Luxury sleeper train (overnight)
Comfortable overnight journey with private cabins, beds, AC and included snacks
VIP 2-berth / private cabin
Maximum privacy, hotel-like experience with soft beds, wooden interiors and premium service
4-berth deluxe cabin
Good balance of price and comfort, shared cabin with AC, bedding and onboard amenities
Regular Vietnam Railways train
Lower comfort, older cabins, fewer services compared to tourist luxury trains
Quick answer: Travelling by train from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai) is best done on an overnight sleeper tourist train. Departing late evening from Hanoi and arriving early morning at Lao Cai gives you more daylight hours in the mountains. Luxury tourist trains offer higher comfort while standard sleeper trains are the budget-friendly alternative.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~ 300 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: Overnight train ~ 8 hours (e.g., depart 22:00-22:40, arrive ~05:55-06:30)
- 💰 Price range: Luxury tourist sleeper trains ~$27–130 per person
- 🚆 Best for comfort: Luxury tourist train cabin (2-berth or 4-berth)
- 🛏️ Best for budget: Standard soft-sleeper berth on regular train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (~$15–18)
Last updated in August 2026
Travel by Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa)
The train from Hanoi to Lao Cai is a popular way to travel to northern Vietnam, especially for travelers heading to Sapa, Bac Ha and other destinations in the northern mountains. Most trains operate overnight, allowing you to sleep during the journey and arrive in Lao Cai in the morning. From Lao Cai, you can continue to Sapa or other destinations by bus, minivan or private transfer.
🌙 Night sleeper train
Most travelers choose a night sleeper train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. You travel overnight and arrive in Lao Cai in the morning, saving daytime for exploring northern Vietnam.
🚆 Luxury private trains
Several private operators offer luxury night trains with more comfortable cabins and better services than standard trains. They usually cost more but provide a more comfortable overnight journey.
🛏️ Sleeper cabins
Sleeper trains offer cabins with berths for different group sizes. They are a practical choice for travelers who want to sleep during the journey.
📍 Lao Cai Railway Station
The train terminates at Lao Cai Railway Station, about 2 km from the Chinese border. From Lao Cai, travelers continue by bus, minivan or private transfer to Sapa.
If you prefer not to travel by train, you can also use train travel alternatives, including tourist buses and comfortable minivans from Hanoi to Sapa.
You can travel by these trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai:
1. Violette Trains (SP3 or SP7)
- VIP Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) train
- well equipped with clean and modern furniture
- a comfort service inclusive mattress, blankets, pillows…
- air-conditioned, a complimentary of mineral water, snack
- price of the train tickets is about $27-34/pp
- Violette Train departs from Hanoi at 22:00 (SP3) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55, or departs from 22:40 (SP7) and arrives to Lao Cai at 06:25
2. Laman Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- private check-in with complimentary welcome drink
- welcome set consisting of refreshing towelette, Hanoi beer, coke, mineral water, and sweet pastry
- price of the train ticket is about $38-40/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
3. Livitrans Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) train
- one of the most luxurious trains in Vietnam
- mini bar on the head of each carriage
- air-conditioned, mineral water, snack
- price of the train ticket is about $34/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
4. Fanxipan Express Train (SP7)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- wood paneled, reading lights, baggage storage
- pure private bathroom cabin at the end of each carriage
- oversided windows, a mini bar and medicine cabinet
- price of the train tickets is about $36/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:40, arrives to Lao Cai at 06:25
5. King Sapa Train (SP7)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train, twin beds or double bed
- wood-paneled bed and installed it equipped air conditioners
- each bed is equipped with reading lights, storage containers, mineral water and napkins
- price of the train ticket is about $35 or $137/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:40, arrives to Lao Cai at 06:25 or at 0:00 and arrives to Lao Cai in 8:00
6. Chapa Express (SP3 or SP7)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe), Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP), Deluxe Sleeper 4-Berth, VIP Cabin 2-Berth, Suite Queen Cabin, Premium Share 4-Berth, Suite Twin Cabin
- air-conditioning, reading lights, comfortable beds and Sapa-inspired décor, welcome drinks, snacks
- high-speed internet, restrooms, toiletries, hot/cold water
- price of the train ticket is about $36-115/pp
- Chapa train departs from Hanoi in 22:00 (SP3) or 22:40 (SP7) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55 or 6:25
7. Sapaly Express Train (SP3)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Deluxe) or Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) train
