Trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi

Trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi

Lao Cai
Hanoi
Thu, Jul 16
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Lao Cai to Hanoi Destination Reviews

R
Richard
Absolute torture. Have been on many trains all over SE Asia going on 35 years. I hope all the trains between Sapa and Hanoi aren’t like this one. First 2/3 of the trip it made the most horrendous sounds I thought the train was breaking apart. The rest was a constant loud sound that prevented any kind of relaxation much less sleeping. Kids screaming at the top of their lungs. Someone was smoking near us that spread through the ventilation system into our cabin. No food car. The ac was ok and going through train street at the end was fun.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Jul 3, 2026
AY
Alfi Y
Is soo much noise under our carriage, the door is broken and couldn’t open properly. The train is very cold - bring jacket with you!
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train VIP Cabin with double bed, King Sapa Train, Jul 3, 2026
HH
Harry H
The only downside is the train is really noisy, otherwise a great experience.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Jun 29, 2026
LN
Lou N
The lounge was nice. But the cabin was extremely warm and it was difficult to breathe in the night. The day after the company requested feedback and when we shared our experience they simply said they wished they knew sooner. However when we confronted them with the fact that we had tried to let them know during the train ride, they ignored us. Not a great way to handle feedback :/
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP4 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jun 28, 2026
KH
Kasper H
Great way to travel from Lao cai to Hanoi. Definitely recommend
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP4 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jun 22, 2026
LT
Lee T
I was worried when I booked the train ride as I was concerned over cleanliness. Many a times, what are sold online differs from what we book and get. BUT I am very happy with the booking and thr ride. 1st time experience for my hubby and I and our kids. The cabin is spacious (i thought it will be crammed), there is space underneath the lower deck for all our 3 luggage with room for a 4th one. The covers on the beds are clean and fresh. There are bottled drinks, biscuits, snacks and bananas for all 4 of us. Charging of mobile phone is easy as long as you have an adapter and plug type charger. Air-conditioning is weak for those on the upper deck. Toilet is clean!!! Overall, I would rate this experience a 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP8 Deluxe Shared 4x, NewLivitrans Express, Jun 20, 2026
SM
Santosh M
The cabin was vintage styled and beds were comfortable. Only bad part was the wash basin in the bathroom was leaking. Otherwise the experience was good
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP4 VIP Sleeper 4x, Laman Express, May 14, 2026
SI
Sonia I
Someone offered us the option to pay an extra $60 for a private cabin. I thought it would be a great idea to get a good night’s sleep, so I paid for it. What a mistake!!! Yes, the cabin was very nice, but it was absolutely impossible to sleep, not even for 10 minutes. The train was creaking as if it were going to break apart, and it was shaking like an 8-degree Richter scale earthquake. On the train to Sapa, even though we had a shared cabin, we slept very well. I don’t know why this trip was so awful. So, I do not recommend paying extra for a private cabin.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP4 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, May 11, 2026
RA
Rebecca A
The train, the cabin, and the bathroom you could access was nice & clean. However, being a luxury train (and please note, I am comparing it to another train doing the same route), it was way too noisy (which I didn’t face in the other one). During the whole ride, the noise didn’t stop. The ear buds provided dont help. And you really can’t sleep.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP4 Indigo Berth 4x, Chapa Express, May 11, 2026
MR
Martinus R
Comfortable and good experience
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train 4 beds cabin lower berth, Vietnam Rail, May 1, 2026
4.4
338 customer reviews
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45%
4
31%
3
13%
2
11%
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Lao Cai to Hanoi Train Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
12:05
20:05
$34.22
  4.2
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
12:05
20:05
$24.67
  4.6
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
21:30
05:25
$25.18
  4.0
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
21:30
05:25
$31.22
  4.4

How to get from Lao Cai to Hanoi by Train

Taking a train to get from Lao Cai to Hanoi is a safe, fast, and scenic option to travel the country. On certain routes, there are multiple train departures per day every 10 to 15 minutes. This is typical for intercity travel, while for long distance train routes there are fewer scheduled departures – plan ahead to choose the one that fits your itinerary best.

