How to get from Luang Prabang 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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
There are 3 ways to travel the 340 kilometre (211 miles) distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. You can choose between the shared minivan, train and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 8 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by shared minivan with tickets starting at 451,000 LAK ($21).
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.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Train
The train is the most practical way to travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The journey takes just 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes, making it much faster than any other land transfer on this route.
Combined fares start from 513,000 LAK ($24), depending on the type of seat you choose.
Step 1: How to get to Luang Prabang Railway Station
From the city centre, the easiest way to travel the 12 km to Luang Prabang Railway Station is via a shared minivan. This costs 40,000 LAK ($1.90) and takes about 30 minutes.
The easiest way to do this is through your hotel. Tell them beforehand the time and date of your train journey, and they will arrange a shared minivan for you. This minivan will pick you up from your hotel. Note that it will also pick up other passengers before or after you.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from That Luang Park to Luang Prabang Train Station. This departs every hour from 08:00 to 17:00, except at 12:00 noon. A ticket costs 30,000 LAK ($1.40).
Step 2: Train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Laos-China Railway operates at least 5 trains daily from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Fares start from 443,000 LAK ($21) when you book with BookAway.
What we like about taking a high-speed train to Vientiane from Luang Prabang is that it cuts the travel time to just 1h 50m - 3h 10m. Before trains became available, the only way to travel this route was through an 8-hour bus or minivan ride.
IMPORTANT: Luang Prabang Train Station looks a lot like an airport, and you can expect the usual security checks. Aerosols and sharp metal objects like army knives will be confiscated. The X-ray and security check take some time, so save yourself the stress and arrive at the station 30 minutes to 1 hour before your trip.Â
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PRO TIP:Â There are a few ways to score a ticket for the Laos-China Railway. The cheapest and most convenient would be to book one through the LCR Ticket app. Registration is not always smooth, though. And payment sometimes doesn’t push through. For more details, check out our complete guide for Booking Train Tickets in Laos.
Step 3: Vientiane Railway Station to City Centre
Vientiane Railway Station is some distance away from Vientiane city centre, about 13 km. There are 2 ways you can get to your accommodation: by bus for 30,000 LAK ($1.40) and by taxi with rates from 130,000 LAK ($6.10).
The bus is cheaper, but takes longer. Also, bus departures are set, so you might have to wait for a while. From Vientiane Train Station, buses will take you to Talat Sao Bus Station in the city centre after about an hour.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which can complete the journey in just about 40 minutes. Don’t just take any taxi, though! Drivers at the train station sometimes overcharge tourists.
Instead, we recommend hailing one via local taxi apps like Loca and InDrive. This way, you’ll know the rate upfront, no need to negotiate.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Shared Minivan
Minivans are available from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, but we don’t recommend them.
It takes 8 hours to complete this route by minivan, which is often at full capacity and with little legroom.. There may be some scenery, but the ride will be bumpy as you pass through rough roads and potholes.
With fares from 451,000 LAK ($21), you don’t save much compared to taking the train, which is far more comfortable.
However, if train tickets are sold out, or if you’re carrying items that are not allowed on the train, the minivan is worth considering.
Vieng Chaleune, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, Aqua De Bamboo and Book Best Travel and Service are some of the minivan companies operating from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
Departure and arrival stations
Minivans depart from their own headquarters in Luang Prabang or from Naluang International Bus Station.
In Vientiane, there are two arrival points:
- Vientiane Northern Bus Terminal, 10 km from the city
- Talat Sao Bus Station in the city centre
Shared Minivan options from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Flight
Flying from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is quick, but it’s not much faster than the train and usually costs a lot more.
The total travel time is around 1 hour 40 minutes, including airport transfers. Combined fares start from 1,418,000 LAK ($67).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: How to get to Luang Prabang Airport
The most convenient way to get to Luang Prabang Airport from the city centre is by taxi. Fares start from 100,000 LAK ($4.70) when you book through the local taxi-hailing app Loca. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
The tuk-tuk is a local alternative, and usually costs the same as a Loca taxi, although drivers may try to charge more for tourists.
For more info, visit our complete guide for Luang Prabang Airport.
Step 2: Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Lao Airlines runs one daily flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. One-way tickets start from 1,418,000 LAK ($67), and the journey takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.
If you’re looking to save a bit, Lao Skyway can be a cheaper option. We tried booking, though, and it wasn’t possible through their website (as of March 2026). You can try arranging a Lao Skyway flight through a travel agency or third-party platform.
Step 3: Vientiane Airport to City Centre
There are 2 ways to travel the 8 km from Vientiane Airport to the city centre: by bus for 40,000 LAK ($1.90) and by taxi with rates from 70,000 LAK ($3.30). Both options take about 35 minutes.
The Vientiane Airport Bus Line is a convenient choice for solo travellers. It takes a clockwise route from Wattay International Airport to Central Bus Station, and then back to the airport — passing through most hotels and hostels in the city.
If you’re travelling with at least one other person, it might be cheaper to take a taxi. The cheapest way to do that would be to book one via local taxi-hailing apps like Loca and InDrive. Airport taxis are also readily available at the airport, but are more expensive.
For more details, visit our guide for Vientiane Airport.
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 Luang Prabang to Vientiane. 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 Luang Prabang to Vientiane
What is the distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is 340 kilometre (211 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by flight and takes 1 hour 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by shared minivan with ticket costs starting from 451,000 LAK ($21).
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.
