Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai by train, van, bus, taxi from VND 578k

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

Haris K

Wonderful experience, great staff on train , comfy cosy place to sleep and enjoy the ride

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Indigo Berth 4x, Chapa Express, May 19, 2026

Sally W

First time travelling through Vietnam and this App has made everything so easy!

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, May 18, 2026

Pradeep K

Good as promised

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, May 16, 2026

Distan B

The overnight sleeper birth I booked for my and I was comfortable and exactly how I expected after reviewing photos. It was a lovely experience. The waiting area prior to boarding however was a little tired and could do with some more care.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Twin Cabin, Vicsapa Train, May 13, 2026

Mats S

I’m surprised how well that went and how nice the experience was. The lounge with a shower at the end was a god send for me.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, May 13, 2026

Elisa G

For the amount charged the cabin was poorly kept. I’ve read it more two star. The toilets were disgustingly filthy.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Private Cabin for 2, Family Express, May 11, 2026

Olivia M

First it was saying on my confirmation that I have come to Pick my Ticket lostest 9pm. But actually they mean not befor ir at 9 pm. I was there already at 4pm and need to Go again . And I got my Ticket not befor 9:20. 🤷‍♀️ The aircondition was freezing cold at night and the train made the whole night an again and again banging loud noises. So I didn’t get any sleep. 😭

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, May 8, 2026

Jennifer C

The train was comfortable and the amenities provided in the VIP suite was lovely. Loved seeing train street from the train after having been there to watch it go by a day before. The boarding was easy and the staff helpful and polite.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, May 6, 2026

Nikhil G

Overall experience was really good! The cleanliness was good and Train timing is just perfect!

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Private Cabin for 2, Family Express, Apr 30, 2026

Etiennette

Maybe choose another place very near the Opera house for the pick up because while waiting on the steps front of opera it was very very hot

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Van VIP 9, Eco Sapa Limousine (Eco Sapa Limousine), Apr 30, 2026

4.4

787 customer reviews

49%

28%

15%

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price	Rating
Train	King Sapa Train	Shared Suite Cabin	00:00	08:00	¥4,517	4.8
Train	King Sapa Train	Shared Suite Cabin	00:00	08:00	¥4,541	4.8
Train	Lotus Train	VIP Sleeper 4x	21:35	05:25	¥3,613
Train	Lotus Train	VIP 2 Berth	21:35	05:25	¥7,227
Train	Fanxipan Express	Deluxe Cabin 4x	22:00	05:55	¥3,794	3.9
Train	Laman Express	VIP Sleeper 4x	22:00	05:55	¥4,698	4.5
Train	ET Pumpkin	Deluxe Cabin 4x	22:01	06:01	¥4,099	2.0
Train	Lotus Train	VIP 2 Berth	22:20	06:10	¥7,227
Train	Lotus Train	VIP Sleeper 4x	22:20	06:10	¥3,613
Train	Fanxipan Express	Deluxe Cabin 4x	22:30	06:25	¥3,794	3.9
Train	Vietnam Railways	1st Class Sleeper	22:36	05:55	¥2,409	3.5
Train	Vietnam Railways	1st Class Sleeper	22:36	05:55	¥2,560	3.5
Train	Chapa Express	Deluxe Sleeper 4x	22:40	06:40	¥5,053	4.5
Train	Damitrans	Cabin 4x	22:40	06:40	¥3,918	4.6
Train	Vietnam Railways	1st Class Sleeper	22:58	05:55	¥3,276

How to get from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

When you want to get from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

Bus
Train
Van
Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Bus. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Train+taxi ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A Train ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about JPY 27,013. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as JPY 3,478.

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

The cost of the trip from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Vietnam Rail: travelling by train expect to pay as low as JPY 3,478 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a Train - a one-way Train ticket can cost as much as JPY 27,013.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai:

Van price : JPY 2,000 - JPY 2,572;
Bus tickets - JPY 2,203 to JPY 2,203;
Train tickets - JPY 3,478 to JPY 27,013;
Train+taxi price: JPY 9,573 - JPY 15,003. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Trains

Things to remember while choosing a train ticket:
Consider everything carefully while choosing the class of your train travel. In most cases, the second class is comfortable enough – it features 2 or 4 berths in each compartment and is often air-conditioned.

If you’re in for a premium experience, consider getting a first class ticket. The price of first class tickets may include Wifi, and a choice of snacks and drinks.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Hanoi to Lao Cai. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

93% users enjoyed a train ride.
4% chosen Train+taxi
2% opted for a van.
1% Other

Transportation from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Facts about the transport from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Cheapest Transport	¥2,001
Fastest Transport	4h 15m
Earliest Departure	6:30 AM
Latest Departure	11:00 PM
Departures per day	27
Distance	213 kilometers
Transport Companies	Chapa Express, Damitrans, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, NewLivitrans Express, Tiim Group, Vicsapa Train, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains

Popular Routes

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

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