Contents
Phnom Penh and Vientiane are far apart, and there is no single through vehicle. Booking platforms list one express bus and several combined van and sleeper tickets that change vehicles along the way, with journeys of about 20 hours to well over a day.[1]
The land crossing used for this trip is Trapeang Kriel on the Cambodian side and Nongnokkheane on the Lao side, in Champasak province.[2] Cambodia's official e-visa site lists Tropaeng Kreal (Stung Treng) among the land checkpoints that accept e-Visa entry to Cambodia.[3]
Phnom Penh to Vientiane by Van
Combined van tickets are listed at about $56 to $73, with total journey times of about 20 to 36 hours (October 2026).[1] They combine minivans for the daytime legs with sleeper buses for the overnight parts. The listed departures are 07:30 and 18:00 for a minivan and sleeper bus, 07:30 for a van-only or three-leg ticket, and 19:30 and 20:30 for tickets that start with a sleeper bus.[1]
Phnom Penh to Vientiane by Bus
Booking platforms list one express bus at about $92, leaving at 04:30. Its listed journey time is a day and 3 hours 30 minutes, about 27.5 hours in total.[1] It is the most expensive overland option listed.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van and sleeper combinations | $56 to $73[1] | 20h to 36h | 07:30, 18:00, 19:30, 20:30 |
| Express bus | About $92[1] | About 27h 30m | 04:30 |
Tips for Traveling from Phnom Penh to Vientiane
- Laos entry: The Lao immigration department lists the Nongnokkheane checkpoint with visa on arrival and e-visa, open from 06:00 to 18:00.[2] Laos also runs an official online e-visa service.[4] Check the current fee and your nationality's rules before you travel.
- Booking in advance: The route relies on specific connections, so book your seat a few days ahead, especially in the busy season.
- Plan for the length: With a journey of a day or more, carry water and snacks, and keep your passport and valuables in a small bag at your seat.
Timetable
| Bus Phnom Penh - Vientiane $ 91.29 1days 3h 30m | |
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| Van Phnom Penh - Vientiane $ 55.89–72.66 20h – 1days 12h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Phnom Penh to Vientiane, including current prices and schedules.
The combined van and sleeper tickets are cheapest, listed at about $56 to $73 on booking platforms in October 2026.
The quickest listed option is a van combination at about 20 hours. The express bus is listed at about 27.5 hours.
Plan for about 20 to 36 hours, depending on the combination of vehicles and the waiting time at the border and between connections.
The listed tickets cover the transport, not the visa. Visa fees and any border charges are separate, so check the current fee for your nationality before you travel.
Yes. Booking platforms list evening departures at 18:00, 19:30 and 20:30 that use sleeper buses for part of the trip.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Phnom Penh - Vientiane timetable. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Department of Immigration of Lao PDR: Nongnokkheane International Border Checkpoint. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia: eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia (official government website). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR: Lao Official Online Visa. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.