Hanoi to Sapa

Hanoi to Sapa

Hanoi
Sapa
Thu, Aug 28
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Hanoi to Sapa Destination Reviews

M
Our bus was supposed to leave at 1:30pm, we chose this time specifically because our check out from the hotel was at 12:30. We received a message a bit before saying the bus was leaving at 1:50. We couldn’t get a later check out time from the hotel so we asked the person who was messaging us what time we had to be there, but got no response. We went to the address they sent us around 12:50, thinking it was an office and we could wait there for about an hour. The address was on a busy road, with just a sign on the sidewalk and a van from the company parked in front of it. We messaged the person and they said we were earlier and told us to wait at a cafe located at a 9 minutes walk away. We had a lot of heavy bags so we just found something closer to wait and went back to the place at 1:40 pm thinking we’d wait for about 10 minutes. As it turns out we ended up waiting until 2:30 standing up in the crushing heat, and we had to put our bags on the filthy sidewalk. There was a little stand right there selling drinks we asked if we could sit on the many chairs available and the man said NO. The G8 employee got there around 1:50, we spoke to him and he said the bus was coming at 2pm. He sat comfortably in one of the chairs from this little stand while all the paying customers waited around standing up. He laughed at me when I told him the man on the stand said we couldn’t sit, and they were both looking at us and laughing. He also didn’t clarify in any way why the bus was late. We have used many different bus companies in Vietnam, we’ve been here for more than a month, and even the most humble ones had at least an office with chairs or a cafe at the same place the bus was departing where we could wait comfortably. Not G8 in Hanoi. There you will be standing up on the filthy sidewalk, and you could end up waiting for hours, as it was our case. We started our journey to Sapa tired, hot, and grumpy because of it. The bus itself was good, spacious and seemly clean. But the TV didn’t work, and even after all the tardiness they still stopped to fuel the bus and it took ages. Our arrival time was scheduled to 7:45, we arrived in Sapa 10pm. I don’t recommend their service if you’re leaving from Hanoi.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, G8 Sapa Open Tour (G8 Sapa Open Tour), Aug 23, 2025
IS
Answer my complain.
Hanoi to Sapa, Van VIP, Grouptour (Công ty du lịch quốc tế Grouptour), Aug 23, 2025
GF
Couldn’t put up my seat, but since it was a night bus to sapa it was ok. That would have been annoying for a day trip!
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Lower Single Cabin, HK Buslines, Aug 22, 2025
MD
Bus was ok. No toilet. Driver was not very friendly. Toilets on the stops were to be paid but dirty.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Single Cabin, Group Bus, Aug 21, 2025
EL
too many stops and reroutes. driver and his assistant are very rude. they will just open the curtain of the cabin and peek inside.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Double cabin, Sao Viet, Aug 21, 2025
EA
In the bus , wifi does not work And also The staff were not normally supportive. Even though I was able to get to the registration desk 1 hour ago, I almost missed the bus. So, when I asked where the bus was 3 times, they said your bus had not arrived. Finally, when I asked them to check again, it turned out that the bus that had been waiting for 20 minutes was my bus.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, HK Buslines, Aug 20, 2025
M
Comfy clean bus and professional driver.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, HK Buslines, Aug 20, 2025
GD
Good in general but a bit hard for those who get sicks in car
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Single Cabin, Sao Viet, Aug 20, 2025
CT
Definitely recommend sapa express if you’re going to Sala
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus VIP Cabin lower berth, Sapa Express, Aug 19, 2025
FM
Better choose down seats.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus VIP Limousine 11, Sapaking Limousine, Aug 19, 2025
4.4
3529 customer reviews
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Hanoi to Sapa Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
00:00
05:00
$17.08
  4.2
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
00:19
06:59
$10.63
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP 20
00:40
07:20
$14.80
  3.3
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
01:00
06:00
$17.08
  4.2
Bus
Ha Son Hai Van
Royal Cabin
04:45
12:15
$16.65
  4.7
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
05:15
12:00
$14.42
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
05:31
12:01
$10.63
Bus
Inter Bus Lines
VIP 22
05:50
11:50
$12.52
  5.0
Bus
King Express Bus
Sleeper
06:10
12:40
$5.84
  5.0
Bus
Viet Nam Travel Bus
Sleeper 44
06:28
12:58
$14.80
Bus
G8 Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
06:45
13:00
$11.95
  4.4
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
07:01
14:01
$10.63
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
07:20
13:20
$14.80
  4.4
Van
Grouptour
VIP
07:40
12:50
$13.66
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
08:00
13:00
$17.08
  4.2
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
08:16
15:01
$14.42
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
08:45
15:35
$13.72
  5.0
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
09:01
15:01
$24.67
  4.1
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
09:20
15:20
$14.80
  4.4
Bus
Sao Vang
Sleeper
09:40
14:55
$10.25

