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

How far is Sapa from Hanoi?

The travel distance between Hanoi and Sapa is 315 km. There are two options to travel from Hanoi to 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.

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 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.

Where do trains from Hanoi to Sapa arrive?

Trains on the Hanoi–Lao Cai railway line arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station located at Khanh Yen Street, Pho Moi, Lao Cai.

There are five bus companies running the route Hanoi to Sapa.

Eco Sapa operates limousine minivans equipped with three rows of seats accommodating 7 passengers. Additionally, there is space for 1 extra passenger in the front of the van next to the driver.

HK Bus Lines operates double-deck sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and capacity for 24 passengers.

Inter Bus Line operates double-deck sleeper buses equipped with single and double berths and capacity for 40–44 passengers.

Sao Viet operates double-deck sleeper buses equipped with private cabins with soft berths, TV, USB plug, pillow, blanket and capacity for 20-22 passengers.

Sapa Express operates double-deck sleeper buses equipped with fixed berths and capacity for 20-22 passengers as well as limousine buses equipped with seats and capacity for 18 passengers and 28 passengers.

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

Where do buses from Hanoi to Sapa depart?

Most buses from Hanoi to Sapa depart from Noi Bai Airport and the representative offices of the bus companies in 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, some bus companies will be able to pick up passengers at the domestic or international terminal of Noi Bai Airport.

Where do buses from Hanoi to Sapa arrive?

Most buses from Hanoi to Sapa arrive at the representative offices of the bus companies located in 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.