- decorated with wooden floor; graceful curtains
- warm light system, baggage storage, flower, wet towels
- price of the train ticket is about $36 or $80/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
8. Vic Sapa Train (SP3 or SP7)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (Superior) or Sleeper 2-Berth (Deluxe)
- wooden furniture, red curtains, white blanket, and pillow
- water, toothpaste, and toothbrush are provided on a small kit on your bed, wifi and electric plug on board
- train serves excellent evening snacks and also breakfast
- both of the toilets on board are clean and modern, equipped with a touchless toilet flush kit
- price of the train ticket is about $36 or $65/pp
- Vic Sapa Train departs from Hanoi at 22:00 (SP3) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55, or departs from 22:40 (SP7) and arrives to Lao Cai at 06:25
9. Damitrans Train (SP3 or SP7)
- Sleeper 4-Berth (1st class) train, drink + snack
- wooden furniture, comfortable beds, washing room
- price of the train ticket is about $33/pp
- Damitrans Train departs from Hanoi at 22:00 (SP3) and arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55, or departs from 22:40 (SP7) and arrives to Lao Cai at 06:25
10. Lotus Train (SP7)
- Sleeper 4-Berth or 2-berth trains
- wooden furniture, comfortable beds, snack, food, wifi
- price of the train ticket is about $30-60/pp
- Lotus Train departs from Hanoi at 22:40 (SP7) and arrives to Lao Cai at 06:25
11. Family Express Train (SP7)
- Sleeper 4-Berth train
- designed with modern style, the air-conditioned
- price of the train tickets is about $36/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:40, arrives to Lao Cai at 06:25
12. Tonkin Heritage Express Train (SP3)
- the most luxurious train option on this route
- elegant Indochine design, modern furniture
- Indigo Berth 4x cabins, Hmong Suite Queen – private luxury cabin, Dzao Suite Twin – premium twin-bed cabin
- train tickets cost about $69-209/pp
- departs from Hanoi at 22:00, arrives to Lao Cai at 05:55
Additional Important Information – Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) Train Travel
1. Ticket collection (voucher system):
For bookings with private railway companies such as Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, and Chapa Express, full payment is required before confirming your reservation. After booking, you will receive a voucher by email, which must be exchanged for a physical ticket at the railway station before boarding.
2. E-ticket trains (no physical ticket needed):
For operators like New Livitrans Express and Violette Train, you will receive an e-ticket by email after payment. This ticket can be shown on your smartphone, but it is recommended to print it for easier boarding.
Always read all booking instructions carefully before purchasing your train tickets to Sapa (Lao Cai) online.
Departure point in Hanoi:
Trains to Lao Cai depart from Hanoi Railway Station in Hanoi (see map). This is the main railway station in the capital of Vietnam.
Some private train companies require ticket collection at Tran Quy Cap Station (Hanoi Train Station Gate B), located about 300 meters from the main station. Boarding rules may vary depending on the operator and can change, so it is recommended to:
- follow the instructions provided after booking,
- check your ticket details in advance,
- confirm boarding information directly at the station if needed.
Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai) by regular train
🚆 Train overview
Regular Vietnam Railways trains (SP3 and SP7) are the most affordable way to travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai. These overnight trains offer shared sleeper cabins.
💺 Cabin types & prices
You can choose between 2, 4, or 6-berth cabins. Soft sleepers are the most comfortable option for overnight travel. Prices typically range from $14 to $26 per person.
⭐ Luxury cabins
Luxury tourist cabins (Livitrans, Violette, Sapaly) are attached to these regular trains, so all options follow the same route and schedule.
📍 After arrival
After arriving at Lao Cai Railway Station, you need to continue about 30 km to Sapa town by bus, shuttle, or taxi.
Looking for the best way to reach Sapa? Compare all available transport options including trains, buses, and private transfers: How to travel from Hanoi to Sapa →
My experience with the Oriental Express train (Hanoi → Lao Cai)
I had the opportunity to travel twice on the Oriental Express train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Overall, the journey met my expectations and is a comfortable option for overnight travel to Sapa.
I arrived at Hanoi Railway Station about one hour before departure, which gave me enough time for check-in and boarding. The train departed on time and also arrived in Lao Cai according to schedule, with only minimal delays.
The cabin was clean and looked the same as in the official photos. Bedding was prepared in advance, including warm blankets. The bed was slightly firmer than expected, but still comfortable enough for sleeping.
A small welcome snack was included in the cabin:
- bottled mineral water
- canned beverage
- light snacks (such as waffles)
- fresh fruit
Toilets and basic washing facilities were available on the train. Towels were provided, and both the cabin and shared areas were kept clean throughout the journey.
Overall, the Oriental Express train is a reliable and reasonably comfortable way to travel overnight from Hanoi to Lao Cai, especially if you prefer train travel over buses or private transfers.
During the journey, the train crosses the historic Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, which is still in operation today. This is one of the more interesting moments of the trip, especially at the beginning of the journey.
It is important to keep in mind that this is a standard train, so some level of noise is expected. The ride can be relatively noisy, particularly for light sleepers. However, despite the noise, I was still able to get some rest during the night.
Since these trains operate overnight, there is very limited visibility outside the windows for most of the journey.
One unique experience in Hanoi is the section where the train passes through a narrow residential area, often referred to as “Train Street”. Houses are built very close to the tracks, and from the train you can briefly see directly into local homes, which makes this part of the journey quite memorable.
| Train | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Lao Cai | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VR Train SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | From $14-17 |
| VR Train SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | From $14-17 |
| New Livitrans Express SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | From $32.00 |
| Violette Trains SP7 + SP3 (sleeper) | 22:40 + 22:00 | 06:25 + 05:55 | From $34.00 |
| King Sapa Train SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | From $34.00 |
| Fanxipan Express SP7 + SP3 (sleeper) | 22:40 + 22:00 | 06:25 + 05:55 | From $34.00 |
| Chapa Express SP7 + SP3 (sleeper) | 22:40 + 22:00 | 06:25 + 05:55 | From $40.00 |
| Sapaly Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | From $34.00 |
| Laman Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | From $40.00 |
| Family Express SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | From $34.00 |
| Vic Sapa Train SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | From $36.00 |
| Damitrans Train SP7 + SP3 (sleeper) | 22:40 + 22:00 | 06:25 + 05:55 | From $36.00 |
| Lotus Train SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | From $39.00 |
| Tonkin Heritage Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | From $69.00 |
| Charmy Express SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | From $34.00 |
Travel from Hanoi to Sapa by Train: | |
|---|---|
| ➕ Pros | ➖ Cons |
| Scenic route: The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa offers beautiful views of the Vietnamese countryside, passing through mountains, valleys, and rice fields. | Time-consuming: The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa can take up to 8 hours, making it a much slower option than flying or taking a private car. |
| Comfortable: Trains in Vietnam are generally clean and comfortable, with air conditioning, reclining seats, and sleeping berths available for longer journeys. | Limited schedules: Trains from Hanoi to Sapa have limited schedules, with only a few departures per day, which can limit your flexibility in terms of planning your trip. |
| Affordable: Train travel is generally more affordable than other modes of transportation in Vietnam, such as flying or taking a private car or taxi. | Crowded: Trains in Vietnam can be crowded, especially during peak travel seasons, which can make the journey less comfortable and less enjoyable. |
| Social experience: Train travel can be a great way to meet and interact with other travelers or locals, making it a more social and engaging experience. | Limited amenities: Trains in Vietnam may have limited amenities, such as food and drink options or entertainment, especially on shorter journeys. Luxury trains have these amenities, drink, food… |
❓ Luxury Trains from Hanoi to Sapa: FAQ & Travel Tips
How long is the train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai?
Luxury sleeper trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai take about 8 hours. The Lao Cai Railway Station is about 30 km from Sapa town.
Which railway station in Hanoi do trains to Lao Cai depart from?
Most trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station. Some tourist trains use Tran Quy Cap Station (Gate B).
What time do luxury trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai depart?
Most luxury sleeper trains depart between 22:00–22:40.
Do luxury trains also operate to other destinations in Vietnam?
How much does a luxury train ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai cost?
Luxury sleeper train tickets cost about $27–70 per person, depending on the cabin and train company.
Where to stay in Sapa – hotel or homestay?
Sapa offers hotels, hostels, and mountain homestays. You can search accommodation in Sapa here.
What is the luggage allowance on trains to Lao Cai?
The luggage allowance is usually about 20 kg per passenger.
Which trains include luxury tourist carriages?
Luxury tourist cabins are usually attached to Vietnam Railways trains SP3 and SP7.
What is the best luxury train from Hanoi to Sapa?
The most popular luxury trains are Victoria Express and Laman Express.
How to get from Lao Cai Railway Station to Sapa?
From Lao Cai you can travel to Sapa by bus, shuttle, taxi, or private car. You can also book transport online here.
How to travel from Sapa to Noi Bai Airport?
You can travel directly by bus or private transfer. Read this guide: Sapa to Noi Bai Airport.
