Wattay International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (VTE)

How to get to Wattay International Airport

Vientiane city centre is approximately 4 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 10-15 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Vientiane in approximately 10-15 minutes.

By Train

There is no direct railway connection to the airport; the Laos-China railway line has a separate station on the outskirts of the city.

By Bus

Public bus connections to the airport are limited; most visitors travel by taxi or via app.

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Tips At the official desk at the airport you can book a fixed-rate taxi: it is generally more reliable than negotiating with taxi drivers outside the terminal.

Average travel time to VTE

TrainNot available

Shuttle busLimited service

Taxi / Private hire10-15 minutes (57,000-150,000 kip)

Parking near Wattay International Airport

A compact parking facility is available in front of the terminal.

Parking costs are generally affordable.

How to get to Vientiane from VTE

By Train

There is no direct railway line to the airport.

By Bus

Public transport lines to the airport are few, which is why taxis are often preferred.

By Taxi

Official taxis charge approximately 57,000–150,000 kip (sedan or minibus) to the center; apps like Loca and inDrive offer rides at around 70,000 kip, often more economical and transparent.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane

★ 5.0 · 11 reviews

from €17.77 per person

Book

Car rental at Wattay International Airport

Some local car rental companies operate at the airport.

You will need driver's license, passport, and credit card; in most cases an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required.

Hotels near Wattay International Airport

Wattay is less than 4 km from downtown Vientiane, but traffic in the Lao capital can stretch the taxi ride to 30-35 minutes at the worst times; the public shuttle bus, departing every 1-2 hours, takes about the same for 40,000 kip. With no train and no real direct expressway, anyone with a very early flight or a short layover can stay right next to the terminal; those staying more than one night will find almost all the city's international-standard hotels downtown, along the Mekong.

Airport area

Right next to the airport

About 200-1,000 meters from the terminal, with a free round-trip shuttle from 7:00 to 23:00.

Best for: Early-morning departures and short layovers, when you don't want to depend on traffic toward downtown.

Pros

The shortest possible transfer to and from Wattay, just minutes even in the worst traffic
A free airport shuttle, useful for anyone arriving or departing outside the hours of the cheapest taxis

Cons

An outlying area with no neighborhood life: for dinner or a stroll you need downtown
The Mekong riverfront and the historic center are still 20-30 minutes away by taxi

Recommended hotels

ST Hotel Wattay Airport A few hundred meters from the terminal, with a free round-trip shuttle from 7:00 to 23:00; an option explicitly designed for those who just need to sleep near the airport. View availability

See more hotels in this area

City centre

Downtown Vientiane and the Mekong riverfront

About 4 km and 15-30 minutes by taxi from the airport depending on traffic; several hotels in this area quote 15 minutes as the standard time to Wattay.

Best for: Travelers who want the Mekong riverfront, the night market and the temples of the historic center, with a transfer that's still manageable.

Pros

The Mekong riverfront and the night market within walking distance of the most central hotels
Concentrates almost all of the capital's international chains, with more price choice than elsewhere in the city

Cons

Vientiane's rush-hour traffic can stretch the taxi ride to the airport to half an hour
Outside the riverfront and the Nam Phu area, the range of restaurants drops off quickly

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

Wattay is Laos' primary air hub, with connections to major Southeast Asian countries and some broader regional hubs.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Laotian coffee, traditional crafts and local textiles.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport offers a limited number of lounges for business passengers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The terminal's public transit zones offer Wi-Fi connectivity.

Families & Children

The terminal provides basic assistance for passengers traveling with children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is modestly sized, fitting its role as the country's sole major international hub.

For international flights, the suggested arrival time before departure is 2.5–3 hours.

Map of Wattay International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the visa on arrival for Laos cost?

Roughly 30-40 USD depending on nationality, for tourist stays of up to 30 days: bring a passport-sized photo as well.

Q. Is it better to use the official taxi or apps like Loca?

Ride-hailing apps such as Loca and inDrive generally offer more transparent and cheaper fares (around 70,000 kip) than taxis negotiated outside the terminal.

Q. Is Vientiane a good starting point for Luang Prabang?

Yes, with regular domestic flights; Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Laos's most famous destinations, more easily reached by air than by road.

Q. Is it worth paying in US dollars or Thai baht in Laos?

Yes, both currencies are widely accepted in Vientiane's tourist circuits alongside the Lao kip; credit cards, on the other hand, remain limited to upscale hotels and restaurants, so always carry enough cash.