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Bangkok to Laos by Bus: Routes, Timetable, Pricing & Visa Information

You can take the bus from Bangkok to Laos with ease, and directly too.

The service runs from Bangkok to Vientiane, and is operated by Transport Co Intl, based at Mochit Bus Terminal.

The bus departs daily at 8pm, and reaches Talat Sao bus station in Vientiane by 7am the next morning.

How Much Does the Bus From Bangkok to Laos Cost?

Tickets cost around 1,000 THB. Consider that this is around 1/3 more than the non-direct route, which is to Nong Khai and then by bus to Vientiane from the Nong Khai bus terminal.

That said, the advantage is a direct route without the hassle of having to wait at Nong Khai for another bus.

What Type of Bus Will I Travel On?

The bus is a standard VIP bus with four seats per row. I have to say, some of the buses look a bit old, so don't expect first class. That said, most of these buses look the same on all routes.

It's not the prettiest of transport, but it's a cost effective way to get to Laos.

Will I Get Food & Drink On the Bus?

The bus stops several times at large gas stations. These have food courts and 7-Elevens to make sure you are watered and fed.

Snacks and water are served on board too; you even get a dinner of curry and rice. My tip is to always take your own snacks and water. Take nuts and fruit to munch on.

What Timetable Options are There?

Below is a table of times available to book now. As you can see, departures are in the evening, which is good in a way as you can sleep and won't waste the daytime traveling.

bangkok-to-vientiane-bus

Taking the Indirect Bus Route (Via Nong Khai)

I recommend paying the extra for the direct route, but as you can see from the pricing in the image above, if you are looking to save a few hundred Baht you can take the indirect route.

This route goes from Bangkok to Nong Khai, and then from there to Vientiane.

Buses for Nong Khai depart regularly from the northern bus terminal at Morchit.

The average journey is 9-10 hours, and the cost is 500-600 Baht.

The downside is that when you get to Nong Khai you will need to get off and take the international bus to Vientiane.

The departures times are as follows:

  • 7.30am
  • 9.30am
  • 12.40pm
  • 2.30pm
  • 3.30pm
  • 6pm

The price is 60 Baht. You buy your ticket there and then at the station.

To get to the border you will need to take a tuk-tuk to the border for around 60 Baht, then get the shuttle bus over the bridge to the other side of the border, which costs 50 Baht. You then need to get a Tuk Tuk or taxi into Vientiane.

How to Book Your Bus Tickets to Laos

You can book tickets prior to your journey from 12go Thailand. It's really easy.

Once you have booked, make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your departure. If you are traveling from Mochit, go to the MRT subway station Khampaeng Phet and then take a taxi which will be less than 50 Baht.

Once there, find the ticket counter or ask at the info box on the ground floor.

Your check-in point will be the northern bus terminal on the first floor. You can go to any counter of the 999 Transport Co. bus company.

This Bangkok to Laos bus route is great for travelers and expats alike, providing a cheap visa run option for long stayers and a great way to get between the two countries for backpackers.

Although the journey is pretty long, if you plan your trip right you can sleep through the night.

Getting Your Visa for Laos

For Laos you will need a visa on arrival. Fortunately,  Laos immigration have created an eVisa system which enables you to apply for your visa prior to travel.

This new system makes both the application process and the entry process a lot easier, since eVisa holders have their own lane when going through customs.

This means that during busy times you won't need to spend ages queueing up. You will also avoid the hassle of having to fill out an application form when you arrive.

This really does simplify the process.

For many years I had to go to a bank prior to traveling and get US dollars to pay the Visa fee when I arrived in Laos.

I'd then have to  sit down and fill out the application form, along with having to tell the annoying tout  that I didn't need any help with the process.

Having the eVisa makes the whole transition that much easier, and the trip that much more enjoyable

The process is very simple and 100% online.

=> Click here to get your eVisa

Further Information

Please note that if you are planning on going to the Thai consulate in Vientiane to apply for a visa, you now need to make an appointment to do this.

Additionally, if you want to fly instead, check out this post for further details.

And, if you plan on staying over night in this delightful little town, check out this hotel after you are done sorting your tickets. It's my top recommendation for a centrally located, clean, reasonably priced hotel.

Happy travels!

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  1. Free Issan says

    I think it's more typical for people doing visa business, to fly into Vientiane from Bangkok and then take the bus or train back to Bangkok after a few days stay near the Thai Embassy.

    So the Thai Embassy is kind of a circus, and the return bus trip across the Mekong is also more crazy than I really want to deal with again. However, when waiting for visa approval at the embassy, you might think it's a bit of a risk to presumptively book a return airline ticket out of Vientiane, even at a relatively low cost.

    But if I had to do this again, I would actually probably prefer to take the bus into Laos, and fly out of the airport back to Bangkok. It's the opposite of what everyone else on a visa run will be doing.

    The Vientiane airport is excellent, even the backpacker party areas in Vientiane are tremendously more tranquil than anywhere in Thailand, costs are low, the economy benefits more, people are appreciative, and it is a wonderful change of pace. I spent a week last time, but next time I'd take advantage of nearly the full 30 days on a visa on arrival and spend it in Laos.

    The thing about all of those people crowding the embassy in Vientiane is that they are already in Laos, they don't have Thai residency, and they are very anxious to get back into Thailand. If there's nothing that's in Thailand you can't get in Vientiane, you have a problem.

    Bus in the other direction seems sensible.
    Reply

  10. kaz says

    I traveled from Vientiane to Bangkok by night bus in this May. Price was 248,000 Laos money. At first a shuttle bus, a truck with passenger bench, picks up me, and took me to Vientiane bus terminal. I was forced to be on board to normal shuttle bus, because it took me to border office and Nonkai Terminal . About one hour later, a bus started to Bangkok. It was a double decker, and comfortable. The road was well paved and felt no dangerous risk. Good for nice sleep. No worries about thieves. Mochit Bangkok Terminal is distant from downtown, so taking taxi is necessary. It costs about 40 bahts to the Mochit railway station. Enjoy cheap and safety bus trip.
    Reply

  13. Thomas says

    Hi, we want to take the nightbus from Bangkok to Pakse. Can we buy tickets in advance or is it not necessary to make a reservation?

    Do we have time (when bus passes stops in Chong Mek) to buy our visa and then travel to Pakse?

    Thanx!

    Thomas (Belgium)
    Reply

  16. Norma O. Pasco says

    Good day... What bus company/bus station should we take from BANGKOK to PAKSE. Can we book on line? Sept 14,2015 is our acheduled date.. Please help us, we are both Senior citizens who wish to visit our co ASEAN countries.. Thank you
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      Hi, you can travel from Bangkok to Pakse by taking a direct bus from Mo Chit station. It used to cost around 900 Baht, takes 13 hours and used to depart at 9pm from the Northern bus terminal. You can't book online.
      Reply

  17. Pavel Skorpil says

    Dear all,
    please let me inform about the details regarding bus connection from Pakse to Bangkok - timetable, duration of the tour, bus category, price.
    Thank you very much for your reply.
    Best regards,
    Pavel Skorpil
    Prague, Czech Republic
    Reply

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