How to get from Vientiane Wattay Airport to Patuxai
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Laos · Urban & Cultural · Patuxai · Vientiane · Vientiane Wattay Airport
Getting from Vientiane Wattay International Airport (VTE) to the Patuxai Victory Monument in the heart of the capital is quick and easy: it’s only about 5–6 km, and you can be standing under the arch in 20–30 minutes by taxi or LOCA ride-hail, airport shuttle bus plus a short walk, private transfer or even self-drive; this guide walks you through each option with costs, timings and simple step-by-step directions.
At A Glance (Vientiane Wattay Airport to Patuxai)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Airport Taxi / LOCA Ride-Hail (Direct) | ~20–30 minutes door-to-door | Most travelers, late arrivals, minimal walking |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~LAK 80,000–150,000 per car one-way (roughly US$4–8) depending on time and traffic » compare private taxis | learn about LOCA app | ||
| 🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus 44 + Short Walk/Taxi | ~30–45 minutes (plus walking) | Budget-minded travelers with light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~LAK 40,000 per person to city, then ~LAK 20,000–40,000 by tuk‑tuk or LOCA to Patuxai (about US$3–4 total) | ||
| 🚐 Prebooked Private Transfer or City Tour | ~25–40 minutes depending on hotel route | First-time visitors, groups, hotel drop-off near Patuxai |
| 🏷️ Cost: from ~US$10–20 per car/van one-way » GetYourGuide transfers | Klook airport transfers | ||
| 🚗 Rental Car or Scooter (Self-Drive) | ~20–30 minutes (no stops) | Independent travelers, combining with wider Laos road trip |
| 🏷️ Cost: Fuel only for the ride (a few US$) + rentals from ~US$6–25/day » Wattay Airport car rentals | scooter rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Airport taxi or LOCA ride-hail straight from the terminal to Patuxai, available most hours of the day.
- Cheapest: Airport shuttle bus 44 plus a short tuk‑tuk or LOCA hop if you don’t mind a connection and a bit of walking.
- Most Comfortable with Luggage or Kids: Prebooked private transfers with meet‑and‑greet at arrivals and hotel drop‑off near Patuxai.
- Best for Ongoing Road Trips: Self‑drive car or scooter rental if you plan to continue to Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang or the countryside after Vientiane.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Have local currency ready: Small notes of Lao kip are useful for buses and tuk‑tuks; many taxis and LOCA rides can be paid in cash, and LOCA also supports card payments for some users.
- Download key apps before landing: Install LOCA for ride‑hailing and maps for offline navigation. For onward intercity travel, you can browse buses and trains around Laos on 12Go.
- Book private transfers in advance: To avoid haggling or late‑night arrival stress, prebook through platforms like GetYourGuide or Klook, or use GetTransfer to compare car types.
- Plan your Patuxai visit: Patuxai has an upper viewing deck, usually open during daytime with a small fee; sunset is particularly nice, and many city tours on GetYourGuide Vientiane experiences include a stop here.
- Watch the heat: Vientiane can be very hot and humid—carry water, sunscreen and a hat, especially if you choose to walk the last stretch from the bus to Patuxai.
- Store bags if in transit: If you’re only in the city for a few hours between flights, consider using a luggage storage network like Radical Storage in bigger regional hubs so you can explore Patuxai hands‑free.
🚕 Option #1 — Airport Taxi / LOCA Ride-Hail (Most Popular, Direct)
Direct Fast 24/7-friendly
- Overview: From both the international and domestic terminals at Wattay Airport, you can take an official airport taxi or book a LOCA ride directly to Patuxai along Lane Xang Avenue, arriving in roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
- How to book (with price): After customs, head to the airport taxi counter to buy a fixed‑fare coupon or open the LOCA app to request a car. Expect around LAK 80,000–150,000 per car (about US$4–8) one‑way. For more premium service you can also prebook a sedan or van with meet‑and‑greet using Welcome Pickups Vientiane.
- Pros: Easiest option, minimal walking, works for late‑night and early‑morning flights, price known in advance via LOCA or the taxi desk.
