Train + border transfer
Comfortable, scenic and reliable, train to Vientiane
Direct flight
Fastest and easiest to Vientiane or Luang Prabang
Bus
Cheapest option, direct cross-border routes
Minivan (visa runs)
Very tiring, not ideal for regular travel
Quick answer: You can travel from Bangkok to Laos by direct flight, train, tourist bus/minivan or private car. Flights are the fastest option, while trains and buses are popular among budget travelers. Private transfers offer the most comfort and flexibility. Tickets, flights and private cars can be searched and booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 400 km from Bangkok to Vientiane.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight 1 hour | Bus/Minivan 10–14 hours | Train 8–12 hours | Private Car 9–10 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight $50–300/pp | Bus $20–40/pp | Train $8–50/pp | Private Car $350–400/vehicle.
- ✈️ Fastest option: Direct flights to Vientiane, Luang Prabang or Pakse.
- 🚆 Best land option: Train via Nong Khai and the Thai–Lao border.
- 🚍 Cheapest option: Tourist bus or minivan.
Last updated in March 2026
From Thailand to Laos you can travel by train, bus, flight or private car.
Laos is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia and is easy to reach from Thailand. The main gateway is Vientiane near Nong Khai, but travelers can also travel directly to Pakse or Luang Prabang. Popular transport options include trains, tourist buses, direct flights and private transfers. From Vientiane, you can continue to Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng. Before your trip, it is useful to check the latest weather in Laos.
From Bangkok to Laos – travel options.
The fastest way to reach Laos is by direct flight. A flight from Bangkok to Vientiane takes about 1 hour, while flights to Luang Prabang take around 1.5 hours. Budget travelers can choose trains, buses or minivans to Vientiane and Pakse. Most tickets, flights and transfers can be searched and booked online in advance, making travel between Thailand and Laos simple and convenient.
| Transfer modes from Bangkok to Laos: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| International Flight | 1 hour | $50–300 per person |
| Tourist Bus / Van | 10–14 hours | $20–40 per person |
| Train to Vientiane in Laos | 12 hours | $8–50 per person |
| Private Taxi / Car with a driver | 10 hours | $350–400 per car |
How do I get from Bangkok to Laos?
👉 Bus or minivan is the cheapest way from Bangkok to Laos (Vientiane or Pakse).
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and overland travel enthusiasts
- ✔️ Duration: ~12–19 hours (depending on route and destination)
- ✔️ Price: $25–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (air-conditioned buses or minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Bus Bangkok → Vientiane or direct bus to Pakse
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance; check visa and border crossing info.
1. BUS / VAN from Bangkok to Laos
A) BUS / MINIVAN from Bangkok to Vientiane
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- a cheap option how to travel by tourist bus or minivan from Bangkok to Vientiane
- travel by bus or minivan from Bangkok to Vientiane takes about 14-19 hours
- buses to Vientiane: Cherdchai Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Chan Tour, Budsarakham Tour, Sawadee Esan, Tara Tour and Travel
- price of the one-way bus ticket from Bangkok to Vientiane is about $25-40/pp
- read all the information abouttransport by bus to Vientiane before you book your tickets
- there are also some buses to Nong Khai border town (Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge)
- Book and buy bus e-tickets from Bangkok to Vientiane on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
B) BUS / MINIVAN from Bangkok to Pakse
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- another popular bus routes from Bangkok to Pakse in the east of Laos
- there is a modern, airconditioned tourist Thai-Lao International bus
- travel by tourist bus from Bangkok (Mochit) to Pakse in Laos takes about 12-18 hours
- bus companies to Pakse from Bangkok: Kriangkai Transport, Naluang
- price of the one-way bus ticket from Bangkok to Pakse is about $28-36/pp
- buses from Bangkok arrive to Kriangkrai Bus Terminal (lak3) in Pakse
- there is an immigration process in Chong Mek border crossing
- Book and buy bus e-tickets from Bangkok to Pakse on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
2. DIRECT FLIGHTS from Bangkok to Laos
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Bangkok to Laos.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel easily
- ✔️ Duration: ~1–1.5 hours (direct flight, ~3–5 hours total)
- ✔️ Price: $50–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft, multiple daily flights)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight to Vientiane or Luang Prabang
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance; compare airports and airlines.
A) DIRECT FLIGHT from Bangkok to Vientiane
-
- the most fastest and comfortable way how to travel from Bangkok to Vientiane in Laos
- flight time from Bangkok to Vientiane is only about 1 hour
- airlines from Bangkok to Vientiane: Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Air, Thai Airways, Lao Airlines
- flights to Vientiane – Wattay International Airport
- flights from Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport
- direct flight from Bangkok to Vientiane in Laos costs about $50-150/pp
B) DIRECT FLIGHT from Bangkok to Luang Prabang
-
- direct flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang in Laos is the most fastest way of transport
- direct flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang in Laos takes about 1.5 hour
- one-way direct flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang costs about $55-120/pp
- there are also flights with stopover in Vientiane – the capital of Laos
- airlines from Bangkok to Luang Prabang: Bangkok Air, Air Asia, Lao Airlines…
- direct flights to Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang International Airport
- flights from Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Mueang International Airport
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Bangkok to Laos
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable but expensive way from Bangkok to Laos.
