From rolling rice paddies to unique minority tribes and ethnic markets, Sapa is one of the most popular destinations in northern Vietnam. This place is ideal for adventurous travelers, hikers, couples, and families.

So, the easiest way to get to Sapa is from Hanoi or Lao Cai. How do you travel from Hanoi to Sapa? Is it better to go to Sapa by train or bus? This article provides a detailed transportation guide for getting from Hanoi to Sapa by train, bus, and other vehicles.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 06-11-2024

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1. Geographical Location Of Sapa

Sapa is a city located in the northwest of Vietnam, about 350 kilometers from Hanoi, the country's capital. The city is situated in Lao Cai province, at an altitude of 1,500 meters in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains. To get to Sapa from Hanoi, you can take either a train or a bus, both of which offer spectacular views of the Vietnamese countryside. The train ride takes about 8 hours, while the bus ride takes about 6 hours.

2. Hanoi To Sapa by Train

Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by train is very popular and is considered the most authentic way to experience this route. What makes it so appealing are the low prices and the opportunity to enjoy the landscape of northern Vietnam in a friendly atmosphere. Additionally, it is more comfortable and safer than traveling by bus or motorbike.

Note that the train does not go all the way to Sapa; it stops at the nearest station in Lao Cai province. From there, you must arrange secondary transportation to reach Sapa (by car, taxi, or motorbike). The journey from Hanoi to Sapa takes about 9.5 hours, including 8 hours of travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai Railway Station and an additional hour and a half from Lao Cai Railway Station to Sapa Town.

2.1 Hanoi - Lao Cai by train

There are two-night trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai and vice versa per day, the SP1 and SP3. Additional services may be added during peak holiday or weekend periods.

Each train offers various types of carriages. Some are standard Vietnamese Railways (Reunification Express Train) carriages, while others are high-end options run by private companies like Livitrans, Orient Express, King Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express, Fansipan Express, Victoria Express, Laman Express, Damitrans, Hoa Phuong Train, and The Pumpkin Express. These premium Hanoi to Sapa train carriages feature all the necessary amenities and boast elegant interiors.

The addresses of the station:

• Hanoi Railway Station: 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Lao Cai Railway Station: Khanh Yen Street, Pho Moi

Train schedules:

• Hanoi - Lao Cai: SP1: 21:30 - 5:35 / SP3: 22:00 - 5:55
• Lao Cai - Hanoi: SP2: 20:55 - 04:32 / SP4: 21:30 - 5:25

The train price from Hanoi to Sapa varies depending on the class:
If you want a comfortable and quiet train journey, consider booking a seat in a sleeper cabin. These cabins are pricier and often fully booked. However, booking your trip to Sapa with Kampá Tour can get you a more affordable rate. A more budget-friendly option is soft seats. While you can sleep in these seats, they're less comfortable for overnight travel. The types of seats available include:

• Hard seat
• Soft seat
• 6-berth cabin
• 4-berth cabin
• 2-berth VIP cabin

How to book your train tickets?

To buy a train ticket online, visit the official Vietnam Railways website: https://dsvn.vn/. Choose your train, select a carriage class, and proceed to purchase.

Alternatively, you can buy train tickets directly at the station upon arrival in Vietnam. However, trains are often busy, especially during rush hours and holidays like Tet. To avoid any inconvenience, it's best to book your tickets a few days in advance.
Otherwise, you can always contact us and we will take care of your reservations and transfers to and from the station.

Otherwise, you can always contact us and we will take care of your reservations and transfers to and from the station.

>>> Discover Vietnam Train Travel: Explore Your Journey Today!

2.2 How to get from Lao Cai to Sapa?

After getting off the train, you have a 40km journey (about 45 to 60 minutes) to reach Sapa. You can choose between:

• Bus: Depart from Lao Cai Station and stop at Sapa Cathedral.
• Hotel bus (in a group): Departure from Lao Cai train station and stop at the hotel.
• By taxi from Lao Cai to Sapa
• By motorcycle

3. Hanoi To Sapa By Bus Or Sleeper Bus

The bus is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Sapa. The journey takes between 4 and 6 hours, thanks to the new Hanoi-Lao Cai Expressway. Hanoi-Sapa buses are available throughout the day, and we recommend the sleeper bus, allowing you to rest and arrive in Sapa at sunrise, ready to start your trip. 

You can choose from well-known brands that provide services from Hanoi to Sapa bus such as Sao Viet, Ha Son Hai Van, Hung Thanh, Queen Café, Fansipan Express Bus, and more. These buses are well-equipped with clean linens, electrical and USB ports, free WiFi, and drinking water. Traveling by bus is faster than by train, which takes about 6 to 6.5 hours from the capital to Sapa.

>>> You want to discover this “hiking enthusiasts’ paradise”, take a look at our top Hiking & Trekking Tours

4. Hanoi To Sapa By Limousine Van

Lastly, limousine vans offer comfort on a long journey with spacious seating, free WiFi, LED screens, bottled water, and snacks. The price of limousine buses is a bit higher, ranging from $16 to $22 per person.

Some popular limousine bus brands include Eco Sapa, New Enjoy Limousine, Golden Horse, Sapa Luxury Van, Limousine Truong Thanh, Khai Phat Limousine, Pumpkin Limousine, and Sapa Express...

>>> Also read: What to Do In Sapa, Vietnam?

5. Tips For Getting From Hanoi To Sapa

• When traveling by train, keep an eye on your luggage for safety!
• Always arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time.
• Purchase tickets from reliable sources; only book online through official websites.
• If you want to visit Sapa by motorbike, it’s better to travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai by train.
• By the time you arrive in Sapa, it may still be too early to check in at your hotel. Most cafes in Sapa open at 7:30 a.m., so you can grab a coffee in the meantime.

If you have limited time in Vietnam or are looking for an easy way to travel around Sapa, consider a tailor-made trip with a local travel agency. There are 2 and 3-day itineraries available that focus on different interests (trekking, culture, meeting ethnic groups, etc.) and include transportation from Sapa to Hanoi and back, as well as a local guide to show you around and answer your questions. We hope your question, 'How to get to Sapa, Vietnam from Hanoi?' has been answered in this article. Thank you.
>>> More about Sapa and the surrounding area:

• Bac Ha: 7 questions about the land of Northwest ethnic groups
• The Ultimate Ha Giang Guide: Must-See Stops & Insider Tips
• Cao Bang, Vietnam: 6 Essential Tips For A Successful Trip!