Results from Hanoi to Sapa on Saturday, 03 June 2023

The easiest way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa is by sleeper train or by bus.

How far is Hanoi from Sapa?

The travel distance from Hanoi to Sapa is 315 km. There is no airport nearby Sapa, so you have two options to travel between Hanoi and Sapa: taking a sleeper train or a bus.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Sapa?

It takes 6-7 hours to get from Hanoi to Sapa by bus and 8 hours by sleeper train. The train will stop at Lao Cai Railway Station and from there you can go to Sapa by shuttle bus, which takes 1 more hour.

Depending on the traffic, sometimes the bus arrives 30 minutes earlier or later than scheduled. The train usually departs and arrives on time.

What types of trains operate the route from Hanoi to Sapa?

There are two types of train services running the route Hanoi to Lao Cai that are managed by two operators: Vietnam Railways and Private railway companies.

Vietnam Railways: the state-owned railway company operates its own set of passenger coaches on the trains SP1/2 and SP3/4. Passenger cars are divided in two classes: Soft bed in compartments for 1-4 passengers and Hard bed in compartments for 1-6 passengers.

Private railway companies: a number of private companies operate their own passengers cars attached to the trains hauled by Vietnam Railways, hence depart and arrive according to the same schedule. The coaches operated by the private railway companies provide a higher level of comfort, with luxury cabins decorated with wooden floor and cozy soft beds. The service also includes bottled water and snacks. Passenger cars are divided in two classes: Sleeper 2-Berth in compartments for 1-2 passengers and Sleeper 4-Berth in compartments for 1-4 passengers.

For more information about travelling by train, please read our Train Guide in Vietnam.

How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Sapa by train?

The train ticket with Vietnam Railways costs only 260,000 VND for Sleeper 4-Berth, Soft bed. Meanwhile, the train ticket with private trains costs from 640,000 VND for standard Sleeper 4-Berth up to 4,000,000 VND for luxury Sleeper 2-Berth.

If you travel on a budget, Vietnam Railways is good enough as the passenger cars have been upgraded with the interior refurnished and higher quality components.

Where does the train from Hanoi to Sapa depart?

Trains on the Hanoi–Lao Cai railway line depart from Hanoi Railway Station, located at 120 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Please arrive to the station 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to complete the boarding procedures or risk missing the train.

What types of buses operate the route from Hanoi to Sapa?

There are four types of buses running the route Hanoi to Sapa.

Sleeper Bus: double-deck coaches equipped with fixed berths and capacity for 40–46 passengers. These are quite comfortable so you can sleep during most part of the journey.

Cabin Sleeper Bus: double-deck coaches equipped with fixed berths, TV, USB plug, pillow, blanket, and Wi-fi Internet on board. The capacity is only 22 passengers. Each cabin has a private space for the passenger covered by curtain.

Minibus: minibuses equipped with seats and capacity for 25-32 passengers.

Limousine Van: minivans that have the interior refurbished with three rows of seats accommodating 9 passengers, or one row of seats at the back and four individual seats in the center accommodating up to 7 passengers. Additionally, there is space for 1 extra passenger in the front of the van, seating next to the driver.

For more information about travelling by bus, please read our Bus Guide in Vietnam.

How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Sapa by bus?

The price of the bus ticket from Hanoi to Sapa varies depending on the type of vehicle that you choose. It ranges from 240,000 VND to 360,000 VND.

The Cabin Sleeper buses are more expensive than the standard Sleeper buses because these are equipped with more facilities such as a TV, USB plug, blanket, pillow, and wifi connection. In addition, these offer a private space covered by curtain and a toilet on board.

Keep in mind that some bus companies in Vietnam increase the price on weekends and national holidays.

Where does the bus from Hanoi to Sapa depart?

Most buses from Hanoi to Sapa depart from My Dinh Bus Station or the representative offices of the bus companies in My Dinh Ward. Some bus companies depart from Hoan Kiem District, in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Please arrive to the point of departure at least 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Note that some bus companies will organize the transfer of passengers from the point of departure to the bus terminal by shuttle bus, therefore customers must show up in advance or risk missing the bus.

Does the bus from Hanoi to Sapa pick up passengers at Noi Bai Airport?

Yes, depending on the bus providers. Some buses will be able to pick up passengers in Hanoi Airport at the exit of the domestic terminal. Some other buses will pick up passengers at the QL2 crossroad outside Hanoi Airport. For this last case, you will have to take a taxi to get from the airport to the pick up point and contact the bus company to arrange the pick up. The taxi would costs less than 50,000 VND.

Does the bus from Sapa to Hanoi drop passengers at Noi Bai Airport?

Yes, some buses will be able to drop you at the QL2 crossroad outside Hanoi Airport, where you can easily take a taxi to get into the domestic or international terminal.

Where does the bus from Hanoi to Sapa arrive?

Most buses from Hanoi to Sapa arrive at Sapa Market Bus Station and the representative offices of the bus companies in Dien Bien Phu Street, downtown Sapa.

Where to travel next from Sapa?

From Sapa, you can return to Hanoi by train or bus or continue traveling by bus to other destinations in Northern Vietnam, such as Ha Giang, Cat Ba, Ha Long and Ninh Binh.