On the 315km journey from Sapa to Hanoi, you have 3 options: 9 hours by train, 6.5 hours by bus, and 5.5 hours by private transport. Prices range from 9.5 USD (226,000 VND) to 120 USD (2,824,000 VND).
We recommend traveling from Sapa to Hanoi by train. Taking an overnight train can save you a day of travel and is a great experience. There is no train station in Sapa, so you will first take a bus to Lao Cai station. From here, you can take the night train back to Hanoi.
Buses are faster but do not have a convenient travel time. They can go all day, or from evening to early morning. Unlike an overnight train ride, you won’t save money on accommodation. In addition, traveling during rush hour can cause hourly delays due to traffic congestion.
For a door-to-door trip, you can also get a private transfer from Sapa to Hanoi. Prices start from 120 USD (2,824,000 VND) for a 3-seater car.
Flying from Sapa to Hanoi is still not an option. But there are plans to build an airport near Lao Cai. The plan was officially approved by the Prime Minister in 2019 and the airport is expected to be completed in 2025.
See more: Hanoi laundry shop
Get from Sapa to Hanoi by train
Fee: 15.5 USD (375,000 VND)
Fee: 15.5 USD (375,000 VND)
The train is always our first choice when traveling from Sapa to Hanoi. Why?
First, trains are generally safer and more comfortable than buses. Second, by taking the train, you can get a good night’s sleep and also save a night’s stay.
However, there are a few tips. Nothing is interesting around Laojie train station, so it is not advisable to arrive early.
Instead, make the most of your time in Sapa and catch a van/bus to Lao Cai around 17:00 or 18:00. Before boarding the 21:30 train, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant near the station.
Step 1: Take a bus/bus from Sapa to Lao Cai
From Sapa, you can take a bus or a bus to Lao Cai.
We recommend booking minivans through your hotel. These vans pick you up from your hotel and take you to Lao Cai Railway Station for about US$2.50 (VND 60,000). Travel time is about 45 minutes.
Public buses are $1.20 cheaper (VND 30,000), but not as reliable as vans. In theory, they depart from the bus terminal in the main square every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 18:30. However, bus trips may be canceled without prior notice.
Please note that there is no local bus from Sapa to Lao Cai after 18:30!
If you miss the last bus, you can take a taxi to Lao Cai Station for about 10.5 USD (250,000 VND) to 12.5 USD (300,000 VND).
Step 2: Lao Cai to Hanoi by train
From October 2022, Vietnam Railways operates the Lao Cai – Hanoi route at night. In the past, it has reduced the number of trips to a few times a week because of the pandemic.
SP4 train departs from Lao Cai at 21:30 every night. Arrive in Hanoi around 05:25 the next day.
You can buy a 4-bed bed for 13 USD (315,000 VND). There are also cheaper 6 beds, but they are less spacious and may not be as comfortable.
Train schedule Lao Cai – Hanoi
The train arrives at Hanoi Railway Station, 1 km southwest of Old Quarter.
Get from Sapa to Hanoi by bus
Fee: 9.50 USD (230,000 VND)
Fee: 9.50 USD (230,000 VND)
Buses are cheaper and faster than trains but don’t have convenient departure/arrival times. When taking a bus, you may have to go all day or take an evening bus to Hanoi at midnight.
Also, traveling by bus is no better than sleeping on a safer, more comfortable train. But if you want to take the bus, you’ll be happy to know that there are several highly-rated companies operating from Sapa to Hanoi.
Some of the main operators for this route are Sapa Dragon Express, Interbus Lines, Sapa Grouptour, and Sao Viet. Bus fares start at 9.50 USD (226,000 VND).
Which bus to take?
When traveling from Sapa to Hanoi, you can choose from 3 types of buses. It takes 6.5 hours to drive, so it’s important to choose the bus according to your comfort level.
- Sleeper car: The most basic type of vehicle, usually equipped with a bed, blankets, and food and drink. Prices start at USD 9.50 (226,000 VND).
- VIP Cabin Bus: An upgraded version of the sleeper bus, featuring a cabin-style bed with a curtain that you can close for privacy. Ticket prices start at 16 USD (377,000 VND).
- Limo Bus: Air-conditioned bus with reclining seats – this is the option if you don’t want someone to lie down. Prices start at 17.50 USD (422,000 VND).
Departure and arrival station
Most buses depart from Sa Pa Bus Station or around Sa Pa Lake in the city center. In Hanoi, buses mostly stop around the Old Quarter, but this is not always the case.
Double-check the departure and destination of the bus you choose. This way, you won’t have to pay a lot to take a taxi to and from the bus stop to your hotel.
Bus schedule from Sapa to Hanoi
| Bus company | schedule | Stage | value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabalon Express Train | 2 times a day from 14:30-15:30 |
6.5 hours | 9.50 USD (226,000 VND) check bus ticket |
| Interline | 3 times a day from 13:30-22:00 |
6 hours | 12.50 USD (295,000 VND) check bus ticket |
| Sapa group tour | 3 times a day from 12:30-14:00 |
6 hours | 19 USD (450,000 VND) check bus ticket |
| Holy Vietnamese | 11 times a day from 06:00 to 22:30 |
8.5 hours | 19.50 USD (461,000 VND) check bus ticket |
Get from Sapa to Hanoi by private car
Fee: 120 USD (2,824,000 VND)
Fee: 120 USD (2,824,000 VND)
Prices start at $120 (VND 2,824,000) for a three-seater sedan. You can also buy a minivan for up to 12 people for $205 (VND 4,857,000).
Looking for a private transfer from Sapa to Hanoi? You can book one through Anniego, which offers a comfortable car with a professional driver.
Those are three ways to get from Sapa to Hanoi. If you need any support please contact Anniego.
