From Hanoi to Sapa by bus is a safe, comfortable, and inexpensive way for this route. For popular destinations, bus companies operate multiple trips per day, usually 30-60 minutes apart around the clock.
For low-visited destinations, there may be only 1 scheduled trip per day. The most popular bus types are non-air-conditioned, air-conditioned, and premium.
It is best to book your bus tickets at least a few days in advance. Check the list of bus companies that offer bus tickets from Hanoi to Sapa online.
Get from Hanoi to Sapa by bus
When traveling on weekends and holidays, it is advisable to book tickets in advance due to the large number of tourists, including resort guests and urban workers returning to their hometowns in the province.
In the past, traveling to Sapa by bus took a long time, and because the road to Sapa is mainly rural, visitors will feel tired. After the highway was built in 2014, traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by bus became more convenient.
Bus route from Hanoi to Sapa
When traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by bus, the route follows the Noi Bai-Lao Cai highway, a modern highway built in 2014. Along the way, you’ll see wonderful rural scenery.
The last 35km is the interesting part of the route because there are sections that have to climb steeply. For people with motion sickness, oral contraceptives should be taken.
For safety reasons, buses often move slowly on this stretch, so the journey up the mountain can take more than an hour. Along the way, you will see verdant mountains and beautiful rice fields contrasting with the blue sky.
Service bus route
Buses traveling between Hanoi and Sapa are mainly sleeper buses, so you can sleep on the bus all the way. In general, this type of bed is very comfortable for young passengers, but uncomfortable for large passengers, because it is not possible to lie down completely. Several companies provide buses with folding seats, but it’s really hard to find.
Bus schedule from Hanoi to Sapa
There are a large number of buses departing from Hanoi to Sapa every day. In general, bus departures can be divided into three times: morning, afternoon, and evening. You can choose the departure time that best suits your travel plans.
Buying bus tickets from Hanoi to Sapa is very easy. You can view online information about each company operating on this route. We recommend that you check the bus details as well as the timetables and pick up/drop off points of each company before booking.
Morning bus
The morning bus departs from Hanoi around 6:00 – 7:00 and arrives in Sapa in the afternoon. Taking the morning bus is convenient for those who arrive in Hanoi late at night and want to rest before heading to Sapa. If you choose this trip, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the countryside along the way.
Afternoon bus
The afternoon bus departs from Hanoi from 12:00 to 13:00 and arrives in Sapa late at night. Take the afternoon bus for those who don’t want to get up early. Taking the bus to Sapa in the afternoon is not much different from taking the morning bus as you still have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the countryside. However, you will reach Sapa in the dark.
Night bus
The night bus departs from Hanoi around 21:00-22:00 and arrives in Sapa around 4:00 am. In most cases, bus companies allow passengers to sleep on the bus until 6:00. The advantage of taking the night bus is that it saves time and the cost of one night’s accommodation. However, when going at night, you will miss the beautiful scenery along the way. In addition, driving at night may be less safe because the route to Sapa is mountainous and night driving conditions are more difficult.
Bus ticket price from Hanoi to Sapa
The price of a bus ticket from Hanoi to Sapa or from Hanoi to Sapa is about 250,000 – 450,000 VND/person, depending on the company and facilities on the bus.
Bus companies operate
Many bus companies are operating on the Hanoi – Sapa route. We have listed the most famous and reliable companies that provide bus services from Hanoi to Sapa.
Green Bus
Vehicle type: 40-seat sleeper bus
Departure time from Hanoi: 7:00, 7:30, 14:00, 21:30 and 22:00
Departure time from Sapa: 8:00, 13:30, 15:30, 16:00 and 22:00
Pick up point in Hanoi: 30 Hang Muoi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Sapa pick up point: 618 Dien Bien Phu, Sapa, Lao Cai
Price: 250,000-320,000 VND/person
Ticket: special bus ticket
Sapa Express Express
Vehicle type: 38-seat sleeper bus, 28-seat limousine, 16-seat limousine
Departure time from Hanoi: 06:30 (28 seats), 7:15, 10:00, 14:30 (28 seats)
Departure time from Sapa: 13h30, 15h30
Pick up point in Hanoi: 12 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Sapa pick up point: 08 Thu Dau Mot, Sapa, Lao Cai
Price: 280,000-386,000 VND/person
Ticket: Sapa Express Ticket
Sapa Dragon Express Bus
Vehicle type: 29-seat car, 40-seat sleeper bus
Departure time from Hanoi: 06:45 (40 seats), 06:55 (29 seats), 21:45 (40 seats)
Sapa departure time: 15:00 (40 seats), 15:10 (29 seats)
Pick up point in Hanoi: 80 Tran Nhat Duat, Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Sapa pick up point: 35 Silver Falls, Sapa, Lao Cai
Price: From 350,000 VND/person
Ticket: Sapa Dragon Express Bus 29 seats or Sapa Dragon Express Bus 40 seats
Good morning Sapa bus
Vehicle type: 40-seat sleeper bus
Departure time from Hanoi: 6:30, 13:30, 22:00
Departure time from Sapa: 13:30, 15:30, 22:00
Pick up point in Hanoi: 20 Hang Muoi, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Sapa pick up point: Sapa Cloud Hotel – 139 Thach Son, Sapa, Lao Cai
Price: From 330,000 VND/person
Fansipan Express Bus
Vehicle type: 34-seat sleeper bus
Departure time from Hanoi: 7:00, 14:00, 22:00
Departure time from Sapa: 7:30, 13:20, 16:00, 22:00
Pick up point in Hanoi: 41 Luong Van Can, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Sapa pick up point: 588 Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa, Lao Cai
Price: From 300,000 VND/person
Inter Bus Lines
Vehicle type: 46-seat sleeper bus, 38-seat sleeper bus
Departure time from Hanoi: 7:00, 13:30, 21:30
Departure time from Sapa: 7:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m
Pick up point in Hanoi: 110A Tran Nhat Duat, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Sapa pick up point: 468 Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa, Lao Cai
Price: From 250,000 VND/person
Sapa shuttle bus
Vehicle type: 38-seat sleeper bus
Departure time from Hanoi: 7 am, 1 pm, 10 pm
Departure time from Sapa: 8h, 15h15, 15h30
Pick up point in Hanoi: 16 Hang Chinh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Sapa pick up point: 582 Dien Bien Phu, Sapa, Lao Cai
Price: From 350,000 VND/person
Travel time from Hanoi to Sapa
Many websites say that the whole journey takes only 5.5-6 hours, which may mislead you. It usually takes more than 6 hours to travel between Hanoi and Sapa by bus.
Most buses have a pick-up service from Hanoi Old Quarter and it can take about an hour for people to board, so buses often depart later than advertised.
Also, the bus stops for eating and going to the bathroom are 1 or 2 times and take more than 30-45 minutes, making the whole journey longer than it should be.
Advantages and disadvantages of from Hanoi to Sapa by bus
The main advantage of taking the bus is that it is cheaper than taking the train and much cheaper than taking a taxi. It takes about 6-7 hours by bus to take you to Sapa town without having to transfer from Lao Cai like taking a train.
In addition, most bus companies provide pick-up services from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. You don’t have to go to the train station or bus station by yourself.
Taking the bus is not as comfortable as taking the train. However, the main drawback is related to safety, because the last part of the route to Sapa is a very dangerous mountain road, especially at night.
For more details on taking one of the listed buses, see our reviews: Bus from Hanoi to Sapa and Bus from Sapa to Hanoi.
How far from Hanoi to Sapa?
Most bus companies operate via highways or toll roads. This is not necessarily the shortest route, but it is the fastest because there is usually little traffic and no traffic lights.
To reach some of the island destinations not connected to the mainland by bridges, buses board a large car ferry. Passengers are usually asked to get off the bus, but it is not necessary to take their luggage out of the vehicle. The distance traveled from one port to another is added to the total distance.
How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Sapa by bus?
The estimated travel time from Hanoi to Sapa is about 4 hours and 40 meters. Note that traveling by bus is slower than driving your car or taking a taxi. Depending on departure time, congestion between Hanoi and Sapa can vary greatly. There is usually more traffic in the morning and afternoon on weekdays than on weekends.
Premium or VIP buses are usually faster because they use highways and make fewer bus stops (if any) en route. Buses often take a 10- to 30-minute break after hours of continuous travel to allow passengers to go to the bathroom, stock up on snacks, and allow crew and drivers to rest.
Some premium buses have onboard toilets and a second driver. However, they often stop for a quick snack or refuel along the way.
Best-rated company for this route
Bus companies vary widely in the quality and service they provide. When choosing a bus company for your trip, do some basic research before purchasing a ticket.
We also recommend checking the overall service quality rating of the bus companies that serve this route.
Our service only works with reliable and trustworthy bus companies. We do our best to provide you with a selection of the best operators available on each route.
Here is a complete guide that covers everything you need to know about traveling from Hanoi to Sapa by bus.
If you need any support, please feel free to contact Annie’s team for more information and make a plan for your trip
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