If you want a different, safer, and more convenient experience when traveling to Sapa compared to buses, then the train is the best choice. Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train allows you to rest, admire the natural scenery through the window, providing an interesting experience. If you want to know more information about some tips, schedule as well as ticket prices, refer to the article below!
Should you take train from Hanoi to Sapa?
[su_image_carousel source=”media: 27390″ slides_style=”minimal” crop=”3:2″ spacing=”no” align=”center” max_width=”700px” captions=”yes” link=”lightbox” autoplay=”0″ image_size=”full” outline=”no”]In terms of safety, the train is the safest means of transportation from Hanoi to Sapa. However, traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train will take more time because the train only stops at Lao Cai City station. When arriving at the station, passengers will have to travel an additional 30km to reach Sapa by other means of transportation: public bus; private transfer service. Therefore, the choice between taking the train or other modes of transportation depends on the traveler’s preferences and needs.
Hanoi to Sapa route by train
[su_image_carousel source=”media: 20198″ slides_style=”minimal” crop=”3:2″ spacing=”no” align=”center” max_width=”700px” captions=”yes” link=”lightbox” autoplay=”0″ image_size=”full” outline=”no”]- Route: Hanoi Railway station – Lao Cai Railway station
- Distance: ~ 290 km
- Duration: ~ 8,0 hours
- Passenger’s seats: 2 – 4 soft beds per cabin
- Bed size: W:700mm/ L:1850mm
- Toilets – Each train car has one restroom
The railway line connecting from Hanoi to Lao Cai has a history of hundreds of years, facilitating the connection of the midland provinces and the northwest mountainous region, promoting convenient trade. The journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai passes through various provinces and cities with the following route: Hanoi – Vinh Phuc – Yen Bai – Lao Cai.
[su_image_carousel source=”media: 20588″ slides_style=”minimal” crop=”3:2″ spacing=”no” align=”center” max_width=”700px” captions=”yes” link=”lightbox” autoplay=”0″ image_size=”full” outline=”no”]The departure station for the Hanoi – Lao Cai train is Hanoi Railway Station. The final destination of the train journey is Lao Cai Station, in Lao Cai City. The travel distance from Hanoi to Lao Cai is 296 km, characterized by long winding curves. Additionally, this railway line connects with the Kunming – Hekou railway line in China.
The schedule of the Hanoi-Sapa train essentially extends only up to Lao Cai City. If you want to travel to Sapa, you will need to cover an additional 30km by other means of transportation. Therefore, to accurately calculate the travel time of the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, it takes about 8 hours, plus an additional hour to travel to Sapa.
If you want to move from your hotel to Hanoi Station, you can easily arrange a taxi or book a Grab service. However, at Lao Cai Station, it is recommended to use trusted taxi services or pre-booked private car services to avoid scams, overcharging, ensuring a better experience upon arrival in Sapa.
At Viet Transfers, we provide services to assist you in booking private cars with capacities ranging from 4-7-16-29-35 to 45 seats for transportation between Hanoi center to Hanoi Station and between Lao Cai Station to Sapa Center. Feel free to contact us for more information about our services.
Updated schedule and price for train Hanoi – Sapa 2025
Currently, there are two train trips to Lao Cai in one day and one train trip from Lao Cai to Hanoi, only departing in the evening. The nighttime train schedule is quite reasonable, as passengers can sleep on the train and arrive in Lao Cai in the morning for breakfast before comfortably taking a car to Sapa.
[su_image_carousel source=”media: 20580″ slides_style=”minimal” crop=”3:2″ spacing=”no” align=”center” max_width=”700px” link=”lightbox” autoplay=”0″ image_size=”full” outline=”no”]On the Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi train route, there are many high-quality, luxurious train cabins ranging from 3 to 5 stars invested by various travel companies. These train cabins are specially designed with beautiful, luxurious, and elegant wooden interiors. The hygiene system is very clean, and the sleeping compartments are well soundproofed, providing a peaceful sleep environment. The train cabins are equipped with amenities such as drinking water, cold towels, fruits, and the staff provides excellent service. Additionally, the cabins are equipped with an excellent shock-absorption system, ensuring a smoother ride.
