Taxis in Vientiane
Taxis in Vientiane are becoming increasingly easier to come by, and they make getting around the city effortless and comfortable. Public transport is quite limited in the city, meaning Vientiane taxis are the best way to get from place to place. To secure a cab, simply hail a driver from the street, make your way towards one of the many taxi ranks, call a local operator, or use a Vientiane taxi app.
You’ll typically find a mix of sedan cars and minivans in the city, and all drivers should have their details visible on the windscreen. Most Vientiane taxis are blue or yellow, but this can vary based on the company.
Some drivers have metered vehicles, while others use fixed fares, meaning that prices tend to be changeable. Select routes, such as Vientiane Airport to the city center, come with flat rates regardless of whether the taxi is fitted with a meter.
How much is a taxi in Vientiane?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM VTE TO CITY CENTER | 14.80 € | 14.80 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM CITY CENTER TO BUDDHA PARK | 36.20 € | 36.20 € | 35 MIN |
| FROM VTE TO VIENTIANE RAILWAY STATION 32 32 40 MIN | 32 € | 32 € | 40 MIN |
| FROM KHUA DIN BUS STATION TO LAO NATIONAL MUSEUM | 13.30 € | 13.30 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM KHUA DIN BUS STATION TO PHA THAT LUANG | 6.20 € | 6.20 € | 7 MIN |
| FROM VTE TO VANG VIENG | 184.50 € | 184.50 € | 120 MIN |
Vientiane taxi prices
Vientiane taxi prices can be unpredictable. Various drivers may offer different prices, particularly if they don’t operate using a meter. Factors like distance, vehicle type, and the number of passengers can determine the final fare.
To give you a rough idea of how much you should be expecting to pay, these are the Vientiane taxi rates that some drivers work from:
- Base fare: €1.90 (LAK 43,655)
- Price per km: €1.45 (LAK 33,315)
- Waiting time per hour: €4.75 (LAK 109,137)
Keep in mind that some drivers may charge an extra fee for oversized luggage, tolls, or pickup requests, but it varies a lot between providers.
Vientiane taxis departing from the airport offer fixed prices of around €14.80 (LAK 340,049) for trips to the city center, and the two-hour journey from Vientiane Airport to the tourist hub of Vang Vieng will cost approximately €184.50 (LAK 4,239,118).
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How to get a taxi in Vientiane
Getting a taxi in Vientiane has become much easier over the years, and it’s the most comfortable and convenient way to explore the city. Vientiane taxis can be found at taxi ranks or in busy areas, but you can also hail a cab from the street, order a ride using a Vientiane taxi app, or call a local operator over the phone.
In most parts of Vientiane, you’ll never be too far from a taxi rank. Many congregate near transport hubs like Vientiane Airport, Khua Din Bus Station, or Vientiane Railway Station. They’re also relatively common at tourist attractions like the Patuxay Monument or at shopping malls like Parkson.
How to get a taxi from Vientiane Airport
Vientiane Airport taxis come in various shapes and sizes, including sedan cars and minivans, and they serve the airport’s taxi rank 24/7. This rank is positioned right outside the terminal building, and you can organize and pay for your ride at the taxi stand inside the Arrivals Hall.
How to get a taxi from Khua Din Bus Station
Khua Din Bus Station is one of the busiest bus terminals in the city. Although taxis may be in short supply early in the morning or late at night, there’s usually a handful of drivers with sedan cars and minivans parked outside of the main entrance gate.
How to get a taxi from Vientiane Railway
Vientiane Railway Station has a dedicated taxi rank directly outside the entrance. Here, an assortment of taxis are almost always available and coincide with the arrival times of incoming trains.
How to get a taxi from the Patuxay Monument
The Patuxay Monument is one of the most-visited landmarks in Vientiane. As such, many taxi drivers serve this area and are easy to find from any of the roads along the edge of the park where the monument is situated.
How to get a taxi from Parkson Shopping Center
The road that’s located outside the main entrance of Parkson Shopping Center is regularly served by taxis, and it’s easy to hail a cab from the street side. Standard cars are more commonplace, but you’ll also find minivans here if you’re prepared to wait a little longer.
Most popular Vientiane taxi apps
Loca is a Laotian taxi app that’s the most reliable and widely used of its kind in Vientiane. It’s a great option if you’re in an area where taxis are hard to find, you’d prefer to pay by card or would like to avoid uncertain fares.
However, it’s essential to remember that at rush hour or during peak travel seasons, you may have a lengthy wait to secure a ride this way.
If you want to avail of fixed prices without the potential wait, you can pre-book your Vientiane taxi service with Welcome Pickups. With us, you’ll enjoy guaranteed on-time pickups, which is ideal if you’re short on time or traveling to the airport to catch a flight.
Useful Vientiane taxi numbers
Another way to secure a taxi in Vientiane is to contact a local cab company over the phone. It’s possible to make this call yourself, but you’ll also have the option to ask your hotel to do this for you. By organizing your ride this way, you won’t need to stand outside as you wait for your taxi. That said, you may pay a slightly higher fare, as some providers charge a pickup fee.
If you’d like to call a taxi in Vientiane, these numbers will come in handy:
- Loca Laos: +856 (20) 9811 1129
- Taxi Hello Laos: +856 (20) 5923 2305
Booking your Vientiane taxi in advance
Waiting for a Vientiane taxi in bad weather or relying on limited public transport can make your time in the city unnecessarily stressful. By booking your taxi in Vientiane in advance, you’ll cut out all of the hassle.
When you choose Welcome Pickups, you’ll enjoy top-tier service, and our English-speaking drivers will pick you up on time in a comfortable, modern vehicle.
Vientiane taxi tips
- Tipping isn't expected or compulsory, but rounding up the fare or adding a tip of between 5 and 10% is always appreciated.
- Many drivers have little to no English, so it's a good idea to have any relevant address written down.
- Keep in mind that some drivers may charge extra for luggage or pickup requests.
- Card payments are rarely accepted, and you must use Laotian Kip, the local currency, to pay your fare.
- If you're worried your driver is taking an unnecessarily long route, check the directions on Google Maps.
- Always ask the driver at the beginning of the ride if they're using the meter or if the fare is fixed.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Vientiane
Regrettably, most Vientiane taxis aren’t adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Many drivers will store a foldable wheelchair in the trunk for free, but it’s best to book your ride in advance if you require ramps and supports. Before your trip, reach out to companies like Lao Travel Services to ensure you have safe, comfortable transport arranged for your visit.
Safety and complaints for taxis in Vientiane
Most taxis in Vientiane are safe, and drivers are generally friendly, honest, and trustworthy. In rare instances, you might come across a driver who drives recklessly or tries to overcharge you. If you find yourself in situations like these, make note of the driver’s name, ID number, and registration. With this information, you’ll be able to file a complaint with the taxi operator or the local police.