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 get by bus/van, car and plane.
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- There are 3 ways how to travel from Vientiane to Savannakhet in Laos, by tourist sleeper intercity bus or minivan, private car/taxi with a driver and by plane – direct flight. Savannakhet has an airport, and there is also a direct flight from Vientiane to Savannakhet by Lao Airlines, but this flight schedule is very limited and there are only about 1-2 flights per day. Travellers can use a bus connection on this route, if they do not have a private transfer.
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- Travel distance of this route in Laos side is about 470 km and transport by bus/van can take about 9-14 hours, direct flight takes only about 1 hour. There is no train between Vientiane and Savannakhet, because there is no railway. The last way of getting to Savannakhet is to book a private car/taxi with a driver, it is the most expensive option of transport. Transfer by private car to Savannakhet from Vientiane takes about 8 hours and costs about $370-$420 per car. It is possible to book bus tickets or flights from Vientiane to Savannakhet online in advance. From Savannakhet you can travel to Pakse or Don Det in southern Laos.
Savannakhet is a possible stop if you travel to southern Laos.
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- Savannakhet officially also known as Muang Khantabuli and also called Muang Savan, is a city in central Laos. With its 124,000 inhabitants, it is also the second largest city in the country. Savannakhet is also the administrative capital of the province of the same name and an important crossroads – lies at the border crossing with Thailand via the Mekong River and is also directly linked to the transition to Vietnam. Interesting places in Savannakhet: That Ing Hang Stupa, Dinosaur Museum, Heuan Hinh (Stone House), That Phone Stupa, Xayaphoum Temple. If you want to explore Laos on your own, read also this article: 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.
The used low-cost transport option from Vientiane to Savannekhet in Laos is a trip by sleeper bus, or in combination with a minivan or minibus. So some companies arrange for you to be transferred by minivan from the hotel to the bus departure point in Vientiane and then continue by a mostly sleeper intercity bus to Savannkhet.
On this route from Vientiane to Savannakhet, you can use the services of companies such as Chit Prasong, RG Adventure, KP 79 Transportation, Soutchai Travel, Family Service, Chanthachone Transportation, King of Bus and others. These companies mostly have classic Lao sleeper buses, some are older, but some can be more modern and comfortable.
However, it should be added that traveling by sleeper intercity buses may not always be a comfortable option for everyone. Travel time by bus + minivan from Vientiane to Savannakhet, Laos is approximately 9-14 hours. However, this time may vary, it depends on the traffic situation and also on the fact that buses in Laos may have a delay in departure, so the exact stated times may not be observed.
A bus + minivan transfer from Vientiane to Savannakhet in Laos costs approximately $16-30/pp, but these prices can vary slightly throughout the year. Bus tickets to Savannakhet from Vientiane can be easily searched and purchased online in advance. It is also recommended to arrive at the departure point in Vientiane well in advance, at least 30 minutes before the bus departs.
Always read all transfer information and instructions when booking tickets and follow all instructions from transport companies. Some companies also accept tickets on the phone as e-tickets, so it is not necessary to print them.
You will see this information when searching for tickets. The bus transfer to Savannakhet is sought after mainly by low-cost travelers, it is also used mainly because of the limited flight schedule.
🚍 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.
Without a doubt, the fastest, most comfortable, but at the same time the most expensive transport option from Vientiane to Savannakhet is a direct flight. However, the downside is the very limited flight schedule between these cities and also sometimes higher flight prices. Flights are operated from Wattay International Airport in Vientiane to Savannakhet Airport.
Savannakhet Airport is a smaller airport and is well located practically a short distance from the city center, so the transfer to the city is quick and easy and also cheap. Direct flights from Vientiane to Savannakhet are offered by Lao Airlines or Lao Skyway and the flight time is about 1 hour.
The total time of the air transfer to Savannakhet can therefore be up to 4 hours in total, including waiting for the departure and check-in during the flight. A direct flight from Vientiane to Savannekhet is a more expensive transport option and flights cost between $80-120/pp, these prices can vary slightly throughout the year.
You can easily search and book flights to Savannakhet from Vientiane online in advance. It is also recommended due to the limited flight schedule between these cities. Also, always read all transfer information and instructions and follow all airline guidelines when booking your ticket.
Some flights may also have a limited weight of carry-on bags. Air transfer to Savannakhet is the best transport option from the capital of Laos – Vientiane, but be aware that this is a more expensive transport option.
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.
