Train
Best balance of speed, price, and reliability
Standard bus / minivan
Cheapest option with frequent departures
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door transfer with flexible schedule
Flight
No flights available for this short route
Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Phú Thọ is easy, with several transport options. The distance is about 95 km to Phú Thọ town and 80 km to Việt Trì, with a journey time of around 1.5–2.5 hours. The train is the most popular and affordable option, while buses, minivans and motorbikes offer other flexible choices.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~95 km to Phú Thọ town, ~80 km to Việt Trì
- ⏱️ Travel time: 1.5–2.5 hours
- 💰 Price range: Train: $2–$4, Bus/Minivan: $6–$7
- 🚆 Best for budget: Train (e.g., SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7)
- 🚌 Best for comfort: Bus or Minivan (e.g., XE Vietnam)
- 🏍️ For adventurers: Motorbike (requires International Driving Permit)
Last updated in August 2026.
Hanoi to Phu Tho: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train | ~2.5 h | $2–4 / person | ★★★★★ | Most travelers |
| 🚌 Bus / minivan | 1.5–2.5 h | $5–12 / person | ★★★★☆ | Budget & flexibility |
| 🚕 Private car / taxi | ~2 h | Varies | ★★★★★ | Groups & flexibility |
| 🏍️ Motorbike | ~2–3 h | $7–15 / day | ★★★☆☆ | Experienced riders |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Travel from Hanoi to Phu Tho is possible by train, bus, minivan, private car or motorbike. The train offers the best combination of low price, reliability and comfort, while buses and minivans are slightly faster. A private car provides the most flexibility, while motorbike travel is suitable for experienced riders.
How do I get from Hanoi to Phu Tho / Viet Tri?
1. TRAIN from Hanoi to Phu Tho or Viet Tri
👉 Cheapest train from Hanoi to Phu Tho or Viet Tri, suitable for budget travelers but with limited schedule.
- ✔️ Good for: low-cost and solo travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $2–4 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (basic train seats)
- ✅ Best option: Vietnam Railways train to Viet Tri or Phu Tho
- 💡 Tip: Check schedules in advance as trains are limited and may sell out quickly.
The cheapest option for getting from Hanoi to Phu Tho in Vietnam is a train transfer. This option is ideal mainly for low-cost and solo travelers looking for a cheaper option for transportation. However, the disadvantage of this option is the very limited schedule of these trains.
Some of these connections also include trains that go to Lao Cai, these are trains suitable for tourists going to Sapa. The train departs from Hanoi Railway Station and arrives at Phu Tho Railway Station (Phường Phong Châu) and also stops at Viet Tri Railway Station (Phố Kiến Thiết), see the map of Vietnam Railways.
BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Phu Tho ➜
Train travel from Hanoi to Phu Tho takes about 2.5 hours. Train transfer from Hanoi to Phu Tho costs between $2-4/pp, which is the price per seat. You can search and buy train tickets online in advance, if you can’t find tickets, you have to buy them at the train station in Hanoi.
You will receive your train e-ticket to Phu Tho or Viet Tri by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present when boarding the train in Hanoi Railway Station.
2. BUS / MINIVAN from Hanoi to Phu Tho
👉 Fast and convenient bus/minivan from Hanoi to Phu Tho with flexible departures.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers seeking faster and flexible transport options
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5–2.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $5–12 per person (approx.)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern air-conditioned minivans)
- ✅ Best option: XE Vietnam minivan for quick and comfortable transfer
- 💡 Tip: Check departure and arrival points carefully and arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Another cheaper option for transportation from Hanoi to Phu Tho is a transfer by minivan or bus. Bus transportation on this route is offered by XE Vietnam, which usually operates smaller air-conditioned minivans, minibuses for a limited number of passengers. However, these vehicles are very comfortable and the transfer is fast.
XE Vietnam buses or minivans can depart from various places in Hanoi, e.g. from Noi Bai Airport, and arrive at various places in Phu Tho or near this city. You will see all information about departure points in Hanoi and arrival points in Phu Tho when searching and booking tickets online, so read everything carefully.
