How to get to Sapa from Hanoi

Transportation from Hanoi to Sapa

Sapa is 380 kilometres from Hanoi which is famous for both its fine, rugged scenery and also its rich cultural diversity. You can get in to Sapa by train or bus. It is long journey, time-consuming exercise whichever route you take, so choose carefully.

Getting to Sapa by Train 

Best way to head for Sapa is taking night train from Hanoi center. Sapa has no railway station. The nearest train station is Lao Cai which is 38 km (24 miles) away from Sapa.

Train schedule from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai Train Station)

Fansipan Express Train 

Fanxipan Train carriages, en route Hanoi- Laocai reflect the charm of colonial traveling style in northern Vietnam. They offer an inspirational experience onboard as well the time to enjoy the beauty of evocative destinations.




Train Schedule

Train Route	Train number	Departure time	Arrival time
Hanoi - Lao Cai	SP1	21:10	05:15
Lao Cai - Hanoi	SP2	20:05	04:30

Cost in US Dollars/ ticket for round trip

Ticket grade	Deluxe two berth	Four berth
Cost	128	58

Green Express Train

Green Express Train ( Green Train) is a part connected to the tourist train between Hanoi and Lao Cai. The Green Express train is attracted by offering soft sleeper carriages, A/C clean four-berth cabins which create cozy comforts for travelers during their trip.

Route	Train number	Departure time	Arrival time
Hanoi - Lao Cai	SP3	21:50	06:15
Lao Cai - Hanoi	SP4	20:45	05:15

Cost in US Dollars/ ticket for round trip

Ticket grade	Deluxe four berth	Economic berth
Cost	55	48

Hara Express Train

Hara Express Train (or Hara Tour Train) has just been introduced two carriages connected to the SP1 for Sapa dirrection and SP2 for return to Hanoi, the train offers passengers 2 soft sleeper A.C cabins and 4 soft berth cabins and two western toilets at either ends. Each berth is equipped with individual reading lamps, baggage storage and spacious trunk for suite case and hand luggage. A bottle of water and cold napkin are included for travelling by this train.

Route	Train number	Departure time	Arrival time
Hanoi - Lao Cai	SP1	21:10	05:15
Lao Cai - Hanoi	SP2	20:05	04:30

Cost in US Dollars/ ticket for round trip

Ticket grade	Deluxe two berth	Four berth
Cost	112	55

Type of Sapa Train

The SP1, SP2, SP3 and SP4 mainly comprise privately run sleeper cabins. All run daily, recommended trains with very few stops. Air-conditioned soft sleepers, air-con hard sleepers, hard sleepers, air-con soft seats, soft seats, hard seats,

SP1/SP2 also convey a whole series of privately-run sleeping-cars for tourists, including Fansipan Express ( Recommended ), Ratraco Express, Orient Express, Royal Express, TSC Express, Tulico Express , Green Express and Hara Express

SP3/SP4 also conveys several private sleeping-cars including the Hara Express, Orient Express, Green Express, Sapaly Express Train ( Recommended ) and Victoria Express Train, ( Recommended )
SP7, SP8: Daily. Recommended train. Also conveys privately-run 'Livitrans' sleeping-cars for tourists, Livitrans Express ( Recommended ) and King Express

Getting to Sapa by B US

The train arrives around 6 or 7AM at Lao Cai station. You need to take a bus which should not cost you more than 50,000 Dong ($2.5) for an hour ride to Sapa (38 km).
Some trains arrive at 4.30 AM so you should arrange private transfer in advance with your hotel or agencies in Sapa.

Regular intercity buses run by local travel agents connect Sapa with Hanoi, either directly through Lao Cai, or through Hoa Binh, Dien Bien Phu and Lai Chau. The cost is around 15 USD one way for the cheapest direct option.

 Buses from Hanoi to Sapa- Hai Van Express Bus Time Table

Intineraries	Departure and Arival Time
	Day Bus	Night Bus1	Night Bus2
My Dinh	8h40	20h30	21h00
Phuc Yen	9h40	21h30	22h00
Vinh Yen	9h55	21h45	22h15
Viet Tri	10h40	22h30	23h00
Phong Chau	11h00	22h50	23h20
Doan Hung	11h40	23h30	24h00
Yen Binh	12h40	0h30	1h00
Khanh Hoa	15h00	2h50	3h20
Pho Rang	15h40	3h30	4h00
Bac Ngam	16h00	4h10	4h40
Lao Cai	17h00	5h10	5h40
Sapa	18h30	6h40	7h10

Hung Thanh is one of private operation run bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai. They have Hung Thanh that depart at 7.00 PM and 8.00 PM. Bus departs at Gia Lam Station (in Hanoi) and arrive Lao Cai Train Station. Bus tickets cost around 15 usd/ 1 pax.

The disadvantage is that it’s still going to take nine hours or so and of course there are no beds on board.