Greenbus’ Express and VIP buses
SiamTickets offers premium travel options with Greenbus’ Express and VIP buses. These modern coaches provide reliable and comfortable transportation across Northern Thailand.
We will help you understand the differences between the two options – the exclusive VIP bus with only 33 seats and the efficient Express bus – and assist you in choosing the best seats for your journey.
Use the search tool above or click here to book.
Contents
Greenbus Express and VIP Bus Options
Greenbus offers two types of premium buses, serving over 2,000,000 passengers annually. Despite the differences in seating arrangements and amenities, both options provide excellent value for travelers in Northern Thailand. The VIP buses often book up quickly, especially on popular routes like Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, so early reservation is recommended.
VIP Bus
The VIP bus represents Greenbus’s premium offering in Northern Thailand. With only 33 seats in a spacious 3-across configuration, this bus offers exceptional comfort for routes like Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (400 THB).
- Seating Layout: 1-2 configuration (single seats on one side, double seats on the other)
- Total Seats: 33
- Key Features:
- Wide, comfortable seats with extra legroom
- Personal reading lights
- USB charging ports
- Complimentary bottled water
- Onboard toilet
Express Bus
The Express bus offers an efficient and comfortable travel option with a traditional seating layout at a more economical price point (290 THB for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai).
- Seating Layout: 2-2 configuration (two seats on each side of the aisle)
- Total Seats: 40 seats across 10 rows
- Key Features:
- Standard reclining seats
- Air conditioning
- Complimentary water
Premium Bus Amenities
Both Express and VIP buses offer quality amenities, with some key differences between service levels:
| Amenity | Express | VIP |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Seats | Standard | Enhanced |
| Onboard Toilet | – | ✓ |
| USB Charging | – | ✓ |
| Bottled Water | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal Reading Light | – | ✓ |
The following items are prohibited on all Greenbus services:
- Strong-smelling foods (including durian)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Weapons and flammable goods
- Oversized packages
- Pets
Popular Routes
Greenbus operates an extensive network across Northern Thailand, with Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 serving as its major hub. The most popular routes include:
- Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai: The flagship route with nearly 20 departures daily
- Journey times: Express (3h 45m) or VIP (3h 20m)
- Multiple departure times between 5:00 and 17:30
- Other Key Routes:
- Border connections to Laos (Chiang Khong)
- Myanmar border services (Mae Sai, Mae Sot)
- Regional cities (Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Lampang)
For detailed information about all available routes, schedules, and destinations, visit our comprehensive Guide to Greenbus Thailand.
Best Seat Recommendations
VIP Bus
- Best Overall: Seats 2A or 2B offer the perfect balance of smooth ride and quick exit
- Most Private: A seats (window side, single seats) offer the best privacy
- Best for Couples: B and C seats on the right side allow pairs to sit together
- Avoid: Row 1 has limited legroom due to the front wall
Express Bus
- Best Overall: Rows 2-4 provide the smoothest ride
- Window Views: A and D seats offer the best views
- Extra Legroom: Aisle seats (B and C) offer more flexibility
- Best for Groups: Book adjacent seats in rows 2-5
Practical Travel Information
Before Your Journey
- Check-in Requirements:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure
- Bring your actual passport – must match booking details exactly
- Show your PDF voucher (screenshot acceptable)
- Baggage Allowance:
- 20kg included in ticket price
- Additional weight: 5-20 THB per extra kg
- No restrictions on hand luggage size
Terminal Information
| Location | Terminal Details | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai Terminal 3 (Arcade) |
– Major northern hub – Northeast of Old City – Full service facilities |
– Red songthaew: 150 THB – Grab taxi available – 30 mins from city center |
| Chiang Rai Terminal 1 |
– City center location – Walking distance to attractions – Luggage storage available |
– Walking distance to hotels – Tuk-tuks available – Near Night Bazaar |
Booking Your Journey
Book your Greenbus tickets easily through SiamTickets with these steps:
- Visit SiamTickets website
- Choose departure and destination
- Select your travel date
- Pick Express or VIP service
- Choose your seat number
- Enter passenger details (exactly as shown on ID)
- Complete payment
Important Booking Notes:
- Tickets available up to 60 days in advance
- Popular routes often sell out, especially VIP seats
- Paper ticket option available at station (30 THB fee)
- Changes must be requested via SiamTickets support
Summary
Ready to book your Greenbus trip? Here are the essential details:
- VIP bus: 33 seats, USB charging, onboard toilet (400 THB)
- Express bus: 40 seats, air conditioning, comfortable seating (290 THB)
- Daily departures between 5:00 and 17:30
- Check-in 30 minutes before departure
- 20kg baggage allowance included
- Multiple routes across Northern Thailand
- Border connections available
Book your Greenbus tickets through SiamTickets for a comfortable start to your Northern Thailand adventure.