Also look at the links for the location of the stations so you know where you are going from and where you are going. Transportation by bus or minivan from Hanoi to Phu Tho takes about 1.5-2.5 hours, but the stated travel time may vary slightly and the transfer may also be delayed.
You can easily search for and buy tickets for buses and minivans to Phu Tho from Hanoi online in advance. Please arrive at the departure point in Hanoi at least 30 minutes before the bus or minivan departs.
3. Book a MOTORBIKE in Hanoi
-
- it is very easy route on the motorbike from Hanoi to Phu Tho
- recommended places for visit on this route: Duong Lam Ancient Village, Ba Vi National Park
- there are lots of motorbike rentals in Hanoi (1 day costs about 7-15 Usd)
- you can search and book your motorbike in Hanoi online with BIKESBOOKING ➜
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Hanoi to Phu Tho / Viet Tri:
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Phu Tho?
Train travel takes about 2.5 hours. Bus or minivan takes around 1.5–2.5 hours.
What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Phu Tho?
The travel distance from Hanoi to Phu Tho is about 95 km.
How much does transport from Hanoi to Phu Tho cost?
Train tickets cost about $2–4 per person. Bus or minivan tickets cost around $6–7 per person.
What is the best transport option from Hanoi to Phu Tho?
The best option is usually a Vietnam Railways train for its comfort, price, and reliable travel time.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Phu Tho?
The cheapest option is usually a Vietnam Railways train with hard or soft seats.
Is there a direct flight from Hanoi to Phu Tho?
No, there are no direct flights between Hanoi and Phu Tho. Train, bus, or car are more practical.
Where can you travel from Phu Tho by train?
From Phu Tho, you can continue by train toward Lao Cai and other destinations in northern Vietnam.
How can I travel solo in Vietnam?
Read this guide about solo travel in Vietnam for useful transport and travel tips.
What are some interesting facts about Vietnam?
Read 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam to discover interesting facts and cultural highlights.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
🧭 Popular travel routes from Hanoi in northern Vietnam:
If you’re planning your next trip from Hanoi, here are other popular routes in Vietnam:
These are the most popular travel routes from Hanoi for visitors exploring Vietnam or neighbouring countries.
Phu Tho – Culture, Nature and Easy Access from Hanoi
- Phu Tho is about 95 km from Hanoi, while Viet Tri is around 80 km away. You can travel from Hanoi to Phu Tho or Viet Tri by train, bus, minivan or motorbike. The train is the most popular option, taking about 2.5 hours and costing around $2–4 per person. Buses and minivans take about 1.5–2.5 hours and cost around $6–7. Motorbike travel offers more flexibility, but an IDP is required in Vietnam.
- Tickets can be booked online in advance. From Hanoi, you can also travel to Sapa in northern Vietnam or continue south to visit Hoi An.
Phu Tho – An Authentic Part of Northern Vietnam
- Phu Tho province in northern Vietnam lies west of Hanoi and is less visited by international tourists, making it an interesting place to experience a more authentic side of Vietnam. Trains from Hanoi toward Lao Cai also stop at Viet Tri and Phu Tho. The province is known for its hills, nature and Xuan Son National Park, while Viet Tri and Phu Tho also serve as important transport connections between Hanoi and northern Vietnam.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Phu Tho
Traveling from Hanoi to Phu Tho is an easy short-distance route in northern Vietnam. You can travel by train, tourist bus, minivan or private car.
- Best Option: Vietnam Railways trains are comfortable, cheap and reliable.
- Bus Transfer: Minivans and buses are slightly faster and operate frequently.
- Start Early: Morning departures usually avoid heavier traffic leaving Hanoi.
- Avoid Cheap Offers: Use trusted companies and avoid unofficial buses at Hanoi terminals.
- Rainy Season: Heavy rain can occasionally affect road travel times.
- Book Early: Train and bus tickets may sell out during holidays and weekends.
Tip: Train and bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.