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

How far is Hanoi from Sapa?

The travel distance between Sapa and Hanoi is 315 km. There are two options to travel from Sapa to Hanoi: taking a sleeper train or a bus.

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

It takes 6-7 hours to get from Sapa to Hanoi by bus and 8 hours by sleeper train.

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 Lao Cai to Hanoi 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 Sapa to Hanoi depart?

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

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 Sapa to Hanoi arrive?

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

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

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 Sapa to Hanoi depart?

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

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.

Where do buses from Sapa to Hanoi arrive?

Most buses from Sapa to Hanoi arrive at Noi Bai Airport and the representative offices of the bus companies in Hoan Kiem District, in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

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

Yes, some bus companies will be able to drop passengers at the QL2 crossroad outside Noi Bai Airport, where passengers can easily take a taxi to get into the domestic or international terminal.

From Hanoi, you can go to Cat Ba, Ha Long, Moc Chau, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Son La, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Tuyen Quang and Mu Cang Chai.