Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi
Sapa Lao Cai
Mon, Jan 12
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Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

DW
Cosy and comfortable beds. Welcoming and friendly staff. The train departed and arrived exactly on time. Wonderful experience
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jan 3, 2026
JS
Whilst the cabin was very tidy, clean, and had some water and snacks, the train itself was very, very noisy. None of the 4 of us sharing the cabin got any sleep. We will take a night bus next time 10000%. Such a shame
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jan 3, 2026
LL
Very easy booking the train, and everything went smoothly
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Jan 1, 2026
LP
Train was clean. There was someone at the station to help us. Since I'm pregnant they even helped with luggage and cha ges our beds to bottom bunks. Staff on the train helped us arrange transport from the station to Sapa before we got there. All in all a world class experience.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Dec 20, 2025
SS
Sleeping was not comfortable. It was noisy. There should be some sound proofing or ways to cut down the noise. It impacts the next day of you haven’t slept well since we are on a holiday each day counts.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Dec 18, 2025
WL
Misunderstanding in booking Trip to Sapa: I got a whole 7-Seat Bus for me only! I expected one Seat in a 7 Seat Bus Btw: the trip took 2 hours because the driver did Not find the way in the First atempt
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Dec 18, 2025
SK
Overall, very good and safe service. The driver was competent and driving well. He knew the important basics in English. Car was in good condition. Pictures look more spacious and comfortable than reality though. For people with long legs, it can still become a strenous journey. All seats have plugins to charge your phone - except our two seats in the back row. Good and adecuate air conditioning. Regular breaks for toilet and snacks. We left Hanoi around 07:00 am and arrived to Sapa around 01:00 pm. No idea how you should be able to arrive at 12:00 already (as advertised) as traffic was fully okay and we always left on time. We were told two times to meet the driver at Hanoi Opera House. Still, it seems that the driver intended to pick us up at our hotel first - would have been much more convenient of course. All other passengers were also picked up at their hotel. We were also driven to our hotel in Sapa.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Van VIP 9, Eco Sapa Limousine (Eco Sapa Limousine), Dec 16, 2025
KS
Chapa express train is so comfortable, the vip lough is clean and we can relax while waiting for the train come and VIP cabin is decorated so beautiful and more comfortable to sleep well
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 VIP Cabin 2x + SUV 7seats, Chapa Express, Dec 15, 2025
RD
Booked on the incorrect train. The train was requested was for 10pm and the tickets issued were for 10:40 pm
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Dec 14, 2025
MS
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
4.4
611 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
$22.84
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
21:35
05:25
$45.68
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:00
05:55
$23.98
  3.9
Train
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:00
05:55
$29.69
  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
$45.68
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:20
06:10
$22.84
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$23.98
  3.9
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$15.23
  3.5
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$16.18
  3.5
Train
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:40
06:40
$31.94
  4.5
Train
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
22:40
06:40
$24.67
  4.6
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:58
05:55
$20.71

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 153.22. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 20.74.

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 20.74 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 153.22.

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

  • Van price : USD 12.64 - USD 16.26;
  • Bus tickets - USD 13.92 to USD 13.92;
  • Train tickets - USD 20.74 to USD 153.22;
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.51 - USD 94.83. 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 58 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:

  • 91% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 6% 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 오전
Latest Departure11:00 오후
Departures per day58
Distance213 kilometers
Transport CompaniesChapa Express, Damitrans, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, GreenLion Bus, Grouptour, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, NewLivitrans Express, Tiim Group, Vicsapa Train, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains