New Bangkok to Vientiane train service launches tomorrow

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch a new passenger train service between Bangkok and Vientiane, Laos. The service, starting tomorrow, July 13, will facilitate travel between the two countries, with tickets available for advance purchase up to 180 days.

The new route will operate two round-trip journeys daily, featuring three classes of service, third-class fan-cooled seats with 152 available spots, second-class air-conditioned seats with 64 seats, and second-class air-conditioned sleeper berths with 30 beds.

Additionally, another route between Udon Thani and Vientiane will also operate two round-trip journeys, making a total of four trips per day.

Ticket prices for the Bangkok to Vientiane route are as follows, third-class seats are priced at 281 baht, second-class air-conditioned seats at 574 baht, and second-class air-conditioned sleeper berths at 784 baht for the upper bed and 874 baht for the lower bed.

For the Udon Thani to Vientiane route, prices are set at 100 baht for fan-cooled seats and 200 baht for air-conditioned seats.

The train service schedule for the Bangkok to Vientiane route includes Train No. 133, departing Bangkok at 9.25pm and arriving in Vientiane at 9.05am the next morning. The return trip, Train No. 134, leaves Vientiane at 6.25pm and reaches Bangkok at 7.30am the following day.

For the Udon Thani to Vientiane route, Train No. 147 departs Udon Thani at 4pm and arrives in Vientiane at 5.55pm. The return trip, Train No. 148, departs Vientiane at 9.35am and arrives in Udon Thani at 11.25am.

Passengers wishing to purchase tickets can do so up to 180 days in advance at any train station nationwide. Travellers must have a passport or a border pass for customs and immigration checks at Nong Khai and Vientiane (Khamsavath) stations before crossing the border.

The SRT has also collaborated with the Vientiane Transport Operators Association to provide shuttle bus services to various tourist attractions, enhancing convenience for travellers.

The head of the Governor’s Office of the SRT, Ekarat Sriarayampong, stated that this new international service will not only ease travel for citizens of both countries but also elevate Thailand’s logistics system, aiming to become a regional hub under the Ignite Thailand initiative.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Transport’s policy to comprehensively develop Thailand’s rail transport system, reported KhaoSod.