After 13 years of construction, the China-Laos cross-border railway, spanning a remarkable 1,004 kilometers (624 miles), commenced operations half a year ago. This international train route boasts a total of eight passenger stations - four situated within China's borders and the remaining four stationed in Laos. The signage on this cross-border railway is multilingual, featuring English, Chinese, and Lao language. Traveling at an impressive average speed of 200 kilometers (124 miles) per hour, this railway efficiently transports passengers from Kunming to Vientiane in just 10 hours.
Fuxing Hao Train
The timetable was last updated on January 9th, 2024
|
Station |
Arrival Time |
Departure Time |
Length of Stay |
|
Kunming South |
-- |
08:08 |
-- |
|
Puer |
10:30 |
10:34 |
4 minutes |
|
Xishuangbanna |
11:16 |
11:22 |
6 minutes |
|
Mohan |
12:23 |
13:23 |
1 hour |
|
Boten |
13:35 |
14:35 |
1 hour |
|
Luang Prabang |
15:45 |
15:49 |
4 minutes |
|
Vang Vieng |
16:38 |
16:41 |
3 minutes |
|
Vientiane |
17:34 |
-- |
-- |
|
Second Class |
First Class |
|
US$77 (542 CNY) |
US$122 (864 CNY) |
The schedules and ticket prices might be changed without official notice, please contact us for the exact information.
While both the Chinese domestic railway and the China-Laos railway are constructed and operated by China Railway Group, there are some subtle differences in the boarding rules for these two railway systems.
Tickets for trains traveling from China to Laos can only be purchased within Chinese territory, while tickets for trains heading from Laos to China are exclusively available for sale at train stations in Laos and through Laos' train ticket app, LCR Ticket. Even if a train's route is from China to Laos, passengers looking to purchase tickets from one station to another within Laos must still visit the stations or use LCR Ticket.
Unlike most trains operated by China Railway Group, which allow passengers to board with just their passport, international trains on this route require passengers to obtain paper tickets from a train station. As a result, it's advisable for travelers to arrive at the station at least two hours before the departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Passengers traveling solely within China's territory, such as taking a train from Kunming to Puer, do not need to go through customs formalities. However, for passengers embarking on a journey from China to Laos, the process involves exit formalities at the Mohan Station (the last station in China) and entry formalities at the Boten Station (the first station in Laos).
In the case of China to Laos trains, when passengers reach the Mohan Station, they are required to disembark from the train along with all their luggage. After completing the exit formalities, they can return to the same seat on the same train. Subsequently, the train continues its journey to the Boten Station for entry formalities. Both exit and entry formalities typically take about 90 minutes to complete. Large waiting halls are available at these stations to ensure passengers have a comfortable experience while undergoing customs procedures.
For Laos to China trains, the order of customs formalities is reversed compared to the China to Laos route, with entry formalities taking place first and exit formalities upon arrival in China.
Submit Health Declaration on WeChat - Health declaration is a mandatory step for customs formalities. To streamline this process, it's essential to submit your health declaration through the China Customs' WeChat mini program before your departure date. This can save you a significant amount of time. You can access the mini program by searching for 'China Customs' on WeChat. The program currently offers versions in English, German, Russian, Korean, Japanese, French, and Spanish.
Limit for Personal Cash - When it comes to personal cash limits during customs formalities, passengers should be aware that they are only permitted to carry a maximum of CNY 20,000 or USD 5,000.
Call China Immigration - If you have any questions or require assistance with customs formalities, don't hesitate to reach out to the China Immigration Department at 12367.
The Kunming South station is accessible by subway line 1 and 4. Alternatively, bus services such as CJK5, K34, K38, Z161, Z162, and the Airport Shuttle Bus provide additional convenient routes to and from Kunming South Station
The China-Laos international train is opened as a tourist train, so the stations along the route are set in major tourist destinations.
Kunming stands as one of China's premier tourist destinations. Thanks to its temperate climate, the lush greenery persists year-round. The clear lakes and verdant mountains rank among the most frequented attractions in this beautiful city.
Dian Lake - Spanning an expansive 330 square kilometers, Dian Lake proudly holds the title of the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan province. Its vast expanse can make visitors feel as though they are gazing upon a sea rather than a lake. What sets Dian Lake apart from many other lakes in China is its striking blue color. During the winter, the arrival of seagulls from Siberia adds to the illusion of a sea-like atmosphere. Tourists have the opportunity to appreciate the lakeside scenery or embark on a boat ride to immerse themselves in its beauty.
Dian Lake
Stone Forests - The Stone Forests Geological Park boasts a mesmerizing array of Karst stones, each telling a unique tale in its form. Some resemble formidable swords, others take on the whimsical shapes of mushrooms, towers, or colossal pillars. Amidst this natural wonder, Karst caves, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque stone bridges contribute to the enchanting allure of the Stone Forests.
Nestled in the southern region of Yunnan province, Xishuangbanna shares its borders with Myanmar and Laos. Thanks to its lush tropical monsoon climate, Xishuangbanna emerges as an idyllic haven for a diverse array of flora and fauna. Remarkably, a staggering 17% of China's plant species and 25% of its animal species thrive within the boundaries of Xishuangbanna. Unveiling this rich biodiversity, the Xishuangbanna Botanical Garden stands as an indispensable destination for avid tourists seeking to explore the vibrant ecosystems of the region.
Luang Prabang, encompassing a mere 10 square kilometers, boasts a remarkable array of hundreds of Buddhist temples. The city's streets are adorned with the serene presence of Buddhist monks, creating a tranquil atmosphere that permeates the entire locale. Nestled on the picturesque mountains that grace the cityscape, numerous historical temples contribute to the enchanting allure of Luang Prabang. This extraordinary combination of cultural and natural wonders led UNESCO to designate Luang Prabang as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.
The Golden City Temple and Mount Phusi emerge as paramount sites for delving into the rich history and natural splendor of Luang Prabang. These landmarks serve as immersive gateways to the city's profound heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Beyond its historical treasures, Luang Prabang surprises visitors with the presence of Western-style houses, adding a unique architectural blend to the cultural tapestry of the city. In a bid to captivate a wider audience, numerous bars and night markets have sprung up, providing a vibrant setting for tourists to explore and engage with the local culture. These lively hubs offer not only a chance to discover exquisite local handicrafts but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the dynamic energy of Luang Prabang's evolving identity.
Vientiane, the thriving capital of Laos, exudes a unique charm that often belies its status as a bustling city. Despite its role as the country's political and economic hub, Vientiane retains an intimate atmosphere, making it feel more like a quaint town to discerning visitors. At the heart of this cityscape stands the iconic Patuxay Monument, a testament to Laos' hard-fought independence from French colonial rule. This monumental structure not only serves as a historical landmark but also captivates tourists with intricate carvings depicting Buddhist motifs and figures from Lao mythology, offering a glimpse into the fascinating local culture.
One intriguing aspect of Vientiane is its proximity to the Nong Khai province in Thailand, a mere 20 kilometers away. This geographical proximity is a rarity for capital cities, making Vientiane stand out on the world map. The accessibility is further highlighted by the efficient train connectivity, allowing travelers to embark on an eight-hour and 34-minute journey from Vientiane to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand.
High-speed trains are a highly popular mode of transportation for the Beijing to Shanghai route.
Over 200 bullet trains operate on this route, with the shortest duration of 29 minutes.
Both high-speed trains and sleeper overnight trains are available on this route. There are 12 pairs of high-speed trains between these two cities
