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How to get from SaPa to Hanoi
You have 3 options when travelling the 315 km distance from SaPa to Hanoi: a 9-hour train, a 6.5-hour bus, and a 5.5-hour private transfer. Rates range from 226,000 VND ($9.00) to 2,824,000 VND ($115.00).
We recommend travelling by train from SaPa to Hanoi. Taking the night train saves you a day of travelling and is also a great experience. SaPa does not have a railway station, so you will first take a bus to Lao Cai Railway Station. From here, you can take the night train to Hanoi.
Buses are faster but do not have convenient travel times. Either they travel for an entire day or from evening until very early morning. You won’t be able to save on accommodation, unlike when you take the overnight train. Also, travelling during peak hours can result in several hours of delay due to traffic.
For a door-to-door ride, you can also get a private transfer from SaPa to Hanoi. Prices start from 2,824,000 VND ($115.00) for a 3-seater car.
PRO TIP: After visiting the North of Vietnam, it’s time to explore the beautiful karst mountains on the coast of Halong Bay or Cat Ba. Use the search tool on top of the page to see the route overviews or book a Halong Bay boat cruise directly with Kook.
Flying from SaPa to Hanoi is not an option, yet. But there are plans to build an airport close to Lao Cai. This plan was officially approved by the prime minister in 2019 and the airport is expected to be completed in 2025.
SaPa to Hanoi by Train
When travelling from SaPa 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.
Step 1: Sapa to Lao Cai by Van/Bus
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 ($2.40). Travel time is about 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 for about 250,000 VND ($10.00) – 300,000 VND ($12.00).
Step 2: Lao Cai to Hanoi by Train
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 315,000 VND ($13.00). Cheaper 6-berth sleepers are also available, but they are less spacious and may not be as comfortable.
Train schedules from Lao Cai to Hanoi (Sleeper berth)
Trains arrive at Hanoi Railway Station, 1 km southwest of the Old Quarter.
SaPa to Hanoi by Bus
Buses are cheaper and faster than the train, but do not have convenient departure/arrival times. When you take the bus, you either have to travel for an entire day or take an evening bus that arrives in the middle of the night in Hanoi.
Also, 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 SaPa to Hanoi.
Some of the main operators for this route are Sapa Dragon Express, Interbus Lines, Sapa Grouptour and Sao Viet. Bus fares start from 226,000 VND ($9.00).
Which bus to take?
There are 3 types of buses you can choose from when travelling from Sapa to Hanoi. It’s a 6.5-hour ride, 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 226,000 VND ($9.00).
- 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 ($15.50).
- Limo Bus: Airconditioned buses with reclining seats – an alternative if you don’t want sleeper bunks. Prices start from 422,000 VND ($17.00).
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.
Bus schedules from SaPa to Hanoi
SaPa to Hanoi by Private Transfer
Looking for a private transfer from SaPa to Hanoi? You can book one through BookAway, which offers comfortable cars with professional drivers.
Rates start from 2,824,000 VND ($115.00) for a 3-seater sedan. You can also get a minivan that can fit up to 12 people for 4,857,000 VND ($200.00).
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Where to travel next?
- Hanoi to CatBa: 3.5-4 hours
Enjoy the stunning views of the karst mountains
- Hanoi to Ninh Binh: 2-3 hours
Paddle through the Tam Coc or Trang An River while passing karst mountains and rice fields
- Hanoi to Phong Nha: 3.5-11 hours
Visit the world’s largest caves in Phong Nha
- Hanoi to Hoi An: 3-17 hours
Enjoy the great atmosphere of Hoi An with a mixture of Japanese, Vietnamese and French influences
Our favourite places to stay in Hanoi
Siva Luxury Hotel - Budget Friendly
Just landed in Hanoi? In this hotel, you will get the best night of sleep you had since ages. The friendly staff will give you a warm welcome and serve a wonderful breakfast buffet the next morning! Located in the middle of the centre, but completely isolated from all the noise.
Double rooms with city view from: $42
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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.
I love guides how to get from A to B from this site.
But I personally think it is better to get bus between Sapa and Hanoi. It is way faster. For train, you need to get local bus first and then change to train. Even if you take last local bus you will have a lot of waiting for the train. Buses from/to Sapa to/from Hanoi are so comfy. Going during the night won’t save you much more, even if you sleep there. You maybe will save on accommodation, but you’ll pay the prize of being more tired.
Also if you decide to take a train, then I think it is better to take a local bus instead of van. Just don’t take the last (6:30pm bus) and take the one before (6pm), cause the last one sometimes get cancelled. In case something goes wrong you fallback on taxi. Buses are just simpler, easier and even cheaper.
Hi KM,
Thanks a lot for sharing your view! Of course everyone has their own opinion and some people will prefer the bus, others the train. That’s why we provide you with all the options.
I also reconsidered our recommendation and think you raised a very good point. If you travel by train, you’ll need to leave Sa Pa around 6pm and will arrive in the early morning in Hanoi. When you take the latest bus, you can leave Sapa between 14:00-16:00 and arrive around 20:00-22:00 in Hanoi. It’s not that much time difference, but if you still want to explore Sapa on the last day, travelling by train gives you more time in the afternoon.
If you are coming back from a trekking on the last day, or still want to make a day trekking (that’s what we did ourselves), you’ll have a bit more time left when taking the train. Especially when you decide to stay only stay 1 night in SaPa (night train – one night sapa – night train back), it is nice to have some extra time in the afternoon as you will have almost 2 full days.
Another reason why I think it is easier to take the night train back to Hanoi, is because you can directly make your transfer to Cat Ba, Ninh Binh or any other destination you are visiting next. This saves you the hassle of taking a taxi to your hotel, checking in for one night, checking out again and taking the taxi to the railway or bus station.
If you stayed several nights in Sapa and will stay a few nights in Hanoi after you return from Sapa, then the bus looks like a better option indeed.
Again, it’s all personal preferences and I really appreciate you took the time to share your view! If you still have anything to add in response, please don’t hesitate to do so!
Safe travels!
Maarten