6 Ways to Travel From Hanoi to Sapa: Transport Guide (2023)

A comprehensive guide to travelling from Hanoi to Sapa by sleeper train, bus, VIP van or taxi. This transport guide includes timetables, links to buy tickets online, and insider travel tips.

With its rolling rice paddies and vibrant hill tribe communities, Sapa has a way of capturing your imagination. Despite being very touristy, it’s still one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam.

From village homestays and genuine Vietnamese hospitality, to vibrant ethnic markets and mountain trekking, Sapa is a great destination for adventurous travellers, hikers, couples and young families alike.

Ta Van village in Sapa.

When I lived in Hanoi, I got to visit Sapa and many other mountainous locations in the north. Even as an expat, I had trouble figuring out the best way to get to Sapa from Hanoi. With so many options available and so many dodgy travel websites out there, it can be very confusing.

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In this transport guide, I’ll show you exactly how to travel to Sapa by overnight train, bus, VIP van or car. There’s something here for every travel budget and style, from the cheapest public bus to the most comfortable private car.

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Hanoi to Sapa: The basics

Where is Sapa located?

Sapa (Vietnamese: Sa Pa) is a small town in Vietnam’s far-northern border province of Lào Cai. Sapa is located directly north-west of Hanoi by road or rail. The nearest city to Sapa is Lào Cai city.

Sapa sits in the Hoàng Liên Son mountains overlooking the Muong Hoa Valley. Phan Xi Păng, the highest peak on the Indochinese Peninsula, is located west of Sapa.

Local transport in Lao Cai Province.

Hanoi to Sapa distance

The distance from Hanoi to Sapa is 319 kilometres (198 miles).

Hanoi to Sapa travel time

By car, it takes between 4-5.5 hours on average to travel from Hanoi to Sapa via highway CT05.

By bus, the trip from Hanoi to Sapa takes approximately 5.5-6 hours.

By train, the journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai (the nearest railway station 35 kilometres or 22 miles from Sapa) takes 8 hours. From Lao Cai Train Station, it takes an additional 65 minutes to reach Sapa town by road.

Hanoi to Sapa transport overview

In a rush? Here is a quick overview of the different transport options discussed in this guide:

1. BEST OVERALL OPTION

OVERNIGHT TRAIN (VIA LAO CAI)

• From 320K VND
• 8 hours (+ 50-90 minutes by road to Sapa)

Buy tickets

via 12GoAsia

2. LUXE OPTION

LAMAN EXPRESS VIP TRAIN (VIA LAO CAI)

• From 780K VND
• 8 hours (+ 50-90 minutes by road to Sapa)

Buy tickets

via 12GoAsia

3. GUIDED OPTION

SAPA TOUR FROM HANOI

• From 68 USD
• 2-3 nights (includes transfers)

Check availability

via Viator

4. BUDGET OPTION

SAPA EXPRESS BUS (COACH)

• From 300K VND
• 5.5-6 hours travel time

Buy tickets

via 12GoAsia

5. UPGRADED OPTION

LIMOUSINE VAN

• From 385K VND
• 5.5 hours travel time

Buy tickets

via 12GoAsia

6. EFFICIENT OPTION

PRIVATE TAXI

• From 4,400K VND
• 4-5 hours travel time

Find a driver

via 12GoAsia

Option 1: Hanoi to Sapa train (Vietnam Railways)

If you’re comfortable with travelling to Sapa using public transport, the most popular option is to take the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi.

Note that the train doesn’t go all the way to Sapa, but terminates at the closest railway station in Lao Cai. From there, you need to continue to Sapa by road.

There are pros and cons to taking the train. Overall, it’s a safe and reliable way to travel. Since you save on a night’s accommodation, it can also be budget-friendly.

I usually recommend the train to families since it’s an experience kids in particular seem to enjoy.

On the train in Vietnam.

There are several trains from Hanoi to Sapa every night (plus a few day services), all operated by state-run Vietnam Railways.

Each train has multiple carriages: Some are normal Vietnam Railways carriages, while other (more luxe) carriages are operated by private companies (see the next section for more details).

The most basic and cheapest train tickets are for the regular Vietnam Railways carriages. This train is known as the Reunification Express.

Hanoi to Sapa train times

There are currently two trains to Lao Cai from Hanoi every night, the SP1 and SP3. Additional services might be added during peak holiday periods.

• SP1 departs Hanoi at 9.35pm and arrives in Lao Cai at 5.30am the next morning
• SP3 departs Hanoi at 10pm and arrives in Lao Cai at 6am the next morning

Looking for an ethical Sapa trekking tour?

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This 2D1N Cultural Trekking & Homestay Experience with Ethos is one of the best-rated tours in Vietnam. Walk through the Sapa Valley, see the rice terraces up close, and spend the night with a local host family.

