Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang train tickets
There are 6 trains a day from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang on the Laos-China Railway. The fastest takes 51m and tickets start from US$ 12.76.
Traveling the other way? Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng train
Book Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang train tickets online
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Every train on this route, with the full list of stops. Open Stop stations to see where each train calls and how long it waits.
| Train | Times | Duration | Classes | Days | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D88 | 08:55 → 09:46 | 51m |
First Class
Second Class
|
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
US$ 17.26 | Book → |
Stop stations
Station Name
Arrival
Departure
Stop
Vientiane
08:00
08:00
--
Vang Vieng
08:52
08:55
3m
Luang Prabang
09:46
09:50
4m
Muang Xai
10:41
10:44
3m
Boten Border check
11:15
12:07
52m
MohanUTC+8 Border check
13:19
14:11
52m
XishuangbannaUTC+8
15:10
15:16
6m
Pu'erUTC+8
15:56
16:00
4m
YuxiUTC+8
17:52
17:56
4m
Kunming SouthUTC+8
18:34
18:34
--
|
||||||
| K12 | 09:49 → 11:09 | 1h20m |
Hard Seat
|
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
US$ 12.76 | Book → |
Stop stations
Station Name
Arrival
Departure
Stop
Vientiane
08:25
08:25
--
Phonhong
09:04
09:08
4m
Vang Vieng
09:44
09:49
5m
Kasi
10:16
10:24
8m
Luang Prabang
11:09
11:15
6m
Muang Nga
11:52
11:55
3m
Muang Xai
12:23
12:28
5m
Na Mor
12:54
12:57
3m
Nateuy
13:10
13:13
3m
Boten
13:24
13:24
--
|
||||||
| C92 | 10:16 → 11:38 | 1h22m |
Business Class
First Class
Second Class
|
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
US$ 15.01 | Book → |
Stop stations
Station Name
Arrival
Departure
Stop
Vientiane
09:20
09:20
--
Vang Vieng
10:12
10:16
4m
Luang Prabang
11:38
11:38
--
|
||||||
| D84 | 12:20 → 13:11 | 51m |
First Class
Second Class
|
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
US$ 17.26 | Book → |
Stop stations
Station Name
Arrival
Departure
Stop
Vientiane
11:25
11:25
--
Vang Vieng
12:17
12:20
3m
Luang Prabang
13:11
13:15
4m
Boten Border check
14:31
15:25
54m
MohanUTC+8 Border check
16:37
17:29
52m
XishuangbannaUTC+8
18:28
18:34
6m
Pu'erUTC+8
19:15
19:19
4m
Kunming SouthUTC+8
21:44
21:48
4m
KunmingUTC+8
22:08
22:08
--
|
||||||
| C96 | 15:15 → 16:48 | 1h33m |
Business Class
First Class
Second Class
|
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
US$ 15.01 | Book → |
Stop stations
Station Name
Arrival
Departure
Stop
Vientiane
14:05
14:05
--
Vang Vieng
15:08
15:15
7m
Luang Prabang
16:48
16:52
4m
Muang Xai
17:50
17:53
3m
Nateuy
18:20
18:25
5m
Boten
18:35
18:35
--
|
||||||
| C86 | 16:30 → 17:26 | 56m |
Business Class
First Class
Second Class
|
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
US$ 15.01 | Book → |
Stop stations
Station Name
Arrival
Departure
Stop
Vientiane
15:15
15:15
--
Phonhong
15:44
15:47
3m
Vang Vieng
16:26
16:30
4m
Luang Prabang
17:26
17:26
--
|
||||||
Route facts
- First and last train
- 08:55 · 16:30
- Fastest train
- D88 · 51m
- Overnight sleeper
- No, daytime trains only
- Cheapest class
- Hard Seatfrom US$ 12.76
The Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang train, up close.
The Lao section of the line, 422 km from Boten to Vientiane, opened on 3 December 2021 and turned the long mountain roads between the capital, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang into a short, smooth ride on standard gauge track built for up to 160 km/h.
How long does the Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang train take?
The fastest train covers the 116 km in 51m and the slowest takes 1h33m. There are 6 trains every day: the first leaves Vang Vieng at 08:55 and the last at 16:30. By road, the same trip means hours on a winding mountain highway.
Which train to pick
On this route you can choose between 2 international D trains (First and Second Class), 3 Lane Xang C trains (Business, First and Second Class) and 1 conventional K train (Hard Seat only). The D trains are Chinese CR200J Fuxing EMUs with a dining car, and announcements are in Chinese, English and Lao. The C trains use the Lane Xang EMU, named after the old kingdom of the Million Elephants. The K train is slower because it stops at every small station on the way. Whichever you choose, trains leave exactly on time and do not wait for late passengers.
Morning trains sell out first
Morning departures are the first to go, especially at weekends and around Lao holidays such as Pi Mai, the Lao New Year in mid April. Tickets open only 6 days ahead, so book on the first morning your date becomes available.
