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Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-listed town on the Mekong, 219 kilometres (136 miles) north of Vientiane. Its old quarter is packed with gilded temples, and saffron-robed monks collect alms at dawn. Flying is the quickest way, taking 1h 40m. Overland, the cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is the minivan at $25 (547,000 LAK). The train costs a little more and cuts the journey down to 3h 15m - 4h 10m.
Distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Vientiane and Luang Prabang are about 219 km (136 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 314 km by road. The quickest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 40m.
3 ways to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
There are three ways to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. You can choose between the train, flight, and shared minivan. The journey takes 1h 40m–7h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by shared minivan with tickets starting at $25 (547,000 LAK).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- How to get to Vientiane Railway Station1h
- Train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang1h 45m
- Luang Prabang Railway Station to the City Centre30m
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- How to get to Vientiane Airport35m
- Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang45m
- Luang Prabang Airport to the City Centre20m
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Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Train
Travelling by train is the most practical option from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Travel time is only 3h 15m - 4h 10m, way faster than the minivan.
Combined fares start from $26 (572,000 LAK), depending on the train seat you choose.
Step 1: How to get to Vientiane Railway Station
Vientiane Railway Station is some distance away from Vientiane city centre, about 13 km. There are 2 ways you can get there: by bus for $1.40 (30,000 LAK) and by taxi with rates from $5.90 (130,000 LAK).
The bus is cheaper, but takes longer. Also, bus departures are set, so you might have to wait for a while even if you arrive early at the bus station. If you're taking the bus to Vientiane Train Station, it's best to allot extra time to make sure you arrive in time for your train.
Buses depart from Talat Sao Bus Station in Vientiane city centre and arrive at Vientiane Railway Station after about an hour.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which can complete the journey in just about 40 minutes. We recommend hailing one via local taxi apps like Loca and InDrive. This way, you'll know the rate upfront, no worries about being overcharged.
IMPORTANT: Vientiane 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 Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Laos-China Railway operates at least 5 trains daily from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Fares start from $23 (500,000 LAK) when you book with BookAway.
What we like about taking a high-speed train to Luang Prabang from Vientiane is that it cuts the travel time to just 1h 45m - 2h 40m. Before the Laos-China Railway was launched, the only way to travel this route was through an 8-hour bus or minivan ride.
Step tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Step 3: Luang Prabang Railway Station to the City Centre
From Luang Prabang Railway Station, the easiest way to travel the 12 km to the city centre is via a shared minivan. This costs $1.80 (40,000 LAK) and takes about 30 minutes.
You will find the shared minivans just outside the train station. Just follow the mass exit of people, most likely also taking the shared minivan. The good thing about this option is that although shared, it will take you directly (or very close) to your accommodation.
Another option to get from Luang Prabang Train Station to the city centre is the bus, which costs $2.50 (55,000 LAK). But unlike the minivan, the bus won't take you to your hotel. Its last stop is at That Luang Park in the city centre.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Flight
Flying is a quick way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang — although not much faster than the train, and much more expensive.
Travel time with the flight takes about 1h 40m. Combined fares start from $66 (1,476,000 LAK), including airport transfers.
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 Vientiane Airport
There are 2 ways to get from Vientiane city centre to Wattay International Airport: by bus for $1.80 (40,000 LAK) and by taxi with rates from $3.20 (70,000 LAK). Travel time is around 35 minutes.
If you're travelling solo, the Vientiane Airport Bus Line is a convenient choice. It takes a clockwise route from Wattay Airport to Central Bus Station, and then back to the airport — just ask your accommodation where to find the nearest bus stop.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which is more cost-efficient if you're travelling with at least one other person. The cheapest way to do that would be to book one via local taxi-hailing apps like Loca and InDrive.
Check out our guide for Vientiane Airport for more info.
Step 2: Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Lao Airlines offers one flight daily from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.
One-way tickets start at $60 (1,333,000 LAK), and it takes around 45 minutes to reach Luang Prabang.
Lao Skyway is a cheaper alternative when flying to Luang Prabang from Vientiane. But the last time we checked (April 2026), it was not possible to book through its official website.
Step 3: Luang Prabang Airport to the City Centre
The most convenient way to get from Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre is by taxi. The 20-minute ride costs around $4.50 (100,000 LAK) when you book through the local taxi-hailing app Loca.
Airport taxis are also available, but much more expensive, with rates from $14 (320,000 LAK).
The tuk-tuk is a local alternative, and usually costs the same as a Loca taxi.
For more details, check out our complete guide for Luang Prabang Airport.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Shared Minivan
Minivans run along the Vientiane to Luang Prabang route, but they’re not our top pick.
The minivan journey takes around 7-8h, and it can get pretty cramped. Seats are often full, legroom is tight, and the ride can get bumpy because of the many potholes along the way.
A minivan seat costs $25 (547,000 LAK), which isn’t much cheaper than a faster, more comfortable train ride.
That said, minivans can still come in handy — if train tickets are sold out, or if you’re travelling with items not allowed on the train.
Some of the main minivan operators on this route include Chit Prasong and Family Service.
Departure and arrival stations
In Vientiane, there are two common departure points. Pick which one is most convenient for you:
- Vientiane Northern Bus Terminal, 10 km from the city
- Talat Sao Bus Station in the city centre
You will be dropped off at Naluang International Bus Station in Luang Prabang.
Shared Minivan schedule from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang
Here are our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang for every budget.
Manichan Guesthouse
- Ideal location
- Walking distance to many sights
- Breakfast included
- Restaurant on-site
Sakaodeuan Hotel & Travel
Sakaodeuan Hotel located within the Old Town of Luang Prabang is in an ideal location to explore some of the city's best sights. You're less than 1km away from both Mount Phousy and the Night Market.
The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean. One of the best things about this hotel are the staff who are there to help you with anything. And the complimentary breakfast is a highlight of the stay. It's delicious!
- Located in the Old Town
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Amazing staff
- Delicious free breakfast
Double rooms start from $75 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos. A beautiful fusion of traditional Lao architecture and colonial design, this ancient city sits at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Luang Prabang lifts up your spirits with its 33 Buddhist temples and awakens your senses with its picturesque landscape.
Backdropped by mountains, adventurers will find plenty of things to do in Luang Prabang. You'll find turquoise waterfalls, trekking trips and biking trails on the outskirts of town. Our favourite part? The friendly atmosphere and slow life that it was somehow able to maintain despite the growing number of tourists.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, roughly 219 kilometres (136 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $25 (547,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 1h 40m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
The distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is 219 kilometres (136 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
The fastest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is by flight and takes 1h 40m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
The cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is by shared minivan with ticket costs starting from 547,000 LAK.
Route Update History
- Updated Train by Admin
- Updated Flight by Admin
- Updated Shared Minivan by Admin
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Senior Travel Writer
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.
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