Luang Prabang to Vientiane Trains

Laos /

Train Routes /

Get real-time train timetables

Download the Rail Monsters app today

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

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

InterCity

C-class - High-Speed Intercity C91

from

2898 USD

2h 3m, Direct

12:22

Luang PrabangStation

14:25

VientianeStation

from

2898 USD

Direct

InterCity

C-class - High-Speed Intercity C91

14:58

Luang PrabangStation

1h 46m

16:44

VientianeStation

Direct

High-speed

D-class - CRH Train D87

from

3367 USD

1h 46m, Direct

14:58

Luang PrabangStation

16:44

VientianeStation

from

3367 USD

Direct

High-speed

D-class - CRH Train D87

Evening trains

18:11

Luang PrabangStation

1h 48m

19:59

VientianeStation

Direct

High-speed

D-class - CRH Train D83

from

3367 USD

1h 48m, Direct

18:11

Luang PrabangStation

19:59

VientianeStation

from

3367 USD

Direct

High-speed

D-class - CRH Train D83

18:45

Luang PrabangStation

1h 48m

20:33

VientianeStation

Direct

InterCity

C-class - High-Speed Intercity C85

from

2898 USD

1h 48m, Direct

18:45

Luang PrabangStation

20:33

VientianeStation

from

2898 USD

Direct

InterCity

C-class - High-Speed Intercity C85

First train

12:22

Last train

19:22

Travel duration

2h 1m

Daily departures

Departure station

Luang Prabang

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Vientiane

Ticket price

$14

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Add passengers

Receive your ticket

Take the train

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?

Trusted by travelers
and rated 4.8 on average

e-Tickets to board

Seat Preferences
that works

International
Payment options

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.

We accept payments:

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.

Travel time

2h 1m

Train type

C-Class

D-class

K-class

Fastest trip

1h 46m

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

Station

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

Station

Available Ticket Classes

C-series Laos-China Railway trains between Luang Prabang and Vientiane usually offer Second Class and First Class seats. Second Class is the standard option with assigned seating in a 2+3 layout on many trainsets. First Class has wider assigned seats, more legroom, and a 2+2 layout. Ordinary K services, when available, use slower locomotive-hauled trains with standard reserved seats rather than high-speed-style First and Second Class seating.

from

$2118

Hard Seat Class

from

$2898

Second Class

from

$4590

First Class Seat

from

$8086

Business Class (Lounge Seat)

Practical Information for Laos-China Railway Travelers

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

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

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

Denise 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.

Mitja 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

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-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!

Allison 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

Changes

Direct

Travel time

1h 57m

Price from

$16

Departures

Rating

Train

Changes

Direct

Travel time

1h 47m

Price from

$22

Departures

Rating

Train

Changes

Direct

Travel time

2h 40m

Price from

$12

Departures

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.

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

Luang Prabang to Vientiane Train

C-series trains are the fastest regular services between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, running at up to 160 km/h (99 mph) on suitable sections of the Laos-China Railway and taking about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes. These trains use modern electric multiple units with assigned First Class and Second Class seating. Ordinary K services, when scheduled, stop more often and can take around 3 hours or longer on the same corridor. The faster C trains are the usual choice for travelers connecting Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane in one day. Operator: Laos-China Railway Co.

C-Class

C-Class intercity trains run frequent short routes, often reaching speeds up to 250 km/h

Learn more

D-class

D-class trains commonly reach service speeds up to 250 km/h

Learn more

K-class

K-class Fast Express serves long routes with sleepers, dining cars and 120 km/h speeds

Learn more

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

Popular Train Routes

Trains from Luang Prabang

Trains from Vientiane

More to Explore