Wondering how to take a taxi in Chiang Mai and where to find one?
There are still plenty of taxis operating in Chiang Mai and one advantage to a taxi driver over a rideshare app is you know the taxi drivers are properly trained and are far more in tune with Chiang Mai. They can get you to your destination with less hassle.
Where do you find a taxi in Chiang Mai?
If ride sharing, tuk tuks, or songtaews aren’t your thing, you can still rely on a taxi. You may have seen the bright yellow and blue cars around town. Those are the taxis, but you don’t typically flag one down. So how do you get a taxi in Chiang Mai?
Well, taxis are best ordered from your hotel or guesthouse, or you can arrange it yourself. The most popular metered taxis to get around Chiang Mai are, Chiang Mai Taxi, or Taxi Kingdom. The same companies also offer their services with full day packages to take you to all the amazing attractions.
How much are taxis in Chiang Mai?
It’s always good to know how much a taxi should cost so you avoid feeling ripped off! Travelling within the centre of Chiang Mai is typically around 160 baht with prices increasing the further you go. Going from the centre of town to Doi Suthep, for example, should cost around 500 baht.
Always ensure that the metre is on. It is still common practice for the driver to try to make a set price with you after you have already put your bags in the car. They know it’s a pain for you to take all your belongings out, which is true! You can grin and bear it, demand the meter be turned on, or take your things and call another taxi service. Not all drivers are like this, but situations do occur. It always pays to be aware!
Tipping is not common practice for taxi drivers, but if the service was exemplary, then by all means! 20 baht would be a minimal tip with 100 baht being a lot.
Getting a taxi to and from the Chiang Mai airport
Riding sharing is not openly allowed at Chiang Mai airport. You can try, but it’s safer to take a metered taxi. The airport has its own licensed taxis offered at a fixed price of 150 baht. They will take you to any hotel within the city. You can find the taxi stalls immediately after you exit baggage claim. If you are travelling with a large family, you will need to book a mini-van taxi. These come at a higher cost at about 300 baht. Rates that are not in the centre of Chiang Mai are very different and usually much higher.
Going from your hotel to the airport is a different story. The price is not set and you can definitely expect to pay more.
You can also prearrange a taxi from services such as Get Your Guide!
What if your hotel offers a pick up or drop off service?
With the airport located so close to the city, it takes about 15 minutes to get to most hotels or guesthouses. Your hotel has likely offered to pick you up, and while that’s a convenient service, check out the charge first! Some places we’ve heard of that are literally located about a kilometer away, have tried to charge 400 baht! The airport taxi is only 150 baht. Take that if you get the chance and save that baht for something fun or yummy.
Is it safe to take a taxi in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai’s taxis are driven carefully and drivers take care of their vehicles. However, the government recognizes passenger safety remains an issue. Thailand’s Department of Land Transport have proposed a solution. All taxi service providers will be required to install GPS Tracking, driver identification, CCTV, and an emergency button that links to the network centre. Drivers will also be issued a TAXI OK sticker.
Hopefully these new measures will keep old-school taxis on the road. The ride share companies are crushing it as people find them more trustworthy and accountable. To report a complaint about public transport in Chiang Mai, call 1584.
