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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 8 kilometre distance from Vientiane to Vientiane. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 2 ways to get from Vientiane to Vientiane. You can choose between the airport shuttle, taxi. The most affordable option is by airport shuttle, starting from $40. The fastest route is by airport shuttle (0h 35m).
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The airport shuttle bus is the cheapest way to get from Wattay International Airport to Vientiane city centre. A ticket costs and the bus journey takes around .
Most buses are fairly new, clean, comfortable, and rarely crowded.
The Vientiane Airport Bus Line claims that it connects the airport to all hotels in the city centre. It takes a clockwise route from Wattay Airport to Central Bus Station, and then back to the airport. Below are some of the hotels and hostels the buses will pass by along the way.
From the airport to the city, buses are available from 08:10 to 20:30. From the city to the airport, the first bus departs at 07:30 while the last trip is at 18:50.
You can find the airport shuttle just outside Wattay Airport. Look for the white and green Bus No. 44.
In Vientiane, the bus arrives and departs from the Central Bus Station. You can buy a bus ticket before you board or inside the bus.
Travelling with at least one other person? It will be more convenient to take a taxi from Vientiane Airport to the city centre.
A ride costs about when you book with taxi-hailing apps like Loca and InDrive, which are some of the popular apps available in Laos. Grab and Uber don't operate here.
Travel time with the taxi is about between the airport and Vientiane city.
If you don't have a data connection or don't want to bother with taxi-hailing apps, you can also take an airport taxi. They're known to be more expensive, though, with a flat rate of about 140,000 LAK to the city centre.
You’ll see taxi service counters near the exit gate when you head out of the baggage claim area. During peak season, you may have to wait in line for a taxi.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
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Carbon Footprint
This 8 km journey produces approximately 1 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Luggage Safety
Some stops on this route involve luggage storage or transfers. Keep valuables in your carry-on and use a lock on checked bags.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
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.
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.
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.
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