Getting To Sapa - Bus and Train
Most tourists arrive in Sapa by train or bus - though the latter is getting much more popular.
By Train
Most tourists arrive in Sapa by a combination of trains and buses. Daily trains from Hanoi arrive at Lao Cai station early in the morning, followed by a one-hour bus ride to Sapa.
Photo : nhatlongtravel.com
The trains SP1 and SP3 are overnight services offering a variety of options, from hard seats to soft air-conditioned sleeper cabins. Prices vary accordingly, generally ranging from 90,000 VND ($3.80) to 750,000 VND ($32) for the 8-hour trip. It is recommended to book your train tickets at least 1-2 days in advance to ensure availability. Tickets can be reserved at travel agencies in Hanoi's Old Quarter, through ticket agents, or directly at the station on Tran Quy Cap street.
Train timetable:
Hanoi - Lao Cai
SP1 departs from Hanoi station at 9:40 p.m., arriving in Lao Cai at 6:00 a.m. (available on trains like Fanxipan Express, Orient Express, Livitrans, Pumpkin)
SP3 leaves Hanoi station at 10:00 p.m. and arrives in Lao Cai at 6:15 a.m. (available on King Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express)
SP5 and SP7 no longer operate.
Lao Cai - Hanoi
SP2 departs from Lao Cai station at 8:35 p.m. and arrives in Hanoi at 4:35 a.m. (available on trains like Fanxipan Express, Orient Express, Livitrans, Pumpkin)
SP4 leaves Lao Cai at 9:00 p.m. and arrives in Hanoi at 5:10 a.m. (served by King Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express)
SP6 and SP8 are no longer operational.
Upon exiting the station, bus tickets for transfers to Sapa are available for purchase. Public buses charge approximately 50,000 VND ($2.10) per person, while a taxi costs around 250,000 VND ($10.60). Both options reach Sapa in under an hour, with the journey offering some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. To return from Sapa to Lao Cai, bus tickets can be obtained through your hotel or any nearby travel agency.
By Bus
An alternative way to travel between Sapa and Hanoi is by bus.
Photo : travelsapa.com
As of 2025, the highway connecting Hanoi and Lao Cai has made the journey much smoother and faster, typically taking about 5-6 hours. Tickets are reasonably priced, and several reputable bus companies operate on this route, including Sapa Express, Good Morning Sapa, and EcoSapa Limousine, with daily departures from Hanoi at approximately 7:00-7:30 a.m. and returns from Sapa at around 3:00-4:00 p.m.
By Motorbike
If you're seeking an adventure and feel confident in your motorbike riding abilities, you can hire a motorbike to travel from Hanoi to Sapa. The journey typically lasts around 8 hours, so it's best to set off early in the day. While the road conditions are generally acceptable, traffic can be unpredictable, so caution is advised.
Getting From Hanoi to Sapa By Bus
Currently, train is the most convenient way that people often choose to get to Sapa. However, you can also take a bus to head straight there from Hanoi with an initial price starting at around VND350,000 /one way ($18).