Check prices & availability

on Viator

How to buy Sapa train tickets

Both SP trains have VIP cabins (soft beds; 2 berths per cabin), 1st class sleepers (soft beds; 4 berths per cabin) and 2nd class sleepers (hard beds; 6 berths per cabin). VIP/1st class tickets are still very affordable, so I recommend upgrading for a more comfortable journey.

Vietnam Railways now issues e-tickets, eliminating the need to print a paper ticket or voucher. This is the same whether you book direct or through an agent.

Buying tickets through 12Go Asia

I prefer to book tickets through an agent such as 12GoAsia. They charge a small additional fee, but they offer good customer support and secure payment – plus the 12Go website is much easier to use compared to the VR website.

Online ticket sales open 60 days in advance. Prices for Hanoi to Sapa are as follows:

• VIP sleeper berth: From 566K VND per person
• 1st class sleeper: From 446K VND per person
• 2nd class sleeper: From 316K VND per person

Discounted child fares are available for kids aged 2-11 years. Infants under 24 months travel free.

Important: There are several train stations in Hanoi – make sure you book your tickets from Hanoi Railway Station (not Yen Vien or Gia Lam).

When you reserve multiple tickets, agents will try to arrange beds in the same carriage, but note that this can’t always be guaranteed (another reason I recommend booking well in advance).

After you book and pay online, you’ll receive an email receipt. 12Go Asia then confirms your reservation with the railway and sends a second email with your e-tickets and instructions for boarding the train attached. The whole process is very straightforward.

Search train tickets here on 12Go

Buying tickets through Vietnam Railways

Another option is to buy sleeper or hard/soft seat tickets direct from Vietnam Railways. You can either use the official Vietnam Railways website (there is a fake site out there, so be careful), or buy tickets in person at the station in Hanoi.

Tickets are a touch cheaper when you purchase direct. Seat (bunk) selection is available when you use this website to book.

When you book tickets, you’ll notice there’s an option to include a bus transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa town for an extra 55,000 VND. There are more affordable options available, so I recommend organising this separately (see the next section).

Where to board the train to Sapa

Hanoi has several different train stations. Both SP1 and SP3 leave from Hanoi Railway Station in Van Mieu (not far from the Temple of Literature). See the exact location here on Google Maps.

If you hold Vietnam Railways-issued tickets, you should enter at the main A Station building on Le Duan Street. There is no need to check in – just show your e-ticket to the steward when boarding the train.

What is the Hanoi Sapa train like?

Many people opt for the train thinking there will be beautiful scenery along the way. The journey from Hanoi to Sapa does indeed pass through one of the most picturesque parts of Vietnam, but the train journey is at night, so in reality you don’t actually get to see much!

The trains themselves are basic but comfortable enough. It’s very noisy and bumpy as the train constantly shunts throughout the night. Don’t expect to get a full night’s sleep!

Linens are provided, but there is no dining cart so you should bring your own food (snacks and water can be purchased on board) plus other standard train travel essentials.

There is plenty of luggage space on the trains. Technically guests are limited to one 20kg bag each, but in my experience this rule is not strictly enforced.

How to get to Sapa from Lao Cai railway station

Remember: The Hanoi to Sapa train terminates in Lao Cai city, 35 kilometres (roughly 50-90 minutes by road) from Sapa.

When you arrive in Lao Cai and alight the train, prepare yourself for an onslaught! Taxi drivers and guides wait at the station for tourists and descend on you en masse as soon as you step onto the platform.

Lao Cai Railway Station. Photo credit: skasiansin/DepositPhotos.com.

Do not book a train ticket to Lao Cai without also pre-organising your transport to Sapa. Trying to find a transfer on the fly is an absolute nightmare.

There are a couple of options for getting to Sapa, the cheapest being public bus #1. You can find the bus stop near the train station car park, on the left as you exit the main gate. The buses are red and yellow coloured. You can’t miss them.

The first bus leaves Lao Cai at 5.30am. After that, they depart every 20-30 minutes throughout the day until around 4pm. The journey to Sapa by bus takes around 1.5 hours.

Tickets cost 40,000 VND and can either be purchased when you board or online in advance through Baolau (recommended for high season and holidays/weekends).

Reserve your bus transfer tickets here on Baolau

Alternatively, you can prearrange a private transfer to Sapa by car or minivan. The mountain road from Lao Cai to Sapa is very windy and quite precarious, so if you’re a nervous passenger or you suffer from motion sickness, I highly recommend a transfer over the public bus. It’s also faster, taking just 50-60 minutes.

Most hotels in Sapa can organise a transfer from Lao Cai station. Alternatively, you can reserve a seat on a minibus through Sapa O’Chau. Don’t risk hiring a taxi at the station – tourists are regularly ripped off on this route.

