Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi
Sapa Lao Cai
Sat, Feb 28
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Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

GA
Garth A
Vietnam trains are mostly average, mostly depart and arrive on-time. Boarding process poorly organized, there is no ticket desk or counter. Most passengers boarded 45-minutes prior, but, Fanxipan REP did not appear until later to hand-out boarding passes. VNR employees insisted that train would not depart with waiting passengers, but still, given language differences, was un-nerving and unnecessary.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Feb 24, 2026
AS
Anuj S
Not sure why people complain about the noise. It is a train, for the love of God and everything holy, get over it. It was comfortable and clean. We would do it again.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Suite Twin Cabin, Chapa Express, Feb 21, 2026
NH
Neil H
Great. Comfortable 👍
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Laman Express, Feb 20, 2026
OP
Owen P
The Vicsapa staff and organisation was second to none, absolutely fantastic. The VIP Twin Cabin was comfortable, the toilets were clean, and the free drinks/snacks were appreciated. Despite the bed being very comfortable, the persistent hammering noise of the tracks was particularly mind numbing.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Twin Cabin + SUV, Vicsapa Train, Feb 16, 2026
NI
Nathan I
The train is noisy and bumpy but that has nothing to do with Chapa and is just how old trains are in Vietnam. But the cabin was comfortable, the link to the Sapa private transport was seamless and it was all relatively easy.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Feb 8, 2026
CA
Camilla A
Amazing trip. Everything was perfect
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Feb 8, 2026
LP
Lara P
We booked on the VIP cabin and were not given the cabin we booked. We spoke to people who did get a cabin in vip part of the train and they paid the same and got what they asked for. We were give a 4 sleeper cabin with 2 single beds. The toilet was disgusting and dirty. It seemed they over booked the vip Avon and sadly we got the down grade with no refund!
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Feb 5, 2026
CK
Christopher K
Team managed transfer to next station due to fault at bridge very well, for which we are grateful. No toilet in our carriage.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Feb 5, 2026
MK
Mani K
Except for wifi not working, everything else was fine
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Twin Cabin + Van, Vicsapa Train, Feb 4, 2026
AR
Anthon R
Best 12Go experience out of many
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jan 28, 2026
4.4
660 customer reviews
5
49%
4
27%
3
16%
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
$22.91
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
21:35
05:25
$45.81
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:00
05:55
$24.05
  3.9
Train
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:00
05:55
$29.78
  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
$45.81
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:20
06:10
$22.91
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$24.05
  3.9
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$15.27
  3.5
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$16.22
  3.5
Train
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:40
06:40
$32.03
  4.5
Train
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
22:40
06:40
$24.67
  4.6
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:58
05:55
$20.77

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 223.90. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 31.02.

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 31.02 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 223.90.

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

  • Van price : USD 12.68 - USD 16.30;
  • Bus tickets - USD 13.96 to USD 13.96;
  • Train tickets - USD 31.02 to USD 223.90;
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.68 - USD 95.10. 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 48 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:

  • 92% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 5% 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 day48
Distance213 kilometers
Transport CompaniesChapa Express, Damitrans, ET Pumpkin, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, NewLivitrans Express, Tiim Group, Vicsapa Train, Violette Trains