Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Luang Prabang
Vientiane
Sun, Mar 22
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Luang Prabang to Vientiane Destination Reviews

V
Vinod
Full peace of mind
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Mar 17, 2026
MS
Maria S
Efficient, on time. Enormous station outside Luang Prabang but no disabled facilities at all that I could see - no lifts or easy access, unless you arrive by car to the front (we were dropped off a few hundred meters away). No pen knives allowed!!! Which is a real problem for most backpackers who rely on self catering.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Mar 14, 2026
V
Vongmalay
Has everything needed.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, flight Economy, Lao Airlines, Mar 2, 2026
PT
Pierre T
You never sent me the ticket
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 24, 2026
D
David
Even if there is no available seats on this train 12go permit us to go.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 20, 2026
KF
Keiron F
Crazy service and chaos trying to get on train with much pushing and shoving make sure you get there early as it is more like an airport with security and luggage scanners and the station is a long way from Luang Prabang city. Allow 30 mins by taxi to get there . But a clean quick service
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 10, 2026
BK
Bryan K
Booked 1845 express train. Ticket issued for 1912 slow train
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train First Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 10, 2026
GT
Grete T
Impossible to get tickets through official app. 12go.asia fixed it in a few hours!
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 31, 2026
M
Maryam
I booked a train ticket from Luang Prabang to Vientiane with 12go. But I received the QR code from the “family service” company very late that made me feel stressed and anxious. But the train was on time and comfortable.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 30, 2026
JB
Jan B
It's just a train ride. Took first class...the main difference to second class was the seat color, a table in the armrest and a lady with a service cart where you can buy stuff. Don't waste your money on first class. It was clean and the seats are ok for a few hours.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train First Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 28, 2026
4.4
366 customer reviews
5
49%
4
18%
3
16%
2
17%
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Luang Prabang to Vientiane Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+7h 30m
$259.45
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
06:30
14:30
$17.00
  5.0
Van
Luang Prabang Holiday Travel
Minivan
07:00
15:00
$17.72
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
07:30
15:30
$15.00
  2.9
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
08:00
16:00
$15.00
  2.9
Van
Naluang
Regional 14pax
08:30
16:30
$18.31
  3.3
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
09:30
12:30
$25.00
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
09:50
10:30
$44.85
  5.0
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
10:30
12:30
$22.00
  4.7
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
11:00
19:00
$15.00
  2.9
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
11:20
12:00
$71.27
  5.0
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
11:50
14:50
$25.00
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
12:15
10:45
$233.34
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
12:45
15:05
$374.71
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
13:25
14:05
$55.56
Flight
China Eastern Airlines
Economy
13:45
11:30
$239.82
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
14:35
07:35
$186.20
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
14:58
16:44
$25.58
  4.3
Flight
Vietnam Airlines
Economy
15:20
10:45
$251.35
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
16:05
14:15
$180.44

How to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

When you want to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Flight
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Van
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Flight. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Flight ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A flight ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 321.39. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a van as a van ticket costs as low as USD 20.02.

How far is Luang Prabang from Vientiane?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Your trip will be a total of 397 miles (638 km). The flying distance is 397 miles (638 km).

How long does it take to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?

The travel time from Luang Prabang to Vientiane can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 1 to 28 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?

The cost of the trip from Luang Prabang to Vientiane varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Vieng Chaleune (เวียงเจริญ): travelling by van expect to pay as low as USD 20.02 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a flight - a one-way flight ticket can cost as much as USD 321.39.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Luang Prabang to Vientiane:

  • Van price : USD 20.02 - USD 37.35;
  • Train tickets - USD 20.74 to USD 58.21;
  • Bus tickets - USD 37.30 to USD 37.30;
  • taxi+Train price: USD 42.28. From Luang Prabang to Vientiane starting from 11:30 Luang Prabang Transfer until 11:30 Luang Prabang Transfer
  • taxi+Van price: USD 48.80. From Luang Prabang to Vientiane starting from 10:30 Nong Khiaw Bus Terminal until 10:30 Nong Khiaw Bus Terminal
  • Plane tickets - USD 61.13 to USD 321.39;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 71.16. From Luang Prabang to Vientiane starting from 09:00 Luang Prabang Transfer until 09:00 Luang Prabang Transfer

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 26.85 to USD 525.86.

How many trips per day are there between Luang Prabang and Vientiane?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • Vans from Luang Prabang to Vientiane depart during the day - there are approximately 14 departures a day.
  • Flights from Luang Prabang to Vientiane depart during the day - there are approximately 4 departures a day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Flights

Traveling by plane is the fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. While it’s often the most expensive option, tool, occasionally you can grab promotional tickets for more or less the price of a train or a ferry ticket. Normally, the minimum you need to pay for a Plane ticket is USD 61.13.

Things to remember before boarding a plane:

  • It’s recommended to book a ticket in advance and check-in online. This way, you can save over 2 hours at the airport, and if your seat selection is on a first come first served basis you will have more options to choose from.
  • Getting through security checks may take some time - it’s recommended to get to the airport at least 1.5 hours in advance.

Airlines flying from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines

Buses

Taking a bus from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 26.85.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Trains

Things to remember while choosing a train ticket:
Consider everything carefully while choosing the class of your train travel. In most cases, the second class is comfortable enough – it features 2 or 4 berths in each compartment and is often air-conditioned.

If you’re in for a premium experience, consider getting a first class ticket. The price of first class tickets may include Wifi, and a choice of snacks and drinks.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 37% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 37% chosen taxi+Van
  • 14% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 6% opted for a van.
  • 3% chosen taxi+Train
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Facts about the transport from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Cheapest Transport$21
Fastest Transport45m
Earliest Departure7:00 ص
Latest Departure7:22 م
Departures per day18
Distance638 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAqua De Bamboo, Book Best Travel and Services, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Laos China Railways, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, RG Adventure, Vieng Chaleune