Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai by train, van, bus, taxi from VND 530k

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

Martin S

A lot of snacks (potato chips, cookie, nuts), a coke, a water. + Wet tissue. We had 2 bed VIP class cabin. The upper beds were just lifted up. Since the floor under the bed was really dirty (dust, used water bottles, used earplugs) we had to put our luggage on one of the upper beds. The toilet room of our wagon was really small. You have to put one leg each on one side of WC in order to be able to close the door. But the toilets in neighbor wagons were bigger, if not that large that a shower cabin could fit into them. The wagon was quite shaky in comparison to the Demitrans train that we took in the other direction.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Dec 10, 2025

David J

It was a good trip there. It was nice to have snacks and amenities in the cabin. The cabin and beds were nice and clean. The process of getting the tickets is a little confusing and can be improved.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Dec 4, 2025

Naomi R

The train ride in itself was good. The bathrooms could have used a quick clean halfway through though. We were lucky enough to only be two in a 4 people carriage and I feel like they are too small for 4 unless there are kids. The operator did a weird thing where I bought tickets for the later train and they gave me tickets for the earlier one. I then had to say I wanted to cancel for them to give me the tickets that I had chosen which was a bit weird.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Dec 3, 2025

Darren K

Its great value for money for sure but the room is not sound proof at all. the neighbouring rooms are so noisy as they are drinking and talking loudly all night. Since we booked the VIP room (2 pax room) they informed us its sold out and gave use the 4 pax room instead (althought its still just the two of us and they did inform beforehand), but we think they should have more separation between guest if its not fully booked. No water so the toilet stink.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Nov 29, 2025

Farah A

Cabin is clean, very comfortable. We slept throughout the night. We can lock the cabin so there is no worry at all. The toilet is clean and has no smell. It was a very nice experience. I will take Chapa Express again to SaPa

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 29, 2025

Freena M

The chapa express cabin we booked was replaced with fansipan cabin due to some issue at that time but still nothing has changed for us as the ride was very comfortable. The lounge, the service provided, welcome drinks, fruits, snacks and the clean beds and toilets really made our trip enjoyable and comfortable. We even thought why couldnt we take train everytime during our travel in vietnam.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 18, 2025

David B

Someone, Send Me The tickets via WhatsApp and Ask me of Everything was OK ?

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Shared Suite Cabin, King Sapa Train, Nov 10, 2025

Zohar B

We booked a Deluxe Sleeper class with Chapa Express, but what we got was not at all what was ordered. We were placed in a coach numbered 12A, which was not branded as Chapa like the other coaches (e.g. 12, 14). It was much older, the room was not as shown in the photos, the toilets were smelly, and there was no WiFi available. And worst of all, the suspension of this older coach was creeking and squeaking very loudly during the entire trip. We could hardly sleep due to the extreme noises during the entire ride. Steping into the adjacent Chapa coach, we could see it was nothing like ours. Much newer with much better rooms and toilets, and much much quiter. We paid for a deluxe sleeper and got a 2nd class sleeper at best. Upon reaching them by WhatsApp, they claim this simply their "deluxe" class. Bottom line, if you consider taking their "deluxe" class, better consider a modern sleeper bus instead...

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x + Shuttle Bus, Chapa Express, Nov 9, 2025

Ian D

A good experience and quite comfortable. Bear in mind the train left 45mins early. Had to rush from the vip suite with the help of the kind staff

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 7, 2025

Sara C

We had to collect the tickets at the station, and be there at least 45 minutes before. The Fanxipan rep didn't show until 20 minutes before so we were quite worried we wouldn't be able to travel.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Nov 5, 2025

4.4

581 customer reviews

48%

27%

16%

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	$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	$22.81
Train	Lotus Train	VIP 2 Berth	21:35	05:25	$45.62
Train	Fanxipan Express	Deluxe Cabin 4x	22:00	05:55	$23.95	3.9
Train	Laman Express	VIP Sleeper 4x	22:00	05:55	$29.65	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	$45.62
Train	Lotus Train	VIP Sleeper 4x	22:20	06:10	$22.81
Train	Fanxipan Express	Deluxe Cabin 4x	22:30	06:25	$23.95	3.9
Train	Vietnam Railways	1st Class Sleeper	22:36	05:55	$15.21	3.5
Train	Vietnam Railways	1st Class Sleeper	22:36	05:55	$16.16	3.5
Train	Chapa Express	Deluxe Sleeper 4x	22:40	06:40	$31.89	4.5
Train	Damitrans	Cabin 4x	22:40	06:40	$24.67	4.6
Train	Vietnam Railways	1st Class Sleeper	22:58	05:55	$20.68

Transportation from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Facts about the transport from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Cheapest Transport	$13
Fastest Transport	4h 15m
Earliest Departure	6:30 AM
Latest Departure	11:00 PM
Departures per day	65
Distance	213 kilometers
Transport Companies	Chapa Express, Charmy 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

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 145.55. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 20.15.

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 20.15 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 145.55.

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

Van price : USD 12.63 - USD 16.23;
Bus tickets - USD 13.90 to USD 13.90;
Train tickets - USD 20.15 to USD 145.55;
Train+taxi price: USD 60.43 - USD 94.70. 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:

90% users enjoyed a train ride.
6% chosen Train+taxi
3% opted for a van.
1% Other

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Schedule

Transportation from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Facts about the transport from Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Popular Routes

From Hanoi

From Sapa Lao Cai

Popular Routes in Vietnam