What is the safest part of Sapa?

The areas around Sapa's town center are considered safe for travelers, offering easy access to amenities and attractions. The town center hosts local markets, shops, and a variety of accommodations.

Staying near Cat Cat Village and Muong Hoa Valley is also recommended for safety and scenic experiences. These areas are frequented by tourists, which generally enhances security. Always exercise standard safety precautions, such as securing personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas after dark.

For trekking or exploring rural areas, consider hiring a local guide for added security and to enhance your experience.

What is the minimum amount of days in Sapa?

To adequately explore Sapa, a minimum of 2 to 3 days is recommended. This allows time to visit the local markets, trek through rice terraces, and experience ethnic minority villages like Cat Cat or Ta Phin. Many travelers enjoy the Saturday or Sunday markets for a glimpse of local culture.

For transportation, buses and trains connect Sapa and Hanoi, with the train taking around 8 hours. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels (~250,000 VND/$10) to more comfortable hotels (~1,000,000 VND/$40).

Dining options include local Vietnamese eateries and cafes, with meals typically costing between 50,000 VND and 150,000 VND ($2-$6).

Tap water is not safe to drink, so bottled water is recommended.

What is the famous shopping street in Sapa?

Cau May Street is a well-known shopping area in Sapa. It offers a variety of local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Visitors can find traditional Hmong and Dao clothing, handmade jewelry, and other artisanal products. Bargaining is common, so it is advisable to negotiate prices politely. Additionally, the street hosts several cafes and restaurants where travelers can take a break and enjoy local cuisine.

How to get to Sapa from Hanoi

There are two major ways to travel from Hanoi to Sapa, namely by train or by bus.
There is no airport in the region, so your choice is limited to overland means of transportation.

Train

The overnight railway route to Sapa is one of the most popular routes in the country. It is operated both by ordinary Vietnamese Railway carriages and more luxurious private trains which offer both a more expensive and more comfortable alternative.
Trains operate between Hanoi and Lao Cai station, about 35 km from Sapa. If travelling by train, you will then need to hire a taxi or jump onto a bus to cover this final leg.
Train tickets sell out quickly, so it is a good idea to book your ticket online as early as possible if you have travel dates fixed.

Bus

Hanoi to Sapa bus companies often offer pickup from the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Buses of some companies depart from the Old Quarter. In Sapa, they bring passengers to different location around town.
Buses make multiple trips per day between Hanoi and Sapa. They take the fastest time to get from Hanoi to Sapa and are very budget-friendly but not always that comfortable.
Buses offer the widest choice of departure time throughout the day, too.

How far is from Hanoi to Sapa?

The overland distance from Hanoi to Sapa is 315 km. Sapa is located northwest of the capital in the mountainous area of Lao Cai province.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Sapa?

Hanoi to Sapa travel time normally lies within five and a half and 9 hours range. Buses travel faster, while trains are slower, require a taxi or a shuttle bus ride to cover the final leg of the journey but offer more comfort.
Trains normally need from seven and a half to eight and a half hours to reach Lao Cai. From Lao Cai train station, it is another hour–90 minutes to Sapa by taxi or public shuttle bus.
If travelling from Hanoi to Sapa by bus, duration of your trip is likely to be between five and a half and seven and a half hours.

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

Ticket prices from Hanoi to Sapa differ greatly depending on the means of transport and the class of your travel.
Ordinary or semi-sleeper buses cost USD12-USD14. They feature three rows of soft berth instead of seats where you can only lie but not sit.
VIP buses offer soft reclining seats and enough legroom. These ones are more expensive: be ready to pay between USD16 and USD20 per seat.
First class sleepers in Vietnam Railways trains start at USD20-25 for a berth in a closed compartment for four passengers.
Luxury private trains that are essentially separate carriages attached to the same Vietnam Railways train, offer private compartments for two (first class sleeper) or four passengers (VIP sleeper).
For a first class sleeper, you’ll need to shell out about USD35-USD40. A VIP sleeper will set you back about USD70 and USD80 in media, though some companies, e.g. Victoria Express, charge twice as much for both options.

Hanoi to Sapa Timetable

Check Hanoi to Sapa timetable for buses and trains to choose the most convenient trip. Bus schedule is for reference only and can be changed without prior notice.

Trains Hanoi–Lao Cai

Hanoi–Lao Cai daily 9.35 pm 8 hours USD22-85
Hanoi–Lao Cai daily 10 pm 8 hours USD22-165

Buses Hanoi–Sapa

Sapa Express 7 am, 10 pm 5.30–6 hours USD13-16
Green Bus 7 am, 1.30 pm, 9.30 pm 6 hours USD11-12
Green Lion Bus 7 am 5.30 hours USD20
Good Morning Sapa 7 am 6 hours USD13
Fansipan Express 7.30 am, 10 pm 5.30 hours USD11-12

Best Rated Companies for this Route

All luxury trains enjoy great reviews. You can choose Pumpkin Express, Orient Express, Finxipan, Livitrans Express, Chapa Express, Violette Express, Sapaly Express and will not be disappointed.
Victoria Express is the most expensive and most luxurious of them all.
Yet ordinary carriages of Vietnam Railways trains are a decent budget-friendly option.
Reputed Hanoi to Sapa bus operators include Sapa Express, Green Bus, Inter Bus Lines, Queen Café VIP Open Bus, Good Morning Sapa Bus, and others.

Hanoi to Sapa Travel Tips

  • Use online booking for buying your Hanoi to Sapa tickets as it is one of the most popular routes in the country and tickets sell out quickly, especially cheap tickets.
  • While trains do not guarantee the fastest time for your trip, they are the most comfortable way to get from Hanoi to Sapa.
  • There are two Hanoi to Sapa trains a day and both are night trains.
  • Luxurious Victoria Express carriages are available in 10 pm train.
  • There are no toilets on buses in Vietnam, but they make one quick rest stop during their trip from Hanoi to Sapa.
  • The majority of buses to Sapa depart either in the early morning or late in the evening.
  • The road to Sapa is winding and far from perfect in parts so if you are prone to movement sickness opt for a train.

Transportation from Hanoi to Sapa

Facts about the transport from Hanoi to Sapa

Cheapest Transport$9
Fastest Transport4h
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure11:59 PM
Departures per day306
Distance200 kilometers
Transport CompaniesChapa Express, Charmy Express, Daiichi Travel, Damitrans, Dichung, Et Pumpkin, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, G8 Sapa Open Tour, GoAir Travel, Group Bus, Grouptour, HK Buslines, Inter Bus Lines, King Express Bus, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, Muine Express, NewLivitrans Express, OUROS Travel, Saigon DMC, Sao Viet, Sapa Discovery Travel, Sapa Dragon Express, Sapa Express, Tiim Group, Truly Hagiang, Vicsapa Train, Viet Technologies Travel, Vietnam Luxury Travel