A beautiful view from within central Vientiane-mobile

How to get from
Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Luang Prabang to Vientiane Trip Overview

Distance211 km (131.9 miles)
Price range$19-$139
Ride Duration Range40m-11h
Earliest Departure00:30
Latest Departure12:10

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Luang Prabang to Vientiane



























































































Taking a train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Fastest train: 2h

Cheapest train: $25

The fastest: 2h

The cheapest: $25

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Charger

Food

Wheelchair accessibility

The fastest: 6h

The cheapest: $19

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

The fastest: 40m

The cheapest: $36

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

WC

A/C

A beautiful view from within central Vientiane

About the journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is a town of temples and monasteries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is famous for its daily Alms Giving Ceremony and beautifully decorated wats. There is plenty to do for lovers of the outdoors too - the 3-tiered Kuang Si Falls beckons with its blue-green waters while a trek to the top of Mount Phou Si rewards you with incredible sights of the sun setting over the Mekong. 

The capital of Laos, Vientiane, has a relaxing and unhurried vibe about it. Richly decorated Buddhist temples sit alongside elegant French colonial architecture in this capital city - the That Luang is one of Vientiane's most impressive structures, as is the Arc de Triomphe-inspired Patuxai Victory Gate. Pedal your way across the city and ride along the Mekong, making your way through markets and sampling local delicacies. 

The distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is 210 miles (339 km). Buses and minivans are the most cost-effective options available to travel this route. It takes between 9.5 hours and 11 hours to cover the distance and both day and evening departure timings are available for travelers to choose from. Those who prefer not to travel by road or simply want the fastest option can take the once a day flight operated by Lao Airlines that takes around 40 minutes.

How to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Taking a bus

With ticket prices starting from $23 per passenger, buses are the most economical option for those traveling to Vientiane from Luang Prabang. There are three departures per day that include daytime and nighttime options. The nighttime buses have single reclining seats or flat double beds. Travelers can purchase two tickets if they want to opt for a bed and prefer not to share it with another passenger. 

The air-conditioned buses take around ten hours to reach Vientiane and make stops along the way for food and restroom breaks. The night buses are a great way to save up on hotel costs and are an excellent choice for backpackers and budget travelers.

Taking a minivan 

Minivans are a popular choice available for travelers looking to get to Vientiane from Luang Prabang. Travel time is around nine hours, and ticket prices start from $25 per passenger, making it slightly higher-priced than bus tickets. There are up to five departures every day, including day and early evening timings. Many of the operators offer hotel pick up, sometimes for a small additional fee, making minivans a convenient option. 

 

Taking a flight 

Lao Airlines offers a once a day flight in the early evening from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. This 40-minute flight is the perfect choice for travelers looking for the quickest way to get to Vientiane and don't have budgetary constraints. 

 

What to see when traveling from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?

The ride from Luang Prabang to Vientiane provides you with plenty of opportunities to take in the country's scenic landscape. If you are taking the daytime bus or minivan, be ready to be awed by majestic limestone karsts, imposing mountains and hill villages as the journey takes you through the beautiful Vang Vieng valley. Sit back and relax as your bus/minivan winds its way through charming villages and quaint towns and presents you with plenty of chances to observe and appreciate the lives and routines of the locals.

Companies Operating from Luang Prabang to Vientiane

Average time

2h - 11h

Average price

$25 - $31

(149)

Average time

6h

Average price

$20

(23)

Average time

45m

Average price

$59 - $86

(4)

Average time

8h

Average price

$19

(1)

Popular stations and stops in Luang Prabang and Vientiane

Departure stations in Luang Prabang

Southern Bus Terminal

Laos Group, Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ)

Luang Prabang Southern Stop

Luang Prabang Train Station

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Arrival stations in Vientiane

Vientiane Northern Bus Terminal

Patuxay Monument

Wattay International Airport (VTE) - Vientiane Airport

Vientiane Northern Bus Stop

Vientiane Train Station

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