Once your plane lands at Chiang Mai International Airport, the first thing many travelers think about is how to get into the city. There are several options to choose from, and each has its own pros and cons. Here is a straightforward comparison.
Option 1: Private Transfer with CarTravelChiangmai (Deepal S07 EV)
A pre-booked transfer suits people who don’t want to bargain or look for a car after landing, and who want to know the price before they travel.
- Pickup Arranged in Advance: The pickup time is planned around the landing time you send when booking, so there is no taxi queue and no waiting for an app driver to accept. The vehicle is a Deepal S07, an electric SUV, so the cabin is quiet and free from exhaust fumes.
- Clear Pricing: The airport transfer (one way, within the Chiang Mai city area) is 500 Baht, including the driver and energy costs (charging fees), agreed before you travel. If you are staying outside the city area, send your location to get a price before you confirm.
- Spacious Interior: The Deepal S07 comfortably seats 4 passengers and offers ample luggage space for 2 large suitcases and 2 carry-on bags. It’s ideal for families or groups of friends with multiple pieces of luggage.
- Local Driver: The driver is a local who helps load your luggage and takes you to the address of your accommodation.
- Communication: Booking and arrangements are made in writing via LINE or WhatsApp. The driver speaks basic English and uses a translation app on his phone for anything that needs more detail.
Suitable for: Those who want to know the price before landing, traveling in groups or with family, or carrying a lot of luggage.
Option 2: Airport Taxi
Taxis are another popular option. You can find them at the designated taxi stand at the airport.
- Availability: Many taxis are waiting, especially during peak flight arrival times.
- Pricing: Most operate on a meter system, but sometimes drivers might offer a fixed fare, which could be slightly higher than the metered price. If you choose to use a taxi, it’s advisable to clarify the price before starting your journey.
- Waiting Time: During rush hours or festive seasons, you might have to wait in line longer than usual to get a taxi.
- Luggage: Standard taxis may have more limited luggage space compared to SUVs or larger EVs. If you have multiple bags, you might need a larger vehicle, which could incur additional costs.
Suitable for: Those who desire travel flexibility, haven’t planned in advance, and are willing to wait in line during busy periods.
Option 3: Ride-Hailing Apps (e.g., Grab, Bolt, Indrive)
Using ride-hailing apps is a modern and increasingly popular option.
- Ease of Booking: You can book directly through the smartphone application without having to search or wait in line at a taxi stand. You just need mobile internet (you might need a local SIM card or roaming).
- Pricing: The price is displayed in the app before you confirm your trip, which is quite transparent. However, prices can fluctuate (surge pricing) during peak hours or rainy weather, potentially making it more expensive.
- Waiting for a Car: After booking, you might have to wait for a driver to accept the job and drive to pick you up. This wait time can vary depending on the number of available cars at that specific time.
- Vehicle Type: There are various vehicle types to choose from, ranging from small personal cars to larger vehicles, but this comes with a corresponding increase in price.
Suitable for: Those familiar with using ride-hailing apps, have constant mobile internet access, and desire flexibility in booking services.
Comparison of Factors to Consider
| Factors | Private Transfer (CarTravelChiangmai) | Airport Taxi | Ride-Hailing Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 500 Baht one way in the city area (agreed before travel, includes energy) | Metered/Fixed (May fluctuate) | Shown in app (Fluctuates by time) |
| How you get a car | Pickup time arranged when booking | Go to the taxi stand (may queue) | Book on your phone (needs data) |
| Waiting | At the agreed time (tell us if your flight changes) | Depends on the queue | Wait for a driver to accept and arrive |
| Luggage | 2 large bags + 2 carry-ons | May be limited in small cars | Depends on car type chosen |
| Driver | Local driver (basic English + translation app) | Varies | Varies |
| Vehicle | Deepal S07 (electric SUV) | Standard car | Standard car (Various) |
| Booking | Pre-booking only | On-site service | Through the app after landing |
Conclusion
Choosing how to get from Chiang Mai Airport to the city center depends on your needs and budget. If you want to know the price before you travel and have the pickup arranged in advance, a pre-booked transfer fits better. However, if you prefer flexibility and are willing to wait, taxis or ride-hailing apps are also good viable options.