The most expensive option for a transfer from Vientiane to Savannakhet is a private car/taxi with a driver. This option is offered by a private company, RG Adventure, which offers a modern and comfortable SUV or minivan for up to 9 people on this route. A private car/taxi with a driver from Vientiane to Savannakhet takes about 8 hours and costs between $370-440/car. A cheaper option is an SUV and a minivan for more people is more expensive, but you can calculate the fare for each passenger in the car.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Savannakhet ➜
As a result, a private car is usually a faster option than a long-distance intercity sleeper bus or a smaller minivan. The advantage of a private transfer is also the choice of departure and arrival points, so you can arrive, for example, directly at your hotel in Savannakhet.
The disadvantage of a private car transfer is the higher price of transport, so this option will be a suitable option for travelers with a larger budget for their travel. You can easily search and book your private car/taxi with driver from Vientiane to Savannakhet online well in advance.
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Vientiane to Savannakhet:
1. How to book and buy tickets or flights from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
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- Book tickets and flights from Vientiane to Savannakhet on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can change your travel route, e.g. Vientiane > Luang Prabang, Vientiane > Pakse…
2. What is the travel time from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
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- Travel by bus/van from Vientiane to Savannakhet takes about 9-14 hours.
- Travel by plane (direct flight) from Vientiane to Savannakhet takes about 1 hour.
- Travel by private taxi/car with a driver from Vientiane to Savannakhet takes about 8 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
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- Travel distance from Vientiane to Savannakhet is about 470 km by land.
4. How much does it cost to get from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
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- Travel by plane (direct flight) from Vientiane to Savannakhet costs about $80-120/pp.
- Travel by bus/van from Vientiane to Savannakhet costs about $16-30/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/car with a driver from Vientiane to Savannakhet costs about $370-440/car.
5. What is the best way of transfer from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
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- The best and fast way of transfer from Vientiane to Savannakhet is to travel by plane. There are direct flights to Savannakhet.
6. What is the cheapest way of transfer from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
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- The cheapest way of transport to Savannakhet from Vientiane in Laos is to travel by tourist bus or minivan.
7. Is there a train from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
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- No, there is no train from Vientiane to Savannakhet in Laos because there is no railway between these cities.
8. Is it possible to travel by boat from Vientiane to Savannakhet?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by boat to Savannakhet from Vientiane in Laos, there is no boat connection.
9. Where you can travel from Savannakhet?
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- From Savannakhet in Laos you can travel to southern Laos, e.g. to Pakse, Don Det, Si Phan Don…
10. How and where to book hotel in Savannakhet?
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- Savannakhet offers mainly cheap guesthouses, hotels and a few resorts for tourists. Search and book your hotel, bungalow or resort in Savannakhet in Laos online here > Book resort or hotel in Savannakhet ➜.
11. How to travel solo in Laos?
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- 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 Vientiane to Savannakhet
Traveling from Vientiane to Savannakhet covers a long overland route down the length of Laos, with varied landscapes, climate zones, and sections of rural road between larger towns. This trip can be a full‑day experience, so planning ahead helps keep your journey comfortable and stress‑free.
1. Start Early to Maximize Daylight
Departing in the early morning gives you extra daylight hours to cover more distance with less rush. This also helps you avoid heavier traffic near Vientiane and allows you to reach your destination before evening, making onward plans easier.
2. Pack Essentials for a Long Road Day
Because this is a lengthy overland route, bring plenty of water, snacks, a portable charger, and entertainment to keep yourself comfortable, especially if rest stops are spaced far apart or basic in facilities.
3. Expect Variable Road Conditions
Roads in central and southern Laos can range from smooth highway sections to slower rural stretches. Allow extra time in your itinerary for slower road segments, local traffic, and occasional stops without anxiety about sticking to a tight schedule.
4. Break the Trip Up When Possible
If your schedule allows, consider a stopover in a midpoint town or scenic area. Breaking the journey into manageable segments not only lets you rest but also gives you a chance to explore more of Laos’ culture and countryside along the way.
5. Bring Small Cash & Multiple Currencies
While Lao kip is the local currency, having small denominations and a few US dollars can be handy for snacks, minor fees, or local transport in smaller towns. This flexibility makes purchases easier without searching for ATMs.
6. Know Your Arrival Area in Savannakhet
Savannakhet’s transport hubs can include bus stations or regional terminals outside of the city center. Confirm where you’ll arrive and arrange onward transfers or pick‑ups ahead of time so you avoid confusion after a long travel day.
Tip: Bus, shuttle, and combined transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance to secure your seat and preferred departure time — especially useful during busy travel periods.