# Luang Prabang Bus & Train Tickets: Northern or Southern Station > Luang Prabang has two bus terminals and one railway station, all outside the old town. Which one you need, what it costs to get in, and how the train compares. **Source:** https://laosbustickets.com/luang-prabang-bus-train-tickets/ **Language:** en **Last verified:** 5 September 2026 **Written by:** Laos Bus Tickets, Vientiane, Laos **Other languages:** [Français](https://laosbustickets.com/fr/luang-prabang-bus-train-tickets.md) · [Deutsch](https://laosbustickets.com/de/luang-prabang-bus-train-tickets.md) · [Español](https://laosbustickets.com/es/luang-prabang-bus-train-tickets.md) · [한국어](https://laosbustickets.com/ko/luang-prabang-bus-train-tickets.md) · [Русский](https://laosbustickets.com/ru/luang-prabang-bus-train-tickets.md) · [日本語](https://laosbustickets.com/ja/luang-prabang-bus-train-tickets.md) --- ## Quick answer Luang Prabang is served by three separate transport hubs, all outside the old town. The Southern (Naluang) Bus Station, about 2 km south, handles Vientiane, Vang Vieng and the south. The Northern Bus Station, about 3 km north next to the airport, handles Oudomxay, Nong Khiaw, Luang Namtha and the north. The railway station is about 11 km out. The airport is 5 km from the centre. Vientiane to Luang Prabang by train takes 1 h 46 m to 2 h 21 m against about 10 hours by road. ## Routes | Route | Border crossing | Duration | Bookable | |---|---|---|---| | Vientiane to Luang Prabang | Domestic | approx 10 hrs by road | Yes | | Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng | Domestic | approx 6 hrs by road | Yes | | Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw | Domestic | approx 4 hrs | Yes | | Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai | 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge | approx 20 hrs | Yes | | Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai | 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge | approx 16 hrs | Yes | | Luang Prabang to Hanoi | Nam Soy – Na Mèo | approx 24 hrs | Yes | | Vientiane to Luang Prabang | Domestic | 1 h 46 m – 2 h 21 m | Yes | | Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang | Domestic | about 1 hr | Yes | ## Common questions ### Which bus station do I need in Luang Prabang? For Vientiane, Vang Vieng and the south, use the Southern (Naluang) Bus Station, about 2 km south of the old town. For Nong Khiaw, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Phongsaly and the north, use the Northern Bus Station, about 3 km north next to the airport. They are on opposite sides of town, so check before you book a tuk tuk. ### How far is the railway station? About 11 km from the old town, further out than either bus terminal. Allow 25 to 30 minutes and arrange transport in advance for an early departure. ### How do I get from the airport to town? About 5 km. A shared tuk tuk from the airport typically runs around 50,000 kip; hailing one from town back to the airport tends to be quoted nearer 100,000 kip. A shared minivan is usually the cheapest option if one is running. ### Is the train worth it over the bus to Vientiane? For this route, almost always. 1 h 46 m to 2 h 21 m by train against about 10 hours by road. See Laos train tickets for fares and how to actually get a seat. ### What about getting to Nong Khiaw or the north? From the Northern Bus Station. See Nong Khiaw bus tickets for the onward leg and boat connections up the Nam Ou. ## Sources - [Lao Department of Immigration](https://immigration.gov.la): checkpoint list, opening hours and visa status - [Travelfish: how to get to Luang Prabang](https://www.travelfish.org/transport/laos/northern_laos/luang_prabang/luang_prabang/all): northern and southern bus terminal locations - [Gecko Routes: Luang Prabang airport transfers](https://geckoroutes.com/laos/luang-prabang-airport/): airport-to-town transport and fares - [The Man in Seat 61](https://www.seat61.com/Laos.htm): train classes, timings and booking mechanics --- _Written and maintained from Vientiane. The people behind this site have lived in Laos for two decades and cross these borders themselves. Routes and visa rules get rechecked whenever something changes, not on a fixed schedule that lets stale information sit for months._