Flight
Fastest and easiest but more expensive
Bus / Minivan
Cheapest option but long journey
Private car/taxi
Flexible but more expensive
Motorbike
Long distance on tiring roads
Quick answer: The main transport options from Vientiane to Savannakhet are tourist sleeper bus/minivan, direct flight, or private car with driver. The bus/minivan is the most budget‑friendly option, the flight is fastest and most comfortable if available, and the private car gives you full flexibility and tailored stops. You can book bus tickets, flights or car transfers online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 470 km by land between Vientiane and Savannakhet.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/van ~9‑14 h | Flight ~1 h | Private car ~8 h.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/van ~$16‑30 per person | Flight ~$80‑120 per person | Private car ~$370‑440 per car.
- ✈️ Best for comfort: Direct flight.
- 🚕 Private car: Flexible and convenient, ideal for groups or custom stops.
- 🚍 Best for budget: Tourist bus or minivan.
Last updated in March 2026
From Vientiane to Savannakhet you can travel by bus, plane or private car.
Traveling from Vientiane to Savannakhet in Laos is possible by sleeper bus, direct flight or private car. The fastest option is a direct flight by Lao Airlines, while buses are the most popular and affordable choice.
The distance is about 470 km. Bus travel takes around 9–14 hours, flights about 1 hour, and private cars about 8 hours. There is no railway on this route. Private transfers cost about $370–420 per vehicle. Tickets and flights can be booked online in advance. From Savannakhet, you can continue to Pakse or Don Det.
Savannakhet is a popular stop in southern Laos.
Savannakhet is the second-largest city in Laos and an important transport hub near the Thai border. Popular attractions include That Ing Hang Stupa, Xayaphoum Temple and the Dinosaur Museum.
If you want to travel around the country, read more about Transportation in Laos.
| Transfer Mode – Vientiane to Savannakhet | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 9-14 hours | $16-$30 per person |
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 1 hour | $80-$120 per person |
| Private taxi/car with a driver | 8 hours | $370-$420 per car |
How do I get from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
1. BUS / VAN from Vientiane to Savannakhet
👉 Bus or minivan is the most affordable way from Vientiane to Savannakhet.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and those okay with overnight journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~9–14 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $16–30 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: basic to moderate (sleeper buses, sometimes older vehicles)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper bus services with companies like Soutchai Travel or KP 79 Transportation
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and arrive early at the departure point.
A sleeper bus or bus + minivan is the most affordable way to travel from Vientiane to Savannakhet. Some services also include hotel pickup before the bus departure.
Operators on this route include Chit Prasong, RG Adventure, KP 79 Transportation, Soutchai Travel and other local companies. Travel time is about 9–14 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Bus tickets cost around $16–30/pp and can be booked online in advance. Some operators accept mobile e-tickets. The bus remains a popular option due to the limited flight schedule between Vientiane and Savannakhet.
Always check the latest transfer information when booking and arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure.
🚍 Bus Schedule / Timetable – Vientiane to Savannakhet + Bus Tickets:
| Bus Company | Departs in Vientiane | Arrival in Savannakhet |
|---|---|---|
| Chit Prasong | 20:00 | 10:00 |
| Chantchahone | 20:00 | 05:00 |
| KP79 Transport. | 20:00 | 06:30 |
| RG Adventure | 20:00 | 07:00 |
| Family Service | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Family Service | 18:00 | 15:00 |
| Sarah Tranpsort | 18:30 | 06:00 |
| Chanthachone Tranpsort | 19:00 | 05:00 |
2. DIRECT FLIGHT from Vientiane to Savannakhet
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Vientiane to Savannakhet.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to avoid long bus journeys
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~4 hours including airport procedures
- ✔️ Flight time: ~1 hour
- ✔️ Price: about $80–120 per person
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flights with Lao Airlines or Lao Skyway
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance due to limited schedules and possible price changes.
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Vientiane to Savannakhet. Flights operate from Wattay International Airport to Savannakhet Airport, which is located close to the city center.
Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway offer direct flights with a flight time of about 1 hour. Including airport procedures, the total travel time is around 3–4 hours.
Airfares usually range from $80–120/pp. Due to the limited flight schedule, it is recommended to book tickets in advance and check baggage allowances before departure.
Flying is the best transport option between Vientiane and Savannakhet, especially for travelers who want to save time.
3. TAI / CAR from Vientiane to Savannakhet
👉 Private taxi or car is the most comfortable and direct way from Vientiane to Savannakhet.
- ✔️ Best for: groups or travelers who want door-to-door convenience
- ✔️ Travel time: ~8 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $370–440 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern SUVs or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer with companies like RG Adventure
- 💡 Tip: Share the total cost between passengers to make this option more affordable.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive way to travel from Vientiane to Savannakhet. RG Adventure operates modern SUVs and minivans for up to 9 passengers on this route.
The journey takes about 8 hours and prices range from $370–440 per vehicle. While the cost is higher, it can be shared among travelers, making it a practical option for small groups.
A private transfer offers flexible departure times and direct hotel-to-hotel service, avoiding bus stations and unnecessary stops. It is a good choice for travelers who prefer comfort, privacy and convenience.
You can search and book a private taxi or car from Vientiane to Savannakhet online in advance.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Savannakhet ➜
❓ FAQ – Travel from Vientiane to Savannakhet
How to book tickets from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
How long does it take to travel from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
Buses take about 9–14 hours, direct flights about 1 hour, and private cars around 8 hours.
What is the distance from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
The travel distance is approximately 470 km by road.
How much does travel from Vientiane to Savannakhet cost?
Bus tickets cost about $16–30/pp, flights $80–120/pp, and private cars $370–440 per vehicle.
What is the best way to get to Savannakhet?
A direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable transport option.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest way is by sleeper bus or minivan.
Is there a train from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
No, there is currently no railway connection between Vientiane and Savannakhet.
Can I travel by boat to Savannakhet?
No, there is no regular passenger boat service on this route.
Where can I travel from Savannakhet?
From Savannakhet you can continue to Pakse, Don Det and other destinations in southern Laos.
Where to book accommodation in Savannakhet?
You can search and book hotels, guesthouses and resorts online via Book resort or hotel in Savannakhet ➜.
Is Laos suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, Laos is safe, affordable and popular with backpackers. Read more about solo travel in Laos.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Vientiane to Savannakhet
Traveling from Vientiane to Savannakhet covers about 470 km. You can travel by plane, sleeper bus or private car.
- Fly for Speed: Direct flights take about 1 hour and are the fastest option.
- Use Sleeper Buses: Buses take 9–14 hours and are the cheapest way to travel.
- Book Early: Flights and bus tickets can sell out during holidays and weekends.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers and travel essentials for longer trips.
- Allow Extra Time: Road conditions and traffic can affect bus schedules.
- Plan Your Arrival: Arrange transport from the airport or bus station in Savannakhet.
- Explore the City: Visit That Ing Hang Stupa, Xayaphoum Temple and the Dinosaur Museum.
Tip: Bus and flight tickets from Vientiane to Savannakhet can be searched and booked online in advance.