How to get from Bangkok to Vientiane

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.

There are 4 ways to travel the 650 kilometers (404 miles) from Bangkok to Vientiane. You can choose between the bus, train, flight and train + van. The journey takes 1 hour 10 minutes to 19 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $10.10 (219,000 LAK).

A direct train from Bangkok to Vientiane started operating in July 2024. The journey is long, lasting about 11 hours 30 minutes, but it runs overnight, allowing you to rest during the trip.

There are several seating options from 3rd class fan seats to first-class beds, with prices starting at $10.10 (219,000 LAK).

Departure and arrival station

Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, some 9 km north of the tourist centre.

The arrival point in Vientiane is at the newly-built Vientiane Railway Station in Khamsavath, 6 km from the city centre.

Train options from Bangkok to Vientiane

Taking the bus is also a good alternative to flying from Bangkok to Vientiane. Like the train, it will require some time to reach Vientiane, but can save you money if you are late with booking your flight.

Transport Co. offers one trip daily at 20:00. The cost of the bus ticket is 986 THB ($30). Its bus departs from Mo Chit Bus Terminal and arrives at Talat Sao in the city centre.

You can also book with Khao San Tara Tour, but its travel time is 19 hours. Its bus departs from Khao San and parks at Khua Din Bus Station near the city centre.

If you don’t want to sit on the same train for 12 hours straight, you have the option to take a combined train and bus from Bangkok to Vientiane. Prices start at 1,130 THB ($34), and the journey takes around 11 hours.

What you have to do is take a train to Nong Khai and then from there, take another train to Thanaleng, and then finally another transfer to the city centre. We break down the steps below.

Take the train SP25 which leaves Hua Lamphong Railway Station daily at 20:00 and arrives in Nong Khai at 6:25. The cost for a second class berth is 1,000 THB ($30). This train takes you to Nong Khai which is right near the border between Thailand and Laos.

Once you get off the train, head to a counter and buy train tickets to go to Thanaleng for 30 THB ($0.90). Then go to the immigration booth on Platform 1 and present your passport for the exit stamp. The next step is to board the train bound for Thanaleng at 7:30. This is only a 15-min train ride.

The perk of taking the train is that you get to avoid the chaos at the immigration border, where most of the travellers pass through to cross to Laos.

Upon arrival at Thanaleng, head to the immigration booth to collect your arrival/departure card and duly fill this form. Hand in this document with your passport, a passport-size photo and the fee of 1,500 THB ($45) to window #1. Then wait to collect your passport.

As soon as you exit the train station, you’ll find endorsements for transfers going to Vientiane. They charge about 100 THB ($3) per person. However, there have been multiple cases wherein drivers ask you to pay more than what was agreed on when you arrive at your destination.

You can avoid this by pre-booking a transfer from the train station to the city centre. Just click the button below.

In a hurry to get to Vientiane? Then you better book a flight. Flying from Bangkok to Vientiane can be quite cheap if you book in advance. However, ticket prices increase quickly closer to the travel date.

AirAsia and Lao Airlines offer the cheapest flights starting at 1,450 THB ($43) for a one-way trip. The flight takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Note that Lao Airlines flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport and AirAsia flights depart from Don Muang Airport. Make sure to check which airport your flight is departing from!

All flights land at Vientiane Airport, which is officially named Wattay International Airport. Read our article about how to go from and to Vientiane Airport to find the best way to get to the city centre.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.