Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai

Hanoi
Sapa Lao Cai
Sun, Apr 26
+ Add return
0 Passengers
Finding the best routes for you — almost ready!
Sort by
Recommended
Filters
Departure time
Price
Arrival time
 
 
 
 
 

Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai Destination Reviews

PK
Patricia K
Driver was looking for me once he arrived and stopped every 2h as traffic safety requires
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Van VIP 9, Eco Sapa Limousine (Eco Sapa Limousine), Apr 23, 2026
K
Kathrin
A train journey in a sleeper carriage could be a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, the value for money is terrible. The train was in very poor technical condition. The bathroom and toilets were not clean. Only the sleeper compartment was nicely appointed, and the staff were extremely friendly and well organised.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Private Cabin for 2, Family Express, Apr 23, 2026
AG
Anahita G
It was a great experience to go on the sleepertrain. Really a recommendation. Funny to see the trainstreet from the train’s pov. However the bed is not super comfortable and the trainride can be bumpy/wiggly at times. So not the best quality of sleep.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Apr 20, 2026
M
Melanie
Good drive, felt safe. Unfortunately I was woken up and asked to move from a comfortable reclining seat to move to the back seat which isn't as comfortable! It's not clear on booking that you have to pay extra for the comfy reclining seats. We had specifically selected this.bus seeing the comfy seats in the pictures knowing a long journey we were taking so it was very disappointing at the time to not be a ble to use the seats
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Bus VIP Limousine Middle, Tbus, Apr 20, 2026
NS
Nicole S
Great train ride, but at the train station they scammed us wirh a shuttle bus from Lao Cau to Sapa. We paid way to much for a shared bus ride, where the bus driver even redused ro drive us to our homestay.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Apr 17, 2026
KK
Kathrin K
Very good value for money. Picked up our tickets at the station 1h before the train left without any issues. The train was very clean and the stuff friendly. Only issue is, that the mattresses are really hard, but for one night it’s ok.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Apr 17, 2026
SD
Sanjana D
The train was too noisy, loud bangs from the train kept us awake half the time.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Apr 6, 2026
SB
Shaun B
I found the train temperature hot even with aircon but it was as expected and arrived in time
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Apr 4, 2026
ED
Euan D
Train was on time and very clean. Staff at the station really friendly and helpful. Cabin was comfortable. Vietnamese rail staff on the train try to sell you extras, so be careful. Overall great experience.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 VIP Cabin 2x, Chapa Express, Mar 23, 2026
AD
Annika D
A nice cabin for 2 people. A bit of snacks wairing for us. The train left on time and we arrived on time. The ride itself was surprisingly smoth.
Hanoi to Sapa Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Mar 23, 2026
4.4
753 customer reviews
5
48%
4
28%
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
$22.79
Train
Lotus Train
VIP 2 Berth
21:35
05:25
$45.58
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:00
05:55
$23.93
  3.9
Train
Laman Express
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:00
05:55
$29.63
  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
$45.58
Train
Lotus Train
VIP Sleeper 4x
22:20
06:10
$22.79
Train
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$23.93
  3.9
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$15.19
  3.5
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$16.14
  3.5
Train
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:40
06:40
$31.87
  4.5
Train
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
22:40
06:40
$24.67
  4.6
Train
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:58
05:55
$20.66

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 463.01. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 23.30.

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 23.30 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 463.01.

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

  • Van price : USD 12.62 - USD 16.22;
  • Bus tickets - USD 13.89 to USD 13.89;
  • Train tickets - USD 23.30 to USD 463.01;
  • Train+taxi price: USD 60.39 - USD 94.64. 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 23 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 day34
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, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains