Vientiane to Luang Prabang by train, van, bus, flight, taxi from LAK 445,721

Vientiane to Luang Prabang Destination Reviews

Isabelle O

The train stop 30 min 2 time and we don’t know why and the quire code serve to nothing you have to print the ticket

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Dec 13, 2025

Isabelle O

Honestly, the organisation really needs improvement. The QR code is useless — you MUST print your tickets, otherwise you simply can’t board. This caused a huge waste of time. We arrived 25–30 minutes early, and they printed the first ticket, then one minute later told me they couldn’t print the second one because “it was too late.” For a train, half an hour in advance should definitely be enough… There was only one ticket counter open, the staff looked overwhelmed, and the line moved extremely slowly. Outside, there were some women trying to help passengers, but they didn’t even look like official staff — no uniform. They were basically there to translate and explain things in English. Luckily, one of them was amazing and really helped me sort things out. The train itself is new, clean, and the staff onboard is polite and well dressed, but it doesn’t make up for the rest: ➡️ two unexplained 30-minute stops, ➡️ very poor organisation, ➡️ and overall nothing close to the efficiency you find in Thailand. In short, a lot of wasted time for no reason.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Dec 11, 2025

Elena T

I booked tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang for tomorrow and was worried that they wouldn't be processed and approved quickly enough. But everything went smoothly, the tickets were emailed to me, and the next day I went to Luang Prabang. I quickly cleared security at the train station entrance; there are kiosks inside where you can get tea, coffee, and snacks. Passengers were allowed onto the platform to board the train 20 minutes before departure. The interior was clean, there was a restroom, and attendants offered snacks and drinks. We arrived on time. The train stations are new, large, and modern. And the trains are also new and fast. Great travel experience. Highly recommended.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Dec 11, 2025

Frank A

We booked first class tickets for the train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. The request was handled by a third party operator even so we paid 12go. The operator came back to us with the information, that the requested train is not running and we should choose between 3 other time options (as we have requested in the original booking, that in case the requested train is not available to change the time but not the date or the class). The operator only came back to us 16 hours before departure, with two tickets for the train we originally requested and in the first response form the operator was not running that day. We requested a refund through the operator and also through 12go. The only response we have received were another confirmation now by 12go for the second class tickets and several requests to rate the service. The tickest go on sale by the train company three days before. To only get a final confirmation 16 hours before departure for the wrong ticket is unacceptable and put the customer in and uncomfortable situation. Reading other customers comments, it seems that leaving the customer in the dark as long as possible and then issue a ticket that does not reflect the paid ticket, is part of the business model. Our request for at least a refund for the change from first to second class is still outstanding as is any reply from 12go on this matter.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train First Class, Laos Group Tour, Dec 7, 2025

Tristan W

Excellent service. Fast and comfortable.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 29, 2025

Cesar V

Smooth experience ! totally recommended

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 23, 2025

Kevin P

No communication until the night before. No communication on the pick up. I had to take a taxi. This is very stressful and needs to be really improved.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 13, 2025

Philippe A

We didn’t have confirmation until 12 hours before departure As the tickets can be issued 4days before we were expecting to get the tickets much sooner So it was stressfull But the train journey went perfectly.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 10, 2025

Eric T

Booked first class, given second class ticket going backwards in middle seat. Was told my ticket would be issued in 8 hours. Took 3 days after I followed up. The Laos tour group you pawned me off to never replied to my message asking explanation as to why I didn't get a first class ticket. Is that what I paid for? Still not sure.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train First Class, Laos Group Tour, Nov 9, 2025

Sarah M

Difficult to get off the train as boarding passengers pushed onto the train before we were able to get off.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 8, 2025

4.4

259 customer reviews

48%

22%

17%

12%

Vientiane to Luang Prabang Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price	Rating
Taxi	RG Adventure	SUV 4pax	Any time	+7h 30m	$269.03	5.0
Van	Luang Prabang Travel	Van	05:30	13:30	$19.00
Train	Laos Railway by Family Service	Second Class Seat	06:00	09:16	$23.74	3.8
Train	Laos Railway by Family Service	Second Class Seat	06:30	09:46	$23.74	3.4
Train	Laos Railway by Family Service	Second Class Seat	07:00	11:04	$19.94	3.4
Train	Laos Group Tour	Second Class	07:20	09:06	$22.00	4.1
Train	Laos Railway by RG Adventure	Hard Seat	07:40	11:24	$22.22
Train	Laos Railway by Naluang	Second Class Reserved Seats	08:00	09:46	$28.39	4.3
Train	Laos Railway by RG Adventure	Hard Seat	08:25	11:04	$17.76	4.0
Train	Laos Railway by RG Adventure	Hard Seat	08:42	11:24	$17.76	4.0
Train	Laos Railway by Naluang	Second Class Reserved Seats	09:45	11:49	$24.75	4.3
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	10:30	16:25	$173.83
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	10:50	11:35	$70.42	4.0
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	11:20	12:05	$47.97	4.0
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	11:45	12:30	$58.73	4.0
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	12:05	12:05	$276.01
Train	Laos Railway by RG Adventure	Second Class Seat	12:30	15:40	$25.29
Train	Laos Railway by Naluang	Second Class Reserved Seats	13:00	15:54	$24.75	4.3
Train	Laos Railway by Naluang	Second Class Reserved Seats	13:30	15:30	$24.75	4.3
Flight	Thai AirAsia	Economy	13:50	14:05	$187.34

Transportation from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Facts about the transport from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Cheapest Transport	$20
Fastest Transport	45m
Earliest Departure	6:30 утра
Latest Departure	6:05 вечера
Departures per day	63
Distance	638 kilometers
Transport Companies	Chit Prasong, Family Service, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Laos Group Tour, Laos Luxury Travel, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, RG Adventure

Popular Routes

How to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

When you want to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, 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 taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 535.34. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 20.59.

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

The cost of the trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Laos Railway by Family Service: travelling by train expect to pay as low as USD 20.59 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 535.34.

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

Van price : USD 19.06 - USD 22.55;
Bus+Van price: USD 19.74. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 08:30 Vientiane Northern Bus Station until 08:30 Vientiane Northern Bus Station
Train tickets - USD 20.59 to USD 66.92;
Bus+Train price: USD 23.76 - USD 40.23. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 08:00 Vientiane Transfer
Bus tickets - USD 27.05 to USD 48.94;
taxi+Train price: USD 31.59 - USD 53.38. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 09:45 Vientiane Railway Station
Train+Van price: USD 39.04 - USD 59.00. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 08:00 Vientiane Railway Station until 08:00 Vientiane Railway Station
taxi+Van price: USD 48.38. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 07:00 Vientiane Transfer until 07:00 Vientiane Transfer
Plane tickets - USD 49.72 to USD 218.65;

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 382.39 to USD 535.34.

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

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

Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 39 trains per day.
8 by taxi+Train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 09:45 Vientiane Railway Station
Buses start plying the route from 08:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 11:25. There are 7 available bus trips every day.
5 by Bus+Train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 08:00 Vientiane Transfer
2 by Train+Van from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 08:00 Vientiane Railway Station until 08:00 Vientiane Railway Station
Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Vientiane to Luang Prabang any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Flights

Traveling by plane is the fastest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. 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 49.72.

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 Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines

Buses

Taking a bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang 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 Vientiane to Luang Prabang. 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 382.39.

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 Vientiane to Luang Prabang. 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 Vientiane to Luang Prabang.

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 Vientiane to Luang Prabang

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang? 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% users enjoyed a train ride.
18% chosen taxi+Train
18% chosen taxi+Van
12% chosen Train+Van
6% chosen Bus+Train
5% opted for a van.
1% Other

Vientiane to Luang Prabang