Schedule and price
Below are the travel train companies to Sapa for your reference and to choose the suitable type of ticket:
- Updated: June, 2025
Currency: USD
[su_table responsive=”yes” alternate=”yes”]| Train Company | Schedule | Ticket Price /way |
| Chapa Express | Hanoi – Lao Cai: SP3 (22:00 – 05:55) Lao Cai – Hanoi: SP4 (21:30 – 05:30) |
Chapa Deluxe Shared Cabin (4-berth): $37/person Chapa VIP Private Cabin (2-berth): $150/cabin Chapa Suite Private Cabin (twin beds): $175/cabin |
| VicSapa Train | Hanoi – Lao Cai: SP3 (22:00 – 05:55) Lao Cai – Hanoi: SP4 (21:30 – 05:30) |
Luxury Shared Cabin (4-berth): $37/person VIP2 Private Cabin (2-berth): $145/cabin VIP1 Private Cabin (1 queen bed): $160/cabin Suite Private Cabin (1 king bed): $190/cabin |
| Sapaly Express | Hanoi – Lao Cai: SP3 (22:00 – 05:55) Lao Cai – Hanoi: SP4 (21:30 – 05:25) |
Deluxe Shared Cabin (4-berth): $35/person VIP Private Cabin (2-berth): $140/cabin |
| New Livitrans Express | Hanoi – Lao Cai: SP7 (22:40 – 06:25) Lao Cai – Hanoi: SP8 (12:05 – 19:37) |
Deluxe Share Cabin (4-berth): $32/person Deluxe VIP Private Cabin (2-berth): $115/cabin Suite Private Cabin (1 queen bed): $135/cabin |
| Note: – Private cabin price is applied for 2 adults/cabin – Surcharge on Vietnamese holidays |
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A small note from Viet Transfers is that the train tickets for the Hanoi – Sapa route are often in high demand. Therefore, passengers should book tickets at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance to ensure availability and have a choice of preferred seats. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your reservation!
Price includes/excludes
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]- ✅ Train ticket between Hanoi and Lao Cai Railway station
- ✅ Facilites: Air conditioning, Wi-fi, USB charger sockets, soft beds with mattress (flat beds)
- ✅ Travel blankets and pillows
- ✅ Mineral water
- ❌ Transport to Railway stations
- ❌ Travel insurance
- ❌ Food and beverage costs
- ❌ Other personal expenses
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Pick-up/Drop-off points
Hanoi:
- Hanoi railway station
- Surcharge for pick-up/drop-off service at hotels in the center and Noi Bai Airport terminals
Sapa/Lao Cai:
- Lao Cai railway station
- Surcharge for pick-up/drop-off service at hotels in Sapa
Child policy
Children aged 5+ will be charged the same rate as adults
Children 0-4 years old is complimentary when sharing bed with one adult in the private cabin (FOC for one child/cabin)
Cancellation policy (Train Ticket)
Below 5 cabins/booking:
- Free up to 30 days before departure date: USD 3 / booking as handling fee will be charged;
- Within 15-30 days before departure date: 30% charge;
- Within 7-15 days before departure date: 70% charge;
- Later than 7 days prior to departure date: 100% charge;
- Passenger not showing up: No refund.
From 5 cabins/booking above:
- Free up to 60 days before departure date: USD 3 / booking as handling fee will be charged;
- Within 45-59 days before departure date: 15% charge;
- Within 30-44 days before departure date: 30% charge;
- Within 16-29 days before departure date: 50% charge;
- Within 8-15 days before departure date: 70% charge;
- Later than 7 days prior to departure date: 100% charge;
- Passenger not showing up: No refund.
How to book train ticket?
[su_image_carousel source=”media: 20585″ slides_style=”minimal” crop=”3:2″ spacing=”no” align=”center” max_width=”700px” captions=”yes” link=”lightbox” autoplay=”0″ image_size=”full” outline=”no”]To buy Hanoi Sapa train tickets, you can go directly to Hanoi Railway Station. Another option is to visit the official website of Vietnam Railways at dsvn.vn.
The Hanoi to Lao Cai train is managed and operated by the Vietnam Railways company. However, some train carriages are leased, renovated, decorated, and upgraded in terms of service quality by travel companies. These carriages are then operated by travel companies, who sell tickets to tourists.
Therefore, if you book through the Vietnam Railways company website, tourists can only purchase tickets for the standard class operated by the railway company and will not be able to purchase tickets for the carriages operated by travel companies.
If you want to book cabins by travel companies, you need to contact agents or contact directly Viet Transfers.
When booking through Viet Transfers, you will receive electronic tickets online, have the option to choose cabins and seats according to your requirement, with clear pricing, and no additional fees after payment.
Notes when traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train
Hanoi to Sapa Station:
The entrance is on Le Duan Street, at 120 Le Duan Street. If you already have a train ticket, you can enter either gate based on convenience. Some travel train companies have passenger reception offices at the Station and require passengers to complete procedures at the office.
Trains only go to Lao Cai Station:
Trains from Hanoi to Sapa only go as far as Lao Cai Station. From Lao Cai Station to Sapa, passengers must take a car for the 30km journey, which takes about 1 hour. There are two ways to get transfer to Sapa from Lao Cai Station. The first way is to leave the station, have breakfast at restaurants outside the station, and catch the Sapa-bound bus right outside Lao Cai Station. The second way is to book a car through the train ticket distribution company.
Tourist trains to Sapa are more beautiful and luxurious but more expensive:
Unlike other train routes, on the Hanoi to Sapa route, many travel companies have beautifully designed and luxurious train cars with various amenities, but the prices are much higher compared to the trains operated by Vietnam Railways.
* Book train ticket from Hanoi to Sapa via: booking@viettransfers.com/ +84846551122 (Phone/Whatsapp)
Booking options
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