Hanoi - Sapa Train

Hanoi - Sapa By Train

The best way for tourists to travel to Sapa - one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam - is by train, providing an excellent balance of time and cost. Trains depart from Hanoi station during the evening and arrive at Lao Cai station, a city near the Chinese border, in the early morning. In addition to the train service, travelers can also take day buses to Sapa for added flexibility.

As of 2025, to accommodate tourists, service providers have upgraded the trains with modern amenities such as air conditioning, clean bathrooms, and comfortable beds in various cabin configurations. Names like Sapaly Express or Livitrans Express refer to the types of cabins rather than different train cars, as they are part of the same national railway train service.
Photo: thesinhtourcafe.com 

The train offers three types of cabins: 4-berth, 6-berth, and soft-seat cabins. There is also a VIP cabin option that removes the upper berths, creating more space and privacy for just two people. Ticket prices for a 4-berth cabin range from $40 to $50, while 6-berth cabins are priced between $25 and $30. Return tickets can be easily purchased directly from Hanoi. Generally, children under five years old are free and will share beds with their parents.
Photo: dulichhalong.com

Train Schedule and Fare

From Hanoi:

From Lao Cai:

The journey typically takes about eight to nine hours. There are also two daytime trains that leave at 6:10 and 8:20 am, arriving at 15:40 and 17:05 respectively, although these are less recommended due to their numerous stops along the way.

Lao Cai station is approximately 38 kilometers from Sapa, which takes around one hour by bus or car. Bus fares from Lao Cai to Sapa range between $2 and $4, with tickets available at the train station. Buses generally stop in front of the Sapa church, but passengers can request to be dropped off at their booked hotel.

How To Book Your Train Ticket

Train tickets can be booked online in advance through several websites or with local agents upon arrival in Hanoi. During peak seasons, such as December and January, tickets can sell out quickly, so early reservation is advised.

Online Train Ticket Booking

Hanoi Sapa Train (HanoiSapaTrain.com) and SapaTrains (SapaTrains.com) offer online booking for train tickets and travel packages to Sapa. One-way tickets generally start from $40 per person.

List Of Train Operators On Hanoi - Sapa Route

Each train operator provides different advantages, allowing you to select based on your timing and budget preferences:

• Victoria Express Train
• Sapaly Express Train
• Orient Express Train
• King Express Train
• Chapa Express Train
• Fanxipan Express Train
• Livitrans Express Train
• Ratraco Express Train (halt operation)
• Royal Express Train (halt operation)
• Hara Express Train (halt operation)