Overnight sleeper train
Comfortable cabins, sleep during journey, most popular option
Luxury tourist train
Private cabins, better service, hotel-like experience
Vietnam Railways sleeper
Cheapest beds, decent comfort, reliable option
Seat / hard sleeper
Less space and comfort for overnight travel
Quick answer: Travelling from Hanoi to Sapa (via Lào Cai) is best done by overnight train. Most trains depart in the evening and arrive early in the morning, giving you a full day ahead in the mountains. You can travel by regular Vietnam Railways trains or tourist comfort sleeper trains. You can book train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 296 km from Hanoi to Lào Cai.
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~7–8 hours overnight. Most departures around 22:00 arriving 05:55–06:25.
- 💰 Price range: From about US$14–17 pp for standard sleeper; up to US$29–130 pp for luxury tourist trains.
- 🚆 Train option: Evening sleeper trains SP3 (22:00→05:55) & SP7 (22:40→06:25) are among the most popular.
Last updated in May 2026
🚆 How to travel by train from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai)?
Traveling by train from Hanoi to Sapa via Lao Cai is one of the most popular railway routes in northern Vietnam. Trains from Hanoi arrive in Lao Cai City, about 30 km from Sapa, and travelers can continue by local bus, minivan or taxi.
You can travel by regular Vietnam Railways trains or luxury tourist sleeper trains with more comfort and better service. Most trains depart from Hanoi in the evening and arrive in Lao Cai early in the morning.
The train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes about 8 hours and tickets cost around $16–130 per person depending on the train type and cabin class. Train schedules and tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
📅 Train Schedule from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) + Ticket Information:
-
- Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) – one of the frequently traveled train routes in northern Vietnam
- Overnight sleeper + seat trains are designated as SP3 + SP7
- 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 $29-130/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 sleeper tourist trains are attached to SP3 + SP7 trains
- Luxury sleeper 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
| Train | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Lao Cai | Book Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| VR Train SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $14-17 |
| VR Train SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | Book from $14-17 |
| New Livitrans Express SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | Book from $32.00 |
| Violette Trains SP7 + SP3 (sleeper) | 22:40 + 22:00 | 06:25 + 05:55 | Book from $34.00 |
| King Sapa Train SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | Book from $34.00 |
| Fanxipan Express SP7 + SP3 (sleeper) | 22:40 + 22:00 | 06:25 + 05:55 | Book from $34.00 |
| Chapa Express SP7 + SP3 (sleeper) | 22:40 + 22:00 | 06:25 + 05:55 | Book from $40.00 |
| Sapaly Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $34.00 |
| Laman Express SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $40.00 |
| Family Express SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | Book from $34.00 |
| Vic Sapa Train SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | Book from $36.00 |
| Damitrans Train SP7 + SP3 (sleeper) | 22:40 + 22:00 | 06:25 + 05:55 | Book from $36.00 |
| Lotus Train SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | Book from $39.00 |
| Charmy Express SP7 (sleeper) | 22:40 | 06:25 | Book from $34.00 |
| Tonkin Heritage SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 05:55 | Book from $69.00 |
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Sapa ➜
🚆 What sleeper trains run from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa)?
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 SP3 + SP7 regual trains of Vietnam Railways, seats and 4,6-berth cabin
2. Tourist luxury sleeper trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa):
-
- 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 – Train Travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa):
How to book train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa)?
You can book train and bus tickets to Sapa online via Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does the train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai take?
The train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes about 8 hours.
How to get from Lao Cai to Sapa?
From Lao Cai you can travel to Sapa by local bus, minivan or taxi. The trip takes about 1–1.5 hours.
How much does train travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai cost?
Train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai cost about $14–100 per person depending on the train and cabin type.
What is the railway distance from Hanoi to Lao Cai?
The railway distance from Hanoi to Lao Cai is about 290 km.
Which train from Hanoi to Lao Cai is the best?
Luxury tourist sleeper trains offer more comfort, but regular Vietnam Railways sleeper trains are also a good option.
What should you know before traveling by train?
Keep your luggage secure and arrive at Hanoi Railway Station at least 1 hour before departure.
Are e-tickets accepted on smartphones?
Yes, most trains accept e-tickets on smartphones, but printing the ticket is still recommended.
Is there another way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa?
Yes, you can also travel by tourist bus, minivan, limousine or private car. Read more: How to get from Hanoi to Sapa?
From which railway station do trains depart in Hanoi?
Tourist sleeper trains depart from Tran Quy Cap Station, part of Hanoi Railway Station.
Are tourist sleeper trains separate trains?
No, tourist sleeper carriages are attached to regular Vietnam Railways trains SP3 and SP7.
When should you arrive at Hanoi Railway Station?
It is recommended to arrive at the station about 1 hour before departure.
How to travel from Sapa to Noi Bai Airport?
You can travel from Sapa to Noi Bai Airport by tourist bus, minivan or private taxi. Read more: How to go from Sapa to Noi Bai Airport?
| Train | Description | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| New Livitrans Express | Comfortable tourist sleeper train with soft beds, air-conditioning and modern cabins. | Hanoi to Sapa, Hanoi to Dong Hoi |
| Violette Trains | Luxury sleeper train with comfortable cabins and higher onboard comfort. | Hanoi to Hue, Hanoi to Da Nang |
| King Express Train | Popular overnight sleeper train with clean cabins and modern facilities. | Hanoi to Lao Cai, Hanoi to Ninh Binh |
| Fanxipan Express | Tourist sleeper train offering comfortable berths and scenic overnight travel. | Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) |
| Chapa Express | Luxury train with elegant cabins, soft beds and good onboard service. | Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) |
| Sapaly Express | Comfortable tourist train with cozy cabins and sleeper berths. | Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa), Hanoi to Hai Phong |
| Laman Express | Well-rated tourist sleeper train with comfortable cabins and friendly staff. | Hanoi to Hue, Hanoi to Da Nang, Hanoi to Nha Trang |
| Victoria Express | Premium sleeper train with elegant cabins and quality onboard service. | Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) |
| Tonkin Heritage | Premium luxury sleeper train with Indochine-style cabins and modern comfort. | Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa) |