📅 Train Schedule to Lao Cai
🚆 Train – Hanoi to Lao Cai
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips + Info
🎫 Book Ticket to Lao Cai
How to travel by train from Hanoi to Sapa – Lao Cai in Vietnam?
From Hanoi to Sapa, or rather to the city of Lao Cai by train, is one of the most popular travel routes in northern Vietnam. Although these trains are called „Trains to Sapa“, the final station of the trains from Hanoi is Lao Cai city, which is approximately 30 km from Sapa city. These trains are mostly used by tourists heading to Sapa town. You can travel from Lao Cai to Sapa by local bus or private minivan and taxi. Trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai are operated by Vietnam Railways and these trains also have tourist sleeper trains with better service and comfort. These are night trains, these trains depart at night and arrive in Lao Cai early in the morning.
You can travel by regular VR train or tourist sleeper train to Sapa – Lao Cai.
The train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes approximately 8 hours and train tickets cost approximately from 16-70 USD / per person, depending on the type of train, whether it is a seat or a bed in ordinary trains or the most expensive variants in luxury tourist trains. You can search the current train timetables from Hanoi to Sapa – Lao Cai online on the platforms listed below. Here you can also buy these train tickets in advance, which is highly recommended. Before purchasing and after ordering, always carefully read all information related to the train transfer. The train journey is relatively comfortable, however, you will travel at night, so there is not much to see, rather it is suitable for those who want to get some sleep. However, trains tend to be noisier. Below is all the important information about trains to Sapa, please read everything very carefully and check the current timetables.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Lao Cai here ➜
📅 Train Schedule from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) + Ticket Information:
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- Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) – one of the frequently traveled train routes in northern Vietnam
- Overnight sleeper + seat trains are designated as SP1 and SP3
- Train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) start at $6-8/pp (soft seat) and $14-17/pp (soft sleeper) for regular trains
- Fares for train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) range from $29-70/pp for sleeper luxury tourist trains
- Traveling by sleeper overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) takes approximately 8 hours
- Lao Cai is the final train station; from Lao Cai to Sapa, you can take a local bus (1.5 hours)
- Regular trains by Vietnam Railway + Luxury tourist trains operate from Hanoi to Lao Cai
- Luxury tourist trains are attached to SP1 and SP3 trains
- Luxury tourist trains offer sleeper cabins for 2, 4, or 6 people
- The most economical way to travel by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai is a soft seat $6-8/pp
- Trains to Lao Cai depart from Hanoi Railway Station
- Book train tickets (+bus tickets to Sapa) on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
| Trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Lao Cai | Book Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SP1 (sleeper) | 21:35 | 05:15 | Book from $14-17 |
| Train SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $14-17 |
| New Livitrans Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $32.00 |
| Violette Trains SP1 + SP3 (sleeper) | 21:35 + 22:00 | 05:15 + 05:55 | Book from $34.00 |
| King Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $27.60 |
| Fanxipan Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $36.20 |
| Chapa Express SP1 + SP3 (sleeper) | 21:35 + 22:00 | 05:15 + 05:55 | Book from $36.20 |
| Sapaly Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $36.20 |
| Laman Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $34.00 |
| Victoria Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $36.00 |
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Sapa ➜
🚆 What type of trains depart from Hanoi to Lao Cai?
1. Regular trains of Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa):
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- From Hanoi to Lao Cai-Sapa you can travel by SP1+SP3 regual trains of Vietnam Railways, seats and 4,6-berth cabin
2. Tourist luxury sleeper trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa):
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- From Hanoi to Lao Cai-Sapa you can also travel by tourist luxury trains, sleeper trains, 2,4-berth cabins
- these luxury trains are very comfortable with soft berths in various types of cabins
❓ FAQ + Information – Travel by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa):
1. How to book and buy train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa)?
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- You can book train tickets (+bus tickets to Sapa) on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
2. What is the travel time by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai?
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- Travel by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (visitors to Sapa) takes about 8 hours.
3. How to get and travel from Lao Cai to Sapa?
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- From Lao Cai to Sapa you can travel by local bus/taxi. You can book bus tickets from Lao Cai to Sapa online. Travel by local public bus from Lao Cai to Sapa town takes about 1.5 hour and bus tickets costs about $1.30.
4. How much does it cost to travel by train from Hanoi to Sapa?
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- Travel by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai costs about $7-100. It depends on the type of train. Regular trains of Vietnam Railways are cheapter then a tourist luxury trains. Travel by regular sleeper train costs about $14-17/pp.
5. What is the travel distance by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai?
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Lao Cai by train is about 290 km.
6. Which train from Hanoi to Lao Cai to choose? Which train is better?
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- The most comfortable trains are luxury tourist trains (e.g. Laman Express). But also the regular sleeper trains are not so bad.
