Chiang Mai B2 Bus is a public bus service connecting Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) with City Center and Chiang Mai Bus Station (Arcade Bus Terminal). Taking B2 Bus was the cheapest way for getting from the airport or bus station into Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Public Bus
Public transportation system in Chiang Mai depended on red songtaews (pickup trucks with seating for passengers) for many years but a number of public bus routes were opened making traveling around Chiang Mai on public transport much more convenient.
Previously there were 6 public bus routes in Chiang Mai:
- Bus B1 – route from Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai Zoo
- Bus B2 – route from Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai Airport
- Bus B3 – route from Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai Provincial Government Office
- Bus R1 – route from Chiang Mai Zoo to Central Festival Mall
- Bus R2 – loop route from/to Promenada Mall via Night Bazaar
- Bus R3 – loop route from/to Chiang Mai Airport via Old City
Chiang Mai Airport Bus route was reopened recently under a different number. Detailed information about the new RTC Chiang Mai City Bus route can be found here: Chiang Mai Airport Bus.
Chiang Mai bus routes can also be found on the application that is one of must-have apps when traveling in Chiang Mai. Other useful apps for traveling in Thailand can be found here: Top 10 Apps for Thailand.
Chiang Mai B2 Bus
B2 Bus is a surprisingly convenient addition to Chiang Mai public transportation system. This route starts at the main bus station of Chiang Mai, also known as Arcade Bus Terminal, passes the city center and arrives at Chiang Mai Airport about 1 hour later. It can take a bit less or more than that, depending on the time of the day and traffic conditions.
Taking B2 Bus is the cheapest way for getting from Chiang Mai Airport to the city center or Arcade Bus Terminal. This is a direct route from the airport to bus station so you don’t need to change buses if you are arriving at Chiang Mai Airport and have a plan to continue your journey to Chiang Rai, Pai or another destination in Northern Thailand without a stopover in Chiang Mai.
However, buses operating on B2 route are small ones with little legroom and not suitable for travelers with large luggage.
B2 Bus Route
B2 bus route connects Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal with Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and passes these important landmarks on the way:
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
- Waroros Market
- Yupparaj School
- Wat Phra Singh
- Chiang Mai Gate
- Wua-lai
- CentralPlaza Airport Shopping Mall
- Chiang Mai Airport
- The Far Eastern University
- Wattanothaipayap
- Suan Dok Hospital
- Wat Phra Singh
- Yupparaj School
- Chiang Mai Municipality
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
You should board Chiang Mai public bus at one of designated bus stops in the city.
B2 Bus Fare
Chiang Mai B2 Bus fare is 15 THB per person. The fare is paid in cash on board the bus.
B2 Bus Schedule
Chiang Mai B2 Bus is operating from 06:00 to 18:00 (last bus leaves from Arcade Bus Terminal at 18:00) with departures scheduled every 40 minutes to one hour.
Current B2 Bus schedule is listed below.
Departures from Arcade Bus Terminal:
- 06:20
- 07:00; 07:40
- 08:20
- 09:00; 09:40
- 10:20
- 11:00; 11:40
- 12:20
- 13:00; 13:40
- 14:20;
- 15:00; 15:40
- 16:00
- 17:00
- 18:00
Departures from Chiang Mai Airport:
- 06:50
- 07:59
- 08:32
- 09:08; 09:50
- 10:37
- 11:14; 11:56
- 12:32
- 13:18; 13:58
- 14:38
- 15:20
- 16:10; 16:55
- 17:04
- 18:05; 18:40
Bus frequency at the bus stops on the way as well as departure times from the airport may vary a bit depending on traffic conditions but at least from the starting point at Chiang Mai Bus Station buses tend to leave as scheduled.
Chiang Mai Public Bus Stops
At Chiang Mai Airport
From Chiang Mai Airport terminal building get out through the Exit 1 where airport taxis are found. Walk straight by the road for about 50 meters and you will find a bus stop. Normally one or two buses working on other routes are parked there so you shouldn’t miss it.
At Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
At Chiang Mai bus station B2 Bus parks at the bus stop on the road separating Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal 2 and Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal 3 (on the side of Terminal 2).
Signage leading to the bus stop can be found at bus terminals but it might be a bit confusing.
In Chiang Mai City
You should board Chiang Mai public bus at one of designated bus stops in the city. Bus stops in Chiang Mai normally are just the pole standing on the pavement that might be difficult to notice.
The best way for locating the nearest bus stop is by using CM Transit app as it displays the map with all bus stops clearly marked.
Tips
You will need local currency (Thai Baht) for buying a bus ticket as only cash is accepted when paying bus fare. You will find plenty of banks offering currency exchange at Chiang Mai Airport and will be able to exchange your foreign currency there. However, exchange here just a bit of your money as you can get better rate in Chiang Mai City.
If taking a public bus seems not convenient enough for you, book a private transfer from/to Chiang Mai Airport and enjoy hassle-free traveling between the airport and the center of Chiang Mai.
