Train from Hanoi to Sapa: Updated Schedule & Price

You want to know more about the Hanoi to Sapa vacation. Are you unsure about the best mode of transportation to take from Hanoi to Sapa – the train or the bus? As you anticipate the scenic beauty that unfolds through the windows of your carriage, our guide to the train from Hanoi to Sapa ensures your adventure is seamless and well-informed. Dive into the heart of Vietnam’s charm with the latest schedule details and pricing information, making your travel planning a breeze.

Hanoi to Sapa by train overview

The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa is a popular and scenic route that offers travelers a comfortable and picturesque way to reach the mountainous town of Sapa. The overnight train is a preferred choice for many, providing a unique travel experience. The journey typically takes around 8 to 9 hours, with trains departing from Hanoi in the evening and arriving in Lao Cai, the nearest station to Sapa, early in the morning. 

From Lao Cai, travelers can take a shuttle or bus to reach Sapa. The train cabins vary in comfort levels, from basic to more luxurious options, and usually include sleeping berths. The route winds through scenic landscapes, showcasing the beauty of Northern Vietnam with terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and misty mountains. 

Full guide Best Time To Visit Sapa

Types of Train from Hanoi to Sapa

From Hanoi to Sapa, numerous trains operate. Some trains are slower than others, however, you can come across Express Trains, which are speedy trains that begin with SP. Simply take the SP train (SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP7, SP8) if you are a tourist; the journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai takes about 8 hours.

Local Train: The local train mixes you with the locals and provides the bare minimum of amenities. These situations have a number of possibilities, including hard seats, soft seats, hard berths, and soft berths with air conditioning. Normal train LCs begin operating between 6:10 and 22:00, whereas express train SPs depart at 19:40, 20:35, 21:30, and 22:00.

Overnight sleeper Train: The hard seat or even soft seat can tire you out on an eight-hour ride from Hanoi to Sapa because they are meant for shorter distances. If you sleep well, the hard or soft sleeper berth will save you time when traveling overnight and be much more comfortable.

Tourist train: created especially for travelers to aid in providing better service and comfort throughout the journey. Every tourist train has a reading light, comfy sleeper, and air conditioning. Some rail carriages are rented out by private companies, who convert them into opulent sleeping accommodations for travelers.

• A wide range of privately operated sleeper cars for visitors, such as Fansipan Express, Orient Express, and others, are transported by SP1/SP2.
• Sapaly, the Victoria Express train, Orient Express, and King Express are all included in SP3/SP4. The remaining services are available on SP7/SP8.

Timetable and cost of the train from Hanoi to Sapa

The two daily express trains (SP1 and SP3) that travel from Hanoi’s train station to Lao Cai’s train station take around eight hours.

SP1 (21:35 – 05:30): 7 hours and 55 minutes

SP3 (22:00 – 06:05): 8 hours and 5 minutes

The price of a train ticket from Hanoi to Sapa varies depending on the brand and its amenities. The Victoria Express Train is the priceiest.

There are two alternatives available to visitors aboard the tourist train: a private two-berth cabin or a shared bed cabin. It goes without saying that the cost of a ticket for a 4-berth cabin is per person, whereas a private 2-berth cabin requires payment for the entire stay. Sometimes it’s rather expensive to stay in a two-berth cabin if you’re traveling alone. Nonetheless, some businesses hope to accommodate an increasing number of visitors so that your single ticket plus a small additional charge will be all you need to stay in a VIP two-berth cabin.

• King Express (21.10  – 05.40): Both private two-bed VIP rooms and deluxe four-bed cabins are offered. ($30 – $70)
• Livitrans Express (21.35 – 05.30): 4-bed cabins available ($40)
• Chapa Express (22.00 – 05.55): Elegant and full of personality there are cabins with 2 beds and 4 beds available (you must reserve both beds for a 2-bed cabin). ($40 – $90)
• Orient Express (22.00 – 06.10): elegant train with private two-bedrooms and four-bed cabins available. ($45 – $85)
• Victoria Express (22.00 – 06.10) Among the most opulent trains. Both private two-bed VIP rooms and deluxe four-bed cabins are offered. ($110 – $160)
• Sapaly Express (22.00 – 06.10): Both private two-bed VIP rooms and deluxe four-bed cabins are offered. ($40 – $80)

Hanoi to Sapa by train – detail guide 

Begin your journey by booking train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai, the closest railway station to Sapa. Multiple trains operate daily, and it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. If you’re thinking of taking the train from Hanoi to Sapa, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai by train

Recall that food cannot be purchased on the train, so grab some to eat. Attempt to reach the train station 45 minutes to an hour before the departure of your train, and ensure that all of your luggage is packed.

When you go to Hanoi’s central railway station, ask the personnel the platform number you should go to, or use the screen to find out information.

Locate your carriage number and platform. In general, the station employees are really kind and accommodating. They can usually look at your ticket and point you in the right direction even if they don’t speak English.

Unwind as you travel by train. You’ll shortly pass Rail Street in Hanoi, so be careful while you pass it. They can hurry you off the train in Lao Cai, so be ready for an early start. We advise packing most of your bags the night before. Have a restful night’s sleep.

In Lao Cai, the train personnel ought to wake you up.  Setting an alarm is also advised just in case. There will be a parking lot in front of you as soon as you depart the train station after getting off. 

Step 2: Lao Cai – Sapa by minibus

Minibuses that go to Sapa can be found at this parking lot. When minibusses are fully occupied, they usually leave. Small buses typically cost 60,000VND; if you want a better deal, get out of the station and haggle. The bus leaves the parking lot at six, seven, seven-twenty, and eight in the morning for a fee of 30,000VND each person.

Wait for the minibus to fill up; it should leave when it does. The estimated travel time between Lao Cai and Sapa is thirty to forty-five minutes. In the heart of Sapa, travelers are typically dropped off by minibusses close to the lake. 

How much does it cost to take the train from Hanoi to Sapa?

The cost is determined by the train operator and the class (or cabin) you select. 

The cost of the train ride from Hanoi to Sapa typically ranges from $30 to $160 per person (note that certain alternatives may require reservations for an entire cabin). 

This is more costly than traveling to Sapa by bus. Nonetheless, we strongly advise you to take into account how comfortable this trip is as well as how using a night train might save you money on lodging and important travel time. 

Searching for a quick, opulent, and effective mode of transportation? Why use Vietnamonthego to reserve a luxurious limo van from Hanoi to Sapa? We have very comfy seats and offer free pickup. 

The top 5 overnight train companies and reviews from Hanoi to Sapa

For your convenience, the top five overnight train brands have been compiled and presented here. Let’s examine their amenities, train timetable, cost of tickets, and customer reviews.

Victoria Express Train 

With 13 deluxe cabins, a bar, and a restaurant, the Victoria Express Train is one of the most luxurious trains operating the Hanoi – Sapa route. It can hold 48 passengers.

• Facilities: C, a private reading light, luggage storage, a restroom with a huge picture window, and a waiting area at the train station
• Train schedule: SP3 Dep. 22:00 pm, Arr. 6:10 am (Date +1)
• Price: 4 berth cabin (83 USD)/2 berth cabin (250 USD)/2 berth cabin (1 person) (225 USD)

Pros

• The private two-berth cabin has an amazing view, a very comfy mattress, and is immaculate.
• The crew members aboard are consistently cheerful, accommodating, and ready to assist visitors whenever needed.
• It offers excellent services and is the greatest choice for those who want to employ a private, upscale, and professional service.
• You can wash your hands in the individual sinks and on the roomy, beautifully decorated toilets, which are always clean.

Cons

• All that appears to be wrong with Victoria Express is the high cost of its tickets. But as the visitors pointed out, it is well worth the money.

