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Leaving behind the cool, spring-like highlands of Yunnan for the laid-back riverside charm of Vientiane marks a transition between very different worlds. Since April 2023, international passenger trains have run between Kunming South and Vientiane, so the trip is possible in a single day.[1]
As you move south, the rugged mountains of southern China gradually give way to the lush, tropical greenery of northern Laos. Because you cross an international border, sort out your visas for both countries in advance: the railway asks international passengers to check that their entry and exit documents and visa are valid before they board.[2] You can book train tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Kunming to Vientiane by Train
When the service opened, the trains called at Kunming South, Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, Mohan, Boten, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane and ran at up to 160 km/h.[1] The fastest journey takes 9 hours 36 minutes (D87, 08:08 to 16:44); D83 (11:20 to 19:59) takes 9 hours 39 minutes, and D86, which leaves from Kunming station at 10:55, takes 10 hours 4 minutes.[3] Border clearance at Mohan takes about 50 minutes.[4]
Second Class Seat
For most travelers the second-class seat is the standard choice. It costs CNY 542 on D87 and D83 and CNY 552 on D86.[3]
First Class Seat
First class costs CNY 864 on D87 and D83 and CNY 881 on D86, for the same travel time.[3] China Railway says each train carries 420 seats for cross-border passengers, so book early in busy periods.[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (CNY) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Second Class) | 542 - 552[3] | 9h 36min - 10h 4min | High |
| Train (First Class) | 864 - 881[3] | 9h 36min - 10h 4min | Very High |
Tips for Traveling from Kunming to Vientiane
- Visa Preparation: Check the entry rules for China and Laos for your nationality before you book. International passengers must confirm that their entry and exit documents and visa are valid before boarding.[2]
- Tickets: Cross-border tickets are real-name tickets bought with a valid passport, and you must show the original passport to collect, change or refund a ticket. They go on sale 15 days ahead, so book as soon as your date opens, especially around Chinese New Year or the Lao New Year (Pi Mai) in April. Tickets for trains leaving China can be bought on 12306 or at designated windows in Kunming, Kunming South and other stations.[2]
- Payment: Foreign bank cards are accepted at 13 domestic stations along the line, and Mohan station hands out Chinese yuan in cash.[4]
- Luggage: Each passenger may carry up to 20 kg, with each piece no larger than 130 cm in length, width and height combined. Luggage cannot be checked in.[2]
- Food and Water: The railway serves local dishes such as Dai-style pork ribs and pineapple rice, as well as Lao-Chinese friendship coffee, on board.[4] The selection is limited, so bring snacks and a reusable water bottle for the long ride.
- Refunds: A ticket can be refunded before departure for a fee of 20 percent of the fare; after departure there is no refund.[2]
Timetable
| Flight Kunming - Vientiane $ 79.95–472.21 1h 30m – 1days 7h 9m | |
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| Train Kunming - Vientiane $ 78.58–123.58 9h 36m – 10h 4m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kunming to Vientiane, including current prices and schedules.
On the international train a second-class seat costs CNY 542 to 552 according to 12306 in October 2026. 12306 lists only second and first class for this service.
The fastest train, D87, takes 9 hours 36 minutes from Kunming South to Vientiane.
The trains take between 9 hours 36 minutes and 10 hours 4 minutes, depending on the service.
Yes. You pass exit and entry checks at the border stations, Mohan on the Chinese side and Boten on the Lao side. The railway reports that border clearance at Mohan takes about 50 minutes.
No. 12306 lists only second and first class seats on the international trains between Kunming and Vientiane.
For trains leaving China, tickets are sold on 12306 and at designated station windows in Kunming, Kunming South, Mohan and other stations, using your passport. For trains leaving Laos, they are sold in the LCR Ticket app and at station windows in Vientiane and other Lao stations.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] National Railway Administration of China: China-Laos Railway starts international passenger trains (中老铁路开行国际旅客列车). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] China Railway (12306): Notice for international passengers on China-Laos Railway international passenger trains (中老两国铁路国际旅客列车国际旅客须知). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] China Railway (12306): 12306 ticket search: Kunming to Vientiane, 16 October 2026. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] China State Railway Group: Lao-China Railway has carried more than 80 million passengers (中老铁路累计发送旅客突破8000万人次). 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.