New update (2024 Mar)
Want to book Laos High Speed Rail tickets in advance from outside the country before you travel to Laos by a fair price? We recommend a new Laos train ticket online agency Laostrain.com, which is developed by a Chinese travel agency friend of Manifa Travel.
Unlike the official mobile app introducing in this page, you can buy tickets without verifying your Lao phone number, so you can book train tickets from outside Laos.
The price is a little higher than the regular price, but it is much cheaper than other online agencies. I think it’s a fair price.
Unlike other agencies, Laostrain.com booking system is connected to the train company’s system, so you can check ticket availability in real time.
Supports various payment methods such as credit cards.
Railway tickets go on sale early 3 days before the boarding date. It often sells out the day before. Therefore, if you want to ensure to get a train ticket, you should buy the ticket as soon as the sale starts. Currently, if you are a foreigner traveler still not enter Laos yet and want to board the train immediately after entering Laos, you have no choice but to book through an online agency in advance. As far as I know Laostrain.com offers better options than others.
Overview
LCR Ticket app, the official app of the railway company, allows foreign travelers to purchase Laos-China high speed railway tickets at regular prices. We made this page because there is a lack of appropriate information provision to foreign tourists. Please read this page carefully and buy your ticket to enjoy your trip in Laos.
- Train tickets can be purchased with a credit card (VISA card only) from the official “LCR Ticket” app for iPhone and Android
- SMS authentication with a Lao mobile number is required to purchase tickets on the app. Therefore, you can buy your ticket only after entering Laos and installing a Lao SIM.
- Online ticket sales begin early in the morning three days before the ride date. During peak tourist seasons, tickets often sell out as soon as they go on sale.
- All train has all reserved seats and is almost sold out on the day before.
If you can’t buy your ticket at least 2 days before you board the train, don’t hesitate to buy a higher ticket earlier from a secondary online seller.
In the unlikely case that you are unable to purchase your train ticket for the day you have planned with LCR Ticket app, you must plan your trip flexibly so that your entire trip is not interrupted. Consider the possibility of changing to another mode of transportation (bus, plane, etc.) or to another day.
Buy a SIM card in Laos
Unitel SIM cards can be purchased at airports and land borders. They can also be easily found in city stores (stores selling drinks, snacks, and daily necessities).
Unitel supplies a Net SIM card for 10,000 kip with 300 MB with data-only and SMS, no voice. When you successfully register your information, you will be given another 1 GB valid for 30 days and an additional 1 GB valid for the first 7 days of each of the following two months.
Let’s leave the SIM setting work to the shop staff. Now you can use SMS authentication to buy train tickets.
There is also a Voice & data SIM option, but it is not necessary for travelers. Local data SIMs are cheaper than international roaming. To learn more about mobile phones in Laos, the following sites are comprehensive and helpful.
Laos High Speed Railway Schedule and Fares
- As of March 2024, there are only 6 round trips per day, one of which is a ordinary train, not a high-speed train.
- The latest timetables can be found on the LCR mobile app and on the official Facebook page of Laos China Railway Company Limited.
- Most up trains from Vientiane to Luang Prabang depart in the morning.
- Most down trains from Luang Prabang to Vientiane depart in the afternoon.
- High-speed train between Luang Prabang and Vientiane takes about 2 hours. Even ordinary train takes less than 3 hours.
- Only 1 international round trip to/from Kunming, China
Book your Laos High Speed Railway ticket with the LCR app.
The LCR application can be downloaded from Apple and Google APPs stores. User registration requires SMS verification of a Lao phone number. This app can only be used after arriving in Laos.
- Lao Railway tickets can be purchased from early morning 3 days in advance.
- Train tickets from Laos to China can be purchased 14 days in advance. (Train tickets from China to Laos cannot be purchased with this app)
- Multiple payment options are offered, but only VISA credit cards (not MASTER or others) and China Union pay for foreign travelers.
- You will have a QR code in the app and can use the code as your train ticket in the station.
- Purchase tickets for up to 10 passengers
- Not available for purchase at night Lao time. Tap “Book” to display “Not accessible during non-business hours”
- Children above 1.2m (394 feet) must purchase a ticket. There is a child discount rate provision for children 1.2-1.5 meters but it is not implemented in the app.
- Official face-to-face ticket sales and support services are conducted at the sales offices at each station and city. The official ticket sales location in the city of Luang Prabang is here, Vientiane is here
- There is an additional fee of 20,000 kip (approximately $1) if you use the app or purchase at official ticket offices outside the station. Other sub-sellers charge even more (usually around 30%).
Generic information
The express trains are limited to 20 kilograms of luggage per passenger.
Passengers must carry photo identification (passport) and should arrive at the station at least one hour before departure time and remain in the waiting area for inspection of tickets and documents.
Ordinary train tickets are sold for same-day travel and immediate departure so passengers may have a good chance to a get a ticket and a seat if they arrive early and may not need to purchase tickets the day before. Passengers will be allowed to carry more baggage on ordinary trains than the 20 kilogram limit.
Fast Train (Train number C8X for domestic, D8X for interternational)
Ordinary Train (Train number K1X)
To and from the railway stations
Make sure to ask us or your hotel to pick you up in advance. You can use the following local public services:
Vientiane: City bus available to/from train station. They are connected to/from Central Bus Station (CBS) (15 km) and Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge boarder point (22 km). You can take a tuk-tuk from the Central Bus Station (CBS) to your hotel. Cabs are also available from the station. You can use the Mobile Taxi app (LOCA, iphone or android) to dispatch a ride from a designated location to the station.
Vang Vieng: Tuktuk (2 km)
Luang Prabang: There is a shared/private shuttle van service. Your hotel staff will arrange it for you. (12 km)