Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Vientiane
Luang Prabang
Tue, Dec 23
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Vientiane to Luang Prabang Destination Reviews

PL
The seat were not confortable and I had the confirmation just 1h before departure
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Dec 18, 2025
MC
A little over 2 hours to travel to Luang Prabang from Vientiane. Very efficient.Train was clean and comfortable.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Dec 14, 2025
IO
Honestly, the organisation really needs improvement. The QR code is useless — you MUST print your tickets, otherwise you simply can’t board. This caused a huge waste of time. We arrived 25–30 minutes early, and they printed the first ticket, then one minute later told me they couldn’t print the second one because “it was too late.” For a train, half an hour in advance should definitely be enough… There was only one ticket counter open, the staff looked overwhelmed, and the line moved extremely slowly. Outside, there were some women trying to help passengers, but they didn’t even look like official staff — no uniform. They were basically there to translate and explain things in English. Luckily, one of them was amazing and really helped me sort things out. The train itself is new, clean, and the staff onboard is polite and well dressed, but it doesn’t make up for the rest: ➡️ two unexplained 30-minute stops, ➡️ very poor organisation, ➡️ and overall nothing close to the efficiency you find in Thailand. In short, a lot of wasted time for no reason.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Dec 11, 2025
ET
I booked tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang for tomorrow and was worried that they wouldn't be processed and approved quickly enough. But everything went smoothly, the tickets were emailed to me, and the next day I went to Luang Prabang. I quickly cleared security at the train station entrance; there are kiosks inside where you can get tea, coffee, and snacks. Passengers were allowed onto the platform to board the train 20 minutes before departure. The interior was clean, there was a restroom, and attendants offered snacks and drinks. We arrived on time. The train stations are new, large, and modern. And the trains are also new and fast. Great travel experience. Highly recommended.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Dec 11, 2025
FA
We booked first class tickets for the train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. The request was handled by a third party operator even so we paid 12go. The operator came back to us with the information, that the requested train is not running and we should choose between 3 other time options (as we have requested in the original booking, that in case the requested train is not available to change the time but not the date or the class). The operator only came back to us 16 hours before departure, with two tickets for the train we originally requested and in the first response form the operator was not running that day. We requested a refund through the operator and also through 12go. The only response we have received were another confirmation now by 12go for the second class tickets and several requests to rate the service. The tickest go on sale by the train company three days before. To only get a final confirmation 16 hours before departure for the wrong ticket is unacceptable and put the customer in and uncomfortable situation. Reading other customers comments, it seems that leaving the customer in the dark as long as possible and then issue a ticket that does not reflect the paid ticket, is part of the business model. Our request for at least a refund for the change from first to second class is still outstanding as is any reply from 12go on this matter.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train First Class, Laos Group Tour, Dec 7, 2025
TW
Excellent service. Fast and comfortable.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 29, 2025
CV
Smooth experience ! totally recommended
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 23, 2025
KP
No communication until the night before. No communication on the pick up. I had to take a taxi. This is very stressful and needs to be really improved.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 13, 2025
PA
We didn’t have confirmation until 12 hours before departure As the tickets can be issued 4days before we were expecting to get the tickets much sooner So it was stressfull But the train journey went perfectly.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Nov 10, 2025
ET
Booked first class, given second class ticket going backwards in middle seat. Was told my ticket would be issued in 8 hours. Took 3 days after I followed up. The Laos tour group you pawned me off to never replied to my message asking explanation as to why I didn't get a first class ticket. Is that what I paid for? Still not sure.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Train First Class, Laos Group Tour, Nov 9, 2025
4.4
264 customer reviews
5
47%
4
23%
3
17%
2
12%
1
1%

Vientiane to Luang Prabang Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+7h 30m
$270.48
  5.0
Van
Luang Prabang Travel
Van
05:30
13:30
$19.00
Train
Laos Railway by Family Service
Second Class Seat
06:00
09:16
$23.87
  3.8
Train
Laos Railway by Family Service
Second Class Seat
06:30
09:46
$23.87
  3.4
Train
Laos Railway by Family Service
Second Class Seat
07:00
11:04
$20.05
  3.4
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
07:20
09:06
$22.00
  4.1
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
07:40
11:24
$22.34
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
08:00
09:46
$28.54
  4.3
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
08:25
11:04
$17.85
  4.0
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
08:42
11:24
$17.85
  4.0
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
09:45
11:49
$24.88
  4.3
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
10:30
16:25
$173.34
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
10:50
11:35
$70.01
  4.0
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
11:20
12:05
$47.69
  4.0
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
11:45
12:30
$58.39
  4.0
Flight
Lao Airlines
Economy
12:05
12:05
$275.24
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:30
15:40
$25.43
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
13:00
15:54
$24.88
  4.3
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
13:30
15:30
$24.88
  4.3
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
13:50
14:05
$186.81

Transportation from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Facts about the transport from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Cheapest Transport$20
Fastest Transport45m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure6:05 PM
Departures per day61
Distance638 kilometers
Transport CompaniesChit Prasong, Family Service, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Laos Group Tour, Laos Luxury Travel, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, RG Adventure

How to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Travelling between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is possible by Flight, bus, train, van and taxi. Flight guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Flight is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 538.71 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a train which will set you back mere USD 20.72.

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

It can take you anywhere between 1 and 26 hours to travel between Vientiane and Luang Prabang depending on the means of transport you choose.

Flight is the fastest way to travel between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Flight will bring you to your destination in 45m. Flight does a much slower job and take about 1d 1h 30m to reach Luang Prabang.

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

Travelling between Vientiane and Luang Prabang can be as cheap as USD 20.72 if you opt for a Laos Railway by Family Service train and as expensive as USD 538.71 if you buy a RG Adventure taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Vientiane and Luang Prabang ?

  • 39 from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 15:40 Vientiane Railway Station
  • 8 by taxi+Train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 09:45 Vientiane Railway Station
  • 5 from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 08:25 Vientiane Railway Station until 11:25 Vientiane Railway Station
  • 5 by Bus+Train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 08:00 Vientiane Transfer
  • 2 by Train+Van from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 08:00 Vientiane Railway Station until 08:00 Vientiane Railway Station
  • 2 from Vientiane to Luang Prabang starting from 00:00 Vientiane Transfer until 00:00 Vientiane Transfer

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Flights

Flying is the fastest and often the most expensive way to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, but with a bit of luck you can score very good deals for as little as USD 49.69.

Things to remember: Note that some of the airlines may have restrictions on checked luggage weight or require paying extra for check-in, choosing seats or transportation of oversized luggage.

If opting for a flight, calculate the time you will spend getting to and from the airports as well as the waiting time before your flight, getting through immigration in case of an international flight and recovering your checked luggage.

In certain cases all these procedures can add no less than 5 hours to your total travel time.

Airlines flying between Vientiane and Luang Prabang

Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines, Lao Airlines

Bus

Travelling from Vientiane to Luang Prabang overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Vientiane and Luang Prabang

Laos Luxury Travel

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Vientiane and Luang Prabang

RG Adventure

Train

Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.

Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Vientiane and Luang Prabang

Chit Prasong (ຈິດປະສົງ), Family Service

What is the most popular transport to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Train remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 37% took a train
  • 18% chosen taxi+Train
  • 17% chosen taxi+Van
  • 12% chosen Train+Van
  • 7% chosen Bus+Train
  • 5% took a van
  • 1% Other