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Airport Transportation

Chiang Mai International Airport

Also known as: Chiang Mai Airport, CNX Airport. Formerly Suthep Airport.

CNX · VTCC · Chiang Mai

Airport facts

Name
Chiang Mai International Airport
IATA code
CNX
ICAO code
VTCC
City
Chiang Mai
Country
Thailand
Address
60 Mahidol Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Coordinates
18.7667, 98.9625
Time zone
Asia/Bangkok
Terminals
Two terminals in one building: a domestic terminal and an international terminal, joined inside the building

About Chiang Mai International Airport

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the main airport of Chiang Mai and the gateway to northern Thailand. Thai AirAsia, which has a hub here, flies to Bangkok (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi), Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen, and on to Hanoi, Taipei and Sapporo. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet Air add more flights to Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui.

International airlines connect Chiang Mai with Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Luang Prabang and several cities in China, including Beijing, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Chongqing and Xishuangbanna.

The airport has a domestic terminal and an international terminal side by side in one building, and it is open 24 hours a day.

The airport sits about 4 km southwest of the city center, and the drive into town usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, longer at rush hour and during festivals such as Songkran and Yi Peng. From the airport, travelers head to the Old City and Tha Phae Gate, the Night Bazaar, Nimmanhaemin, the temple on Doi Suthep, resorts in Mae Rim and Hang Dong, and further north to Chiang Rai and Pai.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Airports of Thailand (AOT)

Passengers per year

About 9.1 million in 2024; about 6.5 million from January to August 2026

Runway

One runway, 18/36, 3,400 m long

Opening hours

Open 24 hours a day since April 2014

Main airlines

Thai AirAsia, which has had a hub here since 2011, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet Air

Arrival tips for Chiang Mai International Airport

Domestic and international flights arrive on the ground floor (Level 1) of the same terminal building. On an international arrival, follow the Arrivals signs to passport control, where biometric counters and priority lanes for passengers with disabilities are in use. Foreign visitors must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before landing, and many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 30 days; check the rule for your passport before you fly.

Domestic flights use baggage carousels 1 to 3 and international flights carousels 4 and 5. International passengers then pass through customs: the red channel if you have goods to declare, the green channel if not. The baggage service counter for lost or damaged bags is in the arrivals hall.

Currency exchange counters, ATMs and SIM card booths are in the arrivals area, and the taxi and car rental counters are on the same floor. Turn down rides offered by people inside the hall.

Chiang Mai is on Indochina Time (UTC+7) all year, and the currency is the Thai baht (THB).

Ground transportation

Airport taxis and pre-booked transfers suit most travelers with luggage, while the airport shuttle vans and city buses work for light travelers heading to central stops.

  • Airport taxi from Chiang Mai airport

    Airport taxi counters are in the arrivals hall on the ground floor, after customs. The drive to the Old City usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, longer at rush hour and during festivals.

  • Grab

    Grab drivers collect passengers at a designated pickup zone outside the arrivals hall, and the app shows the way. Wait times depend on demand.

  • Airport shuttle bus

    Shuttle vans leave from the International Terminal, Gate 12, on three routes: A1 to Nimman, Huay Kaew and the Old City moat, A2 to Mahidol Road, the Night Bazaar and Chang Khlan, and A3 along Ring Road 2. They stop at hotels on the main roads only.

  • Chiang Mai City Bus

    Two loop lines run from 06:00 to 23:30. The yellow line serves Wua Lai, the Night Bazaar, Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai Gate and MAYA, and the red line serves Suan Dok, MAYA, Tha Phae Gate and the Night Bazaar. Space for big suitcases is limited.

  • Red songthaew

    The shared red trucks (rot daeng) carry passengers between the airport and the city and drop off along their way. They suit flexible travelers with little luggage.

  • Private transfer

    Pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals hall and drive straight to hotels in the Old City, Nimman or the Night Bazaar area, or further afield to Mae Rim, Chiang Rai and Pai. It suits families, groups and late arrivals with luggage.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Walking

    The domestic and international terminals are two wings of the same building, joined inside, so you can walk between them in a few minutes without going outside.

Terminals

Domestic Terminal

The north wing of the building, used by flights within Thailand, mainly Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet Air.

International Terminal

The south wing of the building, used by all international flights, including the international routes of Thai AirAsia and Thai VietJet Air.

