🚆 Railway in Laos
📍 Laos Train Map
🚉 Railway Routes
📅 Train Schedule
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips
🎫 Book Train Ticket
Quick answer: The Laos train map shows the modern Laos–China Railway (LCR) from Vientiane to Boten, with connections to Kunming in China. It is the main railway line in Laos and the fastest way to travel between major cities. You can check the map, train schedules and book tickets online in advance.
🚆 Laos Railway – At a glance:
- 📍 Main route: Vientiane → Boten (approx. 414 km)
- 🚆 Key stations: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Boten
- ⏱️ Travel time: Vientiane → Luang Prabang ~2 hours
- 💰 Ticket prices: from about $8–50 per person
- 🌏 International route: direct rail connection to China (Kunming)
- 🗺️ Future plans: expansion south toward Pakse and regional links
Last updated: May 2026
Laos Train Map & Railway Guide (Lao–China Railway)
The modern Lao–China Railway (LCR), launched in December 2021, is the first railway system in Laos and a major upgrade to the country’s transport network. It connects the capital Vientiane with northern Laos and the Chinese border at Boten, with onward connections to Kunming.
This railway line links key tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, making travel across Laos faster, easier and more comfortable.
CHECK TRAIN SCHEDULE & TICKETS ➜
Although the Laos railway network is still limited, there are plans to expand routes further south (e.g. towards Pakse) and improve regional connections with neighboring countries.
Today, travelers can use both high-speed trains and ordinary trains on the Laos–China Railway.
The trains are modern, affordable and provide one of the best ways to travel between major cities in Laos.
You can explore the railway map below, check train routes and easily book tickets online in advance.
📍 Laos Train Map – Railway Network & Main Stations
This interactive Laos railway map shows the main train routes, major stations and the Laos–China Railway (LCR) network across Laos.
Some smaller or less important railway stations are not displayed. Red circles mark the main train stations and key tourist destinations. Click on each icon to view more details about routes and connections.
🚉 Laos Train Routes – Most Popular Railway Connections
The modern Laos–China Railway (LCR) connects the main cities of Laos with fast and comfortable trains. Below are the most popular train routes in Laos used by travelers.
-
Vang Vieng → Vientiane:
Fast connection from the scenic town of Vang Vieng to the capital city of Vientiane. -
Vientiane → Luang Prabang:
One of the most popular routes linking the capital with the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang. -
Luang Prabang → Vientiane:
Comfortable return journey between Laos’ cultural center and the capital. -
Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng:
Scenic ride between mountains, rivers and limestone landscapes. -
Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang:
Short and popular route connecting two of the top tourist destinations. -
Vientiane → Vang Vieng:
Quick transfer from the capital to one of Laos’ most scenic regions. -
Vientiane → Kunming (via Boten):
International railway route connecting Laos with China via the Laos–China Railway. -
Vientiane → Boten (border crossing):
Key railway route to northern Laos and the border with China.
These routes form the backbone of the Laos railway network and allow fast travel between major destinations. Train tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
📅 Laos Train Schedule & Timetable (LCR Railway)
These Laos train schedules show the latest timetables on the modern Laos–China Railway (LCR).
Trains connect Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang with fast travel times and modern services.
Train tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
| Train | Departs (Vientiane) | Arrival (Vang Vieng) | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos – China Railway (C98) | 07:30 | 08:22 | From $8-17/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (C82) | 13:30 | 14:23 | From $8-17/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (C92) | 09:45 | 10:40 | From $8-17/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (K12) | 08:42 | 10:02 | From $6-10/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (D88) | 08:08 | 09:00 | From $10-20/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (C84) | 15:55 | 17:08 | From $8-17/pp |
| Train | Departs (Vientiane) | Arrival (Luang Prabang) | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos – China Railway (C98) | 07:30 | 09:16 | From $16-28 |
| Laos – China Railway (D88) | 08:08 | 09:53 | From $17-28 |
| Laos – China Railway (C82) | 13:30 | 15:30 | From $16-28 |
| Laos – China Railway (K12) | 08:42 | 11:24 | From $11-15 |
| Laos – China Railway (C92) | 09:45 | 11:49 | From $16-28 |
| Laos – China Railway (C84) | 15:55 | 18:06 | From $16-28 |
| Train | Departs (Luang Prabang) | Arrival | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos – China Railway (C81) | 19:22 | 21:08 | From $16-28/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (C83) | 18:40 | 20:31 | From $16-28/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (D87) | 14:49 | 16:34 | From $17-30/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (C91) | 12:52 | 14:56 | From $16-28/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (C97) | 10:31 | 12:38 | From $16-28/pp |
| Laos – China Railway (K11) | 17:11 | 20:04 | From $11.00/pp |
| Train | Departure (Vientiane) | Arrival (Boten) | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos – China Railway (D88) | 08:08 | 11:15 | From $40-50 |
| Laos – China Railway (K12) | 08:42 | 13:47 | From $40-50 |
| Laos – China Railway (C82) | 13:30 | 17:16 | From $40-50 |
| Train | Departs (Vientiane) | Arrival (Kunming) |
|---|---|---|
| Laos – China Railway (D88) | 08:08 | 18:34 |
🚉 Main Railway Stations in Laos
These are the most important railway stations in Laos on the Laos–China Railway, connecting major cities and tourist destinations.
- Vientiane Railway Station – main railway hub in the capital with connections across Laos.
- Vang Vieng Railway Station – popular stop surrounded by mountains and limestone landscapes.
- Luang Prabang Railway Station – gateway to the UNESCO-listed city and cultural center of Laos.
- Boten Railway Station – border station with China and key stop for international travel.
- Mueang Xai Railway Station – important stop in northern Laos near Oudomxay province.
These stations form the backbone of the Laos railway network and are used by most travelers exploring the country.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Train travel in Laos:
Are there trains in Laos?
Yes, Laos has a modern railway – the Lao–China Railway (LCR) – connecting Vientiane with Boten at the Chinese border. You can also travel from Vientiane to Kunming in China by train.
How to book train tickets in Laos?
Train tickets in Laos can be bought at stations or booked online in advance. Online tickets usually need to be collected at the station. Tickets are typically available up to 3 days before departure.
Book tickets online with Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
What types of trains are in Laos?
There are high-speed EMU trains (1st and 2nd class seats) and slower ordinary trains operating on the Laos–China Railway.
Why does the railway run from Vientiane to Boten?
Boten is a border town with China. From there, you can continue by train to Kunming, making this an important international railway route.
What are the main railway stations in Laos?
The main railway stations are Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Boten. These are also the most popular destinations for travelers.
Is there a train from Laos to Cambodia?
No, there is currently no railway connection to Cambodia. However, future plans include extending the railway south toward Pakse.
How long is the Laos–China Railway?
The railway from Vientiane to the China border is approximately 414 km long.
When did the railway in Laos open?
The Laos–China Railway officially opened on December 4, 2021.
How much is the train from Vientiane to Boten?
Train tickets from Vientiane to Boten cost approximately $35–50 per person, depending on the train type and class.
What is the luggage allowance on trains in Laos?
High-speed trains usually allow up to 20 kg per passenger, while slower trains may allow more luggage.
