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Luang Prabang to Vientiane Trains

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Luang Prabang to Vientiane Train Tickets & Timetable

The Luang Prabang to Vientiane train runs on the Laos-China Railway, operated by Laos-China Railway Co. Trains depart from Luang Prabang Railway Station and travel south through the mountain section of the line toward Vang Vieng before reaching Vientiane Railway Station. The rail distance is about 242 km, with C-series electric multiple-unit trains completing the trip in about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes. Ordinary K services, when scheduled on this section, take roughly 3 hours or more because they make more stops. There are usually around 6 to 8 departures per day in this direction, with First Class and Second Class seats on C trains and standard seats on ordinary services. One-way fares start from about 242,000 Lao kip ($12 USD) for a basic Second Class seat. Final prices depend on class and season; current prices are visible in real time on the search page above. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead; book earlier for Lao New Year in April, major public holidays, and peak dry-season travel from November to February.
11Jun
1
Seats
Luang Prabang
Vientiane

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Day trains

12:22
Luang PrabangStation
2h 3m
14:25
VientianeStation
Direct
C-class - High-Speed Intercity C91
from
2898 USD
1
2h 3m, Direct
12:22
Luang PrabangStation
14:25
VientianeStation
from
2898 USD
1
Direct
InterCity
14:58
Luang PrabangStation
1h 46m
16:44
VientianeStation
Direct
D-class - CRH Train D87
from
3367 USD
1
1h 46m, Direct
14:58
Luang PrabangStation
16:44
VientianeStation
from
3367 USD
1
Direct
High-speed

Evening trains

18:11
Luang PrabangStation
1h 48m
19:59
VientianeStation
Direct
D-class - CRH Train D83
from
3367 USD
1
1h 48m, Direct
18:11
Luang PrabangStation
19:59
VientianeStation
from
3367 USD
1
Direct
High-speed
18:45
Luang PrabangStation
1h 48m
20:33
VientianeStation
Direct
C-class - High-Speed Intercity C85
from
2898 USD
1
1h 48m, Direct
18:45
Luang PrabangStation
20:33
VientianeStation
from
2898 USD
1
Direct
InterCity
day

First train

12:22
night

Last train

19:22
distance

Travel duration

2h 1m
daily-departure

Daily departures

6
departure-station

Departure station

Luang Prabang
changes-type

Changes

direct
arrival-station

Arrival station

Vientiane
ticket-price

Ticket price

$14
background

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

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4

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Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations
Changes and cancellations for Luang Prabang to Vientiane train tickets depend on the selected fare conditions and the time remaining before departure. Review the ticket rules before confirming your Laos-China Railway booking.
Secure Payment Options
Pay for Luang Prabang to Vientiane railway tickets with major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other supported digital methods. Online payment confirmation is sent by email after booking.
Book Official Tickets Easily
Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Luang Prabang to Vientiane train on Laos-China Railway C services and selected ordinary services. Choose your date, train, and seat class online before traveling to Luang Prabang Railway Station.
24/7 Human Customer Support
Human support agents are available 24/7 for Luang Prabang to Vientiane ticket questions, passenger details, schedule checks, and station guidance for both Luang Prabang Railway Station and Vientiane Railway Station.
Receive Your Tickets Instantly
After booking, Rail Monsters sends the Luang Prabang to Vientiane train confirmation by email. Keep the passenger name and travel document details consistent with the ID used at station checks.

Why Book Luang Prabang to Vientiane Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Rail Monsters gives Luang Prabang to Vientiane passengers 24/7 human support, mobile apps for iOS and Android, real-time train information, and a single account for rail bookings in Laos and worldwide. The system lets travelers manage ticket details before arriving at the station security and ID checks.

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Luang Prabang to Vientiane Route Overview

The Luang Prabang to Vientiane route is the main southbound passenger section of the Laos-China Railway, cutting through steep limestone terrain between northern Laos and the capital region. A distinctive feature of this trip is the number of tunnels and high bridges between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, which replaced a road trip that often took most of a day. Seats on C trains are assigned, and passengers should expect airport-style security and ID checks before entering the platform area. Non-reserved boarding is not the normal practice on this route, so the passenger name and travel document should match the ticket.
time-s

Travel time

2h 1m

fastest-s

Fastest trip

1h 46m

longest-s

Longest trip

2h 40m

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-listed former royal capital known for its temples, French colonial streets, and Mekong riverside setting. Luang Prabang Railway Station is outside the old town, so travelers should allow time for the road transfer from the peninsula area before departure.

