The Kunming – Vientiane international cross-border train started operation on April 13, 2023. The train runs once daily from Kunming South Railway Station (Kunmingnan) and arrive at Vientiane Railway Station, calling at Pu’er Railway Station, Xishuangbanna Railway Station, Mohan Railway Station in China, as well as Boten Station, Luang Prabang Station, Vang Vieng Station in Laos.
Below Jack explains you how to buy tickets for the China-Laos cross-border international train.
| D887 train from Kunming South to Vientiane | D888 train from Vientiane to Kunming South | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Stations | Depart | Arrive | No. | Stations | Depart | Arrive |
| 1 | Kunming South | 08:08 | 08:08 | 1 | Vientiane | 08:08 | 08:08 |
| 2 | Yuxi | 08:49 | 08:45 | 2 | Vang Vieng | 09:03 | 09:00 |
| 3 | Pu'er | 10:42 | 10:38 | 3 | Luang Prabang | 09:57 | 09:53 |
| 4 | Xishuangbanna | 11:30 | 11:24 | 4 | Muang Xai | 10:44 | 10:41 |
| 5 | Mohan | 13:23 | 12:31 | 5 | Boten | 12:07 | 11:15 |
| 6 | Boten | 14:27 | 13:35 | 6 | Mohan (UTC+8) | 13:11 | 12:19 |
| 7 | Muang Xai | 15:00 | 14:57 | 7 | Xishuangbanna (UTC+8) | 14:16 | 14:10 |
| 8 | Luang Prabang | 15:49 | 15:45 | 8 | Pu'er (UTC+8) | 15:00 | 14:56 |
| 9 | Vang Vieng | 16:41 | 16:38 | 9 | Yuxi | 16:56 | 16:52 |
| 10 | Vientiane | 17:34 (Beijing time) | 10 | Kunming South (UTC+8) | 17:34 | ||
| Live times at www.chinahighlights.com | Timetable last modified on Mar. 11, 2024 | ||||||
Buying Tickets in China
1. Buy at Railway Station’s Ticket Windows:
Travelers in China can buy tickets at designated stations by presenting a valid passport. The following stations and ticket windows are available:
| No. | Buy at Stations (China) | Destinations in Laos | Ticket Windows | Buy Online | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kunmingnan Station | To Boten, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane | Window 20, 21 | Chinahighlights, 12306 | ||
| 2 | Kunming Station | To Boten, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane | Window 1 | Chinahighlights, 12306 | ||
| 3 | Puer Station | To Boten, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane | Chinahighlights, 12306 | |||
| 4 | Xishuangbanna Station | To Boten, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane | Chinahighlights, 12306 | |||
| 5 | Mohan Station | To Boten, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane | Chinahighlights, 12306 | |||
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In Chinese pinyin: Boten = Moding, Luang Prabang = Langbolabang, Vang Vieng = Wanrong, Vientiane = Wanxiang
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Specific Ticket Window Information:
- Tickets for the China-Laos International Railway can be purchased at Kunmingnan Station’s west ticket hall windows 20 and 21, as well as Kunming Station’s ticket window 1 in northern area.
Boarding the D87 Train from Kunmingnan
- Present a valid passport and paper ticket at the dedicated entrance gate.
- Proceed to the specified ticket check gate (e.g., Gate 16/17B in Kunmingnan Station) for ticket verification before boarding.
2. Buy Online with 12306 or Ticket Agent
For online purchases, travelers can use the official China Railway 12306 English website or the Railway 12306 App (Android on Google Play, iOS). Trusted online ticket agents like China Highlights are also an option.
www.chinahighlights.com is a trusted online ticket agent who get possitive reviews & is often recommended on Trip Advisor forum. They offer real-time train schedule online, English-language support, They can also provide assistance in case of any issues with your tickets or travel or when you’re running into trouble. Even they can deliver tickets to your hotel in advance. You can place orders with them any time. They are helpful, especially when you’re not familiar with the China’s transportation system or do not speak Chinese.
Customs Considerations
- Ensure proper visa arrangements in advance, as visas on-arrival are not available at the border crossings in both Mohan Railway Station & Boten Railway Station.
- Maintain careful control of your ticket and passport during entry, exit, and border crossings.
Buying Tickets in Laos
1. Buy at Railway Station’s Ticket Windows or with LCR Ticket App
Travelers in Laos can buy tickets at specified stations or use the official LCR Ticket App (iOS, Andriod). The following information outlines the stations and options:
| No. | Buy at Stations (Laos) | Destinations in China | Ticket Windows | Buy Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vientiane | To Mohan, Xishuangbanna, Puer, Kunmingnan | LCR Ticket App (iOS, Andriod) | |
| 2 | Vang Vieng | To Mohan, Xishuangbanna, Puer, Kunmingnan | LCR Ticket App (iOS, Andriod) | |
| 3 | Luang Prabang | To Mohan, Xishuangbanna, Puer, Kunmingnan | LCR Ticket App (iOS, Andriod) | |
| 4 | Boten | To Mohan, Xishuangbanna, Puer, Kunmingnan | LCR Ticket App (iOS, Andriod) |
Additional Considerations
- Tickets are non-refundable once the train departs, and post-departure changes are not allowed.
- Children between 1.2m and 1.5m can purchase child tickets.
- Each adult traveler can bring one child under 1.2m free of charge, with additional children requiring child tickets.
- Children traveling alone with a seat need to purchase child tickets.
- Children over 1.5m using child tickets must pay the price difference.
Trusted Online Ticket Agents:
Option 1: China Highlights is a reliable online agency for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee.
Option 2: Trip.com is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc
