The new service, operated by Thailand’s Transport Co. (BKS), will begin on September 9, 2026. It is designed to provide a direct connection between Udon Thani Airport and the Lao capital without requiring passengers to make additional transfers in Udon Thani.
New Udon Thani Airport to Vientiane Bus
The new cross-border route is officially designated Route No. 2. The service covers approximately 87 km and uses 40-seat, second-class air-conditioned buses.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch date | September 9, 2026 |
| Route | Udon Thani – Udon Thani Airport – Vientiane |
| Frequency | One departure in each direction daily |
| Fare | 80 THB one way |
| Bus | 40-seat air-conditioned bus |
| Travel distance | Approximately 87 km |
Departure Times
The service operates once daily in each direction.
- Udon Thani → Vientiane: departs Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 at 9:00 AM, stops at Udon Thani International Airport at 9:30 AM, and arrives in Vientiane at approximately 12:00 PM.
- Vientiane → Udon Thani: departs Vientiane at 2:00 PM, reaches Udon Thani Airport at approximately 4:30 PM, and arrives at Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 at 5:00 PM.
Why This Is Useful for Tourists
Udon Thani is one of the most practical entry points for travelers heading from Thailand to Laos. The airport is relatively close to the Thai-Lao border, but travelers previously had to arrange additional transport to continue their journey.
The new service makes the route particularly convenient for passengers who fly into Udon Thani and want to continue directly to Vientiane. At 80 THB, it is also a very inexpensive alternative to taking a taxi or arranging private transportation.
What Travelers Should Know
This is an international bus service, so passengers will still need to complete Thai and Lao immigration procedures at the border. Your passport and any documents required to enter Laos should be prepared before departure.
The airport departure is especially useful for travelers arriving on morning flights. However, because the service currently operates only once per day in each direction, passengers should check their flight arrival time carefully before relying on this connection.
How to Book
Tickets can be booked through BKS’s online booking system, the BKS E-Ticket application, the company’s official social channels, and BKS ticket counters across Thailand.
Bottom Line
The new Udon Thani–Vientiane bus is a useful development for travelers combining Thailand and Laos. From September 9, passengers arriving at Udon Thani Airport will have a direct, low-cost public transport option to Vientiane for just 80 THB.
FAQ
When does the new Udon Thani–Vientiane bus start?
The new service starts on September 9, 2026.
How much does the bus from Udon Thani Airport to Vientiane cost?
The fare is 80 THB per person one way.
How often does the bus run?
There is currently one departure from Thailand to Laos and one return departure from Vientiane each day.
Can I take the bus directly from Udon Thani Airport?
Yes. The Udon Thani–Vientiane service stops at Udon Thani International Airport before continuing to Vientiane.
This comes not long after Lucky Air cancelled its planned Kunming-Udon Thani route, another recent change affecting the airport.
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