7. What to watch out when traveling by train to Lao Cai?
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- The most important thing is to watch your baggage in the train. Arrive at the railway station in Hanoi at least 1 hour before departure.
8. Is an e-ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai in smartphone or tablet acceptable?
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- For bookings with private trains – Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email and then you can collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.
- For bookings with private trains – New Livitrans Express and Violette Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print and present when boarding the train (you can use your e-ticket in your smartphone, but it is recommended to print this ticket).
- For bookings with regular trains – Trains SP1+SP3 – seats and berths. You can use your train e-ticket in your smartphone, but it is recommended to print this ticket. Read carefully the instructions before and after booking.
9. I do not want to travel by train, is there a different way how to get to Sapa?
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- Yes, you can also travel from Hanoi to Sapa by bus/minibus/van or private car. There are various private tourist buses and private limousines/minibuses. Bus ticket from Hanoi to Sapa costs about $10-22.
- Read this full article about transfer to Sapa> How to get from Hanoi to Sapa?
10. From which railway station in Hanoi these trains depart?
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- Tourist trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai depart from Tran Quy Cap railway station (Ga Trần Quý Cáp). You can come to Hanoi Railway Station at 120 Le Duan street. Tran Quy Cap is about 300m from the main Hanoi Railway Station, it is a part of this station.
11. Where are the luxury tourist sleeper overnight trains added?
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- The luxury tourist trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) are added to the SP1 and SP3 trains of Vietnam Railways. These luxury trains do not run separately. After you arrive at the train, you will probably be directed to the right train.
12. When to come to the railway station in Hanoi?
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- It is recommended to arrive to Hanoi Railway Station about 1 hour before departure of train.
13. How to travel from Sapa town to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi?
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- From Sapa town to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi you can travel by tourist bus or private taxi. There are sleeper buses or comfortable modern minivans. Read this article > How to go from Sapa to Noi Bai Airport?. You can also travel from Sapa to Hanoi by tourist bus, private car.
BOOK a TOUR / TICKETS in Sapa ➜
| Train Service | Description | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| New Livitrans Express | New Livitrans Express is a popular train service in Vietnam known for its comfortable and luxurious cabins. It provides a pleasant travel experience for passengers. The train operates on various routes, including Hanoi to Sapa and Hanoi to Dong Hoi. Passengers can enjoy amenities like air conditioning, soft beds, and onboard meals. | Hanoi to Sapa, Hanoi to Dong Hoi |
| Violette Trains | Violette Trains is a premium train service operating in Vietnam. It offers a luxurious travel experience with well-appointed cabins. The train provides routes connecting Hanoi with popular destinations like Hue and Da Nang. Passengers can enjoy spacious compartments, high-quality bedding, and delicious meals onboard. | Hanoi to Hue, Hanoi to Da Nang |
| King Express Train | King Express Train is a renowned overnight train service in Vietnam. It offers comfortable berths with modern amenities for a pleasant journey. The train operates on routes such as Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) and Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Passengers can expect clean cabins, friendly staff, and convenient facilities during their journey. | Hanoi to Lao Cai, Hanoi to Ninh Binh |
| Fanxipan Express | Fanxipan Express is a scenic train service in Vietnam, named after the highest mountain in Indochina. The train operates on the Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) route, providing breathtaking views of the countryside. Passengers can enjoy comfortable sleeping berths, air conditioning, and panoramic windows. | Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) |
| Chapa Express | Chapa Express is a luxury train service that runs between Hanoi and Sapa in Vietnam. It offers well-designed cabins with elegant interiors. Passengers can experience exceptional service, including complimentary drinks and meals. The route provides stunning landscapes and picturesque views along the way. | Hanoi to Sapa |
| Sapaly Express | Sapaly Express is a renowned train service in Vietnam, offering a comfortable travel experience. The train operates on routes such as Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) and Hanoi to Hai Phong. Passengers can expect cozy compartments, soft beds, and attentive staff during their journey. | Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa), Hanoi to Hai Phong |
| Laman Express | Laman Express is a popular train service in Vietnam known for its comfortable cabins and helpful staff. The train operates on routes connecting Hanoi with various destinations like Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. Passengers can enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, onboard meals, and friendly service. | Hanoi to Hue, Hanoi to Da Nang, Hanoi to Nha Trang |
| Victoria Express | Victoria Express is a luxury train service that operates in Vietnam. It provides a memorable journey on the Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) route. The train offers elegant cabins, comfortable berths, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Passengers can enjoy delectable meals and attentive service during their travel. | Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) |
🎫 Book your tickets from Hanoi to Sapa – Lao Cai + Schedule:
(You can change your departure, arrival, e.g. Sapa to Hanoi, Sapa to Ha Giang…)