Train from Vientiane to Bangkok: Online Booking, Schedules, and Routes
Journey 640 kilometers from Vientiane’s peaceful riverside to Bangkok’s bustling streets via train, crossing cultures and landscapes through northeastern Thailand in style.
The direct overnight train departs Vientiane at 18:25, gliding across the Friendship Bridge by night, delivering you to Bangkok’s modern Krung Thep Aphiwat station at 07:30 next morning. Want more options? Take an international bus to Nong Khai, then connect with premium Thai trains offering 1st class private cabins or budget-friendly 3rd class seats.
SiamTickets handles your entire itinerary, from border crossings to onward connections, making Laos to Thailand travel simple and stress-free.
Contents
- Best Train & Connection Combinations
- Connecting via Nong Khai: Bus Timings & Train Links
- Direct Train: Vientiane to Bangkok
- Departures to Avoid
- Alternative Train Options via Nong Khai
- Sleeper Classes & Fares
- Bus Options: Vientiane to Nong Khai
- Food & Onboard Services
- Border Crossing Process
- Nong Khai to Bangkok Train Connection
- Bangkok Arrival Information
- FAQs
- Related Trips
Best Train & Connection Combinations
| Option | Bus & Train | Why Choose This |
|---|---|---|
| 🌟 RECOMMENDED | Direct Train #134 (18:25) | No transfers, overnight comfort |
| ⚡️ MOST CONVENIENT | Bus 15:30 (→ 18:00) + Train #26 (19:40) | Quick connection, sleeper comfort |
| 💰 BUDGET-FRIENDLY | Bus 09:30 (→ 11:00) + Train #75 (12:45) | Daytime travel, cheapest option |
Connecting via Nong Khai: Bus Timings & Train Links
If you’re not taking the direct train, you’ll need to catch an International Bus from Vientiane’s Central Bus Station (Talat Sao) to Nong Khai. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and includes time for border procedures. Below are the key bus departure times that allow you to connect smoothly with onward trains to Bangkok:
| Bus Departs (VTE) → Arrives (NK) | Connects to Train… (Departs NK) |
|---|---|
| 07:30 → 09:00 | #75 (Express Seat) at 12:45 (~3h 45m buffer) |
| 09:30 → 11:00 | #75 (Express Seat) at 12:45 (~1h 45m buffer) |
| 14:30 → 16:00 | #76 (Express Sleeper) at 20:00 (~4h 00m buffer) |
| 15:30 → 17:00 | #26 (Special Express Sleeper) at 19:40 (~2h 40m buffer) |
Direct Train: Vientiane to Bangkok
The direct overnight train offers hassle-free travel with no transfers needed. Simply board in Vientiane and wake up in Bangkok the next morning.
| Departure → Arrival | Train Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 18:25 → 07:30 (+1) | #134, Rapid (AC Sleeper) 13h |
No transfers, seamless journey Evening departure, morning arrival |
Timeline (Direct Train #134)
Departures to Avoid
| Bus | Why Avoid |
|---|---|
| Late afternoon buses after 14:30 | Risk missing evening trains |
| Evening buses after 17:00 | No train connection same day |
Alternative Train Options via Nong Khai
For more flexibility, take a bus to Nong Khai then catch one of these trains to Bangkok. Each option offers unique benefits based on your preferences and budget.
| Departure → Arrival | Train Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 19:40 → 06:00 (+1) | #26, Special Express (AC/1st Class) 10h 20m |
Premium experience Private sleeper cabins available |
| 12:45 → 21:30 | #75, Express (AC/Fan Seats) 8h 45m |
Daytime scenic travel Budget-friendly option |
| 20:00 → 07:00 (+1) | #76, Express (AC Sleeper) 11h |
Good overnight alternative Standard sleeper berths |
Sleeper Classes & Fares
First Class AC Sleeper
Special Express (#26)
- Private 2-berth cabin with lock
- AC control, washbasin
- Full dining service available
Second Class AC Sleeper
Trains #134, #26, #76
- Open berths with privacy curtains
- Fresh bedding, AC system
- Reading light, power outlet
Fan/3rd Class
Express trains (#75)
- Fan-cooled or basic seating
- Budget-friendly option
- Daytime travel comfort
Bus Options: Vientiane to Nong Khai
Buses cost around THB 50 (about 15,000 LAK) per person. All buses depart from Vientiane’s Central Bus Station (Talat Sao) and handle border formalities en route, making the crossing seamless for passengers.
| Service Type | Journey Details | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Direct International Bus | 1h 30m journey (incl. border) | Air conditioning, border assistance |
| Regular crossing | 2-3 times per hour | Local guide, multiple languages |
| VIP service | Faster processing | Priority boarding, comfort seats |
Food & Onboard Services
Onboard Services
- At-seat meals (THB 120 – 250)
- Thai and Western options
- Dining car on Express trains
- Udon Thani: Fresh snacks
- Nakhon Ratchasima: Local delicacies
- 5 – 10 minute stops
- Free water on buses
- Duty-free shopping
- Money exchange counters
Border Crossing Process
Crossing from Laos to Thailand requires proper documentation. The process is straightforward whether you take the direct train or separate bus/train combination.
Visa Requirements
- Visa exemption for most nationalities
- 30-day stamp on arrival
- Passport valid 6+ months required
- Exit stamp at departure station
- Immigration handled onboard
- Passport inspection required
- All formalities on train
- No need to disembark
- Special immigration officers board
Nong Khai to Bangkok Train Connection
Arriving at Nong Khai Railway Station from Vientiane, you’ll find clear signage and helpful staff to guide you to your Bangkok train connection. The station is well-equipped with waiting areas, refreshment shops, and clean facilities.
Bangkok Arrival Information
Popular Bangkok Destinations
- Shopping areas and major hotels
- 30–40 min from Krung Thep Station
- Taxi: THB 150–200 / MRT: THB 30–40
- International restaurants and nightlife
- 35–45 min from Krung Thep Station
- Taxi: THB 200–300 / MRT + BTS: THB 50–70
- Backpacker area and street food
- 30–40 min from Krung Thep Station
- Taxi: THB 150–200 / Public bus: THB 30–40
FAQs
Yes. Train #134 runs overnight from Vientiane (18:25) to Bangkok (07:30), covering 640 km.
13 hours for the direct train. Bus+train combinations take 12–15 hours total.
Train #26 offers 1st class private cabins, while direct train #134 provides reliable AC sleepers.
Yes. Train fares: THB 900–1,600 vs flights: THB 2,000–4,000.
Book 3–7 days in advance, especially for sleeper trains during high season.
Traveling from Vientiane to Bangkok by train offers a comfortable, affordable journey through the heart of Thailand’s northeast region. The 640 km route takes you from Laos’ peaceful capital city across the Mekong River into bustling Bangkok. Whether you choose the convenient direct train or customize your trip with stops in Nong Khai, this journey showcases Thailand’s diverse landscapes and provides memorable overnight travel experiences.
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