Udon Trails
English

Udon Thani to Vientiane (Laos): Bus, Train, Border & Visa Guide 2026

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is about 78 km from Udon Thani. A day trip or a few nights there is easy to add to your Expo visit.

At a glance

Distance
78 km, about 1 h 10 min by road plus the border
Cheapest way
International bus from Udon Thani, 80 THB
Border
First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Nong Khai – Vientiane)
Bring
Passport (valid 6+ months), passport photo, US dollars in clean notes

Ways to get there

  • International bus (easiest)

    • Direct air-conditioned bus from Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 to Vientiane, about 80 THB.
    • Several departures a day. The bus waits while everyone clears both border posts.
    • New from 9 Sep 2026: a daily 09:00 bus also stops at Udon Thani Airport (09:30) and reaches Vientiane around 12:00. It returns at 14:00.
    • Allow about 2–3 hours in total, longer on holidays. Buy tickets at the terminal or online.
    Book tickets · 12Go

  • Train via Nong Khai

    • Get to Nong Khai first (about an hour by van or bus from Udon).
    • Trains to Vientiane Khamsavath station leave Nong Khai at 08:35 and 17:25, taking 30 minutes (70–120 THB). Back: 09:35 and 18:25.
    • The overnight train 133 from Bangkok runs through to Vientiane, passing Udon Thani in the early morning.
    • Khamsavath station is about 7 km from central Vientiane: take a taxi or tuk-tuk.
    Book tickets · 12Go

  • Do it yourself via the Friendship Bridge

    • Bus or van to Nong Khai, then a tuk-tuk to the Thai border post at the bridge.
    • After Thai exit control, the shuttle bus crosses the bridge (around 30 THB). You cannot walk across.
    • On the Lao side, get your visa, then take a taxi, tuk-tuk or city bus about 20 km into Vientiane.

  • Private car or taxi

    • Door to door and the fastest option for groups, around 1 h 10 min of driving plus the border.
    • Thai rental cars usually need a special permit to enter Laos, so check with the rental company first.

Help keep Udon Trails free · Book with our partners: you pay the same price, and we get a small commission that keeps this guide going. Thank you!

Lao visa

  • Visa on arrival at the Friendship Bridge: about US$40 for most nationalities (some pay less), valid 30 days. Bring one passport photo and pay in clean US dollar notes, as paying in baht costs more.
  • E-visa: apply on the official site laoevisa.gov.la before you go. It is accepted at the Friendship Bridge and at Vientiane Khamsavath station.
  • Visa-free: ASEAN citizens and a few other nationalities. The length of stay depends on your passport, so check before you travel.
  • Small extra fees may apply on weekends and outside office hours.
laoevisa.gov.la ↗

Crossing the Friendship Bridge, step by step

  1. 1Thai exit: show your passport at Thai immigration in Nong Khai.
  2. 2Cross: stay on your bus, or take the bridge shuttle bus.
  3. 3Lao visa: if you need one, fill in the form and pay at the visa-on-arrival window.
  4. 4Lao entry: passport check, and pay the small entry fee if asked.
  5. 5Into Vientiane: about 20 km from the bridge to the city centre.
Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (to Vientiane) · 48 min (54.8 km) →

Good to know

  • The border at the bridge is usually open from about 06:00 to 22:00. Cross early on weekends and holidays.
  • Thai baht are widely accepted in Vientiane, but change some money into Lao kip for small shops.
  • Thai SIM cards may not roam in Laos. Get a Lao SIM or an eSIM if you need data.
  • If you stay in Thailand on a visa exemption, check that you can re-enter before leaving.

Times and fees checked in October 2026 and can change. Check with the operator before you travel.

Where to stay

Udon Thani to Vientiane FAQ

How do I get from Udon Thani to Vientiane?

The easiest way is the international bus from Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 (about 80 THB), which crosses the Friendship Bridge and goes into Vientiane. You can also go via Nong Khai and take the train to Vientiane Khamsavath station.

How long does it take from Udon Thani to Vientiane?

The drive is about 78 km, around 1 h 10 min without traffic. With the border crossing, plan on 2–3 hours by bus.

Can I get a Lao visa on arrival at the Friendship Bridge?

Yes. Visa on arrival is issued at the bridge for most nationalities, about US$40 for 30 days. Bring a passport photo and US dollars. You can also apply for an e-visa in advance at laoevisa.gov.la.

Is there a bus from Udon Thani Airport to Vientiane?

Yes. Since 9 September 2026 a daily bus leaves Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 at 09:00, stops at the airport at 09:30 and reaches Vientiane around 12:00. The return leaves Vientiane at 14:00. The fare is 80 THB.

Can I visit Vientiane as a day trip from Udon Thani?

Yes, but it makes for a long day. Leave on an early bus, see Patuxai, That Luang and the Mekong riverside, and come back on an afternoon bus. Staying one night is more relaxed.

Getting here →Hotels near the Expo →