- ✔️ Good for: groups and travelers seeking door-to-door comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~9–10 hours (depending on route and border crossing)
- ✔️ Price: $260–430 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer Bangkok → Vientiane or to Ubon Ratchathani + onward trip
- 💡 Tip: Book online in advance; prepare documents for border crossing.
A) PRIVATE CAR / TAXI from Bangkok to Vientiane
-
- from Bangkok to Vientiane in Laos you can also travel by private taxi or car
- transport by private taxi/car from Bangkok to Vientiane in Laos takes about 10 hours
- private taxi company from Bangkok to Vientiane: Glassflower
- transport by private taxi/car from Bangkok to Vientiane costs about $370-430 (vehicle)
- Book your taxi or private car from Bangkok to Vientiane on 12go.asia ➜
B) PRIVATE CAR / TAXI from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand
-
- you can also travel by private car from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand
- Ubon Ratchathani is about 130 km from Pakse in Laos, there are buses between these cities via Chong Mek border
- you can also travel by private taxi or car from Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok
- private car to Ubon Ratchathani from Bangkok costs about $260-320/vehicle
- travel by private car / taxi from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani takes about 9 hours
- private cars from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani are operated by Glassflower, Kim Transfers Thailand, Firsplan Tranpsort Services, Kanokwan Travel
- Book taxi or private car from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani on 12go.asia ➜
4. TRAIN from Bangkok to Laos + Ubon Ratchathani
👉 Train is a cheap and comfortable way from Bangkok to Laos (via Vientiane or Ubon Ratchathani).
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who prefer rail transport
- ✔️ Duration: ~9–12 hours (Ubon) or ~12 hours (Vientiane)
- ✔️ Price: $6–50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (seats or sleeper options, basic facilities)
- ✅ Best option: Direct train Bangkok → Vientiane or Bangkok → Ubon Ratchathani
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance; choose sleeper for overnight trips.
A) TRAIN of Thai Railway from Bangkok to Vientiane in Laos
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- from Bangkok to Vientiane you can travel by train of Thai Railway
- travel time by train to Vientiane from Bangkok is about 12 hours
- travel by train to Vientiane from Bangkok costs about $8-50/pp
- trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok
- this train arrive at Khamsavath Railway Station
- Book tickets from Bangkok to Vientiane on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜
B) TRAIN of Thai Railway from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani
-
- there are trains of Thai Railways from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani
- you can buy drinks and snacks, and there is a toilet in these trains
- trains to Ubon Ratchathani depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok
- travel by train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani costs about $6-45/pp
- travel by train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani takes about 9-12 hours
- Book tickets from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Bangkok to Laos:
How to book tickets or flights from Bangkok to Laos?
What are the most popular routes from Bangkok to Laos?
The most popular routes are from Bangkok to Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse.
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Laos?
Flights take about 1-1.5 hours. Tourist buses usually take about 10-14 hours and trains to Vientiane about 12 hours.
What is the travel distance from Bangkok to Laos?
The distance is about 650 km to Vientiane and about 730 km to Pakse by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Laos?
Bus tickets cost about $14-36/pp, flights about $50-150/pp and train tickets about $8-30/pp.
What is the best way to get from Bangkok to Laos?
The fastest and most comfortable option is a direct flight to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
What is the cheapest transport option to Laos?
The cheapest option is usually the train to Vientiane, with seat tickets from about $8-10/pp.
Is there a train from Bangkok to Laos?
Yes, Thai Railways operates trains from Bangkok to Vientiane via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
Is there a railway network in Laos?
Yes, Laos has the Laos-China Railway connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Boten.
What transport options are available in Laos?
You can travel in Laos by tourist bus, minivan, train, private car, boat or motorbike.
Where can you travel from Vientiane or Pakse?
Popular routes are Vientiane to Luang Prabang or Pakse to Don Det.
What is the weather like in Laos?
Laos has dry and rainy seasons. The best time to visit is usually from November to April.
| Transport | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plane | Fastest and easiest option. Direct flights connect Bangkok with Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse in about 1-1.5 hours. | Usually more expensive than buses or trains and offers less scenery during the trip. |
| Train | Scenic and comfortable journey via Nong Khai with sleeper trains available. Good option for slow travelers. | Longer travel time of about 10-12 hours and some transfers may still be needed in Laos. |
| Bus | Cheap overland option with direct buses to Vientiane, Pakse or Luang Prabang. Popular among backpackers. | Long and sometimes tiring journey with possible delays at border crossings. |
| Private Car | Flexible way to explore Thailand and Laos at your own pace with scenic stops along the route. | Requires border paperwork, international driving permit and can be expensive for long distances. |
