How to Get From Vientiane Airport to Vientiane City Centre
Airport Shuttle · Taxi
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Vientiane Airport is a short drive from the city centre. It's small and easy to cross, so getting out to the riverside is quick. The cheapest way from Vientiane Airport to the city centre is the shuttle at $1.80 (40,000 LAK), taking 35 minutes. A taxi costs a bit more and takes about as long.
2 ways to travel from Vientiane Airport to Vientiane City Centre
There are two ways to travel from Vientiane Airport to Vientiane City Centre. You can choose between the bus and private transport. The journey takes 35m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $1.80 (40,000 LAK).
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Vientiane Airport to Vientiane City Centre by Airport Shuttle
The airport shuttle bus is the cheapest way to get from Wattay International Airport to Vientiane city centre. A ticket costs $1.80 (40,000 LAK) and the bus journey takes around 35 minutes.
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.
- Mekong Hotel
- Somerset Vientiane
- Amari Vientiane
- Sabaidee @ Lao Hotel
- Settha Palace Hotel
- Vientiane Plaza Hotel
- Chaleunxay Hotel
- TT Hostel
- Crowne Plaza
Vientiane Airport Shuttle: Timetable and bus stops
The airport shuttle runs every 1.5 to 2 hours.
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.
Vientiane Airport to Vientiane City Centre by Taxi
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 $3.20 (70,000 LAK) 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 35m 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 $6.30 (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.
Pre-book your ride with BookAway
Do you want your private ride waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the airport? We recommend booking one online beforehand through BookAway. Rates start from $31 (684,000 LAK) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $10 (228,000 LAK) per person.
Private transport from Vientiane Airport to city centre
Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Private transport from the city centre to Vientiane Airport
Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
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 Vientiane Airport to Vientiane City Centre, roughly apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $1.80 (40,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 35m.
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 fastest way to get from Vientiane to Vientiane?
Journey times from Vientiane to Vientiane overlap: airport shuttle 35 minutes, taxi 35m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Vientiane?
The cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Vientiane is by bus with ticket costs starting from 40,000 LAK.
About the Author
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.
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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.
