CHIANG RAI AIRPORT (CEI) INFORMATION

Chiang Rai Airport, commonly known as Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (IATA code: CEI), is in the urbanized metropolitan area of Chiang Rai City in northern Thailand. The airport is about 8km from the city center. It has an elevation of 1,280 feet, Above the Mean Sea Level (AMSL).

This public airport in Thailand is the airline hub of Thai AirAsia. It has one large passenger terminal that caters to domestic and international clients.

The airport also served a few global routes to Haikou, Kunming, Changsha, Hangzhou, Xishuangbanna, and Chengdu, Shenzhen.

In 2014, Airports of Thailand said they would expand Chiang Rai airport. The plans include building an additional taxiway and more shops and possibly extending the runway, which should be completed in 2030.

Chiang Rai International Airport was named "Mae Fah Luang" after Princess Srinagarindra, mother of the previous monarch, Bhumibol Adulyadej, under the dynastic name of Rama IX.

History of Chiang Rai International Airport

In 1926, Chiang Rai Airport was built as the first airport in the region, making it the second airfield in Thailand. During the Pacific War, it was used to transport military equipment. It was the former air command headquarters of the 417 Royal Thai Air Force Squadron.

The old airport was presumed to have been abandoned in 1992 as the new airport facility, Mae Fah Luang Airport, opened.

The old airport's runways and area are utilized for recreational activities and events, being used amongst the locals as a park.

In 2018, Old Chiang Rai Airport was used as a helicopter landing base to support the Tham Luang cave rescue.

Transfer Services at Chiang Rai International Airport

Chiang Rai International Airport provides various transportation for all facility guests.

The few transfer services offered are car rentals, taxis, shuttles, and buses.

All the transfer services mentioned above can only pick up and drop off passengers outside the terminal building at the ground transportation area.

Also, all passenger guests in the airport are advised to check the luggage requirement on what items are allowed for hand-carry and check-in baggage.

Personal items must be secured before boarding and deplaning the aircraft.

Rental Car Services at Chiang Rai International Airport

Chiang Rai International Airport has a few Car Rental partners that offer services for interested renters.

To rent a vehicle, renters may proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where the airport car rental counters are located.

Foreign renters must present a driver's license, passport, and identification card at the rental counter and be credit card holders. Please check the list of valid credit cards at your chosen rental agency.

Interested renters must be at least 20 years old to qualify for a vehicle. They must also complete the given agreement form. See and compare all rental car companies at Chiang Rai Airport.

For convenience, renters may book cars online through the rental company's official websites. However, online payment is required for comfort.

Car Rental Rates may vary depending on the company and the selected vehicle.

Ride Shares at Chiang Rai International Airport

Rideshare vehicles are unavailable inside the Chiang Rai International Airport.

Taxis at Chiang Rai International Airport

Metered taxis are accessible outside the terminal building of Chiang Rai International Airport. However, they can only pick up and drop off passenger guests at the ground transportation area.

The airport is approximately 8km or about 15 minutes drive to and from Mueang Chiang Rai District City Center. See more information about taxis at Chiang Rai Airport.

The regular taxi rate from the airport to Chiang Rai's City Center and vice versa ranges from ฿60.00 to ฿100.00.

Note that taxi fares vary depending on the passenger's destination and traffic conditions within the district.

Buses at Chiang Rai International Airport

Chiang Rai International Airport provides an airport bus that serves inbound and outbound passengers of the facility.

Chiang Rai Airport Bus, publicly known as CR Bus, is accessible at the ground transportation center of the airport outside the terminal building. More information about buses to and from Chiang Rai Airport.

CR's regular bus fare to and from the city center is ฿20.00.

The fare should be paid upon boarding the vehicle.

Trains at Chiang Rai International Airport

Train transportation is not available at Chiang Rai International Airport.

There is no direct railway route to and from Chiang Rai Province. Therefore, we do not recommend this mode of transportation to travelers. More information about train services near Chiang Rai Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Chiang Rai International Airport

Airport Hotel Shuttle transfers are conveniently available at your Chiang Rai hotel accommodation.

Some local accommodations would likely offer a complimentary shuttle service. However, other hotels apply a surcharge for the transfer assistance.

Therefore, traveling guests must confirm their local hotels for shuttle services as early as possible before arriving or departing at Chiang Rai International Airport.

Parking at Chiang Rai International Airport

Easy access and convenient car park areas are provided at Chiang Rai International Airport.

Airport parking options have changed and expanded. Medium-size and large airports offer several types of parking, priced according to convenience and distance from the terminal.

The different types of parking are: Short term parking, Daily parking, Long term / Satellite parking, Valet parking, Off-Airport parking, and Sleep, park, and fly. See more information about short and long term parking at Chiang Rai Airport.

Other Services at Chiang Rai International Airport

WiFi at Chiang Rai International Airport

Free WiFi is available at Chiang Rai International Airport.

ATMs at Chiang Rai International Airport

Four Automatic Teller Machines are available inside the main terminal building of Chiang Rai International Airport.

Currency exchange at Chiang Rai International Airport

A currency exchange counter and two local banks are accessible within the premise of Chiang Rai Airport.

Nursing Stations at Chiang Rai International Airport

Nursing Stations are not available at Chiang Rai International Airport. However, there are public restrooms allotted for disabled individuals, which mothers could also utilize to attend to the needs of their infants.

Restrooms at Chiang Rai International Airport

Public restrooms, locally known in Thailand as Public Toilets, are open and available throughout the airport property.

Food and Beverages at Chiang Rai International Airport

Chiang Rai International Airport has restaurants and cafes that offer quality food services to the facility's arriving and departing guests.

Smoking at Chiang Rai International Airport

Smoking is banned within the premises of Chiang Rai International Airport.

Pet-Relief Area at Chiang Rai International Airport

Animal service areas are unavailable at Chiang Rai International Airport.

Lost and Found Section at Chiang Rai International Airport

Lost and found things within the premises of Chiang Rai International Airport are taken to the airport's Information Counter, located on the 1st level of the terminal building. The office can be reached at this contact number +66 05379 8999 or +66 05379 8000.

Meanwhile, passengers may contact their respective airline provider or the ground handling service facility for left or missing items on the aircraft or lost or damaged luggage.

Airport Communication Center at Chiang Rai International Airport

Airport guests may approach two information counters. One is at the Arrivals and the other at the Departures Hall of the terminal building.

They may also contact the information desk through this number +66 05379 8000, +66 0 5379 3071, or +66 05379 8171.

Also, Tourist information services such as Tourist Assistance Center and Tourist Police are available at Chiang Rai International Airport.

Ticketing Services at Chiang Rai International Airport

Ticketing services from various airline companies are available at the terminal building of Chiang Rai Airport.

Baggage Claim at Chiang Rai International Airport

Chiang Rai Airport's Baggage Claim Area is located at the Arrivals Hall of the domestic and international sections.

Baggage carts are also provided for passengers needing assistance with heavy luggage transport.

Please get in touch with your respective airline provider or the ground handling service management in case of damage and missing luggage pieces.

Disabled Passengers at Chiang Rai International Airport

Flying guests who require special assistance, both arriving and departing, can contact the Customer Service Department at the airport, and the facilities provided are as follows:

• Parking
• Elevators
• Restrooms
• Telephones

Therefore, passengers with special needs should contact their airline provider or the airport information center two days before arrival or departure from the airport to prepare the necessary equipment.

For further details and assistance, please call the airport's information center at +66 05379 8000, +66 0 5379 3071 or +66 05379 8171.

Chiang Rai International Airport Contacts

Address: 404 Moo 10, Ban Du Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province 57100

General Phone: +66 05379 8000, +66 0 5379 3071 or +66 05379 8171

Lost and Found Phone: +66 05379 8999 or +66 05379 8000

Official website: https://chiangrai.airportthai.co.th

Local Information

Drive on: left

Electricity: 230V/50Hz

Plug: A, B, and C

Currency: Thailand Baht, Baht, ฿

WiFi at Airport: Chiang Rai Airport provides free WiFi access for guests.