Airlines and destinations

Airlines with scheduled passenger flights at Chiang Mai. Thai AirAsia and Thai VietJet Air use the Domestic Terminal for flights within Thailand and the International Terminal for international ones.

Air Busan International Terminal

Seoul (Incheon) (seasonal)

Air China International Terminal

Beijing (Capital)

Bangkok Airways Domestic Terminal

Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), Koh Samui, Phuket

China Airlines International Terminal

Taipei (Taoyuan)

China Southern Airlines International Terminal

Shenzhen

Eastar Jet International Terminal

Busan, Seoul (Incheon)

EVA Air International Terminal

Taipei (Taoyuan)

HK Express International Terminal

Hong Kong

Jeju Air International Terminal

Seoul (Incheon)

Korean Air International Terminal

Seoul (Incheon)

Lao Airlines International Terminal

Luang Prabang

Malaysia Airlines International Terminal

Kuala Lumpur

Nok Air Domestic Terminal

Bangkok (Don Mueang), Udon Thani

Ruili Airlines International Terminal

Xishuangbanna

Scoot International Terminal

Singapore

Spring Airlines International Terminal

Xi'an

Starlux Airlines International Terminal

Taipei (Taoyuan)

Thai AirAsia

Bangkok (Don Mueang), Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), Hanoi, Hat Yai, Hua Hin, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Phuket, Sapporo (Chitose), Surat Thani, Taipei (Taoyuan), Udon Thani

Airline guide

Thai Airways Domestic Terminal

Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

Thai Lion Air Domestic Terminal

Bangkok (Don Mueang)

Thai VietJet Air

Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), Osaka (Kansai)

West Air International Terminal

Chongqing

Facilities

  • Currency exchange and ATMs

    Exchange counters are in both terminals, and ATMs are in the arrivals and departures areas.

  • SIM cards

    Mobile network counters selling tourist SIM cards and eSIMs are in the arrivals area.

  • Medical clinic

    A medical clinic is on Level 1 of the Domestic Terminal, and an ambulance service is on call 24 hours.

  • Car rental

    Car rental counters are on the ground floor, at the front of the terminal. Cars can also be booked in advance through the SAWASDEE by AOT app.

  • Left luggage

    A left luggage service is available in the International Terminal.

  • Wi-Fi

    Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal, with a time limit.

  • Prayer room and baby care

    The airport has a prayer room and baby changing facilities; ask at the information counter for directions.

  • VAT refund

    A VAT refund office serves departing international passengers airside in the International Terminal, next to The Coral Executive Lounge.

  • Tourist assistance

    A Tourist Assistance Center is at the airport, and the AOT Call Center answers on 1722.

  • Duty free

    Duty-free shops are on the second floor of the International Terminal, after check-in and immigration.

Airport lounges

Access through airline class, lounge programs, eligible cards or pay-per-entry passes varies by lounge, so check before you fly.

  • Domestic Terminal The Coral Executive Lounge

    Second floor, airside near Gate 8. Open 06:00 to 22:00.

  • Domestic Terminal Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge

    Second floor, airside opposite Gate 3, for eligible Thai Airways passengers. Open 06:30 to 21:00.

  • Domestic Terminal Bangkok Airways Boutique Lounge

    Second floor, before security, for Bangkok Airways passengers. Open 08:00 to 19:30. Allow time to clear security afterward.

  • Domestic Terminal Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Club Lounge

    Second floor, before security, for eligible Bangkok Airways passengers. Open 08:00 to 14:00 and 17:30 to 19:00.

  • International Terminal The Coral Executive Lounge

    Second floor, airside in the international departure hall, next to the VAT refund office. Open 07:00 to 23:00.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Tell your airline that you need assistance when you book your ticket, ideally at least 48 hours before you fly. The AOT Call Center on 1722 can also help with airport services.

  • Reduced mobility

    Wheelchair assistance and help with baggage are available on request. The terminal has ramps, lifts and accessible toilets.

  • Priority immigration lanes

    Two priority lanes at passport control serve passengers with disabilities or special needs, as well as diplomats and crew.

  • Medical support

    A medical clinic is on Level 1 of the Domestic Terminal, and an ambulance service is available 24 hours.

Parking

Terminal parking area

In front of the terminal building, a short walk from arrivals and departures. It is charged by the hour, and overnight parking is allowed.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Chiang Mai Airport from the city center?

