Laos Airport Transfer Guide (2026) - All Options & Tips
Airport transfers in Laos: taxi, bus, train, and shuttle options from the airport to the city center, with costs and journey times in Laos.
Available Options
| Option | Duration | Price | Frequency | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Fixed Rate Taxi | 15m - 20m | View current prices | Always available | ⭐⭐ |
Helpful Tips
Grab runs in Vientiane. Download before landing. Upfront pricing. No tuk-tuk haggle.
Walk to the Huay Xai pier. Buy a ticket for the Mekong slow boat. Two lazy days to Luang Prabang. Budget beats flying. River views included.
Set the tuk-tuk fare first. No meters exist in Laos. Drivers take Lao kip or Thai baht.
Songthaews rule the roads. Covered pickups double as shared taxis. Flag one on the main drag or ask at the market. Cheap. Fast. Local.
Common Scams to Avoid
Unofficial overtime fees at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane pop up after hours. Officials ask for small cash on top of the visa-on-arrival charge. This is not legit. Pay only the published amount. Decline politely. Ask for a receipt if pressed.
Touts swarm the arrivals gate. They quote wild numbers for rides into central Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Ignore them. The official taxi desk inside the terminal lists fixed rates. Use it.
Airport money changers shortchange you. Rates for kip inside the terminal lag far behind banks and licensed booths downtown. Swap only enough for a taxi and snacks. Head to town for the rest. This sting happens across Southeast Asia, not just Laos.