For long distance train journeys, we recommend reserving your tickets at least a few days ahead of your travel date. Buying train tickets via our online booking system will allow you to choose and reserve the best Lao Cai to Hanoi tickets.

Buying your tickets online will help you secure the trip on the selected date and avoid queuing at the station.. When travelling on weekends and holidays it is recommended to reserve tickets much earlier due to a much higher demand. During high season, train tickets sell out quickly – do book as early as you can.

How far is it from Lao Cai to Hanoi?

Travelling by train, the distance from Lao Cai to Hanoi is 122 miles. Before setting on for a train journey, have a look at the map to find out what tourist spots or landmarks you will pass by – maybe they are worth a quick stop?

How long does it take to get from Lao Cai to Hanoi by Train?

Travel time from Lao Cai to Hanoi is estimated to be about 7h 5m. Trains ensure the fastest time to travel by land. As normally there is no congestion, the speed of travel is more or less constant and stops at train stations are rather short, train is almost always one of the quickest and safest ways to get from Lao Cai and Hanoi.

The most important thing that may affect train travel time is the type of train. Ordinary trains travel at a speed of about 40 mph or 65 km/h to 65 mph or 105 km/h. Some intercity trains with shorter distances between stations run slower than 40 mph. Even with these low speeds, it can still be faster than commuting by car, bus or taxi.

The speed of express trains can reach up to 100 mph or 160 km/h. Modern high-speed trains can run at speeds exceeding 250 mph or 400 km/h.

These speeds of travel together with relatively short stops between stations can greatly shorten the duration of your trip.

How much does it cost to get from Lao Cai to Hanoi by Train?

The train ticket price from Lao Cai to Hanoi varies depending on the types of trains or carriages available.

Some trains feature different types of carriages, seats and berths offering various amenities and level of comfort.

Basic passenger trains which are often non-air-conditioned and have wooden, hard or old seats are normally cheap. Premium or luxury trains and coaches have a higher ticket price but are equipped with air-conditioning, toilets, and large soft seats with sufficient legroom to make train rides comfortable.

Considering the distance travelled, train is the most affordable means of transport. Also, ticket prices include 2 or 3 bags – sometimes even more – per passenger.

Lao Cai to Hanoi timetable

Trains are great for long-distance travel. Double-check your travel itinerary and use the Lao Cai to Hanoi timetable above with train departure times and arrival times to find the best train for your route.

Best-Rated Companies for this Route

Unlike buses or taxis which have numerous companies offering their services, train service is usually offered by just one major company in each country. As railway service requires a large amount of infrastructure, most railway companies are government-owned and are a part of the national transport system.

One of the best advantages of travelling by train is that railway stations are often conveniently located within or very near major cities and urban areas. Immediately on arrival to their destination, travellers find themselves in close proximity to important facilities like hotels, supermarkets, and hospitals.

If you travel with a lot of bags and luggage, trains are your best option. Luggage weight limits on trains are rather flexible and allow you to carry multiple bags with you.

Special or luxury trains feature sufficient legroom which allows you to stretch your legs and relax. In comfort and space these train seats can be compared to business class airplane seats.

Similar to buses, trains can provide a variety of amenities to make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable. Modern trains have WIFI service, a snack counter and a drinking bar. Onboard toilets can be a life saver for travellers with queasy stomachs.

Lastly, unlike buses and other overland means of transport, trains are very rarely involved in accidents.

Transportation from Lao Cai to Hanoi

Facts about the train from Lao Cai to Hanoi

Cheapest Train$11
Fastest Train7h 5m
Earliest Train12:05 PM
Latest Train9:30 PM
Daily Train Routes50
Distance196 kilometers
TrainChapa Express, Damitrans, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, NewLivitrans Express, Sapaly Express Train, Tonkin Heritage Express, Vicsapa Train, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains