How to get from Vientiane to Hanoi
Vientiane to Hanoi can be done in a single overnight bus, the fastest flight (with easy airport transfers), a comfy combo of bus to Vinh plus Vietnamese train to Hanoi, or a door-to-door private charter. Choose based on budget, time, and tolerance for border formalities—details and step-by-steps below.
At A Glance (Vientiane to Hanoi)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (VTE → HAN) | ~1h10 in air + ~45–60m airport transfers | Fastest, least border hassle |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$80–220 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | Trip.com deals | ||
| 🚌 Direct Sleeper Bus (Overnight) | ~20–24h incl. border | Cheapest point-to-point |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$30–55 one-way » compare buses | ||
| 🚌🚆 Bus (Vientiane→Vinh) + Train (Vinh→Hanoi) | ~16–20h total (connection-dependent) | Comfortable night leg, more reliable timing |
| 🏷️ Cost: Bus ~US$20–35 + Train ~US$12–35 » Vientiane→Vinh buses | Vinh→Hanoi trains | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Minivan (Cross-border) | ~14–18h (stops & border) | Groups, bulky luggage, personalized timing |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~US$220–480/vehicle (route, size, season) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Least hassle: Fly VTE→HAN, then rideshare or prebooked pickup to Old Quarter.
- Cheapest single ticket: Overnight direct sleeper bus (expect a long border stop at Cau Treo/Hà Tĩnh).
- Most comfortable overland: Bus to Vinh + Vietnamese train for a smoother night section.
- Door-to-door with gear or family: Private charter (confirm cross-border paperwork in advance).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Visas & border: Check Vietnam visa rules for your nationality; keep printed confirmations. Land borders may require passport photos and cash.
- Seasonality: Bus times can shift around holidays; verify the day before. Flights rise in peak months.
- Rideshares & transfers: In Laos, use LOCA (ride-hailing) in Vientiane; in Vietnam, Grab is common. For fixed-price airport rides, compare Welcome Pickups (Hanoi) or quotes on GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: Stash bags while sightseeing via Radical Storage Vientiane or Radical Storage Hanoi.
- Where to stay: For late arrivals/early starts, browse Vientiane hotels and Hanoi Old Quarter stays.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight (Wattay VTE → Hanoi HAN) — Fastest & Easiest
Fast Multiple days/week Airport transfers
- Overview: Nonstop flights connect Vientiane (Wattay, VTE) and Hanoi (Noi Bai, HAN). After landing, it’s ~35–60 minutes to the Old Quarter depending on traffic.
- How to book (with price): Expect ~US$80–220 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For pickup at HAN, prebook with GetYourGuide transfers or use Welcome Pickups / Grab.
- Pros: Quickest door-to-door; no land-border queue. Cons: Airport transfers at both ends; fares can spike late booking.
Step-by-step: Flight VTE → HAN
- Get to Wattay International Airport (VTE) by taxi or LOCA from central Vientiane.
- Compare and book your ticket on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online if available.
- Arrive at VTE ~2 hours before departure; keep passport/visa documents handy.
- Land at Noi Bai Airport (HAN); meet a prebooked transfer or book Grab to the Old Quarter.
Getting to the main embarking points (VTE & HAN)
- VTE departures: 10–20 minutes from downtown Vientiane off-peak by taxi/LOCA.
- HAN arrivals: Follow signs to public taxi/ride-hail lanes; fixed-price kiosks also available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Direct Sleeper Bus (Vientiane → Hanoi) — Cheapest Single Ticket
Budget Night travel Border-dependent
- Overview: Long-distance sleepers run via the Nam Phao (Laos) / Cau Treo (Vietnam) border, typically stopping at Hà Tĩnh/Nghệ An before continuing to Hanoi bus stations (Giap Bat/My Dinh/Nuoc Ngam, operator-dependent).
- How to book (with price): ~US$30–55. Compare departures and seat types on 12Go (Vientiane→Hanoi). Bring snacks, water, and layers (A/C can be cold).
- Pros: One seat, no plane changes. Cons: 20–24 hours; overnight border stop; variable comfort.
Step-by-step: Direct Sleeper Bus
- Reach the assigned Vientiane bus station (commonly Southern/Khua Din pickup points) by LOCA or taxi with time to spare.
