Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is 3 kilometres south of the old city. Flights connect to Bangkok (1 hour), Phuket, and a growing number of regional destinations including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and various Chinese cities. From Bangkok, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and several budget carriers operate multiple daily flights.
The overnight train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station is a classic option — the journey takes 11 to 14 hours depending on the service, with sleeper berths available. It arrives at Chiang Mai station, about a kilometre east of the old city. Book ahead through the State Railway of Thailand website.
Long-distance buses connect Chiang Mai to Bangkok (9 to 11 hours), Chiang Rai, and other northern cities. The main Arcade Bus Terminal is about 3 kilometres northeast of the old city.