Traveling From Hanoi To Sapa: A Scenic Bus Journey

Hanoi to Sapa is a popular route for travellers wanting to experience the lush north of Vietnam. There are several ways to travel between the two destinations, including by bus, train, taxi, or private car. The journey can take quite a lot of time due to the distance, and flying is not an option.

The distance between Hanoi and Sapa is around 315 kilometres. The journey by bus or car takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours. By train, the journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes 8 hours, and from Lao Cai to Sapa, it takes an additional hour.

Sleeper vs. Seater Bus

The journey from Hanoi to Sapa can be completed by bus or train, with the expressway to Lao Cai (the town at the bottom of Sapa's mountain) now offering a more comfortable bus journey.

Sleeper Bus

Sleeper buses are available for this journey and typically feature two rows of seats and a row of berths above the seats on each side of the aisle. This means that overhead luggage storage is not available, so passengers need to put their luggage in the external storage compartments. Sleeper buses are often cheaper than seater buses, and are a good option for those on a budget or travelling long distances.

Seater Bus

Seater buses are a more recent addition to the Hanoi-Sapa route, with the new expressway making this a more comfortable option. Seater buses are often more expensive than sleeper buses, but they offer passengers more comfort and convenience.

Comparison

The choice between a sleeper and seater bus depends on your budget and the duration of your travel. Sleeper buses are generally cheaper and are suitable for long-distance travel, while seater buses offer more comfort and convenience. Sleeper buses may also be preferred by those who like to sleep during the journey, while seater buses offer a more upright position for those who prefer to stay awake.

Additionally, the type of bus you choose may depend on the time of day you are travelling. While sleeper buses are available during the day, some people prefer to take a seater bus during the day to avoid having to sleep on a moving vehicle.

Overall, the new expressway has made the bus a more pleasant option for travelling from Hanoi to Sapa, offering a comfortable and convenient journey.

Hanoi to Sapa by Train

The distance from Hanoi to Sapa is 315 kilometres (193-198 miles) and there are several ways to travel between the two places. One option is to take the train, which takes around 8-9 hours. The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa passes through some of the most picturesque parts of Vietnam, but it is at night so you won't see much of the scenery. The train journey is also very noisy and bumpy, so don't expect to get a full night's sleep!

There are two standard trains from Hanoi to Sapa every night, the SP1 and SP3, which are operated by Vietnam Railways. There are also luxury train options, such as the Chapa Express and the Laman Express, which offer nicer cabins, free WiFi and snacks. The standard train tickets are the cheapest option, with prices starting from 316,000 VND for a 2nd class sleeper berth. The luxury trains are more expensive, with prices starting from around 44 USD.

The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa takes around 8 hours and arrives in Lao Cai, which is 35 kilometres (roughly 50-90 minutes by road) from Sapa. From Lao Cai, you can take a taxi, a minibus or the public bus to Sapa. The public bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing 40,000 VND, but the road is very windy and can be precarious. The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa, including the transfer from Lao Cai, takes around 9-10 hours in total.

Hanoi to Sapa by Bus

An alternative option for travelling from Hanoi to Sapa is by bus. The bus journey takes around 5-6 hours and there are several bus companies to choose from, including Sapa Express and Green Sapa Bus. The buses are comfortable and have reclining seats, and tickets are generally cheaper than train tickets. The bus journey is also more direct than the train, as you don't need to transfer in Lao Cai.

However, it's important to choose your bus company wisely as there are many dodgy travel websites and companies operating in Vietnam. It's recommended to book your bus tickets online in advance through a reputable platform like Baolau or 12.Go Asia, where you can read reviews of different companies. The bus journey from Hanoi to Sapa takes around 5-6 hours and costs between 12-20 USD.

Hanoi to Sapa by Car or Shuttle

The final option for travelling from Hanoi to Sapa is by car or shuttle. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, taking between 3.5-5.5 hours. You can book a private car or shuttle online through a platform like 12.Go Asia, with prices starting from 170 USD for a 9-person van one way. This option is particularly good for families or large groups, as it can work out much cheaper than the train or bus.

Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train

Lao Cai is about 296 km from Hanoi by rail and is well-known for its pristine beauty and stunning landscapes. The train from Hanoi to Lao Cai is similar to that from Hanoi to Sapa, as Lao Cai station is the final destination.

Vietnam Railways

Vietnam Railways offers daily trains to Lao Cai from Hanoi, with the journey taking approximately 8 hours. The cost of a sleeper 4-berth is 750,000 VND.

Private Trains

For a more comfortable journey, you can opt for private cabins offered by Livitrans, Violette, King Express, Fanxipan Express, Sapaly Express, and Victoria Express. Ticket prices start at 1,400,000 VND (around $61), and each cabin has two beds.

Booking Tickets

You can book train tickets online through Baolau, a recommended travel company. For Vietnam Railways and some private railway companies, you will receive an e-ticket via email. For other private railway companies, you will receive a voucher to collect your physical ticket at the station.

Stations

The Hanoi Railway Station is located at 120 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, and the Lao Cai Railway Station is in Khanh Lien, Pho Moi, Lao Cai.

Travel Time

The train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes about 8 hours.

Cost

Regular train tickets start at $10-13 for a sleeper berth, while luxury tourist sleeper trains range from $28-90.

Schedule

Trains run in the morning and evening, with the night train arriving in Hanoi the next morning.

Other Considerations

• The morning train is recommended if you want to enjoy the countryside views of northern Vietnam.
• It is advisable to book train tickets in advance, as connections can sell out.
• Tourist sleeper trains offer sleeping beds and light refreshments or other amenities, depending on the company.
• Laman Express
• New Livitrans Express
• VicSapa Train
• Damitrans
• Chapa Express
• Sapaly Express
• Fanxipan

Lao Cai to sapa by Taxi

The journey from Hanoi to Sapa can be done either by bus or train. The train route from Hanoi to Sapa ends at Lao Cai Railway Station, which is about 38 km away from Sapa.

Taking a taxi from Lao Cai to Sapa is the quickest way to travel between the two locations. The journey will take around 31 minutes and cost between $21 and $26.

Lao Cai to Sapa by Bus

If you prefer to take the bus, there are a few options. The Lao Cai Public Bus provides daily buses from Lao Cai to Sapa, costing only $1.50 per passenger. The first bus departs at 5:20 am, and the last one leaves at 5 pm. The journey takes about 50 minutes to an hour, depending on the provider.

Alternatively, you can book tickets online with a private company. This option is more expensive at $2 per ticket, but the journey is shorter, taking only about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Hanoi to Sapa by Bus

Regarding the journey from Hanoi to Sapa, there are 5-7 bus companies operating daily with travel times between 5 and 6 hours. Most buses offer comfortable reclining seats, and fares are generally cheaper than train tickets. One recommended company is Sapa Express, which offers a limousine-style bus with English-speaking guides and safe drivers. The trip with Sapa Express costs around $17 USD one way and includes two bathroom/snack breaks along the way.

Hanoi to Sapa by Train

If you prefer to travel by train, the journey will take about 7 hours one way. Tickets for the train can be purchased from Bao Lau, a company that offers a simple booking process with English language support.

I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Sapa!

Hanoi to sapa by Taxi

Taking a taxi from Hanoi to sapa is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, taking as little as 4.5 hours.

I recommend using 12GoAsia to pre-book a Sapa taxi and driver online. They accept reservations for a number of reputable companies, including Ouros and Dichung.

Prices start from 4,400,000 VND one-way for a sedan, or 4,600,000 VND for a 9-person van. If you’re travelling with a large family or group, this can work out much cheaper than a VIP van or even the train.

Pick-up is on demand, any time of day or night, from anywhere in Hanoi or from the arrivals terminal at Noi Bai Airport. Upon arrival in Sapa, you’ll be taken straight to your hotel. WiFi and AC are standard, and taxis have plentiful luggage space.

Other Options

By Bus

There are a lot of travel agencies in Hanoi's old quarter that will sell you bus tickets to Sapa. However, it is not recommended to use them. The buses are often uncomfortable and the journey can be miserable.

The recommended bus company to choose is Sapa Express. Their buses depart from Hanoi every morning and cost ~$17 USD one way. The company provides an English-speaking guide and a safe driver. It is also a limousine-style bus instead of a sleeper bus.

The bus drops you off in the heart of Sapa town, so you won’t need any type of transfer.

By Train

If you want to take the train, you can buy tickets from Bao Lau, a Vietnamese company that helps simplify the train ticketing process. You can choose your amenities and seat type and then book directly from the website. Everything is in English.

However, it is important to remember that the train only takes you to Lao Cai. Once you arrive there, you will need to take a taxi or book a transfer to Sapa.

Frequently asked questions