Vientiane to Luang Prabang by train, van, bus, flight, taxi from LAK 432,650

Vientiane to Luang Prabang Destination Reviews

Sina A

We booked tickets from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (12:50 PM train) through 12Go and arrived early as instructed. When we reached the counter, we were told there were no tickets in our names. The local partner, Family Service, claimed that someone else had our tickets but wouldn’t say who or where. Several times, they took our passports and walked away without explaining anything. Later we were told the tickets had been issued under the wrong names, so we missed our train and had to wait hours for the next one. The staff were rude, unhelpful, and refused to communicate. A chaotic and unprofessional experience – I strongly recommend avoiding this service.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Oct 31, 2025

Christopher B

The tickets were not sent as promised. I had to contact Laos Group Tours directly to get the tickets. I was worried I might not have a seat on the train. There must be a better way of doing this.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class, Laos Group Tour, Oct 30, 2025

Marcin S

Excellent and very fast over all, but always can be some improvement! The point on map which you send me in confirmation is located behind the main entrance, but to go through you need a ticket. We went to ticket office (right side if the building) and know to not go to counter but tried to get connections with some of the people and it happened like that - one of people there ask from which company are we looking for the ticket and ask another person to bring them to us - fast and easy but maybe it will be easier to everyone to have some mark 12go visible publicly (if is not prohibited). Everything in total 5min and we were again inside with the tickets. Thank you very much!

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train #C92 Second Class Reserved Seats, Laos Railway by Naluang (Laos Railway by Naluang), Oct 29, 2025

Paige D

The time I initially booked was changed, but they communicated well about it. I didn't get my ticket until about 12 hours prior to my departure, and it came through at about 2:30AM local time. I wasn't sure if I'd have a ticket or not -- but I got it!

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train First Class, Laos Group Tour, Oct 21, 2025

John M

The stations were so far out of town it added a lot of cost and time to the journey. The stations were functional but bland. I booked a return ticket but ended up flying back as it was hardly any more expensive and quick and both airports were close to the centre of their towns so overall air was a better choice.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train #C92 First Class Seat, Laos Railway by RG Adventure (RG Adventure ), Oct 19, 2025

Tun P

We booked for 2 persons but received only 1 QR code. I asked for another QR but no reply. We had been stopped by security at Vientiane railway station. Need to que at the ticket counter. No more 12Go again.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class, Laos Group Tour, Oct 18, 2025

Thomas J

I had a problem with my voucher and a missing ticket confirmation, the operator was very nice, but only could tell me that he could not help me. So what experience can I describe?

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class, Laos Group Tour, Oct 17, 2025

Melanie P

I booked my train tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, and had a great expérience with 12go.Asia Team !

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train First Class, Laos Group Tour, Oct 16, 2025

Dirk R

Tried to book the Trainticket as early as possible (~ 3days in advance as advertized) incl. Pickup at my Hotel. Nethertheless i Had to constantly ask for Status Updates without getting a propper Response until 11hrs before departure. This gives No confidence and reliable Feeling. If there is an issue, let the customer know asap, If the current booking Situation is critical, do Not offer the possibilty to book it. The Advantage of using an app for bookings vanishes completly and in worst case ruins your whole schedule and further bookings already made.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Oct 14, 2025

Hashan F

I missed the train but managed to book a business class ticket. I recommend everyone to arrive at the airport about 1 hour prior to departure, as there is a long queue and a lack of communication skills to guide you with the e-ticket. I saw people struggling to print the e-ticket.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Sep 26, 2025

4.4

214 customer reviews

45%

23%

19%

13%

Vientiane to Luang Prabang Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price	Rating
Taxi	RG Adventure	SUV 4pax	Any time	+7h 30m	$262.42	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	$23.16	3.8
Train	Laos Railway by Family Service	Second Class Seat	06:30	09:46	$23.16	3.4
Train	Laos Railway by Family Service	Second Class Seat	07:00	11:04	$19.45	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	$21.68
Train	Laos Railway by Naluang	Second Class Reserved Seats	08:00	09:46	$27.69	4.3
Train	Laos Railway by RG Adventure	Hard Seat	08:25	11:04	$17.32	4.0
Train	Laos Railway by RG Adventure	Hard Seat	08:42	11:24	$17.32	4.0
Train	Laos Railway by Naluang	Second Class Reserved Seats	09:45	11:49	$24.14	4.3
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	10:30	16:25	$171.67
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	10:50	11:35	$69.27	4.0
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	11:20	12:05	$47.19	4.0
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	11:45	12:30	$57.78	4.0
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	12:05	12:05	$272.59
Train	Laos Railway by RG Adventure	Second Class Seat	12:30	15:40	$24.67
Train	Laos Railway by Naluang	Second Class Reserved Seats	13:00	15:54	$24.14	4.3
Train	Laos Railway by Naluang	Second Class Reserved Seats	13:30	15:30	$24.14	4.3
Flight	Thai AirAsia	Economy	13:50	14:05	$185.01

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 午前
Latest Departure	6:50 午後
Departures per day	70
Distance	638 kilometers
Transport Companies	China Eastern Airlines, 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, Thai AirAsia

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 521.70. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 20.07.

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 20.07 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 521.70.

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

Van price : USD 19.13 - USD 22.18;
Bus+Van price: USD 19.82. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 08:30 Vientiane Northern Bus Station until 08:30 Vientiane Northern Bus Station
Train tickets - USD 20.07 to USD 65.23;
Bus+Train price: USD 23.16 - USD 39.21. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 14:00 Vientiane Transfer
Bus tickets - USD 27.00 to USD 48.85;
taxi+Train price: USD 30.78 - USD 52.02. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 12:30 Vientiane Transfer
Train+Van price: USD 38.05 - USD 57.50. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 08:00 Vientiane Railway Station until 08:00 Vientiane Railway Station
taxi+Van price: USD 48.57. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 07:00 Vientiane Transfer until 07:00 Vientiane Transfer
Plane tickets - USD 50.06 to USD 325.46;

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 372.64 to USD 521.70.

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 41 trains per day.
10 by taxi+Train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 12:30 Vientiane Transfer
Buses start plying the route from 08:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 11:25. There are 8 available bus trips every day.
7 by Bus+Train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 14:00 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 50.06.

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

China Eastern Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย)

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 372.64.

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:

36% users enjoyed a train ride.
19% chosen taxi+Train
19% chosen taxi+Van
12% chosen Train+Van
6% opted for a van.
4% chosen Bus+Train
1% Other

Vientiane to Luang Prabang