How to get from Sapa to Hanoi

Why visit Hanoi?

Hanoi is Vietnam’s bustling capital, where heritage and modernity collide. At its heart is the iconic Old Quarter bustling with cosy hotels, old residential buildings and neighbourhood cafes. Composed of 36 streets, just walking around this area will reward you with many amazing discoveries.

Must-visit sites include the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the 19th-century gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral. We recommend munching on as much street food as you can, strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, and our favourite: watching the world go by from one of the many coffee shops in Hanoi.

There are 4 ways to travel the 315 kilometers (196 miles) from Sa Pa to Hanoi. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transfer and train. The journey takes 4 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 5 minutes and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 274,000 VND ($10.70).

When travelling from Sa Pa to Hanoi, the train is always our first choice. Why?

First, trains are generally safer and more comfortable than buses. Second, with the train, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep and also save one night on accommodation.

A few tips, though. There is not much to do around Lao Cai Railway Station, so we don’t advise arriving here too early.

Instead, make the most of your stay in Sapa and take a van/bus around 17:00 or 18:00 to Lao Cai. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants near the train station before hopping on your train, which leaves at 21:30.

From Sapa, you can take either a van or a public bus to Lao Cai.

We recommend booking a minivan through your hotel. These vans pick you up from your hotel and take you to Lao Cai Railway Station for about 60,000 VND ($2.30). Travel time is around 45 minutes.

Public buses are cheaper at 30,000 VND ($1.20), but not as reliable as the vans. In theory, they depart from the bus station at the main square every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 18:30. However, bus trips can get cancelled without notice.

Be aware that there are no local buses leaving from Sapa to Lao Cai after 18:30!

In case you miss the last bus, you can take a taxi to Lao Cai Railway Station with fares from 250,000 VND ($9.80).

Starting October 2022, Vietnam Railways has returned to its nightly operations from Lao Cai to Hanoi. It previously reduced its trips to a few times a week due to the pandemic.

Train SP4 departs from Lao Cai every night at 21:30. It arrives in Hanoi around 05:25 the next day.

You can get a bunk in a 4-berth sleeper for 212,000 VND ($8.30). Cheaper 6-berth sleepers are also available, but they are less spacious and may not be as comfortable.

Travelling by bus doesn’t beat sleeping on a safer and more comfortable train. But if you really want to take the bus, you’ll be happy to know that there are a few highly-rated companies operating from Sa Pa to Hanoi.

Some of the main operators for this route are Sapa Dragon Express, Grouptour, SaPa Explore, Ha Son, TBus, Sao Vang (Thai Binh), Green Sapa Bus, Kadbus, Sao Viet, Techbus VN JSC, G8 OPEN TOUR, Ha Son Hai Van, Sapa Express and Sapa Group Bus. Bus fares start from 304,000 VND ($11.90).

Which bus to take?

There are 3 types of buses you can choose from when travelling from Sa Pa to Hanoi. It’s a ride that takes 4 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 50 minutes, so it’s important to pick a bus 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 304,000 VND ($11.90).
• VIP Cabin Bus: An upgrade to the sleeping bus, this comes with cabin-type bunks with curtains that you can close for privacy. Fares are from 377,000 VND ($14.70).
• Limo Bus: Airconditioned buses with reclining seats – an alternative if you don’t want sleeper bunks. Prices start from 422,000 VND ($16.50).

Departure and arrival station

Most buses depart from Sapa Bus Station or around Sapa Lake in the city centre. In Hanoi, buses mostly park around the Old Quarter, but that is not always the case.

Double-check the departure and arrival points of your chosen bus. This way, you won’t end up spending a fortune on taxi rides to get between the bus station and your hotel.

A minivan ride from Sa Pa to Hanoi costs around 486,000 VND ($19). The minivan journey takes about 4 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours, depending on traffic.

There are five companies operating on this route: Phuc Lam Limousine, Eco Sapa Limousine, Sapa Dragon Express, Green Sapa Bus and Green Lion Bus

Looking for a private transfer from Sa Pa to Hanoi? You can book one through BookAway, which offers comfortable cars with professional drivers.

Private Transfer options from Sapa to Hanoi