Chiang Mai International Airport is about 4 km southwest of the city center. The drive to the Old City and Tha Phae Gate usually takes 10 to 20 minutes in light traffic, and longer at rush hour or during festivals such as Songkran in April and Yi Peng in November. Nimmanhaemin and the Night Bazaar are a similar short drive away.

How many terminals does Chiang Mai Airport have?

Chiang Mai Airport has two terminals, a domestic one and an international one, built as two wings of the same building and joined inside. Flights within Thailand use the Domestic Terminal and international flights use the International Terminal. Thai AirAsia and Thai VietJet Air use both, depending on whether your flight is domestic or international.

Which airlines fly from Chiang Mai Airport?

Thai AirAsia, which has a hub at Chiang Mai, operates the most routes, to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Udon Thani, Hanoi, Taipei and Sapporo. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet Air fly domestic routes, and Korean Air, EVA Air, China Airlines, Scoot, Malaysia Airlines, HK Express, Air China and others fly international ones.

Is Chiang Mai Airport open 24 hours?

Yes. Chiang Mai International Airport has been open 24 hours a day since April 2014, and immigration and customs work around the clock. Most flights still arrive and leave between early morning and late evening, so some shops, counters and lounges close overnight. Check the hours of any service you need if your flight lands late at night.

Where is the taxi stand at Chiang Mai Airport?

Airport taxi counters are in the arrivals hall on the ground floor, after baggage claim and customs. You book at the counter and are taken to your car outside. International passengers walk from the international arrivals area toward the domestic side, where the main counters are. Turn down rides offered by people inside the hall and use the official counters.

Can I use Grab at Chiang Mai Airport?

Yes. Grab operates at Chiang Mai Airport and has a designated pickup zone just outside the arrivals hall on the ground floor. Book in the app once you have your bags, and follow the app's directions or ask airport staff for the Grab pickup point. Waiting times depend on demand, and can be longer during festivals and holiday weekends.

Is there a bus from Chiang Mai Airport to the Old City?

Yes. The Chiang Mai City Bus runs two loop lines from the airport between 06:00 and 23:30, both stopping at Tha Phae Gate and the Night Bazaar. Airport shuttle vans also leave from the International Terminal, Gate 12, on routes A1 to Nimman and the Old City moat and A2 to the Night Bazaar and Chang Khlan.

Do I need an arrival card to enter Thailand at Chiang Mai?

Yes, on an international flight. Foreign visitors must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before arrival. Since 15 September 2026, travelers from eligible countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, so check the rule for your passport. Passengers on domestic flights from Bangkok or Phuket do not go through immigration.

Where do I collect my luggage at Chiang Mai Airport?

Baggage claim is on the ground floor. Domestic flights use carousels 1 to 3 and international flights use carousels 4 and 5, after passport control. If your bag is missing or damaged, go to the baggage service counter in the arrivals hall and report it to your airline's handling agent before you leave the airport.

Are there lounges at Chiang Mai Airport?

Yes. The Domestic Terminal has The Coral Executive Lounge, the Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge and two Bangkok Airways lounges, which sit before security. The International Terminal has The Coral Executive Lounge, next to the VAT refund office, open 07:00 to 23:00. Entry depends on your ticket, card or a pay-per-entry pass.

Can I fly directly from Chiang Mai to other countries?

Yes. Direct international flights from Chiang Mai go to Seoul, Busan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Luang Prabang, Osaka, Sapporo and several cities in China, including Beijing, Shenzhen, Xi'an and Chongqing. Many travelers also connect through Bangkok, with frequent flights to both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.

Who operates Chiang Mai Airport and how busy is it?

Chiang Mai International Airport is operated by Airports of Thailand (AOT). It handled about 9.1 million passengers in 2024, and about 6.5 million from January to August 2026, close to the same period in 2025. It has one runway, 3,400 m long, and has been a hub for Thai AirAsia since 2011.

What currency and time zone does Chiang Mai use?

Chiang Mai uses the Thai baht (THB), and you will find currency exchange counters and ATMs in both terminals. The city is on Indochina Time (UTC+7) all year, with no daylight saving time, the same as Bangkok. Cards are accepted at the airport, but carry some cash for markets, songthaews and small shops in town.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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