Trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi

Trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi

Lao Cai
Hanoi
Mar 10, 2026
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Lao Cai to Hanoi Destination Reviews

JP
The train was cancelled. I have been mailing for 3 days. I am not getting any update on that. My money and time both got wasted. No refund and no response from the team on same.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Oct 7, 2025
L
For this price comman areas should be better. Toilets and sink was dirty. There was no sop. Cabin was ok, but A/C was really too cold and we couldn't turn it off.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP4 1st Class Sleeper, Laman Express, Sep 29, 2025
MC
There was no wifi. The space was tiny and a bit run down
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Sep 28, 2025
MH
A great experience, outstanding view on Vietnam!
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP8 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Sep 22, 2025
SD
Great experience
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train VIP Cabin with twin beds, King Sapa Train, Sep 21, 2025
ML
So nice do do that trip in that train !
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP8 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Sep 18, 2025
SJ
We took a Livitrans sleeper train from sapa to hanoi and the experience was… mixed, to say the least. While the cabin looked decent at first, things quickly turned strange. At the station, a woman without any uniform approached us offering a cabin upgrade for a lower price. She led us onto the train and showed us the room — which we ultimately declined. Oddly enough, we were placed in the upgraded cabin anyway, for free. Seemed like a hustle that didn’t fully go as planned. Later, a conductor came by trying to sell us the upper two bunks for cash. It felt sketchy, like an unofficial transaction. On top of that, we could literally smell the toilet from our room — not exactly what you'd expect from a “premium” experience. Overall, the train got us from A to B, but the constant hustling and lack of transparency were tiring. If you're expecting Western-style service or cleanliness, you’ll likely be disappointed. *Rating: 2/5 Would only recommend if you manage expectations and don’t mind a bit of chaos.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP8 Deluxe Shared 4x, NewLivitrans Express, Sep 18, 2025
MO
The air conditioning was very cold and no conductor to help get off 15 people waiting and the cleaner said we must exit at the other end of the carage.On the trip to sapa I had more snacks in the suite. Over all love being on the train. Highly recommend it.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP8 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Sep 18, 2025
RK
Person responded fast but i didn't exactly receive the information i needed
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP4 Premium Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Sep 17, 2025
SV
We enjoyed the both train trips from Hanoi to Sapa and Sapa back to Hanoi. The linen was clean and WC acceptable. The staff were friendly and kind and the day train trip back to Sapa, was beautiful.
Lao Cai to Hanoi, Train #SP8 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Sep 16, 2025
4.4
153 customer reviews
5
46%
4
30%
3
13%
2
10%
1
1%

Lao Cai to Hanoi Train Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
12:05
20:05
$34.10
  4.2
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
12:05
20:05
$24.67
  4.6
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
21:30
05:25
$25.09
  4.0
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
21:30
05:25
$31.10
  4.4

Transportation from Lao Cai to Hanoi

Facts about the train from Lao Cai to Hanoi

Cheapest Train$13
Fastest Train7h 5m
Earliest Train12:05 PM
Latest Train9:30 PM
Daily Train Routes56
Distance188 kilometers
TrainChapa Express, Charmy Express, Damitrans, Et Pumpkin, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, King Sapa Train, NewLivitrans Express, Vicsapa Train, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains

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 117 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.