The invention discloses a laser detection device for measuring the diameter of a wheel of a railway vehicle. The laser detection device for measuring the diameter of the wheel of the railway vehicle comprises a laser transmitter, a CCD camera, a laser distance measuring sensor and a central processing control system. A detection window is cut in a main rail on which a locomotive travels; the laser transmitter and the CCD camera are installed below the detection window of the main rail, the laser distance measuring sensor is installed at the position, exactly facing the rim of the wheel, of the inner side of the main rail, the laser transmitter irradiates the tread of the wheel to form a light section shape curve representing the overall dimensions, the CCD camera obtains the light section shape curve, and transmits data to the central processing control system, the laser distance measuring sensor obtains data of the distance of the rim of the wheel through measurement, and sends the data to the central processing control system, and the central processing control system carries out calculation to obtain the diameter of the wheel. According to the laser detection device for measuring the diameter of the wheel of the railway vehicle, the laser distance measuring sensor is used for carrying out auxiliary measurement, the position of the rolling circle of the tread of the wheel is accurately located, the accurate measurement of the diameter of the wheel is achieved, the structure is simple, applicability is good, and traveling safety of trains is ensured.