Hanoi to Sapa

Want to know how to get from Hanoi to Sapa? In this post, we’ll share a summary of the three ways to get there and compare each option on duration, costs and level of comfort. For each option, we go into more detail to help you decide which transport provider to book with and where to buy your tickets.

What to expect when visiting Sapa

SaPa is a small village and popular tourist destination in northern Vietnam. Backdropped by spectacular rice terraces, the town boasts both physical and cultural beauty. Ethnic minorities make up over 80% of its population, and here you’ll get the chance to see and experience their traditional way of life.

A visit to SaPa will also reward you with views of misty mountains for as far as your eyes can see. Its town centre can be a bit touristy, but don’t let that deter you. The real charm of SaPa lies deep in the mountains — in the rice fields still farmed by the hill tribes, as they have been doing so for centuries.

PRO TIP: Consider continuing to Ha Giang after your journey to Sapa. Ha Giang is famous for its magnificent views of the highlands of Northern Vietnam.

3 ways to get from Hanoi to Sapa

There are three ways to travel the distance of 315 km (196 miles) from Hanoi to Sapa: by bus (5 hours), private transfer (5.5 hours) and train* (8h25m-8h40m). The journey takes between 5h - 8h40m and the quickest way is by bus. The lowest priced tickets start from 264,000 VND ($10.50) for the bus.

Hanoi to Sapa by Bus

Duration: 5 hours

Starts from: 264,000 VND ($10.50)

Duration: 5 hours

Cost: 264,000 VND ($10.50)

There are plenty of companies operating buses from Hanoi to Sapa daily. Some of the most highly-rated operators include Sao Viet, Interbuslines, Sapa Dragon Express, Sapa Express, and Good Morning Sapa.

The advantage of taking the bus is that they are direct. Most buses depart from Hanoi city centre and arrive at Sapa town centre, so you won’t have to worry about getting additional transfers.

If you want to save on accommodation, we recommend that you take a bus with Sao Viet that departs late at night and arrives in Sapa around 06:00 in the morning.

Sapa Express and Good Morning Sapa are also good options. Although they arrive in Sapa in the middle of the night, the drivers allow passengers to stay and sleep on the bus until 06:00.

The bus trip from Hanoi to Sapa takes 5-6 hours.

Which bus to take?

There are 3 types of buses you can choose from when travelling from Hanoi to Sapa. It’s a 6-hour ride, so it’s important to pick one depending on your preferred level of comfort.

• Sleeping Bus: The most basic, these usually come with sleeper bunks, blankets, as well as food & drinks. Rates start from 264,000 VND ($10.50).
• VIP Cabin Bus: An upgrade to the sleeping bus, this comes with cabin-type bunk with curtains that you can close for privacy. Fares are from 412,000 VND ($16.50).
• Limo Bus: Airconditioned buses with reclining seats — an alternative if you don’t want sleeper bunks. Prices start from 312,000 VND ($12.50).

Departure and arrival station

Different companies have varying departure and arrival stations — usually, that’s at their own offices in Hanoi and Sapa.

We recommend booking with a company with the most convenient bus stations for you. Better yet, pick one that offers free hotel pickup and drop-off.

Bus schedules from Hanoi to Sapa

Alternative: Van from Hanoi to Sapa

Vans offer a more spacious and luxurious ride from Hanoi to Sapa. Some companies also offer free hotel pick-up if you’re staying within Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Note that only daytime trips are available when you take a minivan from Hanoi to Sapa.

Prices for a van seat start at 415,000 VND ($16.50). You can pre-book your ride through BookAway.

Hanoi to Sapa by Train*

Duration: 8h25m-8h40m

Starts from: 370,000 VND ($15.00)

Duration: 8h25m-8h40m

Cost: 370,000 VND ($15.00)

*COVID-19 UPDATE: Vietnam Railways reduced the number of train departures from Hanoi to Lao Cai to 3x a week due to the pandemic, but the last time we checked (June 2023), trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai are once again available every night.

Sapa is a small hill town up in the mountains and it doesn’t have its own railway station. If you want to travel by express train from Hanoi to Sapa, you’ll take the train to the closest railway station which is in Lao Cai. From Lao Cai, you can continue by van or bus to Sapa.

The total train journey from Hanoi to Sapa takes about 9 hours.

All trains depart at night, quite convenient because they allow you to have a good night’s sleep. And upon arrival in Sapa, you’ll have enough time to freshen up and get ready to join one of the many groups going on a trek, which usually starts around 08:00-08:30.

If you contact your hotel beforehand, you might even be allowed to check in early and take a shower before setting off to see the beautiful Sapa.

PRO TIP: If you are short of time, you can book the night train back to Hanoi for the next day. When doing this, you can do one-day tour on the day of arrival (day 1), sleep one night in Sapa and do another day tour the next day (day 2). On the second day, you can take the night train back to Hanoi.

Step 1: Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train

Duration: 7h40m-7h55m

Costs: 330,000 VND ($13.50)

Duration: 7h40m-7h55m

Costs: 330,000 VND ($13.50)

The night train from Hanoi to Sapa departs from Hanoi Railway Station, a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride from the Old Quarter. The easiest way to reach this train station is to order a Grab (taxi), which shouldn’t cost more than a few dollars.

Train departure is at 22:00 every night.

Once you arrive at the train station, you should enter on the western side (Tran Quy Cap). This is the platform when taking the train to Sapa from Hanoi.

Which train to book from Hanoi to Sapa?

There are many different companies you can book with when you travel by train from Hanoi to Sapa. They vary in comfort level, amenities offered, and of course, price.

Amenities differ per company — like the quality of mattresses, inclusion of free drinks and snacks, as well as the number of bunks per cabin.

See below a quick breakdown of train choices from Hanoi to Sapa.

• Vietnam Railways offers the most basic options but also for the cheapest price. Fares start at 330,000 VND ($13.00) for a 1st class sleeper (4-berth cabin with soft bunks).
• We think that you will get more value for money with a deluxe train, which has more comfy beds, a good pillow and free food & drinks. Rates start from 611,000 VND ($24.50) with Pumpkin Express.
• Luxury trains offer an overall more luxurious ambience. But we think they don’t have much difference with deluxe trains in terms of amenities. Fares start from 887,000 VND ($36.00) with Chapa Express, 715,000 VND ($29.00) with Livitrans Express and 720,000 VND ($29.00) with Sapaly Express.

Train* options from Hanoi to Sapa

Step 2: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van or Public Bus

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 40,000 VND ($1.60)

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 40,000 VND ($1.60)

You are to get off the train at Lao Cai Railway Station, 35 km northeast of Sapa. From here, you can take either a van or a bus to get to Sapa town centre.

Option 1: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 40,000 VND ($1.60)

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 40,000 VND ($1.60)

The van is a quick way to get to Sapa from Lao Cai. They don’t make unnecessary stops so the journey takes just around 45 minutes. You can get a seat for around 40,000 VND ($1.60).

Vans are easily available outside the train station so you don’t need to book them in advance. Keep in mind the ticket price though, because some drivers tend to overcharge tourists. Also, bear in mind that most vans do not leave until they are full.

You will be dropped off around the main square in Sapa, which is within walking distance of many hotels in town. You will also find a lot of taxis here, and they can take you to your accommodation if it’s located outside the town centre.

Option 2: Lao Cai to Sapa by Public Bus

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 30,000 VND ($1.20)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 30,000 VND ($1.20)

The public bus from Lao Cai is a great way to already kick off your Sapa adventure while travelling like a local. These buses are quite comfortable, although you might want to pay for an extra seat for your luggage if you’re carrying big bags.

Take Bus #1 when heading to Sapa. You can find the public (yellow-red) buses across the railway station, at the end of the parking area. Buses are available as early as 05:40 in the morning.

Buses depart every 20-30 minutes and will drop you off at Sapa Yellow Bus Station, near the Old Church. Note that these public buses make a lot of stops so the journey will take at least an hour.

Be aware! Locals might tell you there is no public bus and point to a fake blue timetable next to the minivans. Don’t let them fool you and just continue to the end of the parking area.

Hanoi to Sapa by Private Transfer

Duration: 5.5 hours

Starts from: 3,112,000 VND ($125.00)

Duration: 5.5 hours

Cost: 3,112,000 VND ($125.00)

If you’re travelling in a group, or if you want a direct ride from Hanoi Airport, you can also consider getting a private transfer.

Rates for a 5-seater car from Hanoi to Sapa start at 3,112,000 VND ($125.00). That’s about 622,400 VND ($25.50) per person for a group of 5. Not a bad rate for a door-to-door transfer!

PRO TIP: The road to Sapa is safe when you travel with experienced local drivers. But we don’t recommend driving this route on your own if you’re not familiar with road conditions in Vietnam. In fact, very few companies will rent out a self-drive car to tourists.