Trains from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Trains from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Luang Prabang
Vientiane
Mon, Mar 23
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Luang Prabang to Vientiane Destination Reviews

SP
Scott P
No ticket in time I had to buy another ticket from a reputable vendor I canceled payment on my crefit card for your incompetence
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Mar 14, 2026
MS
Maria S
Efficient, on time. Enormous station outside Luang Prabang but no disabled facilities at all that I could see - no lifts or easy access, unless you arrive by car to the front (we were dropped off a few hundred meters away). No pen knives allowed!!! Which is a real problem for most backpackers who rely on self catering.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Mar 14, 2026
KD
Kuldip D
No communication. After waiting had to get a flight. Later they confirmed train ticket. Nobody responded to my requests for a update. Waste of time and money and the stress.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Mar 13, 2026
PT
Pierre T
You never sent me the ticket
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 24, 2026
D
David
Even if there is no available seats on this train 12go permit us to go.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 20, 2026
KF
Keiron F
Crazy service and chaos trying to get on train with much pushing and shoving make sure you get there early as it is more like an airport with security and luggage scanners and the station is a long way from Luang Prabang city. Allow 30 mins by taxi to get there . But a clean quick service
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 10, 2026
BK
Bryan K
Booked 1845 express train. Ticket issued for 1912 slow train
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train First Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 10, 2026
GT
Grete T
Impossible to get tickets through official app. 12go.asia fixed it in a few hours!
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 31, 2026
M
Maryam
I booked a train ticket from Luang Prabang to Vientiane with 12go. But I received the QR code from the “family service” company very late that made me feel stressed and anxious. But the train was on time and comfortable.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 30, 2026
JB
Jan B
It's just a train ride. Took first class...the main difference to second class was the seat color, a table in the armrest and a lady with a service cart where you can buy stuff. Don't waste your money on first class. It was clean and the seats are ok for a few hours.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane, Train First Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 28, 2026
4.4
250 customer reviews
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Luang Prabang to Vientiane Train Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
08:00
13:30
$28.40
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
09:30
12:30
$25.00
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
10:30
12:30
$22.00
  4.7
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
11:00
14:56
$22.35
  4.0
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
11:22
14:22
$25.00
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
11:50
14:50
$25.00
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:22
14:25
$23.14
  4.3
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:50
14:56
$23.14
  4.3
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
13:30
16:44
$27.61
  4.0
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
13:58
16:58
$25.00
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
14:49
16:35
$25.92
  4.3
Laos Group Tour
Standard
16:07
20:37
$21.00
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
16:37
19:17
$17.22
  3.5
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
17:00
20:44
$24.19
  4.0
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
17:30
20:44
$22.35
  4.0
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
17:56
20:56
$25.00
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
18:35
20:35
$22.00
  4.7
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
18:56
20:44
$23.14
  4.3
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
19:22
21:11
$23.14
  4.3

How to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by train

Train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is a decent alternative to bus or air travel. Travelling from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by train is easy, safe, and convenient. There is a direct railway link between the two destinations, which makes your trip smooth and hassle-free. Tickets are available for online booking and it is a good idea to buy them in advance to secure your seat. To get the most out of your train journey, check the schedule and choose the most convenient departure. As a rule, trains and ticket classes are available for every taste and budget.

How far is Luang Prabang from Vientiane?

The distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is 638 km. Railways link the two destinations so that you can travel direct without connections. If there are connections, they will be indicated in your ticket.

How long does it take to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by train?

Depending on the type of train, the length of your railway journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane may vary. The slowest train needs about 2h 40m to get to Vientiane, and the fastest one brings you there in about 1h 48m. We recommend opting for the fastest service to save you time, especially if you travel by day. With overnight service, the difference of a couple of hours seems not so crucial and may prove even convenient.

Note that trains normally depart on time from their station of origin but sometimes come later than scheduled to their terminus. It is better not to plan short connections if you are going to continue your journey immediately after arrival to Vientiane.

In many destinations, train stations are located very centrally and have good transport connections with the rest of the city, bus stations, and airports. It mostly concerns the older and well-established railway stations. The newer and bigger ones tend to appear in the outskirts of towns and cities, first of all, due to the reason of limited space in the central locations. Getting to and from there may be challenging even by taxi, as restrictions may apply on taxi operators allowed to serve the passengers. Hence, we highly recommend double-checking the location of the station you will depart from and arrive at as some destinations have several train stations.

How much does it cost to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by train?

There may be carriages of a different class on one and the same train on one and the same route. The price of your ticket will vary accordingly – from a dirt-cheap tag for hard seats to high numbers for super comfy overnight sleeper berths on luxury trains. For the Luang Prabang – Vientiane route, the cheapest ticket costs while if you want to travel with more comfort, expect to pay for the most expensive option.

Travelling by train essentials

  • Train tickets often sell out well before the date of departure. Book them in advance even if your travel does not fall onto high-season dates. Travelling during peak periods which also include public and national holidays, and long or bank weekends, advanced booking is a must if you do not want to remake your travel plans on the spot. It is unnecessary to go to the train station to book – buy your ticket online in a few clicks.
  • Advanced booking ensures you get the seats and berths you want. For example, the lower berths are always the first to sell out, while upper berths may be available even on the departure date. Similarly, for longer distances, it is the night trips that enjoy the highest demand, while you may be able to grab a ticket for the same route an hour before departure if it is an inconvenient day ride that eats a huge part of your time.
  • There may be different carriages within one and the same train: fan-only and air-conditioned; hard seats and soft seats; second class berths and private compartments. Before buying your ticket, make sure you understand what type of seat you are paying for. Prices may differ greatly, but sometimes it is a good idea to pay more not to spend 20 hours on a hard seat in a fan-only carriage. In general, second-class berths are a good choice for longer overnight trips, while for shorter 4-6-hour day journeys, a soft seat is a great option.
  • Air-conditioning on trains can be excessive – as well as heating during the cold season. Make sure to pack layers not to get cold or hot during your trip. In hot countries, fan-only carriages are a cheaper and acceptable alternative to air-conditioned carriages.
  • There are toilets on board a train. Depending on the type of train, some carriages can be equipped with simple squat-type toilets or normal Western toilets. Regardless of your ticket's price, the train toilets' cleanness is not often up to the standard, alas. It especially concerns cheaper classes, though even in first-class carriages, complaints are not unheard of.
  • There is normally a dining carriage on long-distance trains, but on some routes, dining carriages have become extinct due to covid-19 restrictions. Check in advance if food is available on board or simply pack some snacks to be on the safe side. On many trains, you will also see hawkers patrolling the aisles during the journey and selling soft beverages and snacks. Alcohol drinks are prohibited on trains.
  • Smoking is prohibited, too, if, of course, you are not travelling by a common class somewhere in China or Indonesia!
  • Arrive at the train station at least half an hour before departure to allow enough time to find your platform and go through check-in formalities. A passport or other ID which you use for buying your train ticket is almost always needed, so keep it at hand to produce when asked at check-in or boarding.
  • Trains may arrive at their destination later than scheduled. These delays are not uncommon, especially for long-haul routes. Be ready and plan accordingly. Yet compared to buses, trains are less weather and traffic dependent hence more reliable schedule-wise.

Transportation from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Facts about the train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Cheapest Train$21
Fastest Train1h 48m
Earliest Train11:30 AM
Latest Train7:22 PM
Daily Train Routes19
Distance638 kilometers
TrainLaos China Railways, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang