2. Train – Lao Cai to Hanoi
3. Travel – Sapa to Hanoi
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From Lao Cai to Hanoi you can easily travel by train, bus or car.
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- When traveling from Lao Cai to Hanoi, you have three transportation options: tourist bus, train, or private taxi/car. The most cost-effective method is to journey from Lao Cai to Hanoi via tourist bus or regular train. Traveling by tourist bus typically takes 5-6 hours, with bus tickets priced between $12 and $17 per person. Modern buses operated by Sao Viet depart from Lao Cai city center, offering a comfortable transfer experience. Alternatively, train travel takes approximately 8 hours, with various train types available, including luxury tourist sleeper trains.
- Train tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi start at $10-17 per person for a soft sleeper in regular train by Vietnam Railways, reserving a sleeper berth is advisable. Additionally, there are overnight luxury tourist sleeper trains connecting Lao Cai to Hanoi. As there are no direct flights between Lao Cai (Sapa) and Hanoi, air travel is not an option. The land distance from Lao Cai to Hanoi is about 300 km. Travelers can also opt to journey from Sapa or Lao Cai to Hanoi by bus or private taxi/car. Before arriving in Hanoi, consider reading about the weather conditions in Hanoi.
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- Hanoi – as the capital and economic hub of northern Vietnam, Hanoi attracts numerous visitors and serves as a vital transport nexus in the region. From Hanoi, travelers can easily venture to various destinations in central and southern Vietnam, making it a popular travel route. The quickest way to travel from Lao Cai to Hanoi is by bus/minivan, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours. Alternatively, travelers can opt for direct transportation to Hanoi from Sapa via tourist bus or private minivan, as Sapa is only about 30 km from Lao Cai and it is one of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam. The route from Lao Cai to Hanoi is among the most frequented tourist routes in northern Vietnam. From Hanoi, travelers can further explore Cat Ba Island or journey to Hoi An in central Vietnam.
| Transfer Mode – Lao Cai to Hanoi: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Regular / Tourist Train | 8 hours | $10 – $90/pp |
| Tourist Bus | 5-6 hours | $10 – $17/pp |
| Bus (Sapa to Hanoi) | 6 hours | $10 – $20/pp |
| Private Taxi/Car (Lao Cai to Hanoi Airport) | 4 hours | $219 – $260/car |
How do I get from Lao Cai to Hanoi?
1. SLEEPER BUS from Lao Cai to Hanoi
1. SLEEPER BUS from Lao Cai to Hanoi
The first option that you can use when traveling from the city of Lao Cai to the capital of Vietnam – Hanoi, is to travel by sleeper bus. Travel by bus is faster than traveling by Vietnam Railways train. Travel time by sleeper bus from Lao Cai to Hanoi is approximately 5-6 hours and bus tickets cost $12-17/pp on average.
There are some sleeper buses of different companies on the route, such as Sao Viet, Techbus VN, HK Open Tour, G8 Sapa Open Tour, Inter Bus Lines, Hason Haivan. Some of these buses already depart from Sapa and stop in the city of Lao Cai or nearby and possibly pick up other travelers. This is different and depends on the specific company, not all companies. Most of the buses from Lao Cai are classic older sleeper buses or very modern and equipped buses, e.g. with LCD TVs or toilets.
These sleeper buses from Lao Cai to Hanoi depart from various stops and some from the city center as well. E.g. Techbus VN and Sao Viet buses depart from Lao Cai Sao Viet station (close to the railway station in Lao Cai), and HK Open Tour and G8 Sapa Open Tour buses depart from Tram dung nghi Coc San station (located outside the city). The Inter Bus Lines bus departs not far from the border crossing with China.
Buses also arrive in Hanoi at different locations, each bus may have a different final station. You will see this information about departure and arrival points when ordering tickets, read and check everything carefully. Among the buses from Lao Cai to Hanoi, buses from Sapa also appear in the offers, so you have to be careful not to choose another connection.
Most buses accept mobile tickets as digital e-tickets, but this may not be the case for all buses, again you will see this information when ordering tickets and follow the instructions of the specific companies. Buses run throughout the day, the timetables are sufficient, some also leave at night and arrive in Hanoi early in the morning. You can book bus tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi easily online in advance.
2. TRAIN from Lao Cai to Hanoi
Another popular option for transportation from Lao Cai to Hanoi is to travel by train of Vietnam Railways (trains SP2, SP4 or SP10) or use tourist sleeper trains. Tourist sleeper trains are classified after regular trains and are actually part of them, but they offer better comfort adapted for tourists.
All tourist trains offer sleeping beds, light refreshments or other amenities according to each private company that operates the trains. Trains run in the morning and evening, the night train will take you to Hanoi in the morning. Train travel time from Lao Cai to Hanoi is approximately 8 hours to the main train station in Hanoi, at 120 Lê Duẩn Street.
And from there it’s a short walk to the city center and Hoan Kiem Lake. But you can also get off at Gia Lam station, for example, then the journey time is a bit shorter (look at the railway map in Vietnam). If we compare train transport with buses, the train journey from Lao Cai to Hanoi is cheaper.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS on Baolau ➜
Train ticket prices can start as low as $10-13/pp for a sleeper on a regular train, tourist trains are more expensive, here the ticket price ranges from $28-90/pp. The most expensive is a cabin for only 2 passengers, most tourist trains have cabins for 4 passengers with sleeping beds and all trains are air-conditioned and mostly clean.
Traveling by train from Lao Cai to Hanoi is a nice experience, if you would like to see the countryside of northern Vietnam, it is better to take the morning train, because at night, you will not see much. Train tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi are recommended to be booked online in advance, connections can sometimes be sold out.
When ordering these train tickets, please read all the instructions and conditions of the train transfer to Hanoi carefully, each tourist private train company may have different conditions. There are these tourist sleeper trains from Lao Cai to Hanoi: Laman Express, New Livitrans Express, VicSapa Train, Damitrans, Chapa Express, Sapaly Express, Fanxipan.
How to travel from Sapa to Hanoi?
Sapa is one of the popular places in Lao Cai province. A lot of travelers travel to Hanoi from here. Some buses go from there via Lao Cai city, but not all buses. Those who would like to travel directly from Sapa to Hanoi can use various tourist buses, minibuses or even private transfers. It is possible to go from Sapa directly to Noi Bai Airport or even to the city center of Hanoi. There are a number of older sleeper buses on the route, as well as very new and modern buses and many minibuses for more people, which are suitable if you are traveling in a group of several people at the same time.
1. BUS / VAN from Sapa to Hanoi
A popular option for transportation from Sapa to Hanoi in northern Vietnam is by bus or smaller minibus or minivan. This transfer method is faster than taking the train through Lao Cai City. The travel time by bus or minibus from Sapa to Hanoi or Noi Bai airport is approximately 5-7 hours, depending on the type of bus you choose.
There are classic Vietnamese sleeper buses on the route, some are a bit scary and some are very new and modern, private minivans or minibuses for e.g. 9-11 people. It also depends on where the buses go, then the travel time may vary a little. Smaller minivans or minibuses are usually a bit faster, which you can use if you are traveling in a group of your well-known friends, you can book the whole car. Bus tickets from Sapa to Hanoi tend to be relatively cheap, the cheapest can start as low as $9/pp, on average they range from $13-20/pp.
From Sapa to Hanoi, you can choose from a number of different bus companies, such as Inter Bus Lines, EcoSapa, Sapa Express, Sao Viet, Techbus VN, Duc Duong, Sapa Ethnic Travel, To Vietnam Travel, Dragon Express and others. You can easily find bus tickets to Hanoi from Sapa online in advance, read all important instructions regarding the transfer.
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- Book and buy bus e-tickets from Sapa to Hanoi on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
2. PRIVATE TAXI / VAN from Sapa to Hanoi
Another option if you are looking for private transfers from Sapa to Hanoi is to book your own private taxi/car with a driver. It is the most expensive, but the fastest and most comfortable transport option from Sapa to Hanoi or Noi Bai Airport, where you are guaranteed your privacy and perfect comfort.
The advantage is that you can choose where you depart in Sapa and exactly where you arrive in Hanoi. You can choose from a range of modern cars, small minivans, SUVs, Jeeps or minibuses for groups of people and these are offered by various private companies.
Some of these companies offering private cars from Sapa to Hanoi as well as Noi Bai Airport are Taxi with VTS, Saigon DMC, Tiim Group, Booking Car, Hai Van Transport, Dichung Taxi, Grouptour, Ouros Travel and others. Driving time by private car from Sapa to Hanoi ranges from 4-5.5 hours on average and private transfer costs around $90-290/car.
The prices are based on the car you choose, smaller cars are usually cheaper than, for example, luxury minivans or SUVs. A private transfer is probably not suitable for those who travel in Vietnam in a low-cost style. Again, you can search for and book private cars with a driver from Sapa to Hanoi online in advance, and again, always carefully read the conditions and instructions for these transfers.
BOOK TAXI / CAR from Sapa to Hanoi ➜
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Lao Cai to Hanoi:
1. How to book and buy train/bus tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi?
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- You can book bus/train e-tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can also book another tickets, e.g. Lao Cai > Sapa, Sapa > Noi Bai…
2. How long does it take to travel from Lao Cai to Hanoi?
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- Travel by regular train from Lao Cai to Hanoi takes about 8 hours.
- Travel by tourist bus / minibus from Lao Cai to Hanoi takes about 5-6 hours.
- Travel by bus or minibus from Sapa town to Hanoi takes about 5-7 hours.
- Travel by priave taxi from Lao Cai to Hanoi Airport takes about 4 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Lao Cai to Hanoi?
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- Travel distance from Lao Cai to Hanoi is about 300 km by train or bus.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Lao Cai to Hanoi?
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- Travel by train from Lao Cai to Hanoi costs about $10-90/pp (depends on the type of train).
- Travel by tourist bus from Lao Cai to Hanoi costs about $12-17/pp.
- Travel by bus/minivan from Sapa to Hanoi costs about $9-20/pp.
5. From which bus station buses from Lao Cai to Hanoi depart?
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- Buses from Lao Cai to Hanoi can depart from various bus stations or stops. Most of these buses depart from the town center of Lao Cai. Read carefully these instructions before you book your bus tickets to Hanoi.
6. Is it possible to travel from Lao Cai to Hanoi by plane?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by plane from Lao Cai to Hanoi, because there is no airport in Lao Cai, but in the near future there should be build.
7. Where do you keep your luggage in Hanoi?
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- If you want to keep your luggage in Hanoi you can try Radical Storage service. This service offers a few places in the city center of Hanoi, it is a cheap and your luggage will be safe.
8. What is a cheap way how to get from Lao Cai to Hanoi?
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- The most cheapest way of getting from Lao Cai to Hanoi is to travel by regular train of Vietnam Railway. You can book also soft seat or sleeper berth. But some buses sometimes have almost the same prices as Vietnam Railways trains, so you can also use the bus as a low-cost transport option.
9. How to get from Sapa to Lao Cai city?
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- From Sapa to Lao Cai city you can travel by local public bus or private taxi. You can book bus tickets from Sapa to Lao Cai on Baolau. Bus tickets are cheap and cost about $1.30/pp.
10. Where you can go and travel from Hanoi
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- From Hanoi you can travel to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh or you can travel to central and southern Vietnam. You can travel by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, it is the longest railway and major travel route in Vietnam.
11. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
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- Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.
12. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?
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- Vietnam, a country with a captivating allure, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mesmerizing limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its rich history unfolds through ancient temples in Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilience during wartime. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality further enhance the allure of this Southeast Asian gem. Read this: 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Hanoi ➜
🚆 Train from Lao Cai (Sapa) to Hanoi – Schedule / Timetable + Tickets:
Train Schedule - Lao Cai (Sapa) to Hanoi | Departs in Lao Cai | Arrival in Hanoi | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
Train SP2 (soft seat, sleeper) | 20:55 | 04:32 | From $6-10 |
Train SP10 (soft seat, sleeper) | 08:30 | 16:05 | From $8-10 |
Train SP4 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $10-18 |
New Livitrans Express SP2 (sleeper) | 20:55 | 04:32 | From $35.00 |
New Livitrans Express SP4 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $35.00 |
Violette Trains SP4 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $35.00 |
King Express SP4 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $35.00 |
Fanxipan Express SP2 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $35.00 |
Chapa Express SP4 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $40.00 |
Sapaly Express SP4 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $35.00 |
Laman Express SP4 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $39.00 |
Damitrans Express SP4 (sleeper) | 21:30 | 05:25 | From $35.00 |
🚍 Bus from Lao Cai to Hanoi – Schedule / Timetable + Tickets:
Bus Schedule - Lao Cai to Hanoi | Departs in Lao Cai | Arrival in Hanoi | Book bus ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
HK Open Tour (sleeper) | 00:00 | 05:15 | From $15.00 |
HK Open Tour (sleeper) | 08:00 | 13:15 | From $15.00 |
HK Open Tour (sleeper) | 11:00 | 15:45 | From $15.00 |
HK Open Tour (sleeper) | 12:00 | 17:15 | From $15.00 |
HK Open Tour (sleeper) | 13:00 | 17:45 | From $15.00 |
HK Open Tour (sleeper) | 16:00 | 21:15 | From $15.00 |
HK Open Tour (sleeper) | 22:00 | 02:45 | From $15.00 |
HK Open Tour (sleeper) | 23:00 | 04:15 | From $15.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 00:05 | 05:50 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 09:15 | 15:00 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 10:15 | 16:00 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 11:15 | 17:00 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 12:45 | 18:45 | From $16.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 14:00 | 19:45 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 15:15 | 21:00 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 17:15 | 23:00 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 18:15 | 00:00 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 19:15 | 01:00 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 20:45 | 02:30 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN (sleeper) | 22:45 | 04:30 | From $17.00 |
G8 Sapa Open Tour (sleeper) | 00:30 | 05:45 | From $15.00 |
G8 Sapa Open Tour (sleeper) | 08:00 | 13:15 | From $15.00 |
G8 Sapa Open Tour (sleeper) | 12:00 | 17:15 | From $15.00 |
G8 Sapa Open Tour (sleeper) | 13:30 | 18:45 | From $15.00 |
G8 Sapa Open Tour (sleeper) | 15:30 | 20:45 | From $15.00 |
G8 Sapa Open Tour (sleeper) | 23:00 | 04:15 | From $15.00 |
Sao Viet (sleeper) | 13:30 | 19:30 | From $10.00 |
Sao Viet (sleeper) | 14:15 | 19:15 | From $14.00 |
Sao Viet (sleeper) | 23:28 | 04:28 | From $14.00 |
Inter Bus Lines (sleeper) | 23:00 | 04:30 | From $11.00 |
🎫 Book your train / bus tickets from Lao Cai to Hanoi + Schedule:
(You can change your departure, arrival, date, eg. Sapa to Hanoi, Hanoi to Ha Long…)