Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi
Sapa Lao Cai
Tue, Oct 21
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Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

HH
The VIP lounge at Hanoi train station is too small to accommodate all the VIP travelers. But the service in the lounge is good. Train cabin is clean. The most amazing part is the toilet. It’s shared by passengers in 5 to 6 cabins but it’s always kept very clean and dry. The journey to Sapa can be quite bumpy. But it’s a nice experience.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Premium Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Oct 18, 2025
MZ
During the train ride there was something nearly constantly banging and hammering against the train floor or walls, as if a part of the train was lose and now it was making those banging noises. The noise appeared so regularly and loudly that getting some sleep was nearly impossible. It could have been a nice ride because the rest was very good. But that noise really ruined it all.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Oct 16, 2025
FS
It was well organized and so sweet. Unfortunately the first room of an train section is a little louder. You should better bring yourself some eye blinds and use the ear blugs. Then it is also possible to sleep around 3 to 4 hours. Nice adaventure, felt like going to Hogwarts (Harry Potter)
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 VIP Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Oct 13, 2025
MA
The train’s cabin was great! Big enough for the two of us. They kindly provided us with water, refreshments and snacks for our trip. The train was very bumpy, but we still could sleep great! The AC was so high we were almost freezing during the night, but some sweaters and extra blankets helped us through the trip. The toilet was small and smelled a little nasty but it was clean overall. The worst part was getting on the train. No information, no way to ask inside the railway station… we found a man who helped us finding our cabin after 15 minutes going back and forth through the station. Anyway, would recommend the trip for a full Vietnamese experience!
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Suite 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Oct 13, 2025
AO
They dropped off me at the hotel where I reserved at Lao Cai.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Bus Royal Cabin, Asian Bus Travel, Oct 12, 2025
PP
Lack of shower even though it said there was one
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Oct 11, 2025
PN
Best choice!
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Oct 11, 2025
NW
Very comfortable train journey between Hanoi and Lao Cai.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Oct 9, 2025
KC
The cleanliness of the train was good. However, the fan that couldn’t be adjusted was very uncomfortable. The mattress was quite hard, and the train was very noisy. I would rate the train as average. We arrived at the station with a one and a half hour delay, which is quite a lot.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Oct 7, 2025
MS
Very professional and friendly customer service, thank you to Edward for looking after our family to ensure a positive experience
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Premium Share 4x, Chapa Express, Oct 7, 2025
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488 customer reviews
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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
$22.78
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
21:35
05:25
$45.55
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:00
05:55
$23.92
  3.9
Train
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:00
05:55
$29.61
  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
$45.55
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:20
06:10
$22.78
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$23.92
  3.9
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$15.18
  3.5
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$16.13
  3.5
Train
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:40
06:40
$31.85
  4.5
Train
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
22:40
06:40
$24.67
  4.6
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:58
05:55
$20.65

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 day31
Distance213 kilometers
Transport CompaniesChapa Express, Charmy Express, Damitrans, Et Pumpkin, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, King Sapa Train, NewLivitrans Express, Tiim Group, Violette Trains

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 139.27. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 28.69.

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 Violette Trains: travelling by train expect to pay as low as USD 28.69 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 139.27.

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

  • Van price : USD 12.61 - USD 16.21;
  • Bus tickets - USD 13.88 to USD 13.88;
  • Train tickets - USD 28.69 to USD 139.27;
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.34 - USD 94.57. 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 31 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:

  • 83% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 11% chosen Train+taxi
  • 5% opted for a van.
  • 1% Other