The Boten to Luang Prabang train runs on the Laos-China Railway, operated by Laos-China Railway Company. Trains depart from Boten Railway Station near the Chinese border and run south through Na Teuy, Muang Xay, and other northern Laos mountain sections before arriving at Luang Prabang Railway Station. The rail distance is about 172 km, with C-series fast trains taking around 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes and slower services taking up to about 2 hours 40 minutes when scheduled. There are usually around 4 to 6 departures per day in this direction, with Second Class and First Class seats on C-series services and simpler seating on slower trains. One-way fares start from about LAK 210000 ($10 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 Laos public holidays, Chinese New Year travel, and peak dry-season travel from November to February.