Chiang Mai Airport Terminals: Complete Guide to Domestic & International
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the fourth-busiest airport in Thailand and the main gateway to Northern Thailand. The airport has two passenger terminals — the Domestic Terminal and the International Terminal — housed within the same main building but with separate entrances and facilities. A new international terminal expansion is currently under development to accommodate the region’s growing tourist numbers.
| Terminal | Purpose | Airlines & Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Terminal | All domestic flights within Thailand | Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet, AirAsia (domestic) |
| International Terminal | All international flights | AirAsia (international), Thai Airways, Korean Air, China Airlines, Scoot, Hong Kong Express, and others |
Both terminals are located in the same building but have separate entrances. The Domestic Terminal is on the northern side, while the International Terminal is on the southern side. Walking between them takes only 2–3 minutes through the main concourse.
Domestic Terminal
The Domestic Terminal handles all flights within Thailand, including popular routes to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang), Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, and Udon Thani.
Key features of the Domestic Terminal:
- Arrivals – baggage claim and ground transportation on the ground floor.
- Departures – check-in counters, security screening, and boarding gates on the upper floor.
- Facilities – coffee shops, local food outlets, convenience stores, ATMs, and mobile phone kiosks.
- Faster processing – domestic passengers typically move through check-in and security in under 30 minutes.
International Terminal
The International Terminal serves all flights arriving from or departing to destinations outside Thailand. Popular routes include Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and several cities in China.
Key features of the International Terminal:
- Arrivals – immigration counters, baggage claim carousels, customs, and currency exchange on the ground floor.
- Departures – check-in counters, security, duty-free shopping, and departure gates on the upper floor.
- Facilities – restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, lounges, prayer rooms, and free Wi-Fi.
- Transportation – taxis, airport shuttles, and car rental desks are located directly outside the arrivals area.
Terminal Expansion (Ongoing)
Chiang Mai Airport is undergoing a significant expansion project that includes:
- New International Terminal – expected to increase passenger capacity significantly.
- Improved facilities – additional baggage carousels, check-in counters, and security lanes.
- Enhanced parking – expanded parking areas for both short-term and long-term stays.
Travelers should allow extra time during construction periods, as some areas may be temporarily rerouted or restricted.
How to Move Between Terminals
Moving between the Domestic and International Terminals at Chiang Mai Airport is simple:
- Walking time: 2–3 minutes through the main concourse
- Signage: clear signs in Thai, English, and Chinese
- Transfer passengers: must pass through immigration and security if connecting between domestic and international flights
For connecting flights, allow at least 60–75 minutes for the transfer, especially during peak hours (early morning and late afternoon).
What Arriving Passengers Need to Know
- Visa on Arrival is available for many nationalities at the International Terminal.
- Baggage claim is located on the ground floor of both terminals.
- SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi can be purchased at kiosks in the arrivals halls.
- Currency exchange booths are available in both terminals, though rates in town are often better.
- Airport taxis operate from a fixed-rate counter — purchase a ticket before exiting the terminal.
What Departing Passengers Need to Know
- Check-in counters open 2–3 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights.
- Security queues are typically shorter than at larger Thai airports but can build up during morning peak.
- Duty-free shops are available after immigration in the International Terminal.
- Boarding gates close 15–20 minutes before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many terminals does Chiang Mai Airport have?
Chiang Mai Airport has two terminals — Domestic and International — located within the same building but with separate entrances and facilities.
Can I walk between terminals at Chiang Mai Airport?
Yes. The Domestic and International Terminals are connected by a short indoor walkway. Walking time is approximately 2–3 minutes.
Which terminal does AirAsia use at Chiang Mai Airport?
AirAsia operates both domestic and international flights from Chiang Mai. Domestic AirAsia flights use the Domestic Terminal, while international AirAsia flights depart from the International Terminal.
Is Chiang Mai Airport open 24 hours?
The airport operates from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight. Overnight stays inside the terminal are generally not permitted, though nearby hotels offer free shuttle services.
How far is Chiang Mai Airport from the city center?
Chiang Mai Airport is located just 4 km southwest of the Old City. A taxi ride to the city center takes approximately 10–15 minutes and costs around 150–200 THB.