- Show e-ticket/ID, stow large bags below, keep valuables with you.
- At the Nam Phao / Cau Treo border, disembark with your passport and documents; expect queues overnight.
- Re-board and continue to Hanoi (Giap Bat/My Dinh/Nuoc Ngam); from there take Grab/taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Vientiane depots / Hanoi bus stations)
- Vientiane: Operators use different pickup spots—confirm the exact terminal on your voucher.
- Hanoi: Giap Bat (south) and Nuoc Ngam/My Dinh serve city connections; Grab/taxis on site.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌🚆 Option #3 — Bus to Vinh (Vietnam) + Train to Hanoi — Comfier Overland
Smoother ride Flexible timings One connection
- Overview: Travel Vientiane→Vinh by coach, clear the same Cau Treo border en route, overnight in Vinh if you like, then ride a comfortable Reunification Line train to Hanoi (soft seat/berth options).
- How to book (with price): Buses from ~US$20–35 on 12Go (Vientiane→Vinh); trains from ~US$12–35 on 12Go (Vinh→Hanoi). Hotels near Vinh station are inexpensive if you break the trip.
- Pros: Shorter final leg; trains are spacious and punctual. Cons: Still a long day; need to sync bus and train times.
Step-by-step: Bus + Train via Vinh
- From central Vientiane, go to your bus pickup (per your 12Go voucher) by LOCA/taxi; ride to the Vietnam border and onward to Vinh.
- In Vinh, head to Vinh Railway Station (Ga Vinh); buy snacks and confirm your booked train time.
- Board the Vinh→Hanoi train (soft seat/berth). Keep passport handy; store big bags in the rack end of the coach.
- Arrive at Hanoi (Gia Lam/Hanoi Station) depending on service; take Grab/taxi to the Old Quarter hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Vientiane pickup / Vinh Station)
- Vientiane: Pickup points vary by operator—check your 12Go e-ticket carefully.
- Vinh: Ga Vinh sits near central Vinh; plenty of food options around the station.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Minivan (Cross-border, Door-to-Door)
Door-to-door Custom schedule Paperwork required
- Overview: Charter a vehicle with driver from your Vientiane address to your Hanoi hotel via the Cau Treo/Hà Tĩnh corridor. Confirm cross-border permits and driver swap if vehicles cannot cross.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$220–480 per vehicle depending on size/season. Compare offers and English-speaking drivers on GetTransfer (Vientiane). In Hanoi, consider Welcome Pickups for onward airport rides.
- Pros: Private, direct, luggage-friendly. Cons: Costly vs. bus/train; border procedures can extend travel time.
Step-by-step: Private Charter
- Request quotes with precise pickup/drop addresses, travel date, and passenger count on GetTransfer.
- Confirm cross-border arrangements (vehicle papers, driver swap, waiting times) and what’s included (fuel, tolls, border fees).
- On the day, keep passports/visas and small USD/VND/LAK ready for border formalities; expect to change vehicles if required by regulations.
- Continue to your Hanoi hotel; share a map pin for the Old Quarter if streets are narrow.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Pickup: Any Vientiane hotel/apartment; clarify access/parking with your host.
- Drop: Hanoi Old Quarter or your specified district; some hotels arrange porter service.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Vientiane to Hanoi)
Which route is best overall?
If you value time, fly VTE→HAN. For budget travelers with patience, the direct sleeper bus works. For more comfort overland, break in Vinh and take the train to Hanoi.
How long does the border take?
At Nam Phao/Cau Treo, expect ~1–3 hours depending on queues and time of day; overnight crossings can be slower.
Can I use eVisa at this border?
Many nationalities can use Vietnam eVisa at Cau Treo, but check current eligibility and print your approval. Bring spare photos and cash just in case.
Are the buses safe/comfortable?
Quality varies by operator. Book better-rated services on 12Go, bring earplugs, and secure valuables.
Where should I stay in Hanoi?
Old Quarter/Hoan Kiem for sights and food; Tay Ho for quieter stays. Browse options on Booking.com.
Can I rent a motorbike for onward travel?
Yes—compare scooters in Hanoi on BikesBooking. Always wear a helmet and carry your license/IDP.