High-speed train
Fastest, easiest, and very comfortable
Bus / minivan
Cheapest option but less comfortable
Private car/taxi
Flexible and door-to-door but more expensive
Flight
No direct flights available
Quick answer: The main transport options from Vang Vieng to Vientiane are bus/van, train, or private car/taxi with driver. Each offers a different balance of speed, cost and convenience. The most popular options are bus and train transfers. You can book tickets/car to Vientiane from Vang Vieng online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 120 km between Vang Vieng and Vientiane.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/van ~2‑5 h | Train ~1‑1.5 h | Private car ~2‑3 h
- 💰 Price range: Bus/van ~$8‑14 per person | Train ~$6‑25 per person | Private car ~$80‑200 per car
- 🚆 Best for comfort: Train or private car/taxi with driver
- 🚍 Best for budget: Bus or van
Last updated in March 2026
From Vang Vieng to Vientiane you can travel by bus, van, train, taxi.
-
- There are 2 most popular options of transfer to Vientiane from Vang Vieng. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane you can travel by tourist bus/van or minibus of the private bus operators or some small local bus companies. Travel by bus/minivan takes about 2.5-5 hours and bus tickets cost about $7-12/pp. Another option is to travel by private taxi/car, travel by private taxi costs about $80-200/car. There are no flights from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. From December 2021 you can also travel by train to Vientiane from Vang Vieng. Transfer by train by Lao-China Railway from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 1-1.5 hour and train tickets cost about $6-25/pp.
- You can also continue to travel to Thailand from Vientiane, because Vientiane is only about 15 km from the crossing border in Nong Khai (Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge). You can travel to Nong Khai or to Udon Thani and continue to Bangkok – the capital of Thailand, via Bangkok you can also go to Siem Reap in Cambodia, there are tourist buses, private minivans or train + bus via Poipet. Book your bus/ train tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane easily online.
Vientiane – the capital of Laos and the gateway to Thailand.
-
- Vientiane is the capital of Laos and the most visited and biggest city of Laos. If you will be traveling in Laos, you can not miss this place, because Vientiane is also one of the most important transport hub in Laos. There is an international airport, but there is no railway in Vientiane. One of the busiest route is from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Vang Vieng is a big tourist site in Laos, overcrowded by tourists and offers various tourist attractions for visitors. There are 3 ways how it is possible to travel to Vientiane from Vang Vieng – by tourist bus or minivan, train or private taxi/car.
- There is also a new railway in Laos between Boten and Vientiane. Travel distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is 160 km by road. Read the instructions how you can reach Vientiane from Vang Vieng below in this article. From Vientiane you can also travel to Don Det by tourist bus / minivan or plane + bus via Pakse in southern Laos. Before you arrive to Vientiane – the capital of Laos, read also carefully this article: Weather in Vientiane.
| Transfer Mode – Vang Vieng to Vientiane | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 2.5-5 hours | $7-$12 per person |
| Train by Laos-China Railway | 1-1.5 hours | $6-$25 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi | 2-3 hours | $80-200 per car |
How do I get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
1. BUS / VAN from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
👉 Minibus or van is the cheapest and most common way from Vang Vieng to Vientiane.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and those looking for frequent departures
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–5 hours (can vary slightly)
- ✔️ Price: about $7–12 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (seated minibuses or vans, often air-conditioned)
- ✅ Best Option: Minivan services with companies like RG Adventure or Soutchai Travel
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and confirm pickup/drop-off locations.
One of the options for land transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is by minibus or minivan, or by bus. On this route between Vang Vieng and Vientiane, you can use mainly minibuses or minivans of companies such as RG Adventure, Family Service, Naluang, Soutchai Travel, Exploring Laos, Buasai Travel (and other companies).
Minibuses and minivans are smaller vehicles and are for a limited number of passengers. Minibuses can depart from various stops or hotels in Vang Vieng and arrive at various locations in Vientiane as well, you will always see this information when booking tickets on online platforms.
So read everything carefully to avoid any misunderstandings. The travel time of minibuses or minivans from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is about 2.5-5 hours, depending on the company and the route operated. This time may vary slightly, it should also be taken into account that there may be delays at departure and therefore also after arrival in Vientiane.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Vientiane ➜
A minibus / minivan transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane costs around $7-12/pp and together with the train connection on this route, is the cheapest option to travel between these cities.
Bus timetables from Vang Vieng to Vientiane can be a bit more limited, but there are always several minibuses going to the capital throughout the day, so you’ll be sure to pick your suitable connection.
