Ticket prices on the Laos-China Railway (LCR) have increased across all routes, according to updated fares published on the LCR Ticket application on 1 April.
The adjustment, representing a roughly nine percent rise, affects all seating classes for adult passengers on all routes.
On the popular Vientiane Capital–Luang Prabang route, business class has risen from LAK 975,000 (USD 44.40) to LAK 1,063,000 (USD 48.50), first class from LAK 522,000 (USD 23.80) to LAK 569,000 (USD 25.95), and second class from LAK 330,000 (USD 15.00) to LAK 360,000 (USD 16.40).
On the longer Vientiane Capital-Boten route, which runs to the Laos-China border in Luang Namtha Province, business class is now priced at LAK 1,799,000 (USD 82.00), first class at LAK 961,000 (USD 44.00), and second class at LAK 605,000 (USD 27.50).
The nine percent increase applies uniformly across all classes and routes along the LCR network, a hotline staff confirmed.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Laos-China-Railway-station-in-Vientiane-Capital.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-04-01 09:35:422026-04-03 09:49:37Laos-China Railway Raises Fares Across All Routes Starting 1 April
The Lao government has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to move forward with a planned railway linking Laos to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port.
Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith presented the project on 24 March during the opening session of the 10th National Assembly, describing it as a key national infrastructure priority for the 2026–2030 development period.
Railway to Link Laos to the Sea
The proposed railway will stretch 562 kilometers from Vientiane Capital to Vung Ang Port in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam, creating a direct route from Laos to the sea.
The project is divided into three sections. The first phase, covering 147 kilometers from Thakhek to the Moua border crossing, will be developed first. The remaining sections will extend the line across Vietnam to the port and connect Vientiane to Thakhek.
The railway will use standard gauge tracks, the same as the Laos–China Railway, and is designed for passenger speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour and freight speeds of 80 kilometers per hour.
Timeline and Earlier Plans
The proposal builds on earlier plans announced in December, when officials said construction on the Lao section is expected to begin in 2026, with full operations targeted by 2030.
At that time, authorities said most preparatory work had already been completed, including feasibility studies, design, and environmental assessments.
The project is being developed as a public–private partnership involving Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company and Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group.
Vietnam is expected to begin construction on its section in 2027.
The section currently under review by the National Assembly is valued at around USD 1.3 billion and will be developed under a long-term concession model.
However, the full railway project is estimated to cost up to USD 6.6 billion.
Strategic Importance
Officials say the railway would provide Laos with a direct route to the sea, reducing reliance on road transport and lowering logistics costs for trade and exports.
The project is also expected to strengthen economic cooperation between Laos and Vietnam and improve regional supply chains.
Lastly, as part of the agreement, Laos will to receive priority access to key facilities at Vung Ang Port, which can handle large cargo volumes.
The National Assembly is set to decide on initial approval before the current session concludes on 27 March.
Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system relaunched its trial operations today, 10 March, offering free rides to encourage residents to embrace the capital’s revamped public transport service.
According to the Vientiane Capital Public Works and Transport Department, the two-month trial phase runs from 10 March to 9 May, during which all passengers may ride free of charge.
Normal fares will take effect from 10 May onwards.
The BRT will operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. During peak hours, 6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM, buses will run every six to seven minutes. Outside of peak hours, passengers can expect a waiting time of 10 to 15 minutes.
The trial route connects Dongdok (National University of Laos) to Talat Sao (Morning Market), spanning 19 stations. Key stops along the corridor include the SEA Games Dormitory, 450 Years Road, View Mall, SOS School, the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, ICTC Center, Phonphanao, Phonkheng, and Patuxay.
To ensure smooth and safe operations, the BRT runs on a dedicated lane reserved exclusively for BRT buses during service hours. All other vehicles are prohibited from using the lane between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM and will be warned and fined for violations.
Exceptions are also made for ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and government convoys with official police escorts.
Between 10:01 PM and 5:59 AM, other vehicles may use the BRT lane provided it is safe to do so. Any party responsible for damage to government property within the BRT lane will be fined 10 percent of the assessed damage value and must cover the remaining repair costs.
Authorities have confirmed that the BRT system is now fully operational. This marks the second trial launch of the project, following an initial launch in early November 2024 that was suspended after approximately one month.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2P0A9651.png.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-03-16 09:23:002026-03-27 11:30:10Vientiane Re-Launches BRT Service with Two Months of Free Rides
Laos-China Railway Raises Fares Across All Routes Starting 1 April
Ticket prices on the Laos-China Railway (LCR) have increased across all routes, according to updated fares published on the LCR Ticket application on 1 April.
