Chiang Mai Airport Guide

by | Nov 10, 2025 | Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) Guide – Arrivals & Departures

Flying into Chiang Mai for your next adventure? Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is a small, easy-to-use airport with two terminals in one building: one side for domestic flights within Thailand and one side for international flights. This guide explains what to expect when arriving and departing, plus how to get a taxi, where to find food and coffee, and how to check in online for your flight.

Arriving at Chiang Mai Airport

Airport Layout at a Glance

  • Small airport, very walkable.
  • Two terminals in one building:
    • Domestic side – for flights within Thailand (e.g. Bangkok, Phuket).
    • International side – for flights from other countries.
  • Floor 1 – Arrivals (domestic & international).
  • Floor 2 – Departures (domestic & international).

Gates 1-6 are the main domestic gates, 6-10 are international although everything is connected in the same building, so walking between domestic and international areas only takes a few minutes.

After You Land

  1. Immigration (international only): If you arrive on an international flight, you’ll pass through immigration first. You may be asked to scan your passport and look at a camera as part of a biometric check.
  2. Baggage claim: Follow the signs to the baggage belts and collect your luggage.
  3. Customs & exit: Walk through customs and into the public arrivals hall on Floor 1.

Getting a Taxi from Chiang Mai Airport

1. Local Taxi from Outside Door 1 (Recommended)

The easiest option for most visitors is a local taxi right outside the terminal:

  • From the arrivals hall, walk to Door / Exit 1 on Floor 1.
  • Outside you’ll see local taxi counters and staff.
  • Tell them your hotel name or destination in the city centre.
  • They will assign you a driver and vehicle.

Typical fare: Around 150 THB to most places in the city centre, such as the Old City or nearby areas. The ride normally takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Tip: Have your hotel location ready on Google Maps or written in Thai (if possible) to make communication easier.

2. Using Grab

Grab is the most commonly used ride-hailing app in Chiang Mai and generally works well from the airport. You can book a ride by setting your pickup point to Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) in the app.

  • Prices are usually similar to or slightly higher than local taxis.
  • It works best when it’s not too busy and there are enough drivers nearby.

3. Other Transport Options (Optional)

  • Hotel or tour transfers: Some hotels and tour companies offer private pickups you can book in advance.
  • Red songthaews (red trucks): Local shared pick-up trucks that run all over town. They are cheaper but less convenient if you have a lot of luggage.

Services in the Arrivals Area

Even though Chiang Mai Airport is small, it has everything you need to get started:

  • Currency exchange counters and ATMs.
  • Mobile / SIM card counters for tourist SIMs and data packages.
  • Small gift and souvenir shops with local snacks and crafts.
  • Several coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants with Thai and simple Western options.

Departing from Chiang Mai Airport

Which Floor for Departures?

  • Departures are on Floor 2 (upper level).
  • Arrivals are on Floor 1 (ground level).

When you arrive by taxi or Grab, ask your driver to drop you at Departures, Floor 2. You’ll be dropped right outside the main check-in area.

Domestic vs. International Departures

Inside the departures level, the terminal is divided into two main sections:

  • Domestic Departures – for flights to Thai destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and other cities.
  • International Departures – for flights to other countries.

Your boarding pass and the departure screens will show your gate number. Gates on the domestic side are used for flights within Thailand, while gates on the international side are used for flights abroad. Everything is still within the same building, so it’s easy to move around.

Online Check-In for Domestic Flights

For flights from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Phuket, and other Thai destinations, you can usually save time by checking in online. Here are useful links for popular domestic carriers:

Tip: Most airlines open online check-in around 24–48 hours before departure. Always double-check the exact times on the airline’s website.

Mobile Boarding Passes & Biometric Checks

Many airlines now allow you to:

  • Use a mobile boarding pass on your phone and scan the QR code at security and at the gate.
  • Use biometric checks (such as face scanning and electronic passport reading) at immigration or airline counters.

It’s still a good idea to have:

  • A screenshot of your boarding pass stored on your phone.
  • Your passport and booking confirmation accessible in case staff need to reprint or verify your ticket.

Check-In, Security & Recommended Arrival Times

  • Domestic flights: Arrive about 1.5–2 hours before departure.
  • International flights: Arrive about 2–3 hours before departure.

At the airport you will:

  1. Check in or drop bags on Floor 2 at your airline’s counters (or use bag-drop if you checked in online).
  2. Pass through security screening.
  3. Go through immigration if you are taking an international flight.

Shops, Coffee & Restaurants Before You Fly

On Floor 2 (Departures) and in the gate areas, you’ll find:

  • Coffee shops and bakeries – great for a quick drink or snack.
  • Restaurants and fast food – offering Thai dishes and some Western options.
  • Gift and souvenir shops – perfect for last-minute presents or local snacks.
  • Duty-free (mainly on the international side) for cosmetics, liquor, and other tax-free items.
  • Currency exchange and ATMs for any final cash needs.

Final Tips for Your Chiang Mai Adventure

  • Remember that Chiang Mai Airport is small and easy to navigate, with two terminals in one building.
  • For a smooth arrival, take a local taxi from Door 1 (around 150 THB to most central locations) or use Grab when it’s not too busy.
  • There is no Uber in Thailand, so don’t rely on the Uber app.
  • Check in online for domestic flights to Bangkok, Phuket and other Thai destinations to save time.
  • Make the most of the coffee shops, restaurants, and small gift stores if you have time before your flight.

From the moment you land at Chiang Mai Airport, you’re only a short ride away from the mountains, rivers, and all the unforgettable experiences waiting for you with 8Adventures.

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