Since its December 2021 launch, the Laos-China Railway has boosted Laos’s connectivity and economic activity, serving millions of domestic and international travelers. The Lao section alone transported over 2.6 million passengers, while the full line served more than 59 million, including 580,000 cross-border travelers.
Daily train services in Laos increased from 4 to 18, improving convenience for both domestic and international trips. The Vientiane–Kunming service, introduced in April 2023, quickly gained popularity, showing rising demand across the full line.
Monthly passenger traffic grew from 600,000 at launch to over 1.6 million, reflecting strong, sustained growth in ridership. Freight transport also expanded rapidly, carrying over 67.6 million tons by September 2025, including 15 million tons of cross-border shipments.
Laos is now connected to 19 countries, creating an efficient two-way trade corridor that enhances regional economic integration. Major Lao exports include tropical fruits, cassava, rubber, and minerals, while Chinese exports include electronics, vehicles, solar panels, and daily essentials. Cargo categories expanded from a few types to over 3,300, supported by new logistics services like the Lancang–Mekong Express.
China-Laos Railway + China-Europe Express freight trains reduced delivery times to Europe to as little as 15 days. Looking ahead, plans focus on increasing train capacity, modernizing logistics, and improving cross-border services as a “golden channel.”
As a key Belt and Road Initiative project, the railway helps Laos transition from a “landlocked” to a “land-linked” country. It connects Laos more efficiently with Southeast Asia, China, and Europe, transforming trade, transport, and regional economic opportunities.
Reference
Sisounonth, O. (2025, September 23). Laos–China railway drives surge in trade, travel across borders – Laotian Times. Laotian Times. https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/23/laos-china-railway-drives-surge-in-trade-travel-across-borders/