You can easily search and buy minibus tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane online and advance. Always read all transfer conditions when booking and follow the company’s instructions. Transfer by minibus can be advantageous if you are traveling from a specific hotel to another specific place, the tickets are cheap and the comfort in the form of seats in minibuses is fully sufficient.
| Bus | Departs in Vang Vieng | Arrival in Vientiane | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Service | 12:00 | 14:00 | From $8.00 |
| Family Service | 14:00 | 16:00 | From $8.00 |
| Family Service | 09:00 | 11:00 | From $8.00 |
| Family Service | 16:00 | 18:00 | From $8.00 |
| Sarah Transport | 09:00 | 11:00 | From $12.00 |
| Sarah Transport | 12:00 | 14:00 | From $12.00 |
| Sarah Transport | 16:00 | 18:00 | From $12.00 |
| Sarah Transport | 12:00 | 14:00 | From $12.00 |
| RG Adventure | 16:00 | 18:00 | From $20.00 |
| Laos Luxury Travel | 09:20 | 11:20 | From $8.00 |
| Laos Luxury Travel | 12:20 | 14:20 | From $8.00 |
| Laos Luxury Travel | 14:00 | 16:00 | From $8.00 |
| Laos Luxury Travel | 16:20 | 18:20 | From $8.00 |
| Exploring Laos | 09:00 | 11:30 | From $8.00 |
| Exploring Laos | 12:00 | 14:30 | From $8.00 |
| Exploring Laos | 14:00 | 16:30 | From $8.00 |
| Exploring Laos | 06:00 | 08:30 | From $8.00 |
| Exploring Laos | 19:00 | 21:30 | From $8.00 |
| Laos Group Tour | 09:00 | 12:00 | From $10.00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 08:00 | 10:00 | From $12.00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 11:00 | 13:00 | From $12.00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 13:00 | 15:00 | From $12.00 |
2. TRAIN from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
👉 Train is the fastest and most efficient way from Vang Vieng to Vientiane.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a quick and smooth journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1–1.5 hours
- ✔️ Ticket price: about $6–25 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern trains with multiple seating classes)
- ✅ Best Option: Laos-China Railway trains with 2nd class or business seats
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and use the e-ticket QR code for boarding.
Another interesting and fast way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is by train. Modern and fast Laos-China Railway trains run on this route, and some journeys are also a relatively cheap option. The Laos-China Railway train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane offers you trains with seats and even with several classes.
The prices of train tickets also differ according to the train classes, which can be different. However, the cheapest option will be enough for most travelers on this route, it is a shorter route and the driving time from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is only about 1-1.5 hours. The Laos-China Railway train departs from Vang Vieng Railway Station and arrives at Vientiane Railway Station, see Lao Railway Map.
Train tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane cost between $6-25/pp (1st, 2nd class, business seat, hard seat…), the cheapest option is the hard seat option. You can search and buy tickets for these trains from Vang Vieng to Vientiane online and as e-tickets on your mobile phone.
Always search for tickets a few days before departure, if the sale is not yet open, try to search for tickets later. For trains operated by Laos-China Railway, you will receive the e-ticket when the booking is confirmed. The e-ticket is a valid boarding pass and you can scan the QR code at the ticket gates or you can pick up the physical ticket at the station.
Always read the current transfer conditions after booking. Train transfer in Laos is a very good and fast transport option and some trains are relatively cheap and comparable in price to cheaper minibuses. It is also suitable for low-cost travelers, who can choose the cheapest form on trains, namely the hard seat.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Vientiane ➜
| Train Service: | Departs in Vang Vieng | Arrival in Vientiane | Train Ticket – Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos – China Railway (C81) | 20:16 | 21:08 | From $8-15 |
| Laos – China Railway (C83) | 19:36 | 20:31 | From $8-15 |
| Laos – China Railway (C97) | 11:38 | 12:38 | From $8-15 |
| Laos – China Railway (K11) | 18:43 | 20:04 | From $6-12 |
| Laos – China Railway (C91) | 13:49 | 14:56 | From $8-15 |
| Laos – China Railway (D87) | 15:41 | 16:34 | From $10-18 |
3. TAXI / CAR from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
👉 Private taxi or car is the most comfortable door-to-door option from Vang Vieng to Vientiane.
- ✔️ Best for: groups and travelers wanting privacy and flexibility
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2–3 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $90–200 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars or minivans with air-conditioning)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like RG Adventure or Glassflower
- 💡 Tip: Split the fare between passengers and choose your exact pickup location for convenience.
If you would like to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, you can also use a private taxi/car with a driver. This transport option will be suitable mainly for groups of travelers who can reserve a modern and comfortable minivan or other modern cars for up to 9 passengers.
This transport option from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is offered by RG Adventure, Family Service, Glassflower, Adison Thai Laos Transfer or Sarah Transport Laos and the journey time can be about 2-3 hours. A private taxi transfer from Vang Vieng to Thanaleng costs around $90-200/car, you can then convert this fare to individual passengers. You can choose your departure point in Vang Vieng according to your own preferences.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Vientiane ➜
You can view and book your private car/minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane online even in advance. After booking, you will receive your order as an e-ticket to your email, the company also accepts this e-ticket. Arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure.
Also, always read all transfer information and instructions and follow the company’s instructions to avoid misunderstandings or other problems. A private transfer to the Thanaleng border crossing, which is approximately 17 km from downtown Vientiane, is the most expensive transportation option between these locations.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| RG Adventure | 02:00 | From $93.00 / SUV 4pax |
| RG Adventure | 02:00 | From $141.00 / Van 9pax |
| Glassflower | 02:00 | From $153.00 / Comfort Car 3pax |
| Glassflower | 02:00 | From $184.00 / Luxury SUV 4pax |
| Glassflower | 02:00 | From $197.00 / Luxury VIP Van 9pax |
| Glassflower | 02:00 | From $197.00 / Luxury VIP Van 9pax |
| Adisorn Thai Laos Transfer | 02:30 | From $135.00 / SUV 5pax |
| Adisorn Thai Laos Transfer | 02:30 | From $152.00 / Minivan 8pax |
| Sarah Transport Laos | 02:30 | From $133.00 / Minivan 10pax |
| Vientiane Travel | 01:30 | From $140.00 / Minivan 6pax |
| Family Service | 01:30 | From $79.00 / Standard 3pax |
| Family Service | 01:30 | From $98.00 / Standard 8pax |
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane:
1. How to book + buy bus tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
-
- You can book+buy bus tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
2. What is the travel time from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
-
- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 2.5-5 hours.
- Travel by train of Laos-China Railway from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 1-1.5 hour.
- Travel by taxi/car with a driver from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 2-3 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
-
- Travel distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane by bus or minivan is about 160 km by land.
4. How much does it cost to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
-
- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane costs about $7-12/pp.
- Train tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane costs about $6-25/pp.
- Transfer by taxi/car with a driver from Vang Vieng to Vientiane costs about $80-200/minivan.
5. Is there a train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
-
- Yes, there is a modern, fast and comfortable train to Vientiane from Vang Vieng from December 2021. This train goes between Boten border crossing and Vientiane, this is the first project of railway network in Laos.
6. Is there a flight from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
-
- No, there is no flight from Vang Vieng to Vientiane in Laos, it is not possible to travel by plane. Vang Vieng has no airport, there are some plans to build a new airport in the future in this town.
7. Is there a private taxi from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
-
- If you want to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane by private taxi/car, you have to ask for this option at your hotel in Vang Vieng. They can arrange some local company for your trip.
8. Is there an airport in Vientiane?
-
- Yes, there is an airport in Vientiane, you can travel by plane e.g. to Vietnam (Hanoi).
9. Why to travel and visit Vientiane?
-
- Vientiane is the capital of Laos, it is also the most important transport hub in Laos because it is only a few kilometres from the border with Thailand. You can go to Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and travel to Thailand, e.g. to Udon Thani, Nong Khai or Bangkok. Vientiane has also various historical sites and temples.
10. Where to travel from Vientiane?
-
- From Vientiane you can travel to various places in Thailand or Laos, e.g. to Bangkok (Thailand), Luang Prabang, Pakse or Savannakhet (Laos). There are also some direct flights from Vientiane to Hanoi (check Baolau + 12go.asia).
11. How to travel solo in Laos?
-
- Embark on a solo journey through Laos by navigating diverse transportation options, opting for budget-friendly lodgings, and delving into local markets, all while fostering cultural connections and respecting the traditions of this enchanting destination. Laos has a lot of activities also for solo travelers.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Vang Vieng to Vientiane
The journey from Vang Vieng to Vientiane in Laos is a well‑traveled north–south route of about 150–170 km. Many visitors use buses or shuttle services for this scenic trip, but good planning and timing can make the experience more comfortable and stress‑free.
1. Choose the Right Departure Time
Leaving in the morning helps you avoid midday heat and gives you more daylight to settle in when you arrive in Vientiane. Early starts also tend to mean fewer crowded bus terminals and smoother boarding.
2. Expect Road Variations
Road conditions between Vang Vieng and Vientiane can vary, with some winding stretches and slower traffic near towns. Giving yourself extra time in your schedule helps avoid stress if the bus makes unplanned stops or moves slower than expected.
3. Arrive at the Bus Station Early
Bus and shuttle services can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons. Arriving at the departure point 30–45 minutes early ensures you get a good seat and don’t miss your ride.
4. Bring Essentials for the Road
Pack water, snacks, chargers, and entertainment — even a short journey can feel long if traffic slows or the bus stops frequently. Comfortable layers help with air‑conditioning and changing temperatures.
5. Know the Drop‑Off Points in Vientiane
Buses may arrive at different terminals or central stops in Vientiane, so double‑check where your ride ends. Knowing your onward transport options or pickup point ahead of time makes the final leg of your travel smoother.
6. Plan Around Local Schedules
Some departures follow traditional local timetables and may not stick strictly to advertised times. Staying flexible and asking locally about the best departure slots helps you avoid long waits or uncertainty at the station.
Tip: Bus and shuttle tickets can be searched and booked online in advance to secure your seat and preferred departure time — especially useful during busy travel periods.