What is the wait time from pulling into the station in the morning to getting over the bridge?

Where does the train actually stop?

Do they use same immigration post as overland at the bridge? Do you end up taking the transport over the bridge anyway?

Is it of any value in logistics? Can't be for speed or comfort although if it were to run all the way to Vientiane that would be noteworthy!

Thanks

leaving town two wks, so thx in advance

Question 1. Tuk Tuk from train station to bridge/Thai Immigration 5 to ten minutes.

2. The train stops in Nong Khai. There is another train you can take into Laos from the same station, but (I'm sure you would have to have a Lao visa in advance to use it.)

After exiting Thai Immigration you wait for the bus over the bridge to Lao Immigration, waiting and travel 15-20 minutes, 20 Baht Nothing is definite, you are in Asia.

You purchase you visa at the Lao side, before entering, can take 5 minutes if you are the only one there, or much longer if there is a crowd.

You walk thru Lao immigration then your choice taxi or tuk tuk or city bus into vientiane. Taxi about 300 Baht or share it for less. Tuk tuk 150-200 Baht or share it. City bus into Vientiane bus station 10 Baht, approximately 30 minutes either way.

Hope this is helpful. I do this regularly, but I live 3 hours from the border.

If you are taking the train from Bangkok to Nong Khai add 2 hours to the estimated time of the train trip.

This was always my experience when I got on the train in Korat to Nong Khai. Depending on weather etc.

Have a safe trip.

Edited April 7, 201214 yr by Colabamumbai

From reports I have seen using the train is a viable option across the border and there is normally less of a crowd getting visa on arrival at the train station immigration (not the same as bridge) and easy transport for the remainder of the trip to Vientiane.