Train from Bangkok to Vientiane: Online Booking, Schedules, and Routes
Experience seamless train travel from Bangkok to Vientiane, covering 650 km from Thailand’s bustling capital to Laos’ peaceful riverside city in just 11-15 hours with routes starting at THB 550.
Take the direct overnight train crossing the Friendship Bridge (11.5 hours), or combine the comfortable Bangkok-Nong Khai express with a short cross-border connection.
Note: Book your train tickets in advance—the international connection uses specialized rolling stock with limited daily departures.
Contents
Bangkok to Vientiane: Train Choices Explained
All trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station). This modern station serves as Bangkok’s long-distance railway hub, replacing the historic Hua Lamphong for Northeast line services.
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
| Train Service | Departure Time | Journey Details |
|---|---|---|
| Train #133 Rapid | 21:25 (Daily) | Direct to Vientiane – arrives 09:05 next day |
| Special Express #25 | 20:25 (Daily) | Bangkok to Nong Khai – arrives 06:25 |
| Express #75 | 08:45 (Daily) | Daytime service to Nong Khai – arrives 17:30 |
Train #133 Rapid – Direct to Vientiane
Service Type: Rapid
- Only direct train to Vientiane
- 2nd class AC sleepers only
- Border formalities included
- Open berths with privacy curtains
- Arrives Vientiane Khamsavath Station
Special Express #25 – Bangkok to Nong Khai
Service Type: Special Express
- Modern Chinese-built cars
- Dining car restored
- 1st class private cabins available (THB 1,500-1,600)
- 2nd class AC sleepers (THB 800-1,000)
- Requires border transfer for Vientiane
Express #75 – Daytime Service
Service Type: Express
- Scenic daytime journey
- 2nd/3rd class AC seating only (no sleepers)
- Perfect with 18:00 border bus connection
- Most budget-friendly option
- Total journey time: 10.5 hours same day
Border Crossing & Visa Information
| Crossing Method | Time Required | Cost & Details |
|---|---|---|
| International Train | 2 hours including immigration | Integrated with Train #133 journey |
| Cross-Border Bus | 1 hour | THB 50 (15,000 LAK) Frequent departures: 07:30, 09:30, 12:40, 14:30, 15:30, 18:00 |
| Private Transfer | 1.5 hours | THB 400-500 Flexible timing, door-to-door |
Direct train passengers complete Thai exit stamps at Nong Khai station before crossing into Laos, arriving at Khamsavath for Lao immigration processing. Most nationalities can obtain visa on arrival (USD 30-45) with passport photos and cash readily accepted.
Arriving in Vientiane
Khamsavath Station, 15 km from central Vientiane, offers organized onward transport. Morning arrivals find shuttle buses to the city center, while taxi services accommodate all schedules.
| Transport Type | Destination | Cost & Details |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Bus | Central Bus Station (Morning Market) | Available for morning train arrival Connects to downtown hotels |
| Taxi/Tuk-tuk | Any city destination | THB 300-400 (LAK 100,000) 20-30 minute journey |
| Walking Distance | From Morning Market to riverside | 1.5 km to Presidential Palace Hotels within 2-4 km radius |
Alternative: Direct Bus Service
VIP overnight buses (Mo Chit 18:00, 20:00 → Talat Sao 09:00–11:00) remain the only direct bus option if you prefer wheels over rails.
Food & Onboard Services
Onboard Dining
- Full dining car (restored)
- Thai set meals THB 120-250
- At-seat service available
- No dining car
- Basic refreshments only
- Station stop vendors
- Ayutthaya: Local snacks
- Lopburi: Fresh fruit
- Nakhon Ratchasima: Full meals
Total Journey Cost & Time
Compare routes to find the best option for your budget and schedule. Budget travelers can complete the journey for under THB 600, while comfort seekers can indulge in private cabins.
| Route Choice | Total Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Train #133 | 11.5 hours | THB 900-1,000 |
| Train #25 1st class + transfer | 13-14 hours | THB 1,800-2,000+ |
| Train #25 2nd class + crossing | 13-14 hours | THB 1,300-1,500 |
| Express #75 + Bus | 10.5 hours | THB 550-600 |
Packing Tips & Luggage Info
Smart packing ensures comfort throughout the journey. Essential items to bring:
- Overhead racks available for all classes; end-of-car storage for large bags
- Keep valuables with you during immigration checks
- AC can be quite cold at night—pack warm layers or light jacket
- Snacks and water (Train #133 has minimal food service)
- Power bank and phone charger (limited outlets available)
- 2 passport photos required for visa on arrival
- USD or THB cash for visa fees and Vientiane taxis
Popular Vientiane Destinations
- Nam Phou Fountain area
- 10 min from Morning Market
- Tuk-tuk: THB 50 / Walk: 15 min
- Restaurants and sunset views
- 15 min from train station
- Tuk-tuk: THB 70-100
- That Luang Stupa, Patuxai
- 2-4 km from center
- Bicycle rent: LAK 20,000/day
Booking & Advance Planning
Book international train tickets through SRT’s official D-Ticket system. Direct Train #133 sells out faster than connecting routes, especially during peak tourist seasons.
| Booking Timeline | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Peak Season (Nov-Mar) | Book 7-14 days ahead |
| Regular Season | Book 3-5 days ahead |
| Last-minute Travel | Consider express day train + bus |
FAQs
Yes, Train #133 offers direct service from Bangkok (21:25) to Vientiane (09:05) with no transfers required.
11.5 hours by direct train, 13-14 hours for transfer routes, covering 650-700 km total distance.
Most nationalities can get visa on arrival at the border. Bring USD 30-45 and a passport photo.
Only Train #25 (Bangkok-Nong Khai) has 1st class cabins. Direct Train #133 offers 2nd class only.
Yes. Train tickets range THB 1,000-1,600 vs THB 3,000-6,000 for flights.
Traveling from Bangkok to Vientiane by train connects Thailand’s dynamic capital with Laos’ serene riverside city. The 650-700 km route traverses Thailand’s northeastern plateau before crossing the iconic Friendship Bridge into Laos. Whether taking the direct overnight service or combining luxury trains with border crossing, this journey offers unique glimpses of Mekong region culture and landscapes.
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