Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi
Sapa Lao Cai
Fri, Sep 11
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2 Passengers
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Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

SF
Satomi F
I’m Japanese. I’m traveling alone. At Hanoi Station, I didn’t know where to go. However, as soon as I showed my voucher to the staff, they seemed to understand right away. The staff kindly escorted me to my compartment on the train and even carried my luggage for me. They were very kind and easy to understand. I felt at ease. Thank you very much. The train car was old, but the sheets and pillows were clean, and the bed had been made neatly. It was a cute room. The train ride was very comfortable. I was worried about the swaying, but I slept soundly. I drank the complimentary water. Thank you. I’d like to use this service again.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train VIP Cabin with double bed, Damitrans, Jun 18, 2026
JB
Jade B
Couldn’t sleep bed where so uncomfortable, Wifi didn’t work either
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 1st Class Sleeper, Laman Express, Jun 16, 2026
JS
Jennifer S
The beds were super comfortable but the best was that 12go called us when we were getting close to the time the train left and then made sure we got on when it was close. If not for them we probably would have missed the train.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jun 13, 2026
SP
Sean P
Very uncomfortable journey.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Jun 13, 2026
CM
Chloe M
Freezing
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Jun 10, 2026
ST
Scott T
Hanoi to Lao Cai - a nightmare getting the tickets from the station. Had to move to a later train - contacted by WhatsApp to be told earlier in the day.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Jun 6, 2026
JH
Jocelyn H
It was very good organised. We could leave the suitcases at the station before departure. So we webt into the centre of Hanoi. After that they helped you find everything to the train. For me it was a 4 star range because the hobbeling during the ride was a little bit sickening making. Overall very good!
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Jun 3, 2026
D
Damon
Very relaxing. Bed a little hard. Lovely travelling through some amazing countryside and Hanoi.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Suite 2x, NewLivitrans Express, May 29, 2026
TO
Tamas O
The train was on time and arrived on time. Light snacks were provided. Bed was very comfortable and clean. Very satisfied with this journey. Would definitely use it again.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, May 21, 2026
HK
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
4.4
822 customer reviews
5
49%
4
28%
3
15%
2
8%
1
0%

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Train
King Sapa Train
Shared Suite Cabin
00:00
08:00
$28.44
  4.8
Train
King Sapa Train
Shared Suite Cabin
00:00
08:00
$28.59
  4.8
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
21:35
05:25
$22.79
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
21:35
05:25
$45.58
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:00
05:55
$23.93
  3.9
Train
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:00
05:55
$29.63
  4.5
Train
ET Pumpkin
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:01
06:01
$25.81
  2.0
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
22:20
06:10
$45.58
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:20
06:10
$22.79
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$23.93
  3.9
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$15.19
  3.5
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$16.14
  3.5
Train
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:40
06:40
$31.87
  4.5
Train
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
22:40
06:40
$24.67
  4.6
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:58
05:55
$20.66

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 USD 345.47. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 21.73.

How far is Hanoi from Sapa Lao Cai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai. Your trip will be a total of 133 miles (213 km). The flying distance is 133 miles (213 km).

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

The travel time from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 5 to 10 hours.

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 USD 21.73 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 USD 345.47.

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

  • Van price : USD 12.62 - USD 16.22;
  • Bus tickets - USD 13.89 to USD 13.89;
  • Train tickets - USD 21.73 to USD 345.47;
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.38 - USD 94.63. From Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from 21:35 Hanoi until 22:00 Hanoi

How many trips per day are there between Hanoi and Sapa Lao Cai?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 34 trains per day.

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$13
Fastest Transport4h 15m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure11:00 PM
Departures per day34
Distance213 kilometers
Transport CompaniesChapa Express, Charmy Express, Damitrans, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, NewLivitrans Express, Tiim Group, Tonkin Heritage Express, Vicsapa Train, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains