The Hanoi to Lao Cai railway route is one of the most popular and convenient options for travelers looking to explore SaPa or the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam.
Hanoi to Lao Cai Train: What You Need to Know
The Hanoi to Lao Cai train departs from Hanoi Railway Station and arrives at Lao Cai Station, with the journey taking approximately 7–8 hours. From Lao Cai, travelers will need to take a bus or taxi for the final 30 km to reach Sapa. The length of the train will give you time to relax and also enjoy the scenic natural landscapes along the way.
Some things you should know
- Departure: Hanoi Railway Station.
- Arrival: Lao Cai Station.
- Travel Time: Roughly 7-8 hours by train plus. The train does not stop at Sapa, so you have to take an additional hour to Sapa by taxi or motorbike.
- Overnight Journey: Trains typically depart in the evening and arrive in the morning. If you want to take a rest after a long time traveling, Lily’s Travel suggests you take the night train for a comfortable sleep.
- Train Types: Various trains operate on this route, including those with different classes of berths (e.g., hard seat, soft seat, soft berth).
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online through various websites like 12Go, VietnamRailway.com.vn, or Easybook.
- Considerations: Some trains are equipped more luxuriously than others, with air conditioning and individual reading lights, like a small room in the hotel. You can try once to have more experience.
- Arrange vehicles to travel to Sapa or anywhere in Lao Cai: Book vehicles upon arriving at the Lao Cai train station to avoid wasting time. Remember to utilize trusted taxi services or pre-booked private car services.
Train Schedule and Departure Times from Hanoi to Lao Cai
Train to Lao Cai from Hanoi depart daily in the evening.
- One train named SP3 usually departs at 22:00 and arrives in Lao Cai at 5:55 the next morning.
- Train named SP7 departs at 22:40 and arrives in Lao Cai at 6:25 the next morning.
You can find more details and book tickets on train ticket websites or contact Lily’s Travel for more details. We always ready to help you.
Read more: How to get to Quan Lan Island if you stay in Hanoi
Hanoi to Lao Cai Train Ticket Prices and Booking Options
The ticket for train to Lao Cai ranges from $11.96 to $70 with so many options for various cabin types and prices that suitable of you. You can book tickets in many ways, but the direct way is through the Vietnam Railways website or you can book through online travel agencies such as Lily’s Travel. If you need, comment right on this article to let Lily’s Travel help you to buy tickets.
But as mentioned above, the price range is from $11.96 to $70 so there are many options for seat types. For example, the cost of up to $70 per person services luxury tourist trains with modern equipment such as sleeper cabins.
Some types of cabins are available that you can choose:
- Soft berth (4-berth cabin) is a common and more affordable option, with prices starting around $21.
- Luxury cabins is for a more comfortable and private experience, offering 4-berth (superior) or 2-berth (deluxe) cabins, suitable for families or couples.
- VIP cabins: Some trains offer VIP cabins for 2 people at a higher price.
Train to Lao Cai typically depart Hanoi in the evening (around 10:00 pm or 10:40 pm) and arrive in Lao Cai the next morning (around 5:55 am or 6:25 am). With the travel length from 7-8 hours, Lily’s Travel advises you to choose luxury cabins or VIP cabins for the best experience.
The ticket price varies depending on the train, cabin type, and time of booking. If you book during peak season or holidays, the ticket prices can be higher.
What to Expect on the Hanoi to Lao Cai Train Journey
The Hanoi to Lao Cai train journey, primarily used to reach Sapa, offers a comfortable and scenic overnight. Lao Cai station is about 33km from Sapa so you’ll need to transfer to Sapa by car or shuttle bus. It takes you from around 50 minutes to 70 minutes.
The train to Lao Cai typically departs Hanoi in the evening and arrives in Lao Cai station early the next morning, allowing you to maximize your time in Sapa. The luxury trains, often with amenities like air conditioning, comfortable berths, and complimentary snacks and drinks, are always the best choice.
Hanoi Train Station Guide for Departing Passengers
Hanoi Railway Station offers a gateway to numerous destinations, please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for the firt time in Vietnam before departure.
- Check carefully that your tickets are valid and be prepared to comply with Vietnam Railways’ entry and exit requirements.
- Double-checking travel details, booking tickets in advance (especially for popular routes), and having a digital or printed e-ticket are recommended.
- You can manage your luggage efficiently by considering using luggage storage facilities at the station or your hotel for long-term storage.
- During the train journey, Lily’s Travel just have 2 notices: always be mindful of your belongings and avoid placing valuables in unattended luggage
- Remember to verify all travel details, including departure times and passenger information.
Arriving at Lao Cai Train Station: What’s Next?
After arriving at Lao Cai Train Station, check the final to be sure that you bring all your luggage. To reach Sapa, many tourists choose the shuttle bus, which is more economical at 50,000 – 60,000 VND per person. So to suit the travel needs of tourists and local people, the Lao Cai – Sapa bus route currently operates with the following time frames:
- Bus departure times from Lao Cai City to Sapa (Lao Cai → Sapa direction, 8 trips/day): 05:50 – 06:10 – 06:40 – 07:30 – 13:00 – 14:00 – 15:00 – 15:30
Bus departure times from Sapa Town to Lao Cai (Sapa → Lao Cai direction, 8 trips/day): 07:30 – 08:30 – 09:30 – 10:30 – 16:00 – 16:30 – 17:10 – 17:30 - Follow the bus schedule from Lao Cai Station to Sapa so you can be more proactive in your travel planning. For more detailed information about these bus trips, you can contact the Lao Cai Provincial Tourism Information and Promotion Center.
Alternatives to the Hanoi to Lao Cai Train Route
In addition to trains, there are several alternatives that can replace Hanoi to Lao Cai train such as buses (sleeper buses, limousines) and motorbikes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of time, cost, and comfort.
1. Buses (sleeper buses, limousines)
Ticket prices are usually cheaper than trains, especially regular sleeper buses. Some bus companies have door-to-door pick-up services in Hanoi and Lao Cai. Some high-end buses (limousines) have better service quality, providing more comfort for passengers. Travel time may be longer than trains, about 8-10 hours.
The quality of vehicles and services may vary between bus companies. May be affected by traffic conditions on the road. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak times. Check other passengers’ reviews of bus companies before booking tickets. Choose reputable, branded bus companies to ensure service quality.
2. Motorbike
Brings freedom and flexibility to the journey. You can stop to visit and explore places along the way. Save money if traveling in a group of friends. The travel time is very long; it can take 10-12 hours. This requires the driver to be in good health and have experience driving long distances. Must ensure traffic safety; wear full protective equipment. Driving in bad weather conditions may pose a challenge.
Prepare all necessary items for the trip.Plan a specific schedule to ensure safety for yourself and your vehicle. Refer to the experiences of those who have traveled by motorbike to Lao Cai.
3. Private shuttle (taxi, tourist car)
Convenient, comfortable, and no need to worry about picking up and dropping off passengers. You can ask the driver to stop anywhere you want. This service is ideal for families or groups of friends. The cost of this service is significantly higher than that of other modes of transportation. The selection of vehicles and drivers is limited.
Only choose if you have special needs or are traveling in a large group. Agree on price and service before using. Please ensure that both the vehicle and driver possess full licenses.
Travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions and vehicle type. You should book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season. Check carefully the information about the bus company, route, and ticket price before deciding. Prepare all personal belongings, medicine, and necessary items for the trip.
Traveling by Hanoi to Lao Cai train is always the most comfortable means of transportation. You can optimize your choice of tickets to have the best experience. Traveling by train also gives you more time to rest to visit Sapa later. In addition, this means of transportation is also very safe and clean when invested in to become the main means of transportation from Hanoi to Sapa.
Read more: Lao Cai train station: The welcoming gateway to Sapa
