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2024 Report: Xishuangbanna–Luang Prabang Train Service Added

2024 Report: Xishuangbanna–Luang Prabang Train Service Added

Archive: additional international trains in April 2024

Historical report. This article records the service introduced on 13 April 2024. The launch arrangements below are historical information, not a current timetable, ticket offer or statement of border-entry rules.

China and Laos added an international train pair between Xishuangbanna and Luang Prabang on 13 April 2024, the first anniversary of cross-border passenger services on the China–Laos Railway. Xinhua reported the launch, citing China State Railway Group.

At introduction, the service operated on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The reported journey took approximately five hours, including the border process, and called at six stations. These were launch-period arrangements; do not use them to select a departure today.

Photographs accompanying the original report

Green Fuxing train emerging from a tunnel
Archive image accompanying the 2024 report: a green Fuxing train emerging from a tunnel.
Passengers waiting on a platform at Xishuangbanna railway station
Passengers waiting on a platform at Xishuangbanna railway station
Luang Prabang railway station building with mountains behind it
Luang Prabang railway station building with mountains behind it
Entrance plaza and facade of Xishuangbanna railway station
Entrance plaza and facade of Xishuangbanna railway station
Train at a tunnel entrance decorated with Chinese and Lao flags
Train at a tunnel entrance decorated with Chinese and Lao flags

Planning a journey now

Search the actual travel date and confirm the departure station, destination, train number and available class. Check passport, visa and border requirements with the relevant authorities before buying a cross-border ticket. A historical announcement does not establish that a particular train or return connection is available today.

See our cross-border train planning guide and Luang Prabang station guide.

Sources and further information