Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai by train, van, bus, taxi from VND 560k

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

Valérie V

I was surprised how comfortable it was. We had a good night sleep! We appreciated the waiting lounge and the shower in Lao Cai.I’m glad we didn’t take the bus. Worthed!

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jul 11, 2026

Agyei A

Driver was safe and he stopped 3 times for bathroom and snack break which was so helpful. Seats are comfortable to sleep in and we got free water, a bread and wet wipes.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Van VIP 9, Eco Sapa Limousine (Eco Sapa Limousine), Jul 7, 2026

Scott W

Fantastic train trip, comfortable mattresses, very thick, warm doona. Was a very comfortable trip to Sapa

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Jul 2, 2026

Katy H

Very good

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Sleeper 4x, Vicsapa Train, Jul 1, 2026

Pamela S

Our trip felt very rushed, our cabin wasn’t ready until 5 minutes before departure because they had to add extra cars to the train. When we got in, it was over 100 degrees in the summer. People were complaining and everywhere in the hallway trying to cool. Once the train started moving. It did start to cool but then knocking on our door became a thing. Just not the VIP experience I was hoping for.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP3 VIP Twin Cabin, Vicsapa Train, Jun 29, 2026

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

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

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

Sean P

Very uncomfortable journey.

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Jun 13, 2026

Chloe M

Freezing

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Jun 10, 2026

4.4

847 customer reviews

51%

27%

15%

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	$22.84
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 463.98. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 21.31.

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 21.31 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 463.98.

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 21.31 to USD 463.98;
Train+taxi price: USD 60.51 - USD 94.84. 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:

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 Transport	4h 15m
Earliest Departure	6:30 AM
Latest Departure	11:00 PM
Departures per day	34
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, Tonkin Heritage Express, Vicsapa Train, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains

Popular Routes

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

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