Chiang Mai Taxi Apps 2026: Grab vs. inDrive Comparison

Chiang Mai isn't quite like Bangkok with its extensive subway or public bus system. That means you'll pretty much rely on taxis for getting around. When I first arrived, I used Grab exclusively, but after locals recommended inDrive, that's almost all I used!

The difference in taxi fares was truly significant, and any worries I had about using inDrive beforehand turned out to be completely unfounded!

Today, based on my personal experience, I'm going to give you an honest comparison of Grab and inDrive.

What is Grab? How to Use It

Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia.

In Chiang Mai, it's relatively easy to find a ride because there are so many drivers. Beyond taxis, you can also hail motorbikes or even order food delivery, all through one app.

One of its biggest conveniences is the automatic card payment after your ride, meaning you don't need to carry cash.

Grab Benefits

✔️ Certified drivers — easily check vehicle number and driver info in the app

✔️ Automatic card payment — no need for cash

✔️ Food delivery available

What is inDrive? A Different Way to Ride

inDrive operates on a negotiation basis where you agree on the fare with the driver.

Unlike Grab, which automatically calculates the fare, with inDrive, you input your destination and propose a price. Then, multiple drivers can accept your offer or counter with their own price.

You then simply choose the driver whose offer you like best.

How to Use inDrive: Step-by-Step

✔️ Install the app, then enter your destination (choose between car or motorbike)

✔️ The app suggests a fare — you can use it or propose a slightly lower price

✔️ Drivers will start matching your request

✔️ Select your preferred driver

✔️ Pay with cash after your ride

It might sound a bit complicated at first, but it's surprisingly simple once you try it. Many Thai locals use this app, and during my recent trip to Chiang Mai, I used inDrive about 99% of the time! (Occasionally, if it was raining heavily or I was in a more remote area where no drivers were available, I'd use Bolt, which is also much cheaper than Grab!)

How Big is the Price Difference, Really?

This is the million-dollar question, right?

Based on my actual usage for the same distances, inDrive was 30% to 60% cheaper.

For example, comparing prices from Old Town to Koko Noma Market (a 3.1-mile distance):

Grab - 97 Thai Baht (approximately ~$3)

inDrive - 67 Thai Baht (approximately ~$2)

That's over 30% cheaper!

And for a longer trip, from Veranda High Resort to Old Town (about a 45-minute drive):

Grab - over 257 Thai Baht (around ~$9)

inDrive - 117 Thai Baht (around ~$4)

Amazing, right? It was almost a third of the price!

I noticed the price difference was even more significant for longer distances, like going from Nimmanhaemin to Old Town, or to markets further outside the city.

During my trip to Thailand, I typically took 2-4 taxi rides a day. While each ride was cheap, with my mom, we sometimes spent over ~$13 a day just on transportation.

inDrive Downsides

While inDrive is definitely cheaper, there are a few drawbacks you should know about before using it.

✔️ Cash Payment Only

inDrive doesn't support card payments. While many drivers might have QR codes for local payment apps, direct foreign transfers to personal accounts are generally not possible anymore, so I only managed to use it a couple of times. You should plan on paying with cash, so having small bills ready is essential. Keeping 20 or 50 Thai Baht notes handy is always a good idea, as you might run into situations where drivers don't have exact change for larger bills.

✔️ Vehicle Quality Can Vary

With inDrive, the condition of the vehicle and the driver's service can differ quite a bit.

When choosing a driver, prioritize the car type over just the driver's rating! With two suitcases, I needed a car with ample space. During my month-long stay, I learned that electric vehicles like MG and BYD models consistently offered excellent quality and were spacious!

✔️ Can Be Harder to Find Rides from Remote Resorts to the City

The reason is simple: the fares are often so low that drivers are reluctant to make the trip. In these situations, if you slightly increase your proposed fare, you'll usually get a match right away.

I experienced this firsthand when trying to get back to Old Town from Veranda High Resort. No one was accepting my initial offer, but as soon as I increased it by 30 Thai Baht (about ~$1), I got a driver almost instantly!

The Bottom Line

📌 Grab vs. inDrive: A Quick Comparison

Choose Grab if:

✔️ You only have card payment options

✔️ You need food delivery

Choose inDrive if:

✔️ You have cash and want to save on transport

✔️ You're on a long-term trip (the savings really add up!)

✔️ You're traveling longer distances, like to/from resorts outside the city

✔️ You want to choose your vehicle type

Conclusion

I used inDrive over 30 times during my trip! The smartest approach in Chiang Mai is to have both Grab and inDrive installed and choose based on your situation. Honestly, besides ordering food delivery with Grab, I used inDrive almost exclusively during my month-long stay, and sometimes Bolt when inDrive wasn't available!

I hope this comparison of Grab and inDrive taxi apps helps you plan your Chiang Mai adventures!

I'm also distributing a free Chiang Mai travel guidebook; if you need one, please leave a comment, and I'll send it to you!

🔻Planning Your Thailand Trip🔻