How to get from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre
Why visit Vientiane?
Vientiane is Laos’ fascinating capital city sitting on the banks of the Mekong River. A former French trading post, the city has kept many of its historical influences and original architecture undamaged.
True, there is not much to do in this sleepy city — and that’s exactly what sets Vientiane apart from other capital cities in Southeast Asia. It is a hub for temples, markets, spas and cafes. Our favourite spot is the riverside, where you can relax with a cold Beer Lao and just watch the sunset over the Mekong.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre?
There are 2 ways to travel the 8 kilometre (5 miles) distance from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre. You can choose between the airport shuttle and taxi. The journey takes 35 minutes and the quickest way is by airport shuttle. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by airport shuttle with tickets starting at 40,000 LAK ($1.90).
Where to stay in Vientiane?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Vientiane at the bottom of this page.
Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre by Airport Shuttle
The airport shuttle bus is the cheapest way to get from Wattay International Airport to Vientiane city centre. A ticket costs 40,000 LAK ($1.90) and the bus journey takes around 35 minutes.
Most buses are fairly new, clean, comfortable, and rarely crowded.
The Vientiane Airport Bus Line claims that it connects the airport to all hotels in the city centre. It takes a clockwise route from Wattay Airport to Central Bus Station, and then back to the airport. Below are some of the hotels and hostels the buses will pass by along the way.
- Mekong Hotel
- Somerset Vientiane
- Amari Vientiane
- Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel
- Settha Palace Hotel
- Vientiane Plaza Hotel
- Chaleunxay Hotel
- TT Hostel
- Crowne Plaza
Vientiane Airport Shuttle: Timetable and bus stops
The airport shuttle runs every 1.5 to 2 hours.
From the airport to the city, buses are available from 08:10 to 20:30. From the city to the airport, the first bus departs at 07:30 while the last trip is at 18:50.
You can find the airport shuttle just outside Wattay Airport. Look for the white and green Bus No. 44.
In Vientiane, the bus arrives and departs from the Central Bus Station. You can buy a bus ticket before you board or inside the bus.
Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre by Taxi
Travelling with at least one other person? It will be more convenient to take a taxi from Vientiane Airport to the city centre.
A ride costs about 70,000 LAK ($3.20) when you book with taxi-hailing apps like Loca and InDrive, which are some of the popular apps available in Laos. Grab and Uber don’t operate here.
Travel time with the taxi is about 35 minutes between the airport and Vientiane city.
If you don’t have a data connection or don’t want to bother with taxi-hailing apps, you can also take an airport taxi. They’re known to be more expensive, though, with a flat rate of about 140,000 LAK ($6.50) to the city centre.
You’ll see taxi service counters near the exit gate when you head out of the baggage claim area. During peak season, you may have to wait in line for a taxi.
Pre-book your ride with BookAway
Do you want your private ride waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the airport? We recommend booking one online beforehand through BookAway. Rates start from 665,000 LAK ($31) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 222,000 LAK ($10.30) per person.
Private transport from Vientiane Airport to city centre
Private transport from the city centre to Vientiane Airport
For more details on getting around Laos, visa requirements, and the best places to visit, check out our complete Laos travel guide.
Best places to stay in Vientiane
Patuxay Place - Budget Friendly
Patuxay Place is great value for money. The rooms are spacious, modern and decorated to a high standard. The hotel has thought of every detail, including free drinking water on every floor of the hotel.
The staff want to make sure you have the best stay possible, offering a helping hand whenever you need it. They’re full of recommendations too! The hotel is situated in a great location in Vientiane.
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Free drinking water
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Private rooms start from $29 per night.
S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel - Mid Range
This hotel is beautiful! S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel boasts a modern and simple decor with pops of colour. Every corner of this hotel is aesthetic. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, onsite gym and delicious restaurant. There’s even a barista.
It’s good to know that it isn’t located directly in the city centre, so you’ll need to grab a taxi to visit popular attractions. Don’t worry though, the friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to help you get somewhere.
- Beautiful hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Delicious restaurant
King rooms start from $39 per night.Â
Eastin Hotel Vientiane - Treating Yourself
If you want to splash the cash a little, Eastin Hotel is the place to do it. Overlooking the Mekong River, it’s hard to find a better view to wake up to. The hotel was built recently meaning that everything is fresh, clean and very modern.
The hotel is located 10 minutes outside of the city, but there’s a courtesy car to take you there and back. The service here will make your stay an unforgettable one.
- Stunning river views
- Modern and clean hotel
- Recently built
- Courtesy car to city centre
Private rooms start from $66 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre
What is the distance from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre?
The distance from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre is 8 kilometre (5 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre?
The fastest way to get from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre is by airport shuttle and takes 35 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre?
The cheapest way to get from Vientiane Airport (Wattay) to the city centre is by airport shuttle with ticket costs starting from 40,000 LAK ($1.90).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