Which class to book.
Second Class is what most travelers book. Seats are assigned when you buy, and there is no seat map to choose from.
Business Class
Wide leather seats, extra legroom, fewest passengers.
First Class
Seats in a 2+2 layout, more legroom and a quieter carriage.
Second Class
Seats in a 2+3 layout with A/C, the standard choice.
Hard Seat
Fixed upright seats on the slow train that stops at every station.
Price per class
| Class | From | Up to |
|---|---|---|
| Business Class C92, C96, C86 | US$ 33.06 | US$ 33.06 |
| First Class D88, C92, D84, C96, C86 | US$ 20.64 | US$ 22.89 |
| Second Class D88, C92, D84, C96, C86 | US$ 15.01 | US$ 17.26 |
| Hard Seat K12 | US$ 12.76 | US$ 12.76 |
Per person, one way, from the current LCR timetable, all fees included. The price varies by train, so pick yours when you book.
What it's like on the train.
Trains on the Laos-China Railway are modern, clean and air-conditioned, and the rules at the station are stricter than most travelers expect.
Power and comfort
All trains on this route are air-conditioned. The D and C trains have power sockets at the seats. Don't count on a socket at your seat on the K train: bring a charged power bank. The line runs through many tunnels, so mobile signal drops often: download films, music and maps before you board.
Food and drink
The D and C trains have a dining car, and a trolley passes with snacks and drinks. The K train has no dining car, so bring your own food and water. Stations have a small cafe and a few kiosks, but choice is limited, so stock up in town.
Luggage and security
There is no luggage check-in: you keep your bags with you. Each passenger can bring up to 20kg of luggage. Security is airport-style, so leave knives, scissors, aerosols, flammable liquids, vapes and lighters behind, and keep your bags easy to open for inspection.
LCR tickets, without the LCR headaches.
The official LCR app needs a Lao phone number to register, which rules out most foreign travelers. We book for you, and if your date is not on sale yet, we email you the moment seats are released.
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See live prices ↑The practical details.
Onboard
A/C on every train on this route, plus a dining car, trolley snacks and power sockets at the seats on the D and C trains. On the K train, bring your own food and a power bank.
ID & tickets
Your passport is required to buy a ticket and to enter the station. The name on the ticket must match your passport exactly.
Changes & refunds
LCR tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable once issued.
Luggage & fares
Each passenger can bring 20kg of baggage. No child fares: children pay the adult price.
How far ahead can you book?
You can book this route up to 6 days before departure. Here is how the Laos-China Railway sales window works, and how to get a seat the moment it opens.
When tickets go on sale
Laos-China Railway sells tickets on trains within Laos up to 6 days before departure, and on routes that cross into China up to 14 days before. Seats are released at 06:30 Laos time (UTC+7). If your date is further out, trains show as "Not open yet": this is normal. Morning departures, weekends and Lao holidays sell out first, so book on the day your date opens.
How the waitlist alert works
Your stations.
Vang Vieng Railway Station
XF34+4F, Vang Vieng, Laos
The station is a few kilometers from town, a short taxi ride away. Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure: all LCR stations have airport-style security and the platform opens only a few minutes before the train. Entry to the departure hall requires your ticket and passport. After security, queue on the platform at your coach number.
Luang Prabang Railway Station
Luang Prabang Railway Station, Luang Prabang, Laos
The station is across the Mekong: allow at least 20 minutes from the old town.
More trains around this route.
The way back, the stops in between, and where else the line can take you. Live prices and seats on every route.
Other trains from Vang Vieng
Other trains to Luang Prabang
Crossing the border by train
Laos · Thailand · ChinaQuick answers.
How many trains run from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang each day?
There are 6 trains a day from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang: the D88 at 08:55, the K12 at 09:49, the C92 at 10:16, the D84 at 12:20, the C96 at 15:15, the C86 at 16:30.
How long does the Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang train take?
The fastest train, the D88, takes 51m. The slowest takes 1h33m.
How much is a Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang train ticket?
Tickets start from US$ 12.76, on the K12. Every passenger pays the same fare, whatever their age.
How far in advance can I book the Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang train?
Up to 6 days before departure. Laos-China Railway releases seats at 06:30 Laos time (UTC+7), and popular departures can sell out on the first morning.
Which station do Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang trains depart from?
Trains depart from Vang Vieng Railway Station (XF34+4F, Vang Vieng, Laos). Arrive at least 60 minutes early for the security check.
Where do Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang trains arrive?
Trains arrive at Luang Prabang Railway Station (Luang Prabang Railway Station, Luang Prabang, Laos).
Can I change or refund my LCR ticket?
No. LCR tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable once issued, so check your date, train and passport details before you pay.
Is there a child fare?
No. Every passenger pays the full fare, whatever their age.
Do I need a Lao phone number to book?
No. The official LCR app requires a Lao phone number, but we book on your behalf: you only need an email address and an international card.
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