Results from Hanoi to Lao Cai on Monday, 06 July 2026

The easiest way to travel from Hanoi to Lao Cai is by sleeper train.

How far is Hanoi from Lao Cai?

The travel distance between Hanoi and Lao Cai is 315 km. There is no airport nearby Lao Cai, so you have one option to travel from Hanoi to Sapa: taking a sleeper train.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai?

It takes 8 hours by sleeper train to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai.

The train usually departs and arrives on time.

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.

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

The private railway companies Chapa Express, Charmy Express, Damitrans Express, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, Sapaly Express, Tonkin Heritage Express and New Livitrans Express 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.

Where do trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai 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.

From Lao Cai, you can return to Hanoi by train or continue traveling by bus to other destinations in Northern Vietnam, such as Sapa.