The adjustment, representing a roughly nine percent rise, affects all seating classes for adult passengers on all routes.
On the popular Vientiane Capital–Luang Prabang route, business class has risen from LAK 975,000 (USD 44.40) to LAK 1,063,000 (USD 48.50), first class from LAK 522,000 (USD 23.80) to LAK 569,000 (USD 25.95), and second class from LAK 330,000 (USD 15.00) to LAK 360,000 (USD 16.40).
On the longer Vientiane Capital-Boten route, which runs to the Laos-China border in Luang Namtha Province, business class is now priced at LAK 1,799,000 (USD 82.00), first class at LAK 961,000 (USD 44.00), and second class at LAK 605,000 (USD 27.50).
The nine percent increase applies uniformly across all classes and routes along the LCR network, a hotline staff confirmed.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/01/laos-china-railway-raises-fares-across-all-routes-starting-1-april/
Laos Seeks Approval for USD 1.3 Billion Railway to Vietnam
The Lao government has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to move forward with a planned railway linking Laos to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port.
Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith presented the project on 24 March during the opening session of the 10th National Assembly, describing it as a key national infrastructure priority for the 2026–2030 development period.
Railway to Link Laos to the Sea
The proposed railway will stretch 562 kilometers from Vientiane Capital to Vung Ang Port in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam, creating a direct route from Laos to the sea.
The project is divided into three sections. The first phase, covering 147 kilometers from Thakhek to the Moua border crossing, will be developed first. The remaining sections will extend the line across Vietnam to the port and connect Vientiane to Thakhek.
The railway will use standard gauge tracks, the same as the Laos–China Railway, and is designed for passenger speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour and freight speeds of 80 kilometers per hour.
Timeline and Earlier Plans
The proposal builds on earlier plans announced in December, when officials said construction on the Lao section is expected to begin in 2026, with full operations targeted by 2030.
At that time, authorities said most preparatory work had already been completed, including feasibility studies, design, and environmental assessments.
The project is being developed as a public–private partnership involving Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company and Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group.
Vietnam is expected to begin construction on its section in 2027.
The section currently under review by the National Assembly is valued at around USD 1.3 billion and will be developed under a long-term concession model.
However, the full railway project is estimated to cost up to USD 6.6 billion.
Strategic Importance
Officials say the railway would provide Laos with a direct route to the sea, reducing reliance on road transport and lowering logistics costs for trade and exports.
The project is also expected to strengthen economic cooperation between Laos and Vietnam and improve regional supply chains.
Lastly, as part of the agreement, Laos will to receive priority access to key facilities at Vung Ang Port, which can handle large cargo volumes.
The National Assembly is set to decide on initial approval before the current session concludes on 27 March.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/24/laos-seeks-approval-for-usd-1-3-billion-railway-to-vietnam/
Vientiane Re-Launches BRT Service with Two Months of Free Rides
Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system relaunched its trial operations today, 10 March, offering free rides to encourage residents to embrace the capital’s revamped public transport service.
According to the Vientiane Capital Public Works and Transport Department, the two-month trial phase runs from 10 March to 9 May, during which all passengers may ride free of charge.
Normal fares will take effect from 10 May onwards.
The BRT will operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. During peak hours, 6:00 to 9:00 AM and 4:00 to 6:00 PM, buses will run every six to seven minutes. Outside of peak hours, passengers can expect a waiting time of 10 to 15 minutes.
The trial route connects Dongdok (National University of Laos) to Talat Sao (Morning Market), spanning 19 stations. Key stops along the corridor include the SEA Games Dormitory, 450 Years Road, View Mall, SOS School, the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, ICTC Center, Phonphanao, Phonkheng, and Patuxay.
To ensure smooth and safe operations, the BRT runs on a dedicated lane reserved exclusively for BRT buses during service hours. All other vehicles are prohibited from using the lane between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM and will be warned and fined for violations.
Exceptions are also made for ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and government convoys with official police escorts.
Between 10:01 PM and 5:59 AM, other vehicles may use the BRT lane provided it is safe to do so. Any party responsible for damage to government property within the BRT lane will be fined 10 percent of the assessed damage value and must cover the remaining repair costs.
Authorities have confirmed that the BRT system is now fully operational. This marks the second trial launch of the project, following an initial launch in early November 2024 that was suspended after approximately one month.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/10/vientiane-re-launches-brt-service-with-two-months-of-free-rides/