Orient Express 

• Facilities: Excellent amenities include air conditioning, a pristine toilet, ample luggage storage, and cozy sleepers are featured in every cabin.
• Train schedule: SP1: Dep. Hanoi at 21:35, Arr. Lao Cai at 5:45 (Date+1)
• Price: 4 berth cabin (31 USD)/2 berth cabin (130 USD per cabin)/2 berth cabin (1 person) (130 USD)

Pros

• Additionally, they offer a large washroom for visitors, and customers have expressed satisfaction with the comfort of utilizing the facilities.
• The personnel is eager to assist guests in any situation and is well-trained.

Cons

• If you want to stay in the two-berth cabin, you must pay for the entire cabin. For a single individual, there is no deduction.
• In addition, Orient Express, which leaves at 21:35 and arrives at 5:45 (Date+1), is situated at SP1. In certain situations, leaving and arriving a bit earlier could cause you to rush.

King Express

There are around 100 seats available in the 25 cabins on the King Express train, which are distributed over multiple carriages.

• Facilities: Each carriage has a separate toilet, blankets, pillows, and air conditioning.
• Train schedule: SP3: Dep. Hanoi at 22:00, Arr. Lao Cai at 6:10 (Date +1)
• Price: 4 berth cabin (33 USD)/2 berth cabin (140 USD)/2 berth cabin (1 person) (140 USD)

Pros

This organization has a really nice personnel team that is constantly cheerful and helpful because, according to its name, they would love to serve customers like Kings and Queens.

In certain testimonials, customers of King Express highlighted how well-kept and roomy the company’s cabins are.

Cons

Nothing is wrong with this train; the only small drawback is that it runs overnight, making it impossible to see anything along the way. If you are not accustomed to sleeping on a moving train, you may find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, but this is also a big plus because taking this type of train can save you money and time.

Sapaly Express Train 

The Sapaly Express Train, which travels from Hanoi to Sapa on the SP3 route, is outfitted with luxurious soft sleepers and air-conditioned wooden cabins. In response to customer preferences, it offers two options: two-berth VIP cabins and four-berth soft sleeping accommodations.

• Facilities: They include a table and tool to provide hot or cold water on the carriage, as well as air conditioning, reading lamps, water, a snack, and napkins.
• Train schedule: SP3: Dep. Hanoi at 22:00, Arr. Lao Cai at 6:10 (Date +1)
• Price: 4 berth cabin (30 USD)/2 berth cabin (140 USD)/ 2 berth cabin (1 person) (140 USD)

Pros

• Each cabin is warmly decorated, and the air conditioning is powerful enough throughout the heat.
• The fact that this business offers hot water is a benefit.
• The personnel is attentive and well-trained.

Chapa Express

One of the newest trains in the fleet, it offers passengers a plush and comfortable journey. The Vietnamese train system offers excellent facilities.

• Facilities: air conditioning, reading lights, drink, food, and a station waiting area
• Train schedule: SP3: Dep. Hanoi at 22:00, Arr. Lao Cai at 6:10 (Date +1)
• Price: 4 berth cabin (42 USD)/2 berth cabin (160 USD)/2 berth cabin (1 person) (160 USD)

Pros

• In the waiting area, visitors can unwind while they wait for the train or get changed and take a shower.
• Both the cabin and the window are fairly large.
• They give all of the visitors water, snacks, and fruits.
• Nearly every visitor informs the personnel that they were the greatest on the Hanoi to Sapa trip.

Cons

The hallways are very tight because the cabin is sufficiently huge, but that is not an issue because you will want to stay in your room as soon as you see it. 

Best View Sapa for Most Breathtaking Landscapes

Advice from locals about taking the train from Hanoi to Sapa

Avoid Scams at the station

To receive additional savings, you should purchase your train tickets at the ticket booths at the train station or get in touch with a reputable travel company. There are two secure choices for a relaxing journey. Some people will make an effort to persuade you to purchase a cheap ticket in order to take advantage of their offer; but, occasionally, those are fraudulent tickets, causing you to lose money. In the other scenarios, you are placed in the local carriage, which has uncomfortable wooden chairs or subpar amenities instead of a cozy sleeper cabin.

At the rail station in Lao Cai, schedule a pickup service

You are expected to appear at the Lao Cai train station at approximately 6:00, which is fairly early in the morning, regardless of the company you select. There are two ways for you to go to Sapa town from here. First, go from Lao Cai to Sapa by local bus, which costs around 1.4 USD (30,000 VND) per person and takes 45 minutes. A preferable option would be to book your hotel’s pickup service, in which case a driver would come to the Sapa town station and pick you up before driving you to your accommodation.

Book Tickets in Advance

There is a limited supply of train tickets, and they sell out quickly. If you want to take the train from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai), you should get your ticket as soon as possible. Additionally, by making your reservation early, you have a better chance of selecting the top tourist train and securing a spot in the VIP 2-berth cabin, which fills up quickly.

Select the appropriate gate to gain entry

Two gates lead to two distinct trains that leave Hanoi for distant provinces. Trains heading south of Vietnam are welcomed by their visitors through the Le Duan Street gate. The only people allowed entry to Tran Quy Cap Street Gate are those arriving by train from Hanoi to Sapa. As a result, don’t forget to visit Tran Quy Cap Street. Request that the hotel receptionists or your taxi driver handle things for you.

As we conclude our exploration of the train from Hanoi to Sapa we trust that you’re now equipped with all the essential details for a remarkable journey. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks, the sweeping vistas outside your window, and the anticipation of Sapa’s serene beauty are yours to experience. May your adventure be filled with scenic wonders, punctuality, and budget-friendly travel, ensuring that the memories crafted along the Hanoi to Sapa railway linger long after the journey’s end. 

FAQs

Are there different classes on the train, and what amenities do they offer?

The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa offers various classes to cater to different preferences and budgets. Classes typically include standard seating, soft sleepers, and more luxurious options like hard sleepers or even private cabins. Soft sleeper cabins often provide amenities such as bedding, reading lights, and sometimes meals, ensuring a comfortable overnight experience. Higher-class options may include additional perks like private bathrooms and greater privacy. Each class allows travelers to choose the level of comfort that suits their preferences, making the journey from Hanoi to Sapa a personalized and enjoyable experience.

Is the train journey from Hanoi to Sapa scenic?

Absolutely, the train journey from Hanoi to Sapa is renowned for its scenic beauty. As the train winds its way through Northern Vietnam, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, mist-covered mountains, and lush valleys. The landscape is a captivating tapestry of vibrant greenery and serene beauty. The journey offers a unique perspective on the countryside, providing travelers with an immersive experience of the picturesque Northern Vietnamese terrain. From the comfort of the train, passengers can witness the changing scenery, making the Hanoi to Sapa train ride not just a means of transportation but a visual feast for nature enthusiasts and those seeking the charm of Vietnam’s highlands.

How can I get from Lao Cai to Sapa after arriving by train?

Upon arriving in Lao Cai by train, getting to Sapa is a convenient and straightforward process. Lao Cai is approximately 38 kilometers from Sapa, and various transportation options are available. The most common method is to take a shuttle or bus from Lao Cai to Sapa, offering a comfortable and scenic journey through the mountainous terrain. Many accommodations in Sapa also provide shuttle services for their guests, ensuring a seamless transfer from the train station to your final destination. 

Are there restrooms on the trains?

Yes, train from Hanoi to Sapa are typically equipped with restrooms for passengers’ convenience. These onboard facilities vary in size and cleanliness depending on the class of the train. Higher-class cabins, such as soft sleepers or private cabins, often have more spacious and well-maintained restrooms. It’s advisable to check with the specific train service or class you choose to get a better understanding of the restroom facilities available during your journey.