THE SHORT VERSION
Hanoi to Vientiane at a glance.
- From
- Hanoi Hà Nội
- To
- Vientiane ວຽງຈັນ
- Road distance
- About 747 km
- Straight line
- 481 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~9 h 45 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Vientiane to Hanoi →
- Border
- Vietnam → Laos. Passport and visa needed
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Hanoi
Hanoi is the hub for buses into northern Vietnam and the start or end of most north–south open-tour trips. Long-distance buses use several stations around the edge of the city, and many tourist sleeper and limousine companies collect passengers from offices or hotels in and around the Old Quarter.
- My Dinh Bus Station · Bến xe Mỹ Đình
West of the centre. Many routes to the north-west and the mountains, including Lao Cai, Sapa and Ha Giang. - Giap Bat Bus Station · Bến xe Giáp Bát
South of the centre. Public buses to the south, such as Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and central Vietnam. - Gia Lam Bus Station · Bến xe Gia Lâm
Across the Red River to the north-east. Buses towards Hai Phong, Ha Long and the north-east. - Nuoc Ngam and Yen Nghia stations · Bến xe Nước Ngầm, Yên Nghĩa
Smaller southern and south-western terminals, used by some routes towards Hoa Binh and Mai Chau.
Arriving in Vientiane
Tickets bought from travel agents usually include a songthaew to the right terminal.
- Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao)
City buses, plus buses to the Thai border and some regional routes. - Southern Bus Terminal
About 10 km from the centre. Routes south and many international buses to Vietnam. - Northern Bus Terminal
About 9 km from the centre. Routes north, such as Luang Prabang.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Check that your ticket and terminal match your direction.
- Buses to Vietnam cross at border posts such as Lao Bao or Cau Treo. Check visa rules first.
KEEP GOING
From Vientiane, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Vientiane
More buses from Hanoi
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Hanoi from Vientiane by road?+
About 747 km by road (481 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Hanoi to Vientiane take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 9 h 45 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Hanoi?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Hanoi include My Dinh Bus Station, Giap Bat Bus Station, Gia Lam Bus Station, Nuoc Ngam and Yen Nghia stations, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Vientiane to Hanoi?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Vientiane to Hanoi guide.
Where does the bus from Hanoi arrive in Vientiane?+
It depends on the operator. In Vientiane, services use Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao), Southern Bus Terminal, Northern Bus Terminal. Tickets bought from travel agents usually include a songthaew to the right terminal.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Vientiane?+
Tickets bought from travel agents usually include a songthaew to the right terminal.
What kind of bus runs from Hanoi to Vientiane?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Hanoi to Vientiane bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Vientiane by bus?+
Direct buses from Vientiane include Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Vang Vieng, Khon Kaen, Luang Prabang and more. See all connections on our Vientiane bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Hanoi to Vientiane?+
This journey crosses from Vietnam into Laos. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Hanoi to Vientiane bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Hanoi (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Vientiane (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →