Hanoi to Sapa

Hanoi to Sapa

Hanoi
Sapa
Tue, Oct 14
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Hanoi to Sapa Destination Reviews

AR
Itis good sleep bus, but i have some negative during the trip. My sleep place was good for wife 165 feet, but my 175 was unconfortable. No any pillow. In the middle of trip one man was loudly screaming about toilet, so I think all bus awake. All other is good - warm blanket, good staff.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Sleeper 44, Inter Bus Lines (Công Ty Cổ Phần Inter Bus Lines), Oct 9, 2025
RC
We arrived 4am, as indicated. Drop-off point is a ran down stadium and not a proper parking area and we were made to bring our luggage, under rain and walked 30m to roadside to flag for taxi. Driver told us that they cannot drop us off at road side as we were too early in the morning. But he allowed us to sleep in bus till 6am.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Sleeper, Sapa Dragon Express, Oct 9, 2025
MH
The bus was old, it was not cozy and modern but pink, with child stickers and rustical. The bus driver and other employee were very unfriendly, impulsive and couldnt speak english very well. There was great confusion for customers when we got on the bus because the numbering of the cabins was unclear and silly. People had to change places multiple times, not even the driver could make something supposedly that simple clear to anyone. But at the end it did the job, we areived in sa pa, with a headache tho due to the vibrations of the bus forewarded to my head due to lack of proper sits or cabbin, mattress. I wished a more luxery bus , not a pink weird uncomfortable bus with mickey mouse stickerd all over !!:)))
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Sleeper 44, Inter Bus Lines (Công Ty Cổ Phần Inter Bus Lines), Oct 8, 2025
TM
Excellent company! Cabins are very modern and spacious and we stopped multiple times to go to the toilet
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, G8 Sapa Open Tour (G8 Sapa Open Tour), Oct 8, 2025
RW
First time sleeper coach
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, HK Buslines, Oct 7, 2025
EH
Clear communication for meeting points, quick confirmation of tickets. Clean bus. 2 comfort stops. Pillow and blanket available for usage. Wifi and usb charging available on bus.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, G8 Sapa Open Tour (G8 Sapa Open Tour), Oct 7, 2025
FA
Good experience regarding safety and timing. However cabinets were dirty full of hair.
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Lower Cabin, G8 Sapa Open Tour (G8 Sapa Open Tour), Oct 7, 2025
MC
Good driving long wait on the street with the heat
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, HK Buslines, Oct 6, 2025
BS
I really loved this bus trip, 5/5. On-time, comfortable, slept well. Some reviews mention the cold AC, the vent can be turned off in the cabin, so this is not an issue either. I fully recommend this company. (Took SaoViet tours for the way back and that was also very pleasant.)
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, HK Buslines, Oct 4, 2025
JS
Weather caused long delays and no information was given to passengers.it was very much ,asking driver which buses were returning passengers to Hanoi .over 10 hours we waited waiting to see if we could even reach the destination on that day !!
Hanoi to Sapa, Bus Upper Single Cabin, HK Buslines, Oct 1, 2025
4.4
3754 customer reviews
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Hanoi to Sapa Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
00:00
05:00
€14.71
  4.2
Bus
G8 Sapa Open Tour
Upper Single Cabin
00:30
06:45
€10.30
  4.7
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
01:00
06:00
€14.71
  4.2
Bus
Ha Son Hai Van
Royal Cabin
04:45
12:15
€16.37
  4.7
Bus
Sao Viet
Sleeper
05:16
12:01
€10.14
Bus
Grouptour
VIP 20
05:40
11:40
€14.10
  5.0
Bus
Inter Bus Lines
Sleeper 44
06:00
12:00
€6.21
  4.6
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
06:20
12:20
€12.75
  4.4
Bus
Sapa Dragon Express
Sleeper
06:40
12:40
€5.88
  3.9
Bus
Sapa Dragon Express
Sleeper
07:00
13:00
€5.88
  3.9
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
07:20
13:20
€12.75
  4.4
Van
Grouptour
VIP
07:40
12:50
€11.77
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
08:00
13:00
€14.71
  4.2
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
08:20
14:20
€12.75
  4.4
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
08:45
15:35
€11.82
  5.0
Bus
Sao Viet
VIP Cabin
09:01
15:01
€13.08
  4.1
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
09:20
15:20
€12.75
  4.4
Bus
Sao Vang
Sleeper
09:40
14:55
€8.83
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
10:00
15:00
€14.71
  4.2
Bus
Sapa Ethnic Travel
VIP Luxury 22
10:20
16:20
€12.75
  4.4

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€8
Fastest Transport3h 45m
Earliest Departure12:15 AM
Latest Departure11:40 PM
Departures per day175
Distance188 kilometers
Transport CompaniesApril Adventure, Asian Bus Travel, Cat Ba Luxury, Chapa Express, Charmy Express, Daiichi Travel, Daily Limousine, Damitrans, Dichung, Et Pumpkin, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, Futa Ha Son, Grouptour, Ha Son Ha Tinh Sapa, Inter Bus Lines, King Express Bus, King Sapa Train, Linh Chau Transport, Muine Express, NewLivitrans Express, OUROS Travel, Saigon DMC, Sao Vang, Sapa Dragon Express, Sapaking Limousine, Tiim Group, Truly Hagiang, Vicsapa Train, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains