Hanoi To Sapa: Travel By Train, Bus, Or Taxi (2025)

Find out how to get from Hanoi to Sapa to check out those incredible rice terraces. I’ll let you know the different transport options, prices, how to book, and more from someone who has done it before.

Since Hanoi is such an international hub, you will likely find yourself here at some stage. Then, you can easily escape the city by traveling from Hanoi to Sapa to check out the rice terraces and unique culture.

Unfortunately for me, the journey to Sapa wouldn’t be smooth sailing, so come learn from my mistakes!

Be aware that this travel day can take a long time due to the large distance, and flying isn’t an option. However, trust me, it is worth it.

Sapa was the most Northern my adventures in Vietnam would take me during my month there. With plenty of direct options, Hanoi was an obvious starting point.

The most popular way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa is by train, which takes 8 hours and costs $23.00 for a sleeper seat.

So let’s get into whether you should take a bus or train, and more!

Distance Between Hanoi & Sapa

No matter if you travel to Sapa by road or take the train, the actual distance to get here will be pretty similar at 315 kilometers in length.

The main things that will sway your decision is:

• Comfort
• Cost
• Speed

The nearest city to Sapa is Lào Cai City, and you will see below this is where some of the transport options stop. Then, from here, you will need to take another mode of transport to complete the journey.

Time It Takes To Travel To Sapa

Obviously, the type of transport you book will affect how long this travel day takes between Hanoi and Sapa.

Bus: Expect the ride to last around 5.5 to 6 hours.

Train: From Hanoi to Lao Cai, the nearest train station, it’ll take around 8 hours and 5 minutes. From here, you will then need to travel another 65 minutes or so before you finally reach Sapa.

Car or Taxi: On the highway, expect it to take 5 to 5.5 hours.

1. Mini Van From Hanoi To Sapa

First up, we have the minivan or shuttle.

However, it’s worth knowing that it will be slightly more expensive than just booking a bus. Though some of the minivans on this route are crazy fancy!

Also known as limousine vans, they are decked out with plush, lazy-boy-style seats, so you know it will be comfortable.

One of the most popular companies to book with is called April Adventure. You get 5 and a half hours of luxury where you can just relax comfortably for the whole time.

There are four services every day with the first at 06:45 am and the last at 3:30 pm. You will stop twice on this journey to use the restroom and buy some snacks.

Pick-up and drop-off are also included.

Other popular companies include GreenLion Bus and many more. However, make sure you check out reviews so you know what to expect and read the fine print so there are no surprises.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been lucky enough to travel in one of these vans. Though I am determined to change that!

2. Train To Lao Cai & Transfer To Sapa

For sure, the train is my absolute favorite way to get around when in Vietnam. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the incredible landscapes.

My first time in the country, I traveled only by taking the train. It was one of my favorite ways to get around, though it certainly isn’t the most budget-friendly.

So let’s find out whether you should actually take the train to Sapa. Especially when it is night time, so all you can see is black out the windows!

Types Of Trains Available

You may be surprised to find out that there are two different trains you can book in Vietnam. These are your standard train or luxury train.

The standard train is the most popular choice and is run operated by Vietnam Railways. This is the more affordable option, where you can enjoy your journey comfortably, well compared to the bus.

Onboard you will have the choice of a hard or soft sleeper, as well as the standard seats. Currently, Vietnam Railways operates this journey twice each day, with either the SP1 or SP3 train.

If you do decide to book the regular train I recommend that you book a 4-berth cabin instead of a 6-berth. This is especially so if you appreciate a bit more comfort as you will have more headroom and a slightly thicker mattress.

I have traveled in many of these standard trains throughout my time in Vietnam and have nothing but good things to say. Though I certainly have heard of some horror stories *bugs*.

Luckily enough I have not experienced that on the trains, but unfortunately, buses are a whole other story (more on that below).

So How Great Is The Luxury Train

Compared to the regular train, as the name suggests, the luxury train is a much nicer and luxe experience.

Many different providers offer the luxury train experience, this includes:

• ET-Pumpkin Express Train
• Chapa Express Train
• Orient Express
• Victoria Express
• Sapaly Express
• Livitrans Express
• Fanxipan Express

These all still operate on an overnight trip. However, the main difference here between your two train options is the amenities you will be provided with onboard.

For sure, the cabin is a lot fancier with actual pillows, yummy snacks, and the ever-important free Wifi.

Generally, depending on the station, you will be provided access to the lounge before you board. This is perfect if you want a peaceful spot to wait away from the chaos.

As to be expected, the luxury train does cost a tad bit more than the standard train. However, this exact price depends on the company you book with.

If you are interested in taking one of the luxury trains to Sapa, I recommend checking out this video by Tim and Fin taking the Chapa Express:

Train Schedule From Hanoi To Sapa

Located below you can find the train schedule to Sapa.

I have also listed prices on the side and you may be surprised to see it actually isn’t that much more for one of the luxury trains. Though, you get amenities that will make your journey much more comfortable.

Booking Your Train Tickets

Luckily it is super easy to buy tickets for either of the trains.

An extra bonus is that Vietnam Railways now accepts e-tickets! This stops the stress of where can you print that ticket you just purchased online and having to go down and bother the hotel reception.

However, before we get to where exactly to buy your tickets, you need to figure out the type of ticket you want.

Both of the SP trains run by Vietnam Railways offer different cabin choices, including:

1st Class Sleeper: 4 berth cabin; soft beds and a mid-priced option. Staying in a 4 person cabin allows you to spread out without it feeling too cramped.

2nd Class Sleeper: hard wooden beds and 6 berth cabins. I would avoid booking unless you are on a super tight budget.

VIP Sleeper: 2-berth cabin; perfect for a couple or two friends traveling together, and it has soft beds.

Buy Your Train Tickets Online

If you live on your phone like me, you will be happy to know you can purchase tickets online. However, be aware it can be confusing as some websites still ask you to print the ticket and then head to the train station to swap it before your journey.

This stumped me when I first was sorting out my transport in Vietnam. Because of this, I ended up booking solely with Baolau for train journeys, simply cause I could just show my ticket on my phone to the train attendant rather than having to print it.

I did it over and over again while traveling the country by train and never had an issue booking through Baolau.

I often use 12.Go Asia as well, though I didn’t then because they weren’t set up for mobile tickets.

However, this has now changed, and you no longer have to print your tickets. Instead, simply purchase them and show them to the attendant on your phone. Easy as!

Also, just note that as a middleman, a small fee is included in the ticket cost. Though things like this never bother me as it saves so much hassle!

Purchase Train Tickets Direct From Vietnam Railways

The second option you have is to purchase your tickets to Sapa directly through Vietnam Railways.

If you plan on booking the hard/soft seats, you will need to do this directly, as these cheaper options aren’t usually available on those third-party websites. This is simply because there isn’t much money in it, and many backpackers in Vietnam choose to splash out on a sleeper ticket.

However, if your budget is tight and you are down for this option, it can be booked direct.

You will just need to double and triple check that you are buying from the Vietnam Railways legit website since you will quickly learn how common knockoffs are here.

Otherwise, you can also simply rock up to the train station in Hanoi and buy your tickets from one of the booths.

When you book directly with Vietnam Railways, you will see slightly cheaper tickets. However, this is because no commission has been added.

What To Expect On The Train

Depending on the type of ticket you book will decide how your journey will go.

However, as I said earlier, for a more comfortable journey, you should definitely book a 4-berth soft sleeper. Or, if you have some extra dong, splash out on the luxury train.

You will want to make sure you try and get as good as possible night sleep ready for your first full day on your Sapa itinerary.

Also, you will be traveling up a mountainous set of tracks. It isn’t a smooth journey. Instead, the train will constantly be rocking back and forth.

Hopefully, you’re like me, and it puts you into a deep sleep. However, if you have issues with motion sickness, this could be a problem for you.

The trains can also be pretty noisy as things bang with every bump in the track, so you’ll want earphones.

Unfortunately, the trains are all at night, meaning you don’t get to appreciate that beautiful scenery out of the window. This is one of the most picturesque parts of the country.

Though don’t decide to take the bus simply for just this reason!

Lastly, there is no dining cart onboard the trains so it will be best to bring your own food onboard.

Many eateries in Hanoi will be more than happy to do a takeaway meal. However, if you travel on the luxury train you will have snacks included.

Hanoi Train Station

So it’s definitely worth knowing that Hanoi actually has a few different train stations, so you don’t want to mess up! Luckily you won’t stress too much as all trains heading to Sapa leave from Hanoi Railway Station in the Van Mieu area.

From the Old Quarter, it’s a 20 minute walk or 10 minute taxi. I decided to walk there, and it was easy enough. However, I recommend always having Google Maps available to avoid getting lost.

If you aren’t on some crazy budget, it is only a couple of dollars for a taxi or Grab.

If I am being Hanoi Railway Station is a pretty damn big building, and if you aren’t too familiar with trains like I was, it can be overwhelming.

Once you arrive at the station, you will find the entrance on the Western side.

This is the platform on which the trains to Sapa depart. Though, no worries if you cannot find it. Just enter the main door and check the board to determine which platform your train departs.

Getting From Lao Cai Train Station To Sapa

Since the train ends in Lao Cai, you will then need to travel 50 to 90 minutes to Sapa town.

It is easy enough to book your transport online at Baolau or 12.Go Asia in advance or even through the accommodation you are staying at in Sapa. They will always be more than happy to organize this for you.

Just a word of caution, it is highly recommended to prebook your transport from Lao Cai to Sapa.

The taxi drivers here are ruthless, and there is nothing more profitable than a stranded traveler stuck in a random city while it’s dark. You will be swarmed as soon as you get off the train, which can be a bit overwhelming.

Lao Cai To Sapa By Mini Van

One of the most popular ways to travel from Lao Cai to Sapa is my minivan.

The easiest way to book this is via Baolau or 12.Go Asia even through the accommodation in Sapa. Just don’t wait until you arrive at the train station because this spot is known for ripping off travelers.

Also, be aware that this road isn’t for the faint-hearted. It is very windy and honestly quite precarious. Therefore, if you are like me and suffer from motion sickness, you may want to have some medication.

Nevertheless, you will be better off taking a minivan than a bus.

If you haven’t already figured the roads here can actually be pretty dangerous, this is especially so in a big bus navigating tight corners.

Another plus is that it is a lot quicker than taking the public bus since it should just be an hour-long journey.

Lao Cai To Sapa By Public Bus

If you are on a budget then you may find taking the public bus from Lao Cai to Sapa is the best option for you.

You will want to take bus number 1 from the stop by the car park, on the left side near the main gate.

The first one leaves at 5:50 am and then every 20 to 30 minutes after that. They are red and yellow colored so they really can’t be missed.

Tickets cost around $1.30 / 30,000VND and can be purchased on board. You can expect the public bus to take around an hour and a half, so get comfortable.

3. Private Taxi For A Quick Journey To Sapa

If you have a bit more money to spend, why not book a private taxi?

This will be the fastest and most comfortable option. It may even take you less than 5 hours if you don’t do any stops!

The easiest way to prebook your private taxi is online with 12.Go Asia.

They have a variety of companies who can take you the distance. Prices start from $170.00 for a 9 person van one way.

This is the perfect option for traveling as a family or a large group. If you have enough people to fill it up, it can actually work out pretty dam cheap.

The best part is that they will work around your plans. This means they will pick you up day or night and from anywhere in the city.

Once arriving in Sapa, you will also be dropped off at your hotel rather than just on the side of the road.

4. Bus From Hanoi To Sapa

If you are on more of a budget, then why not take a bus.

This total journey is around 6 hours, which honestly isn’t too painful. Personally, I find anything over 8 hours really makes you question your life choices when it comes to long-distance bus journeys.

Plus, it is a direct route, so there is no need to stop in Lao Cai.

As someone who has taken the bus to Sapa let me just say, pick your company wisely.

Bus companies in Vietnam vary greatly, and even though your accommodation recommends it, that doesn’t mean it is just a good choice. This just means they are likely getting some sort of commission.

I will get into all the details of this and my “super fun” bus trip between Hanoi and Sapa. Just take my advice and don’t repeat my mistakes.

Is Taking A Bus Safe

Taking the bus is relatively safe. I mean I have done this journey and I am still here to tell the story.

Anyway, the majority of the ride is on the highway CT05. This is a multiple-lane straight and smooth highway stretching from Hanoi most of the way up until you reach Lao Cai, where you turn-off to Sapa.

It is super easy, and even if you get motion sickness, this is a smooth ride.

However, once you reach this turn-off, things really start to get interesting.

Here, the road becomes mountainous, and the sides seem to drop away next to you. It truly isn’t for the faint-hearted, and I basically had my eyes shut the whole time.

Make sure you book the bus so you arrive in Sapa during daylight hours. Taking long distance buses in Vietnam during the day is fine. However, at night, things can get pretty dangerous.

First of all, driving at night is generally a lot more difficult, though add on one tired and overworked driver, and thats not a good combination.

Bus vs Tourist Bus

Now let’s get into the difference between the types of buses available. Your regular bus is more to Vietnamese standards, which is fine in some regards.

Though I was either super unlucky or simply booked with two different crappy companies. More on my experience a bit further down.

Anyway, I found your typical Vietnamese buses to simply be a bit painful. The lay-flat seats were not tall enough for us Westerners, and it was far from clean.

Our hostels in Hanoi and Sapa booked these buses for our return journey. Then, after that, we vowed to book our own buses, only when there was no train, and we would do plenty of research in advance.

From there onwards, we used The Sinh Tourist. Be aware there are plenty of fake websites and fake stores pretending to be this company.

Luckily, we didn’t have a single issue with them. Their flat seats were even more comfortable, being slightly longer for us tall foreigners. Unfortunately, they do not operate on the Sapa route.

Though in saying that, I have heard good things about the Green Sapa Bus and Goodmorning Sapa. Anyway, just do your research in advance and book online through a platform like Baolau or 12.Go Asia where you can read reviews.

Sleeper vs Seater Bus

Now, I don’t know if you have taken a bus in Vietnam before, but in case you have not, let’s go over the sleeper vs seater bus situation as they are unlike anything else in Southeast Asia.

With three split rows of chairs stacked two tall, it certainly is an interesting sight the first time you lay your eyes on them.

Honestly, at first glance, they looked super comfortable, and I was excited. I mean the worst part of being stuck in a long bus is having to awkwardly stretch around in the chair and the hours you spend trying to get comfortable.

I thought this would be the easiest 6-hour journey. Though how wrong I was.

See, my problem is I am tall. Sure, I am not super tall, just reaching 180cm. Though I am tall enough, I need to awkwardly contort my body to fit my feet into those little boxes.

Honestly, if you are shorter than 165cm, you should be fine in the typical sleeper-style bus. Though any taller, it will be one uncomfortable journey.

Not sure if this is a bonus or not. But at the back of the buses, there is a huge lay-flat area. Imagine your large row on the back of the bus is converted into a huge bed. This is where they chucked us, tall people.

Anyway, your regular seater bus is exactly that, just like the buses you will likely have in your home country. I much prefer just a simple regular bus. However, you will need to shop around to find one of these for longer journeys, as they are not the norm.

Bus Schedule

Below is the bus schedule departing Hanoi and arriving in Sapa.

Be aware there are so many companies to choose from and this is just a small selection of the best few.

As you can see, the majority of the bus companies offer free pickup in the Old Quarter. From here you will be transported to the bus.

The 6-hour journey is pretty easy until you get to the Sapa turn-off when things get windy. Before then, you will be provided with two rest stops to use the bathroom and purchase food.

How To Book Tickets

I recommend booking online via Baolau or 12.Go Asia where you can read reviews rather than going through your accommodation or a travel agency.

This is simply because they will likely book you on whatever options get them the most commission.

My Experience Taking The Bus

So, you may have figured my experience taking the bus from Hanoi to Sapa wasn’t the best.

Honestly, it’s not easy getting comfortable on those cramped “seats”. Every time we had a rest stop I was so excited to get off.

We moved down the back for the remainder of the journey. The back was basically just like a huge bed, that’s the best I could explain it and it ended up being us and a few other tall foreigners who couldn’t get comfortable.

Though I don’t know whether the sleeper-style seats were worse than spooning some randoms in the back of the bus. At least the latter was slightly more comfortable.

Now, my return journey from Sapa back to Hanoi was even worse than this, and I know what you are thinking, surely not. But alas, it was.

So we weren’t playing around this time and headed straight down to the back of the bus to the big bed seat. There’s no way I’m spending even just a few hours crammed in those little compartments.

Everything was going fine and well for a while. That was unless the bus vibrations seemed to have awoken a few “mates.”

Next thing I know, bugs are crawling over me, over everything. For each one I squish or flick away, another few seem to appear.

At our first break stop, I must’ve sprinted off that bus with my day bag. Hell no, that was not okay.

I decided that the grossness of this situation outweighed the uncomfortableness of the sleeper seats, so I tried to sit as far away from the back as possible, where we had been before.

Though, the bugs suddenly start appearing everywhere, including all over me.

Finally making it to Hanoi I jumped off and straight to the hostel for a shower. At least the bugs didn’t infest my luggage.

Where Does The Bus Drop You Off

Depending on which bus company you book will affect where you are dropped off in Sapa.

A few even drop passengers outside Sapa Center! This means you still need to take a taxi from there to your accommodation, which is super inconvenient.

Most companies will drop you off by the lake, then it’s a short walk to the center.

How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book Tickets?

I recommend booking in advance to make sure you travel with a reputable company. Also, be sure to check out reviews on Baolau or 12.Go Asia

You should try at least a week in advance. However, if you’re not worried about this, then you can book the day before.

The only time to ignore this is during the high season, from November to January, especially on weekends and the Vietnamese New Year (Tết).

During these times, you will want to book at least 4 weeks in advance and expect a very full bus, train, or minivan.

Where To Stay In Sapa?

Sapa town is full of different accommodation options. From comfortable guesthouses and hotels, it all comes down to your budget.

For something more luxe Bamboo Sapa Hotel is a fantastic choice, with an incredible pool and stunning views.

In terms of budget options, I stayed at Lustig Hostel. Here are true mountain chalet vibes at an affordable rate of just $4.00 per night.

I also recommend that you do a homestay experience here. This is where you will live alongside a local family.

You can eat what they eat, see the incredible countryside, and explore to your heart’s content. They seem to be cheaper than the hotels in the main town, though they will be a lot more basic.

For homestays with dorms, Little Ta Van Homestay is a great option. During our stay, we spent evenings by the fire, enjoying warm sugarcane with limited electricity.

For a homestay with a touch of luxury, Sapa Riverside Eco Lodge and Spa has private single rooms starting at $25.00 per night. This is an excellent choice if you want the comforts of a hotel surrounded, but still surrounded by nature.

Things To Do In Sapa

Sapa is a nature lovers paradise and there are so many things to do here that will keep you busy.

Trekking Tour

Doing a hiking tour is surprisingly affordable option, costing less than $20.00 for the day.

You will be able to visit ethnic minority villages and learn about life here, which one depends on exactly what tour you book.

Your guides will also be able to take you through the rice terraces and to some of the most picturesque spots.

Self-Guided Hike

If you want to trek Sapa without a guide I first highly recommend you download Maps.Me or Google Maps on your phone. On it, you will be able to get an offline version of a map of Sapa, perfect if you do not have a local sim card.

If you are traveling during the dry season, then you can easily do a variety of hikes.

From Sapa, you can either trek to Cat Cat Village and Sin Chai, which should take about half a day, or you can go to Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van.

Homestay Experience

One of the best things to do in Sapa, and what I highly recommend is to do a Homestay experience.

There are so many places to choose from, so you should definitely do some research as to which village you would like to stay in.

The easiest way to book your homestay is through Booking.com. This is what I used and it was surprisingly straight forward, just like booking a hotel and then they will message you all the finer details.

Silver Waterfall

Silver Waterfall is one of the most well known in Sapa standing over 200 meters high.

There is also a second one called Love Waterfall, just a short walk away.

Wrap-Up: How To Get To Sapa From Hanoi

Even though actually getting to Sapa isn’t the most exciting, once you arrive you will be in for an amazing time.

The nature here is next level with mountains, rice terraces, and so much greenery. It is for sure a unique part of the country.