- Cons: More expensive than the airport bus; limited English with some drivers; light traffic issues at peak times.
Step-by-step: Taxi / LOCA from Wattay Airport to Patuxai
- After you collect your bags, follow signs to the arrivals exit; you’ll see the official taxi counter nearby.
- If using a taxi, tell the staff “Patuxai” (or show a map); pay for your coupon and keep the receipt until drop‑off.
- If using LOCA, connect to airport Wi‑Fi or mobile data, set your pickup point as “Wattay International Airport” and destination as “Patuxai Victory Monument”.
- Meet your driver at the indicated pickup spot outside arrivals; verify the car plate and driver details.
- Ride towards central Vientiane; the car typically uses the main urban roads and drops you at the roundabout or on the side of Lane Xang Avenue next to Patuxai Park.
- From the drop‑off point, it’s a short walk into Patuxai Park; buy a ticket if you wish to go up the monument.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Rank / Ride-Hailing Pickup)
- Taxi counter: Located in the arrivals hall with clear signage; staff allocate cars and issue fixed‑fare tickets.
- Ride‑hailing pickup: LOCA typically uses the same curbside area outside arrivals; check the app instructions and stand where your driver can see you.
- Cash vs card: Many LOCA rides and most taxis expect cash in kip; withdraw at airport ATMs before leaving the terminal.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Airport Shuttle Bus 44 + Short Walk
Low cost Reasonably comfortable Fixed schedule
- Overview: Vientiane City 2 Bus Service operates an airport shuttle bus (route 44) between Wattay Airport and the Central Bus Station and city centre hotels. From there, Patuxai is a short taxi, LOCA or 15–20 minute walk away.
- How to book (with price): No prebooking needed; buy a ticket at the small booth or from staff near the airport stop. A one‑way ticket is around LAK 40,000 per person. From the city stop near Patuxai, budget another LAK 20,000–40,000 for a tuk‑tuk or LOCA ride if you don’t want to walk.
- Pros: Cheapest motorised option; air‑conditioned bus; no haggling over price; good if your hotel is on the route.
- Cons: Limited operating hours and frequency; you may need to wait up to 30–60 minutes; less convenient with heavy luggage or very late/early flights.
Step-by-step: Airport Shuttle Bus to Patuxai
- Exit the arrivals hall and follow signs for the airport shuttle bus stop on the driveway outside the terminal.
- Check the posted timetable or ask staff which bus goes to the Central Bus Station (CBS) or stops closest to Patuxai.
- Buy your ticket (cash in kip) and board the bus; store large bags in the luggage area if available.
- Ride about 25–35 minutes into town, alighting at Central Bus Station or a central stop such as around Lao Plaza area.
- From there, either walk along Lane Xang Avenue to Patuxai (roughly 1–1.5 km) or hail a tuk‑tuk/LOCA for the last stretch.
- Arrive at Patuxai Park and continue on foot into the monument area.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Shuttle Stop / Central Bus Station)
- Airport shuttle stop: Located just outside the international arrivals hall; look for buses marked with airport or “44” signage.
- Central Bus Station (CBS): The city terminal near Talat Sao (Morning Market), a 10–15 minute walk or short tuk‑tuk from Patuxai.
- Walking to Patuxai: From CBS or nearby hotels, follow Lane Xang Avenue north until you see the monument rising ahead.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Prebooked Private Transfer or Short City Tour
Door-to-door Meet-and-greet Good for groups
- Overview: If you prefer to have everything arranged before landing, you can book a private car or van that meets you in arrivals and drives directly to your hotel near Patuxai or to the monument itself. Some services can be combined with short sightseeing stops.
- How to book (with price): Private airport transfers usually cost from about US$10–20 per car depending on vehicle size and time of day. Compare options on GetYourGuide airport transfers or Klook Wattay transfers. You can also request quotes on GetTransfer if you have special luggage or group needs.
- Pros: Fixed price, driver waiting with your name sign, often includes help with luggage and hotel communication; ideal for families or those arriving late at night.
- Cons: Needs advance booking; more expensive than public transport; you’ll usually go straight to accommodation rather than stopping at Patuxai first.