Luang Prabang

StationStation
arrowarrow

2h 1m

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Laos, set along the Mekong River opposite Thailand. Vientiane Railway Station on the Laos-China Railway is northeast of the central riverfront area, with road transfers needed for Patuxai, Pha That Luang, and central hotels.

Vientiane

StationStation

Practical Information for Laos-China Railway Travelers

Luggage icon
Laos-China Railway stations use security screening before platform access. Keep passports or accepted ID available with your ticket details.
Luggage Allowance
Adult passengers are generally allowed up to 20 kg of carry-on luggage, with items kept within station and train size limits. Large or heavy items may be refused at security or require separate handling, so pack for overhead racks and seat-area storage.
Storage Facilities
C-series trains have overhead racks for small and medium bags, plus limited larger-bag space near carriage ends. Keep valuables and travel documents with you, as station checks and boarding can move quickly before departure.
Special Items
Bicycles, sports gear, and large musical instruments should be packed securely and accepted only if they meet luggage rules and security screening requirements. Fuel, sharp tools, flammable items, and other restricted goods are not allowed on board.

Average rating & reviews

4.7
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Among mobile stores and search platforms
4.7
starstarstarstarstar
Among mobile stores and search platforms
Easy purchase and process
We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience
avatarDenise Harston
Thank you very much for your support
Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.
avatarMitja Bostner
Thank you, David!
Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1
avatarAlan
Local Guide
Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.
avatarMarius-Adrian Nicoara
Very kind and helpful staff
Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!
avatarAllison Makhoul

Luang Prabang to Vientiane Map

The Luang Prabang to Vientiane route follows the Laos-China Railway south for about 242 km. The line leaves Luang Prabang Railway Station, passes through tunnel-heavy mountain sections, reaches the Vang Vieng area, then continues across lower terrain toward Vientiane Railway Station. Views alternate between limestone hills, forested valleys, river crossings, and new railway viaducts.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

C

Changes

Direct

Travel time

1h 57m

Price from

$16

Departures

87

Rating

Train

D

Changes

Direct

Travel time

1h 47m

Price from

$22

Departures

59

Rating

Train

K

Changes

Direct

Travel time

2h 40m

Price from

$12

Departures

29

Rating

The train links Luang Prabang Railway Station and Vientiane Railway Station in under 2 hours on the fastest C services, far shorter than the mountain road trip. Buses and vans between Luang Prabang and Vientiane commonly take 7 to 10 hours depending on road conditions, stops, and weather. Flights are short in the air, but airport transfers, check-in, and security reduce the time advantage for city-to-city travel. Rail also produces lower emissions per passenger than flying on this domestic corridor.
Greener choice

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

2h 1m

$14-$51

Bus

Apprx.

8h 30m

$18-$35

Flight

Apprx.

45m

$70-$160

FAQ about the Luang Prabang - Vientiane Route

How much is the train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?

One-way fares from Luang Prabang to Vientiane start from about 242,000 Lao kip ($12 USD) for a basic Second Class seat. Final prices depend on class and season; current prices are visible in real time on the search page above.

How do I book Luang Prabang to Vientiane train tickets?

Book Luang Prabang to Vientiane train tickets on Rail Monsters by selecting your travel date, train service, and seat class. Rail Monsters accepts bookings 6 to 12 months ahead and provides mobile apps for iOS and Android for managing trip details.

How long is the train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?

The fastest C-series trains take about 1 hour 45 minutes between Luang Prabang Railway Station and Vientiane Railway Station. Some services take around 2 hours 10 minutes, while ordinary K trains, when available, can take roughly 3 hours or more.

How fast is the Laos-China Railway train on this route?

C-series passenger trains on the Luang Prabang to Vientiane section run at up to 160 km/h (99 mph). Average speed is lower because of station stops, mountain alignment, tunnels, and approach sections near Vientiane.

Is there a Laos rail pass for Luang Prabang to Vientiane?

Laos does not have a national rail pass comparable to larger multi-route pass systems. Rail Monsters sells individual tickets for the Luang Prabang to Vientiane route on the Laos-China Railway.
Learn more information at our
Country Guide