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Vientiane is the capital of Laos, 219 kilometres (136 miles) downriver from Luang Prabang. It's a low-key city of riverside temples, French bakeries and golden stupas. Flying is the quickest option, taking 1h 40m. Overland, the shared minivan is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, at $21 (471,000 LAK). The train costs a bit more but is quicker, at 3h 20m - 4h 40m.
Distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Luang Prabang and Vientiane are about 219 km (136 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 314 km by road. The quickest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 40m.
3 ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
There are three ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. You can choose between the train, shared minivan, and flight. The journey takes 1h 40m–8h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by shared minivan with tickets starting at $21 (471,000 LAK).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- How to get to Luang Prabang Railway Station30m
- Train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane1h 50m
- Vientiane Railway Station to City Centre1h
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- How to get to Luang Prabang Airport20m
- Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane45m
- Vientiane Airport to City Centre35m
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1Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Train
Combined fares start from $24 (533,000 LAK), depending on the type of seat you choose.
Step 1: How to get to Luang Prabang Railway Station
From the city centre, the best way to travel the 12 km to Luang Prabang Railway Station is via a shared minivan. This costs $1.80 (40,000 LAK) and takes about 30 minutes.
The easiest option is to book through your hotel. Provide your train date and time in advance, and they’ll arrange a shared minivan with hotel pickup. Note: the van may stop to pick up other passengers along the way.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from That Luang Park to Luang Prabang Train Station. This departs every hour from 08:00 to 17:00, except at 12:00 noon. A ticket costs $2.50 (55,000 LAK).
Step 2: Train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Laos-China Railway operates at least 5 trains daily from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Fares start from $21 (462,000 LAK) when you buy tickets through BookAway.
What we like about taking a high-speed train to Vientiane from Luang Prabang is that it cuts the travel time to just 1h 50m - 3h 10m. Before trains became available, the only way to travel this route was through an 8-hour bus or minivan ride.
IMPORTANT: Luang Prabang Train Station looks a lot like an airport, and you can expect the usual security checks. Aerosols and sharp metal objects like army knives will be confiscated. The X-ray and security check take some time, so save yourself the stress and arrive at the station 30 minutes to 1 hour before your trip.
Step tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Step 3: Vientiane Railway Station to City Centre
Vientiane Railway Station is some distance away from Vientiane city centre, about 13 km. There are 2 ways you can get to your accommodation: 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. From Vientiane Train Station, buses will take you to Talat Sao Bus Station in the city centre after about an hour.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which can complete the journey in about 40 minutes. Don't take just any taxi, though! Drivers at the train station sometimes overcharge tourists.
Instead, we recommend hailing one via local taxi apps like Loca and InDrive. This way, you'll know the rate upfront, no need to negotiate.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Shared Minivan
Minivans are available from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, but we don't recommend them.
It takes 8h to complete this route by minivan, which is often at full capacity and with little legroom.. There may be some scenery, but the ride will be bumpy as you pass through rough roads and potholes.
With fares from $21 (471,000 LAK), you don't save much compared to taking the train, which is far more comfortable.
However, if train tickets are sold out, or if you're carrying items that are not allowed on the train, the minivan is worth considering.
Vieng Chaleune, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, Aqua De Bamboo and Book Best Travel and Service are some of the minivan companies operating from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
Departure and arrival stations
Minivans depart from their own headquarters in Luang Prabang or from Naluang International Bus Station.
In Vientiane, there are two arrival points:
- Vientiane Northern Bus Terminal, 10 km from the city
- Talat Sao Bus Station in the city centre
Shared Minivan schedule from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Flight
Flying from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is quick, but it’s not much faster than the train and usually costs a lot more.
The total travel time is around 1h 40m, including airport transfers. Combined fares start from $66 (1,476,000 LAK).
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 Luang Prabang Airport
The most convenient way to get to Luang Prabang Airport from the city centre is by taxi. Fares start from $4.50 (100,000 LAK) when you book through the local taxi-hailing app Loca. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
The tuk-tuk is a local alternative, and usually costs the same as a Loca taxi, although drivers may try to charge more for tourists.
For more info, visit our complete guide for Luang Prabang Airport.
Step 2: Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Lao Airlines runs one daily flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. One-way tickets start from $60 (1,333,000 LAK), and the journey takes around 45 minutes.
If you’re looking to save a bit, Lao Skyway can be a cheaper option. We tried booking, though, and it wasn't possible through their website (as of March 2026). You can try arranging a Lao Skyway flight through a travel agency or third-party platform.
Step 3: Vientiane Airport to City Centre
There are 2 ways to travel the 8 km from Vientiane Airport to the city centre: by bus for $1.80 (40,000 LAK) and by taxi with rates from $3.20 (70,000 LAK). Both options take about 35 minutes.
The Vientiane Airport Bus Line is a convenient choice for solo travellers. It takes a clockwise route from Wattay International Airport to Central Bus Station, and then back to the airport — passing through most hotels and hostels in the city.
If you're travelling with at least one other person, it might be more cost-efficient to take a taxi. The cheapest way to do that would be to book one via local taxi-hailing apps like Loca and InDrive. Airport taxis are also readily available, but more expensive.
For more details, visit our guide for Vientiane Airport.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Our favourite places to stay in Vientiane
Here are our favourite places to stay in Vientiane for every budget.
Patuxay Place
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
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.
Eastin Hotel Vientiane
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.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, roughly 219 kilometres (136 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $21 (471,000 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 Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is 219 kilometres (136 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by flight and takes 1h 40m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by shared minivan with ticket costs starting from 471,000 LAK.
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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