Step-by-step: Using a Private Transfer
- Before your trip, search for Vientiane private transfers on GetYourGuide or Klook and choose an option that serves Wattay Airport and central Vientiane.
- Enter your flight number, arrival time and either your hotel near Patuxai or “Patuxai Monument” as the drop‑off location.
- Receive your confirmation voucher by email and keep a copy offline on your phone.
- On arrival at Wattay, pass immigration and customs and walk into the public arrivals hall, where your driver should be waiting with a sign.
- Confirm your name and destination, then follow them to the parked vehicle outside the terminal.
- Relax in air‑conditioned comfort as you drive to your hotel or Patuxai; pay any remaining balance exactly as stated in your booking (cash or card).
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Arrivals Hall)
- Meeting point: Most operators use a standard meeting point inside the arrivals hall—check your voucher for a logo or sign description.
- Hotel near Patuxai: Many travelers stay within walking distance of the monument; you can compare nearby hotels on Booking.com near Patuxai.
- Combining with tours: Consider a city tour that includes Patuxai, Pha That Luang and Buddha Park for a full overview of Vientiane, such as those listed on GetYourGuide.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Rental Car or Scooter (Self-Drive)
Independent Flexible Experienced drivers only
- Overview: Confident drivers can rent a car or scooter and head straight from Wattay Airport to Patuxai, then continue exploring Vientiane or further afield to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang by road.
- How to book (with price): For cars, compare airport pickup deals on Booking.com Car Rental at VTE. Daily rates often start from about US$25–40 depending on season and car class. For scooters and motorbikes in town, you can compare offers on BikesBooking Vientiane, with small scooters from around US$6–10 per day.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility; easy to combine Patuxai with other sights in one loop; no need to rely on timetables or taxis.
- Cons: Vientiane traffic, while calmer than many capitals, still requires confidence; parking near Patuxai can be busy at peak times; international driving permits are recommended.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive from the Airport
- Reserve your vehicle online with airport pickup; confirm that your licence (and, ideally, an International Driving Permit) is accepted.
- At Wattay, go to the rental counter at arrivals, sign your contract and inspect the vehicle, recording any damage.
- Set Patuxai as your destination in your GPS or maps app and follow the main road towards the city centre.
- Expect approximately 20–30 minutes’ drive depending on traffic; watch for scooters and slower vehicles merging onto the main roads.
- Park in the designated area around Patuxai Park, locking your vehicle and keeping valuables out of sight.
- After visiting, continue driving to other landmarks or return your rental once finished with your road trip.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car/Scooter Rental Locations)
- Airport rental desks: Several companies service Wattay; check your voucher for the exact counter in arrivals.
- City scooter shops: Many shops are clustered in central Vientiane; if renting in town, you may first take a taxi or LOCA from the airport to your rental office.
- Safety tips: Always wear a helmet on scooters, avoid driving at night outside the city, and carry a copy of your passport and licence.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Vientiane Wattay Airport to Patuxai)
How far is Patuxai from Wattay International Airport?
The distance is roughly 5–6 km, so typical travel time is around 20–30 minutes by car, taxi or ride‑hail depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Patuxai?
The airport shuttle bus 44 to the Central Bus Station, followed by a short walk or local tuk‑tuk to Patuxai, is usually the cheapest option, costing roughly the equivalent of a few US dollars in total.
Are Grab or Uber available in Vientiane?
Grab and Uber do not currently operate in Laos; instead, the main ride‑hailing app is LOCA, which serves Vientiane and a few other cities and works similarly with upfront pricing and GPS pickup.
Is it easy to visit other attractions from Patuxai?
Yes. Patuxai sits on Lane Xang Avenue, fairly central to Vientiane, and you can reach places like Pha That Luang, the riverside and various temples by short taxi, LOCA or tuk‑tuk rides, or by joining a city tour that includes multiple stops.
Can I walk from the city centre to Patuxai?
If you are already staying in central Vientiane or near the Mekong riverside, Patuxai is within walking distance for many visitors—often 15–25 minutes on relatively flat roads—though the heat and humidity can make it feel longer.