How to get from Pakse Airport to the city centre
Why visit Pakse?
Pakse is a transport hub and gateway to southern Laos. Its strategic location, comfortable accommodations and tour offerings make it a convenient basecamp for travellers visiting the nearby Bolaven Plateau and Wat Phu.
Admittedly, there is not much to do in this riverside town. But if you’re looking for a relaxing yet strategic place to take some time off, then your best choice in the south is Pakse. Walk around town, visit some temples, explore the local markets, or just sample traditional Lao dishes.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Pakse Airport to the city centre?
There are 2 ways to travel the 5 kilometre (3 miles) distance from Pakse Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the taxi and Tuk-tuk. The journey takes 20 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by tuk-tuk with tickets starting at 50,000 LAK ($2.30).
Pakse Airport to the city centre by Taxi
Transport options are limited when travelling from Pakse Airport to the city centre, but they’re also pretty straightforward.
The most convenient way to get to your hotel would be to take a taxi. Rates start from 60,000 LAK ($2.80), depending on where your hotel is located.
You can ask for a taxi at the taxi service counter, right next to the exit door of the arrival area. The taxi counter accepts payments made in US dollars, euros, Baht or Kip. Another option is to book one through the local taxi-hailing app Loca, which you can pay for by cash or card.
The same rates apply if you want to go to the airport from the city centre. In case a driver tries to charge you more, don’t be afraid to negotiate the price.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the city centre from the airport and vice versa.
Book your private transfer in advance
If you’re travelling in a big group, or just want your ride waiting for you as soon as you arrive, you can pre-book one 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 transfer from Pakse Airport to city centre
Private transfer from the city centre to Pakse Airport
Pakse Airport to the city centre by Tuk-tuk
Taking a tuk-tuk is a great way to start your trip to Pakse like a local. You can get a private tuk-tuk ride from Pakse International Airport to the city centre for about 50,000 LAK ($2.30). It’s not much cheaper than a taxi, and it’s not air-conditioned.
If you’re arriving at the airport in the middle of the day, we recommend taking a taxi instead. Otherwise, if it’s not too hot, taking a tuk-tuk for the 15-minute journey is not a bad idea.
Like the taxi, you can expect a similar tuk-tuk rate when you’re going from the city centre to Pakse Airport.
For more details on getting around Laos, visa requirements, and the best places to visit, check out our complete Laos travel guide.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Pakse Airport 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 Pakse Airport to the city centre
What is the distance from Pakse Airport to the city centre?
The distance from Pakse Airport to the city centre is 5 kilometre (3 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pakse Airport to the city centre?
The fastest way to get from Pakse Airport to the city centre is by taxi and takes 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse Airport to the city centre?
The cheapest way to get from Pakse Airport to the city centre is by tuk-tuk with ticket costs starting from 50,000 LAK ($2.30).
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.
