Bus / minivan
Best balance of price, speed, and simplicity
Local bus
Cheapest option but basic comfort
Train
Possible option but requires border crossing logistics
Flight
There are no flights between these cities
Quick answer: The main transport options from Vientiane to Udon Thani are bus/minivan, train (via the border at Nong Khai), or private car/taxi. Flights are not available directly for this route. You can book tickets or arrange transfers to Udon Thani from Vientiane online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. ~80 km by land from Vientiane to Udon Thani via the Thai‑Lao Friendship Bridge.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~3‑4 hours | Train (via Nong Khai) ~2‑2.5 hours | Private car/taxi ~1.5‑2 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus/minivan ~$5‑13 per person | Train ~$3‑16 per person | Private car/taxi ~$60‑160 per vehicle
- 🚍 Best for budget: Train (via Nong Khai) or bus/minivan
- 🚕 Fastest option: Private car/taxi via the border
Last updated in March 2026
From Vientiane to Udon Thani you can travel by bus, minivan, train, or taxi.
Travel distance from Vientiane to Udon Thani is about 80 km via Nong Khai. Buses and minivans are the most popular option, taking about 3–4 hours and costing around $5–13 per person.
You can also travel by train via Nong Khai. The journey takes about 2–2.5 hours and train tickets cost approximately $3–15 per person. Private taxis are the fastest and most comfortable option.
Book tickets and private transfers online in advance.
Udon Thani is an important transport hub in Thailand. From there, you can continue by train, bus, or flight to Bangkok and other destinations. The route crosses the border from Laos to Thailand via the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
| Transfer Mode – Vientiane to Udon Thani | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Bus or Minivan | 3–4 hours | $5–$13 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car | 1.5–2 hours | $60–$160 per person |
| Train (via border crossing in Nong Khai) | 2–2.5 hours | $3–$16 per person |
How do I get from Vientiane to Udon Thani?
1. TAXI + BUS/VAN from Vientiane to Udon Thani
👉 Taxi + bus/minivan is a cheap and convenient way from Vientiane to Udon Thani.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers who want hotel pickup and easy border transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 3–4 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $5–13 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (combined taxi transfer + bus or minivan ride)
- ✅ Best Option: Combined services with companies like Family Service, PST Transit Service, or RG Adventure via Nong Khai
- 💡 Tip: Check pickup details and final drop-off station in advance, and review vehicle photos before booking.
A popular way to travel from Vientiane in Laos to Udon Thani is by bus or minivan via the Nong Khai border crossing and the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. Many services also include hotel pickup in Vientiane.
Operators such as Family Service, PST Transit Service, Sarah Transport Laos, Naluang, RG Adventure, and Soutchai Travel offer daily connections. The journey takes about 3–4 hours and tickets cost approximately $5–13 per person.
Most buses arrive at Udon Thani 1 or Udon Thani Bus Station 2. Tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
Before booking, check departure details, transfer conditions, and pickup information carefully. This is an affordable and convenient option for most travelers.
| Bus Operator | Departure in Vientiane | Arrival in Udon Thani |
|---|---|---|
| Soutchai Travel | 07:00 | 10:00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 10:00 | 13:00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 13:00 | 16:00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 14:00 | 17:00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 16:30 | 19:30 |
| Family Service | 07:15 | 11:00 |
| Family Service | 09:15 | 13:00 |
| Family Service | 11:15 | 15:00 |
| Family Service | 13:15 | 17:00 |
| Family Service | 14:15 | 18:00 |
| Family Service | 16:15 | 20:00 |
| RG Adventure | 08:00 | 11:00 |
| RG Adventure | 12:00 | 15:00 |
| RG Adventure | 14:00 | 17:00 |
| RG Adventure | 15:00 | 18:00 |
| RG Adventure | 17:00 | 20:00 |
2. PRIVATE CAR / TAXI from Vientiane to Udon Thani
👉 Private car or taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way from Vientiane to Udon Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want maximum comfort and flexible pickup/drop-off
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 1.5–2 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $60–160 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars, SUVs, or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Transfers with companies like RG Adventure, Glassflower, or Sarah Transport Laos
- 💡 Tip: Choose departure from Thanaleng for the quickest route and split the fare in a group to reduce costs.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Vientiane to Udon Thani is by private taxi or car with a driver. You can depart from Vientiane city, Vientiane Railway Station, or Thanaleng and travel directly to your destination.
