China Laos Railway - Route, Train Station and Tickets

The China-Laos Railway, which has been put into operation since December 3, 2021, is a new international railway connecting China's southwestern province of Yunnan to Laos's capital city, Vientiane. The railway has a total length of 1,035 kilometers. It is expected to significantly enhance trade and transportation between China and Laos, as well as promote tourism. Traveling by the China-Laos Railway is a unique and exciting way to explore the stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and diverse cuisines of China and Laos. With modern and comfortable trains, convenient schedules, and affordable prices, the railway is a great choice for travelers looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Dali Railway Station

Why China-Laos Railway Important?

The opening and operation of the China-Laos Railway have opened a new era of railway transportation in Laos and profoundly changed the country's transportation pattern. It has realized Laos's long-cherished wish from a "landlocked country" to a "land-linked country" and will greatly facilitate people's travel and promote the development of tourism, agriculture, water conservancy, and urbanization along the railway. It will also help the development of economic parks such as the Vientiane Saysettha Comprehensive Development Zone and the China-Laos Mohan-Boten Economic Cooperation Zone, and enhance economic and social cooperation and exchanges between China and Laos. As an important backbone of the Pan-Asia Railway, the China-Laos Railway will also become a "golden key" for Laos to connect with China to the north and with ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Malaysia to the south, which will have a positive impact on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation.

China-Laos Railway Route

China Sections: Kunming - Yuxi - Mohan
Laos Sections: Boten - Vientiane

The railway starts in Kunming, a city in southwestern China, and runs south through Yuxi, Pu'er, Xishuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture, and the border ports of Mohan in China and Boten in Laos, before entering the northern region of Laos. The railway then continues south through Luang Namtha Province, Oudomxay Province, Luang Prabang Province, and Vientiane Province, before reaching the capital city of Laos, Vientiane.

The China-Laos Railway also brings convenience to travelers who want to visit Xishuangbanna or Puer. The travel time between Kunming and Puer, Xishuangbanna was significantly reduced by the China-Laos Railway. Now it takes only 3 hours and 24 minutes to travel from Kunming to Xishuangbanna, and 2 hours and 46 minutes to travel from Kunming to Puer.

Travel by China-Laos Railway

Passengers on the China-Laos Railway can conveniently experience the unique natural scenery and cultural characteristics along the route by taking the high-speed trains. Upon arrival at Vientiane Station, tourists can visit famous landmarks such as Talat Sao and the Arc de Triomphe within half an hour by car. After getting off at Luang Prabang Station, visitors can appreciate the millennium-old city and its famous attractions such as Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace Museum within half an hour by car. Near the Wanyuan Station, passengers can enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and participate in activities such as rafting and exploration in the Nansong River. Starting from Xishuangbanna Station, visitors can reach nature reserves and scenic spots such as the Wild Elephant Valley and Olive Dam within an hour by car. After arriving at Pu'er Station, tourists can experience the ancient tea-horse road in southern Yunnan and enjoy the scenery of original tea gardens within half an hour by car.

Kunming South Railway Station

How to Buy Tickets

Currently the train tickets for China sections and Laos sections have to be book separately by different ways. For China sections, travelers can book train tickets through China Railway's official website www.12306.cn with passport and email info, or buy tickets from train station or ticket agents. The pre-book period is 30 days. For Laos sections, currently the online-ticket system hasn't been put into operation yet. Passengers can only book from train stations or agents. The pre-book period is 3 days.

The train ticket prices in the Chinese section follow a floating mechanism with differentiated ticket prices, which means that ticket prices are discounted by 5.5% to 9% depending on market demand for different seasons, dates, and times. The second-class seat ticket prices from Kunming to major stations are as follows: Kunming to Puer ranges from a maximum of 170 yuan to a minimum of 119 yuan, Kunming to Xishuangbanna ranges from a maximum of 217 yuan to a minimum of 147 yuan, Kunming to Mohan ranges from a maximum of 271 yuan to a minimum of 244 yuan, and Puer to Xishuangbanna ranges from a maximum of 47 yuan to a minimum of 29 yuan. For Laos sections, the first-class passenger ticket price for the Vientiane to Mohan section is 294 yuan, and the second-class passenger ticket price is 185 yuan.

Xishuangbanna Railway Station

Border Check In and Out

Currently, China and Laos both implement a "two-locations, two-inspections" policy for exit and entry. If a traveler from Kunming, China wants to take a train to Vientiane, Laos, when the train arrives at the Mohan Station, the passenger must exit the station from the domestic exit, go through a series of inspections including railway security, customs and immigration, baggage inspection, and international ticket checking before boarding the train to Mohding Station. Upon arrival, the passenger must go through the necessary entry procedures and inspections according to relevant regulations before continuing the journey to Vientiane. International travelers who want to enter Laos by train also need to go through exit and entry procedures and customs inspections at both Mohding and Mohan stations.

"We are actively studying and exploring a new model of facilitation for customs clearance, that is, the 'one-location, two-inspections' policy," said the relevant person in charge.

Luang Prabang Railway Station

Preparing for Your Trip:

To take the China-Laos Railway, you will first need to obtain a valid Chinese visa and a Laos visa. You can apply for both visas at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate and Laotian embassy or consulate. It's recommended to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as the trains can get crowded.

Regarding train catering and charges

There is a dining car on the train, and a total of 27 varieties of cold chain boxed meals can currently be produced and supplied, with prices ranging from 15 yuan to 68 yuan.

Practical tips

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when taking the China-Laos Railway:

√ Bring warm clothing, as the air conditioning can make the train cabins chilly.
√ Carry snacks and drinks with you, as the food options on the train may be limited.
√ Keep your valuables with you at all times and be cautious of pickpockets.
√ Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of cultural differences.

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