Arcade Bus Terminal, Central Festival Mall, Tesco Lotus Kam Tieng, Mueang Chiang Mai Stadium, Sri Wattana Market, Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium, The Tribal Museum, Flea Market, Chiang Mai International Convention & Exhibition Center, The Chiang Mai 700 Years Stadium.

Route R1 – Chiang Mai Zoo > Central Festival Mall

A non-continuous loop from Chiang Mai Zoo to Central Festival Mall.

Points of Interest: Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai University, Malin Plaza, MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center, One Nimman, Kad Suan Kaew, Computer Plaza, Wat Lok Moli, Mueang Chiang Mai Stadium, Thapae Gate, Warorot Market, The Riverside, Central Festival Chiang Mai.

Route R2 – Promenada Loop

A continuous loop that begins and ends at Promenada Mall.

Points of Interest: Promenada Mall, Art in Paradise 3D Museum, Shangri-La Hotel, Pantip Plaza, Anusarn Market, Kalare Night Bazaar, The Night Bazaar.

Route R2 Promenada Night Bazaar Loop Bus displaying Route R2 sign

Route R3 – The Airport Loop

A continuous loop starting and ending at Chiang Mai International Airport. Note the two directions:

  • R3 Red – Clockwise direction
  • R3 Yellow – Counter-clockwise direction

Points of Interest: Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Mai Immigration Office, Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport, Electronic Plaza, Chiang Mai Gate, Saturday Night Market, Pantip Plaza, Anusarn Market, Night Bazaar, Kalare Night Bazaar, Warorot Market, Thapae Gate, Sunday Night Market, Wat Chedi Luang, The Three Kings Monument, Wat Lok Moli, Central Kad Suan Kaew, MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center, One Nimman, Nimmanahaeminda Street, Wat Suan Dok.

Route R3 Red direction Route R3 Yellow direction

Route 10 – Khwan Wiang Village To The City

A continuous loop starting from Khwan Wiang Village, going to the city and returning back.

Points of Interest: CentralPlaza Chiang Mai Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Wat Lok Moli, The Three Kings Monument, Thaepae Gate, Warorot Market, Night Bazaar, Kalare Night Market, Shangri-La Hotel, Art In Paradise 3D Museum, Chiang Mai Gate, Wat Sri Suphan (The Silver Temple), The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center.

Route 10 bus

Bus Schedule and Timetable

RTC City Buses run from 6:00 AM to late night. The timetable shows scheduled departure times from main terminals, but actual waiting times may be longer during peak traffic. If you're in a rush, consider using a taxi or Grab.

Bus timetable and schedule

Tips and Tricks

  • Coming by train? Take Bus B1 at Chiang Mai Railway Station to the Old City, passing Thapae Gate.
  • Going to the airport? Take Bus B2, R3 (both Red & Yellow), or No. 10.
  • Arcade Bus Terminal? Take Bus B1, B2, or B3.
  • Thapae Gate: ALL buses pass by this famous landmark, except Bus B3.
  • First visit? Take Bus R3 at night (after 7 PM) and complete the entire loop to see the "real" Chiang Mai with vibrant night markets, illuminated moat, malls, and temples.