Companies such as RG Adventure, Sarah Transport Laos, Vientiane Travel, Adisorn Thai Laos Transfer, and Glassflower offer modern cars, SUVs, and minivans. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours, depending on your pickup and drop-off locations.
Private transfers cost approximately $60–160 per vehicle, with smaller cars being the cheapest option and minivans the most expensive.
You can search, compare, and book private transfers online in advance. This option is ideal for travelers looking for maximum comfort and flexibility.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Udon Thani ➜
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| RG Adventure | 02:00 | From $93.00 / SUV 4pax |
| RG Adventure | 02:00 | From $148.00 / Van 4pax |
| Glassflower | 02:00 | From $151.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Glassflower | 02:00 | From $185.00 / VIP Van 9pax |
| Sarah Transport Laos | 03:00 | From $205.00 / Minivan 10pax |
| Vientiane Travel | 02:30 | From $140.00 / Minivan 6pax |
| Adisorn Thai Laos Transfer | 02:00 | From $118.00 / SUV 5pax |
| Adisorn Thai Laos Transfer | 02:00 | From $152.00 / Minivan 8pax |
3. TRAIN from Vientiane to Udon Thani
👉 Train is the cheapest and relatively quick way from Vientiane to Udon Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: solo travelers and budget-focused trips
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 2–2.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $3–16 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: basic to moderate (3rd and 2nd class seats, limited sleeper options)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct Thai train from Khamsavath Railway Station to Udon Thani
- 💡 Tip: Book early due to limited daily departures and use an e-ticket on your phone for easy boarding.
Traveling by train from Vientiane to Udon Thani is a cheap and convenient option. The international Thai train departs from Khamsavath Railway Station and arrives at Udon Thani Railway Station, close to the city center.
The journey takes about 2–2.5 hours and train tickets cost approximately $3–16 per person. The train offers 2nd and 3rd class seats, with 3rd class being the cheapest option.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Udon Thani ➜
The main drawback is the limited schedule, usually only one train per day. More train services are available from nearby Nong Khai in Thailand. Tickets can be booked online and used as e-tickets on your mobile phone.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Vientiane to Udon Thani
How do I book tickets or a private car from Vientiane to Udon Thani?
How long does it take to travel from Vientiane to Udon Thani?
Travel takes about 1.5–2 hours by taxi, 2–2.5 hours by train, and 3–4 hours by bus or minivan.
How far is Udon Thani from Vientiane?
The travel distance is approximately 80 km via the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
How much does travel from Vientiane to Udon Thani cost?
Bus tickets cost about $5–13, train tickets $3–16, and private cars around $60–160 per vehicle.
Are there flights from Vientiane to Udon Thani?
No, there are currently no direct flights between Vientiane and Udon Thani.
What is the cheapest way to get to Udon Thani?
The cheapest option is the international train via Nong Khai.
What is the best transport option?
For most travelers, the train offers the best combination of price, comfort, and travel time.
What is the fastest way to travel?
A private taxi is the fastest option, taking about 1.5–2 hours.
Where can I travel from Udon Thani?
Popular routes include Bangkok and Chiang Mai by train, bus, or flight.
Where can I book accommodation in Udon Thani?
You can search hotels, guesthouses, and resorts online here: Book accommodation in Udon Thani.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Vientiane:
If you’re planning your next trip from Vientiane, here are other popular routes you can take by bus, train, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Vientiane for visitors exploring Laos or Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Vientiane to Udon Thani
Traveling from Vientiane to Udon Thani covers about 80 km. You can travel by train, bus, minivan, or private taxi, with all routes crossing the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
- Travel by Train: The cheapest and most comfortable option, taking about 2–2.5 hours.
- Use Minivans for Convenience: Frequent departures and direct connections to Udon Thani.
- Allow Extra Border Time: Immigration procedures can occasionally delay your journey.
- Choose a Taxi for Speed: Private transfers take about 1.5–2 hours and offer maximum flexibility.
- Keep Travel Documents Ready: Have your passport and entry documents easily accessible.
- Book Early During Holidays: Popular departures may sell out on weekends and public holidays.
Tip: Train tickets, buses, minivans, and private transfers from Vientiane to Udon Thani can be searched and booked online in advance.