New rail service between Bangkok and Vientiane begins

 

New rail service between Bangkok and Vientiane begins: connecting Thailand and Laos

A test run was conducted yesterday for the new cross-border rail link between Bangkok and Vientiane, preparing for the official start of passenger service this Friday.

The trip started at Nong Khai Railway Station and ended at Vientiane Station (Khamsawat) in Laos.

Booking and schedule
Booking for the new rail service is available from July 10, with the first commercial trip scheduled for this Friday. The train will depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok at 9:25 pm and arrive at Vientiane Station at 9:05 am the next day.

Ticket prices
The prices for a one-way ticket from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Vientiane Station are:

- 281 Baht (US$8) for a third-class fan seat

- 574 Baht (US$16) for a second-class air-conditioned seat

- 784 Baht (US$22) for a second-class seat that converts to an air-conditioned upper bed

- 874 Baht (US$24) for a second-class seat that converts to an air-conditioned lower bed

Passengers boarding at stations along the route will enjoy reduced fares. Seats can be reserved up to 180 days in advance at any railway station across the country.

Travel opportunities
Upon arriving in Vientiane, passengers can explore local tourist attractions or continue their journey from the Vientiane railway station to other provinces in Laos or even to China on the high-speed China-Laos Railway.

Future connectivity
Thailand and Laos are set to launch this new railway network to boost travel and trade between the two countries, with trial runs initially announced by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) in late June. The initiative aims to boost connectivity and establish Thailand as a major logistics hub in the region.

This new rail link offers travellers a convenient and cost-effective way to see both Thailand and Laos, promising a smooth journey and improved access to key destinations.