Bus is the most popular mean of transportation in Laos and the most convenient way to reach the major tourist destinations.
We support advance ticket booking for more than 10 bus stations and bus stops across Laos, connecting Vientiane with the major tourist destinations in the country: Luang Prabang in the North, Thakhek and Savannakhet in the Central region, Pakse, Don Det and Don Khon in the South.
We also list international bus routes connecting Laos with Cambodia and Thailand.
Bus companies in Laos
Road transportation in Laos is carried out by three types of vehicles: seated buses, sleeper buses and minivans. Bus companies operate modern fleets of vehicles equipped with air-conditioning, seats or berths, and on-board amenities. Depending on the travel distance and the level of comfort your prefer, you can choose among bus, minibus or minivan available for your route.
Sleeper buses
Sleeper buses generally cover long distances overnight and connect two or more cities in different provinces. Journeys can take up to 6 hours, so buses are prepared for passengers to sleep during most part of the journey.
The most common models of sleeper buses in Laos are double-deck coaches equipped with shared berths and capacity for 30 to 40 passengers.
Most sleeper buses have air-conditioning and the staff on-board provides water and sometimes blankets. Some modern buses are equipped with Wi-Fi internet.
Getting around Laos by bus
Laos has 21,716 km of highway, of which 9,673 km are paved and 12,043 km are unpaved.
The internal highway network comprises one major road: Route 13, which crosses the country from North to South linking Boten in the border with China with Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng Vientiane, then continues along the Mekong River through Thakhek, Savannakhet and Pakse down to the border with Cambodia. A secondary highway, Route 3, interconnects the northwest linking Luang Namtha in the border with China to Huay Xai in the border with Thailand.
We facilitate advance ticket booking for buses operated by Chitpasong Bus, VET Air Bus Express and Asia Van Transfer.
Ticket reservation is available 3 months in advance.
Chitpasong Bus
Vientiane - Luang Prabang Line serving Vientiane and Luang Prabang
Vientiane - Pakse Line serving Vientiane, Thakhek, Savannakhet and Pakse
VET Air Bus Express
Phnom Penh - Pakse Line serving Phnom Penh, Don Det and Pakse
Asia Van Transfer
Siem Reap - Pakse Line serving Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Don Khon, Don Det and Pakse
Destinations
Laos is divided into three regions: Northern Laos, Central Laos and Southern Laos.
Northern Laos
Northern Laos comprises Luang Prabang and the provinces of Phongsali, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Bokeo and Sainyabuli.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a charming city declared UNESCO World Heritage Site praised for its numerous temples, royal palaces, French colonial architecture and beautiful riverside scenery by the Mekong. The former capital is also the main transportation hub in Northern Laos, providing easy access to renowned natural attractions like the impressive Kuang Si Waterfalls and the beautiful rustic town of Nong Khiaw on the bank of the Ou River.
Bus routes to Luang Prabang
Central Laos
Central Laos comprises Vientiane and the provinces of Houaphanh, Xiangkhouang, Xaisomboun, Bolikhamsai and Khammouane.
Vientiane
Filled with many historic and religious monuments, Vientiane has the atmosphere of a sleepy city on the banks of the Mekong River. The capital is also the main transportation hub in Central Laos and the most frequented border crossing to Thailand.
Bus routes to Vientiane
South Central Region
Thakhek and Savannakhet are two frontier cities situated alongside the Mekong River in the border with Thailand often used as a stopover by travellers heading to Southern Laos.
Bus routes to Thakhek
Bus routes to Savannakhet
Southern Laos
Southern Laos comprises the provinces of Salavan, Sekong, Attapeu and Champasak.
Champasak
Pakse is the capital of Champasak province and the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau, an elevated range crossed by rivers and scenic waterfalls. Si Phan Don, meaning 4000 islands, is a riverine archipelago in the Mekong River. The main islands Don Det and Don Khon have become trendy in recent years as tourists come here to experience the relaxing way of life of the Mekong.
Bus routes to Pakse
Bus routes to Don Det
International bus routes to Laos
Laos is connected with direct international bus services to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia and Bangkok in Thailand.
Cambodia
Laos is connected by road with Cambodia through one main border checkpoint: Veun Kham–Dom Kralor in Champasak province.
Travellers bound to Laos are required visa exemption or else stamped visa or apply for e-visa or visa on-arrival.
International bus routes from Cambodia
Thailand
Laos is connected by road with Thailand through eight border checkpoints: Chong Mek–Vang Tao in Champasak province, Mukdahan–Savannakhet in Savannakhet province, Nakhon Phanom–Thakhek in Khammouane province, Bueng Kan–Pakxan in Bolikhamsai province, Nong Khai–Thanaleng in Vientiane, Tha Li–Nam Hueng and Huay Kon–Muang Ngeun in Sainyabuli province, and Chiang Khong–Huay Xai in Bokeo province.
Travellers bound to Laos are required visa exemption or else stamped visa or apply for e-visa or visa on-arrival.
International bus routes from Thailand
How to book your bus tickets in Laos
Booking your bus tickets in Laos is very quick and simple. Search for bus routes between any two cities for your travel dates.
Select your route
After search, we will display the results for your itinerary.
Find the services operated by different bus and minivan companies and select the most convenient option.
Click to expand the details of the route, you will find the available fares. The bus companies in Laos offer various types of fares, depending if the service consists of a seating bus, a sleeper bus or a minivan.
Fill in the passenger and contact details
Next, provide the passenger(s) information and select your seats.
Don't forget to provide the contact details of the person responsible for booking. We will send the ticket confirmation by email.
Complete your payment
Select your payment method. We accept international credit or debit cards.
Check your itinerary and price breakdown. Confirm that the booking information is correct. Before you proceed to payment, you must read and accept the terms and conditions of booking.
Receive your tickets by email
Once your payment is complete, your reservation will be processed.
In the following 24 hours you will receive the itinerary and booking confirmation by email with the electronic ticket in PDF format.
You can also access to Manage your booking via web and download the electronic ticket to your device.
How to use the bus e-ticket?
The electronic ticket can be used to board the bus or collect the bus ticket at the authorized ticket office before boarding.
Passengers must follow the instructions contained in the e-ticket and print a physical copy in advance or carry a digital copy in the mobile phone to collect the ticket at the station or present the e-ticket at the time of boarding.
RECEIVE YOUR E-TICKET BY EMAIL
Receive your electronic ticket by email in PDF format, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone.
ARRIVE AT THE STATION ON TIME
Arrive at the bus station 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If required, present your electronic ticket at the authorized ticket office and collect your bus ticket.
BOARD THE BUS
Locate the bus departure point and present your ticket to the driver before boarding. Arrive on time, make sure you don’t miss your bus.