Nong Khai – Vientiane border (Friendship Bridge): hours, shuttle bus, Lao visa and how to cross in 2026
The Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai is the main land route from Thailand to Vientiane. Both the Thai and the Lao checkpoints are open daily 06:00–22:00. A shuttle bus crosses the 1.2 km bridge every 10–15 minutes for ฿40 per person; a train also runs from Nong Khai to Thanaleng for ฿20. The Lao visa on arrival is issued at the bridge (30 days, cash, one photo). Our car takes you from Udon Thani Airport (UTH), about 60 km away, to the Thai checkpoint for $75 per car and stops there; you continue across the bridge by shuttle. checked .
- Status: open, as of 27 October 2026
- Hours: 06:00–22:00 daily, both sides
- From Udon Thani Airport: about 60 km, 1 hour
- Private car to the bridge: from $75 per car
What are the opening hours of the Nong Khai – Vientiane crossing?
The Thai checkpoint at Nong Khai and the Lao checkpoint are both open 06:00–22:00 every day. Arrive well before 22:00: the shuttle bus and both passport controls take time.
Sources and checks: theo-courant.com
How do I cross the Friendship Bridge?
After Thai exit control you take the shuttle bus across the 1.2 km bridge; it runs every 10–15 minutes and costs ฿40 per person (children free). Our car stops at the Thai checkpoint — Thai cars and drivers do not continue into Laos with us.
Sources and checks: theo-courant.com
All ways from Nong Khai into Laos
| Way | Time | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle bus over the bridge | every 10–15 min | ฿40 per person | From the Thai checkpoint, 06:00–22:00 |
| Train Nong Khai → Thanaleng | 15 min | ฿20 | Departs 07:30 and 14:45 only |
| RideTHA car to the Thai checkpoint | 1 h from UTH | $75–$145 per car | Stops at the Thai checkpoint |
Sources and checks: theo-courant.com
Can I get a Lao visa at the bridge?
Yes — a 30-day tourist visa on arrival is issued at the Lao checkpoint in 10–30 minutes. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months after entry and one passport photo, and you pay in cash (US dollars, Thai baht or Lao kip). Laos also runs an official eVisa portal; check there whether your entry point accepts the eVisa before you rely on it.
Sources and checks: theo-courant.com · Lao PDR
Is there a train across the border?
Yes. Trains run Nong Khai → Thanaleng at 07:30 and 14:45 (return 10:00 and 17:30), ฿20 each way, about 15 minutes. The fixed schedule makes it poor for tight connections.
Sources and checks: theo-courant.com
How much is a private car from Udon Thani Airport to the Nong Khai border?
$75 for a sedan (up to 3 people), $90 for an SUV, $95 for a 9-seat van and $145 for a Toyota Alphard — per car, with a name sign and 60 minutes of free waiting after landing. Pay 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver — or pay 100% online. Trips under $100 are paid in full online. Full refund if cancelled 24h+ before pickup (multi-day trips: 7+ days before the start).
What if my flight lands after the bridge closes?
If we cannot reach the checkpoint before 22:00, we take you to a Nong Khai or Udon Thani hotel at the same price, or move the trip to the next morning. Cancellation 24 hours or more before pickup: full refund.
Car to the bridge: price per car
| Route | Sedan | SUV | Van (9) | Premium (Alphard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udon Thani Airport to Friendship Bridge, Nong Khai (to Laos) 60 km · 1 h | $75 | $90 | $95 | $145 |
Questions
Can I walk across the Friendship Bridge?
Use the shuttle bus between the checkpoints (฿40); walking across the bridge itself is not the normal way to cross.
How much is the bridge shuttle?
฿40 per person, children free; every 10–15 minutes.
Can I pay the Lao visa in baht?
Yes — cash in US dollars, Thai baht or Lao kip.
Does your driver go to Vientiane?
No. The car stops at the Thai checkpoint at Nong Khai.
How far is Udon Thani Airport from the bridge?
About 60 km, around one hour.
Is there a night surcharge?
No. The price is the same at any hour.
Sources and checks
- theo-courant.com — Nong Khai to Vientiane border crossing (unofficial source) · published 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
- Lao PDR — official e-Visa portal · checked 27 October 2026
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Thailand travel advice · published 28 September 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
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Checked by the RideTHA team on 27 October 2026. Bookings operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).