There are several ways to reach the terminal from the city centre.
Grab
In Asia, the extremely popular Grab mobile app also works in Chiang Mai. The international apps Uber and Bolt do not operate here.
Grab is convenient if you want to pay contactlessly via the mobile app, but the price is no different from regular taxis. You'll pay around 150 thb for a trip to the city centre.
Taxi
At the exit of the airport concourse, you'll come across an official taxi stand where the attendant will direct you to a free car. You pay cash to the driver.
When travelling from the airport, the entire city of Chiang Mai is calculated by flat rate 150 thb.
If you are heading to the airport, you usually turn on the meter and pay a surcharge depending on the distance from 90 thb to 150 thb + 50 thb.
Songthaew
The authentic mode of transport is red semi-open pick-up trucks with benches for passengers. The journey is uncomfortable (especially with large luggage) but cheap and popular with locals and tourists.
Just walk outside the terminal and catch the first songthaew you see. You usually won't wait more than 5 minutes.
The official price is 40 thb per person, but if you go alone, the driver will often haggle for a higher price. You should never pay more than 60 thb to 70 thb when going downtown.
On the way to the airport you will catch songhtaews especially on the main streets.
Rent a car
If you're heading to Chiang Mai for an extended period of time, it's definitely worth considering renting a car and exploring the beautiful hilly surroundings.
A car will be a more suitable means of transport than a scooter for trips into the mountains.
There are many local and international car rental companies based at the airport and prices for a week start at 140 eur.
Public bus
Until 2020, RTC City Bus operated the R3 bus service to the airport, which circled the entire city centre.
Buses ran once every 25-40 minutes and you paid for your ticket 30 thb.
However, as of 2020, the buses do not run to the airport.
