How to Get From Hanoi to Sapa
Train · Bus · Minivan · Private Transfer
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Consider continuing to Ha Giang after your adventures in Sapa. Ha Giang is famous for its incredible motorbike loop that boasts magnificent views of Northern Vietnam.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Hanoi to Sapa?
There are four ways to travel the 315 km distance from Hanoi to Sapa. You can choose between the train, bus, minivan, and private.
The journey takes between 4h 45m–8h 40m and the quickest way is by minivan (4h 45m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 242,000 VND ($9.20).
8h 40m - 8h 50m
726,000 VND ($28)
4h 55m - 6h 50m
242,000 VND ($9.20)
4h 45m - 6h
458,000 VND ($17)
5h 30m - 6h
3,132,000 VND ($120)
Already in Sapa?
Onward from Sapa
Once you're in Sapa, here's where to next — 4 researched onward routes to pick from.
Hanoi to Sapa by Train
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
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.
Several trains depart at 22:00 every night. Others leave at 15:00 daily.
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 from Hanoi to Sapa.
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 the cheapest price. Fares start at 679,000 VND ($26) for a 1st class sleeper (4-berth cabin with soft bunks).
- We think you get better 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 ($23) with Pumpkin Express.
- Luxury trains offer an overall more luxurious ambience. But we don’t think they’re too different to the deluxe trains in terms of amenities. Fares start from 887,000 VND ($34) with Chapa Express, 715,000 VND ($27) with Livitrans Express, and 720,000 VND ($28) with Sapaly Express.
Ready to book your train?
Booking Tip
All deluxe, luxury and VIP trains depart from Hanoi at 22:00.
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
You can also buy tickets from Hanoi Train Station. But note that the availability of soft bunks in the Hanoi-Sapa sleeper train is limited. You risk not being able to get a ticket for your desired train when you don’t book online in advance.
Step 2: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van or Public Bus
Option 1: Lao Cai to Sapa by Van
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 55m. You can get a seat for around 216,000 VND ($8.20).
Vans are easily available outside the train station so you don’t need to book them in advance. Keep in mind the ticket price, some drivers tend to overcharge tourists. Also, most vans don’t leave until they are full.
You’ll be dropped off around the main square in Sapa, 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 outside the town centre.
Ready to book your minivan?
Option 2: Lao Cai to Sapa by Public Bus
The public bus from Lao Cai is a great way to 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 1h 02m - 3h 20m.
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 Bus
Which bus to take?
There are 3 types of buses to choose from when travelling from Hanoi to Sapa. It’s a ride that takes 4h 55m - 6h 50m, so it’s important to pick one depending on your preferred level of comfort.- Sleeper Bus: The most basic, these usually come with sleeper bunks, blankets, as well as food & drinks. Rates start from 242,000 VND ($9.20).
- VIP Cabin Bus: An upgrade to the sleeper bus, this comes with a cabin-style bunk with curtains that you can close for privacy. Fares are from 412,000 VND ($16).
- Limo Bus: Airconditioned buses with reclining seats — an alternative if you don’t want sleeper bunks. Prices start from 312,000 VND ($12).
Departure and arrival station
Different companies have varying departure and arrival stations — usually, it's their own offices in Hanoi and Sapa. We recommend booking with a company that offers the most convenient bus stations for you. Better yet, pick one that offers free hotel pickup and drop-off.Bus schedule from Hanoi to Sapa
Booking Tip
Hanoi to Sapa by Minivan
Minivans offer a 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.
Fares start at around 458,000 VND ($17). The minivan journey takes about 4h 45m - 6h, depending on traffic.
Minivan schedule from Hanoi to Sapa
Hanoi to Sapa by Private 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.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Hanoi to Sapa. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Hanoi to Sapa is 315 km.
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Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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