How to get from Vang Vieng 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 4 ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
There are 4 ways to travel the 160 kilometre (99 miles) distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, private transport and train. The journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 14 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by shared minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 261,000 LAK ($11.90).
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.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Shared Minivan
With the new Vientiane–Boten Expressway open, travelling from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is now much quicker. What used to take around 4 hours by minivan or bus now only takes 2–3 hours.
You can book a minivan in advance through BookAway, with prices starting from 274,000 LAK ($12.50). Some companies include free hotel pickup and/or drop-off, so you won’t need to deal with transport to and from bus terminals.
Minivan tickets at the bus terminal in Vientiane are cheaper, about 110,000 LAK ($5). But keep in mind that the terminal is quite far from the city centre. Once you factor in taxi costs, booking a minivan that picks you up from your hotel may be more cost-effective.
One thing to note: minivans are less spacious than buses. If you’re travelling with bulky luggage or large backpacks, you might be more comfortable choosing a bus instead.
Departure and arrival station
If they’re not offering hotel pickup, minivans depart from their own headquarters in central Vang Vieng.
In Vientiane, you will be dropped off at your chosen spot — may that be your hotel at the city centre or straight to Wattay International Airport.
Shared Minivan options from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Bus
Buses are a great alternative to minivans if you want extra legroom without stretching your budget.
Just make sure to check which route your bus takes. Some companies still avoid the Vientiane–Boten Expressway and use the older, toll-free road instead.
Travel time by bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is 2-3 hours via the expressway and 4 hours via the toll-free route.
Ticket prices start from 261,000 LAK ($11.90).
Departure and arrival stations
Most buses depart from their respective headquarters in Vang Vieng and park at their office in Vientiane. Check these locations beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Bus schedule from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Train
The train is a comfortable way to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane.
Travel time for the train ride itself is only about an hour. But the railway station in Vientiane is quite far from the city, so you’ll need extra time to get to your hotel.
When you include the transfers to and from the train stations, the travel time is about 2 hours. Combined fares start from 399,000 LAK ($18.20).
Step 1: How to get to Vang Vieng Railway Station
Vang Vieng Railway Station is about 4 km away from the town centre. The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk, which costs around 40,000 LAK ($1.80) per person.
The short journey from Vang Vieng city centre to the train station takes just about 10 minutes.
IMPORTANT: Vang Vieng Train Station operates like an airport, with security checks before boarding. Aerosols and sharp items will be confiscated, and screening can take time. It’s best to arrive 30–60 minutes before departure to avoid stress.
Step 2: Train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Laos–China Railway (LCR) runs 5–6 daily trains from Vang Vieng to Vientiane.
The train ride itself is quick — just around 50 minutes. You might see longer travel times listed, though. That’s because some providers include hotel pickup in Vientiane, which adds extra time to the journey.
Train tickets to Vientiane from Vang Vieng start from 329,000 LAK ($15) when you book through BookAway. It’s a handy option if you want to secure your seat weeks in advance, especially during busy travel periods.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
PRO TIP: There are a few ways to score a ticket for the Laos-China Railway. The cheapest and most convenient is the LCR Ticket app, but registration isn’t always smooth and payments can fail. For more details, check out our complete guide for Booking Train Tickets in Laos.
Step 3: Vientiane Railway Station to Vientiane City Centre
Vientiane Railway Station is about 13 km from the city centre. To reach your hotel, you can take a bus or a taxi.
Buses are cheaper with ticket prices from 30,000 LAK ($1.40). They take about an hour to reach Talat Sao Bus Station in the centre. Departures are fixed, though, so check the schedule as soon as you arrive to make sure you don’t miss it. Otherwise, you might have to wait awhile for the next bus.
Taxis are faster, with a travel time of around 40 minutes. Fares start from 130,000 LAK ($5.90) when you book with local taxi-hailing apps like Loca and InDrive.
There are plenty of taxis waiting at the railway station, but they’re known for overcharging.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Private Transport
A private transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is a convenient option when travelling with a group or bulky luggage. The journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 2,984,000 LAK ($135) for a 5-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 597,000 LAK ($27) each.
Private Transport options from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
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 Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng to Vientiane
What is the distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
The distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is 160 kilometre (99 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
The fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is by shared minivan and takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
The cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is by bus with ticket costs starting from 261,000 LAK ($11.90).
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.
