Chiang Mai Airport Transfers (CNX)

Arriving in the "Rose of the North"? Welcome! Your vacation in Thailand's cultural heartland begins the moment you land. Navigating a new city can be daunting, but with our premier Chiang Mai airport transfer, your journey from the tarmac to your hotel is seamless and stress-free. Leave the taxi queues and transport uncertainties behind; your private, pre-booked ride is waiting.

This guide is your ultimate companion to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and the enchanting region it serves. We'll walk you through the airport’s layout, amenities, and explain why a private transfer is the best way to get from Chiang Mai Airport to your hotel, ensuring your trip begins in absolute comfort.

CNX Airport Overview

Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) is the primary gateway to Northern Thailand, welcoming millions of travelers each year. Despite its international status and heavy traffic, the airport is known for its efficiency and compact, easy-to-navigate design.

The airport operates within a single, two-story building that houses both the Domestic and International Terminals.

• International Terminal: Located on the northern side of the building. The ground floor handles arrivals, while the second floor is for departures.

   

• Domestic Terminal: Located on the southern side of the building. Similarly, arrivals are on the ground floor and departures are on the second floor.

The two terminals are connected internally, allowing for a simple walk from one to the other inside the same building.

Chiang Mai International Airport Lounges

If you have some time to spare before your flight, Chiang Mai International Airport offers several comfortable lounges in both the domestic and international terminals where you can relax.

Domestic Terminal

• Bangkok Airways Boutique Lounge: Bangkok Airways passengers can enjoy their well-known lounge, which offers a great selection of complimentary snacks, light meals, soft drinks, and Wi-Fi in a stylish and comfortable setting.

   

• The Coral Executive Lounge: This is the main pay-per-use lounge in the domestic terminal. It's accessible to travelers on any airline by purchasing a day pass or using a lounge membership program like Priority Pass. It provides a quiet, modern space with hot food, snacks, beverages, and reliable Wi-Fi.

International Terminal

• The Coral Executive Lounge: Similar to its domestic counterpart, this lounge serves most international passengers. You can pay at the door or use a lounge membership to get access. It’s a great place to wait for your flight, offering a good selection of food, an open bar, comfortable seating, and Wi-Fi.

   

• Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge: This lounge is available for business and first-class passengers flying with Thai Airways and their Star Alliance partners. It offers a premium space with a variety of food, beverages, and comfortable seating to relax in before your international departure.

Even if you aren't flying in a premium class, it's always a good idea to check if your credit card or a program like Priority Pass gives you access to one of the Coral Lounges.

Parking at CNX Airport

Chiang Mai Airport offers a few straightforward parking options right on-site, as well as several off-site choices if you're looking for a better long-term rate.

On-Site Airport Parking

You have two main choices when you arrive at the airport:

• Multi-Story Parking Garage: This is the most convenient option, especially for longer trips. Your car will be covered, protecting it from the sun and rain. The garage has elevators and a free shuttle (often a golf cart) to take you and your luggage on the short ride to the terminal entrance.

   

• Outdoor Parking Lots: There are also large, open-air lots. These are great for short-term parking, like picking someone up or dropping them off.

   

• Motorcycle Parking: There is a separate, large, and free parking area for motorbikes.

You can expect to pay around 200-250 baht for a full 24 hours at the main on-site car lots.

Off-Site Parking Services
 

For a more budget-friendly choice, especially if you're traveling for many days, several private parking companies are located just a few minutes away from the airport.

These services typically offer lower daily rates that get cheaper the longer you stay (for example, rates can drop to 90-150 baht per day). They provide 24/7 security, often have covered parking, and include a free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Hotels Near Chiang Mai Airport

While Chiang Mai Airport maintains a compact footprint, several excellent accommodations operate within a convenient distance for travelers with early flights or late arrivals:

• B2 Airport Hotel: Situated just a few minutes' drive from the terminal, this hotel offers modern, yet budget-friendly rooms. It’s an ideal choice for a convenient overnight stay.

   

• Holiday Inn Chiangmai: A short 10-minute drive away, this well-known hotel offers spacious rooms, a large swimming pool, and excellent city views, providing a comfortable and reliable stay.

   

• Pingviman Hotel: For a touch of luxury and traditional Lanna style, this hotel is located just inside the Old City, about a 15-minute drive. It features ornate teakwood decor, a stunning pool, and spacious suites.

Chiang Mai Airport Transportation Options

TravelThru Airport Transfer Service in Chiang Mai

Your time in Chiang Mai is for exploring, not waiting. Don't waste your first moments in a taxi line. With our pre-booked transfer, you get the most direct start to your Northern Thailand trip.

When you book with us, you skip the taxi lines entirely. Your personal driver will be waiting to greet you at arrivals. You'll have a modern, air-conditioned vehicle that's the perfect size for your group and all your luggage. 

We take care of all the details, like tracking your flight to ensure we're there on time, even if you're delayed. You get a safe, comfortable, and friendly welcome to Northern Thailand, allowing you to simply sit back, relax, and get excited for the journey ahead.

Other Transportation Alternatives

• Airport shuttle services: Shared shuttle services connect the airport to major hotels and the old city area, though multiple stops and fixed schedules may not suit all travelers' needs.

   

• Taxi services: Traditional airport taxi transfers operate from designated areas outside both terminals. Metered fares typically range between 150 and 250 THB for city center destinations.

   

• Songthaew (Red Trucks): While not officially allowed to pick up directly at the arrivals curb, you can walk a short distance to the main road to hail one of these iconic shared taxis.

Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Temples and Culture

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the golden temple perched on a mountain overlooking the city.

   

• Explore the ancient temples within the Old City walls, such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

   

• Walk through the historic Tha Phae Gate and along the old city moat.

Nature and Adventure

• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, such as the Elephant Nature Park, to interact with rescued elephants responsibly.

   

• Hike to the summit of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, and explore its stunning cloud forests and waterfalls.

   

• Go ziplining through the rainforest or take a gentle bamboo raft trip down the river.

Markets and Food

• Experience the vibrant Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for shopping and street food.

   

• Wander through the massive Sunday Walking Street Market in the Old City.

   

• Take a Thai cooking class to learn the secrets of Northern Thai cuisine.

How to Get Around Chiang Mai and Beyond

TravelThru's City-to-City Services in Chiang Mai

Your Chiang Mai adventure doesn't have to be limited to the city walls. Let us be your guide to the wonders of Northern Thailand with our private transfer services.

If you're dreaming of a day trip, we can take you on a comfortable, scenic journey to the awe-inspiring White Temple in Chiang Rai or to the top of Doi Inthanon. For a longer excursion, we provide a smooth and safe ride through the mountain curves to the charming town of Pai.

You can also enjoy that same flexibility right here in Chiang Mai by booking our chauffeur service by the hour. This gives you a personal driver to take you on a shopping trip to local craft villages or out for an evening in the trendy Nimman area. Your driver waits on your schedule, so you can explore at your own pace.

Local Transportation Options

• Songthaew (Red Trucks): Chiang Mai's unique shared taxi system provides an authentic local transportation experience. These red pickup trucks with bench seating operate on fixed routes throughout the city.

   

• Tuk-Tuk: Three-wheeled vehicles offer quintessential Thai transportation for short trips between temples, markets, and cultural sites. Negotiate prices in advance for the full experience.

   

• Motorbike rentals: The most popular way to explore Chiang Mai independently. Automatic scooters allow you to visit mountain temples, rural markets, and countryside villages at your own pace.

   

• Bicycle rentals: Eco-friendly option for exploring the old city's narrow streets and temple complexes. Many accommodations provide complimentary bicycles for guest use.

   

• Walking: The old city's compact size makes walking between major temples and cultural sites highly practical, allowing intimate contact with local street life and hidden cultural gems.