By the time you arrive in Sapa, it may still be too early to check into your hotel. Most of the cafes around the lake are open from 7.30am so you can grab a coffee and some pancakes while you wait.

The return trip: Sapa to Hanoi train

For the return trip, first take bus #2 (the same red and yellow public bus) from outside Sapa church back to Lao Cai railway station. Remember to give yourself ample time.

Buses run throughout the day. Buy tickets in Sapa or online through Baolau.

There is one nightly train from Lao Cai to Hanoi: the SP4, departing at 10.30pm and arriving in Hanoi at 5.25am.

12GoAsia offers VIP, 1st and 2nd class sleeper berths for the journey back to Hanoi. Prices are a few dollars cheaper for the return route.

Search train tickets here on 12Go

Option 2: Laman Express Train (VIP Sleeper Train)

If you want the atmosphere of slow travelling to Sapa by train but you prefer an ‘upgraded’ experience, the VIP train could be a good option for you.

There are half a dozen private companies that run special carriages on the Hanoi-Sapa/Sapa-Hanoi train. These include Victoria Express, Sapaly Express, Livitrans Express, Fanxipan Express, and Pumpkin Express.

My preferred provider is Laman Express, which runs with the SP3 train (departing Hanoi at 10pm and arriving in Lao Cai at 6am the next morning). Reservations can be made online via 12GoAsia.

As well as nicer cabins (choose from private 2-person or 4-person berths), the Laman Express offers high-speed WIFI and snacks on-board, plus access to their lounges at both railway stations.

Search for Laman Express tickets here on 12Go

After you book and pay, you’ll receive detailed instructions by email regarding what time to arrive at the station and where to check in for the train.

Be sure to read these carefully as the procedure is different than regular Vietnam Railways ticket holders.

The Chapa Express Train. Photo credit: 12GoAsia.

Another option is the luxe Chapa Express. It also runs with the SP3, departing Hanoi at 10pm. Prices start from 44 USD including a ground transfer to Sapa from Lao Cai station.

Check prices and availability here on Viator.

The return trip: Sapa to Hanoi train

Coming back to Hanoi, the Laman Express and Chapa Express leave Lao Cai Railway Station every night at 10.30pm. The price is the same, and tickets can be pre-purchased online via 12Go.

Option 3: Sapa tour from Hanoi

If you have limited time in Vietnam or you’re looking for an easy way to travel around Sapa, a guided tour from Hanoi is worth considering.

There are a range of 2 and 3-day itineraries available that focus on different interests (trekking, culture) and include transportation from Hanoi to Sapa and back.

Beautiful textiles for sale at Bac Ha Market near Sapa.

A major advantage of booking a guided tour is the inclusion of door-to-door transfers in a safe, comfortable vehicle with a professional driver at the wheel. Added benefits include a more specialised itinerary, and of course having a local guide to show you around and answer your questions.

Some tours (but not all) take you to smaller villages around Sapa and emphasise responsible and ethical interactions with local communities.

All in all, a Sapa tour from Hanoi is a budget-friendly, straightforward option. It’s particularly suitable for solo travellers.

How to book a Sapa tour

I strongly recommend booking your Sapa tour online rather than waiting until you get to Hanoi. There are lots of tour companies and vendors in Hanoi offering cheap Sapa trips, but the quality of these tours is questionable.

Of course it’s always possible to organise something on the fly, but if you pre-book, you can give yourself time to peruse the options and read the reviews.

I always use Viator to book tours in Vietnam. This is an aggregate website that brings together different itineraries from a range of independent and international companies.

You can read other travellers’ reviews, research the company to ensure they meet your expectations, and book and pay online through a secure system.

On the road in Sapa.

Important things to look for in a Sapa tour

• Group size: This is extremely important. The smaller the group, the more intimate the experience.
• Inclusions/exclusions: Check if meals and entrance fees are included or not. Remember that if you’re on a tour, you’ll be expected to tip your guide (around 10-15%) and your driver if applicable.
• Holiday surcharge: If you’re travelling to Vietnam over the Lunar New Year (Tet) period or for international New Year, note that most companies charge an extra holiday fee (up to 30% extra).
• Transportation type: Some Sapa tours offer private transfers while others include bus or train tickets in the price.
• Ethical tourism policies: If this is something that’s important to you, do your research before you book. Look for companies that work with local (Sapa) guides and drivers, keep their tour group sizes small, emphasise lesser-visited places, and/or have initiatives that give back to the local communities they visit. Ethos is the best-known ethical tourism operator in Sapa and has a great reputation. Their 2-day Sapa Trekking and Homestays Tour is one of the best out there.

Do you need travel insurance for Vietnam?

Remember: Sapa trekking tours and guided trips do not include insurance. Always take out a travel insurance policy before you travel. I recommend HeyMondo for affordable single-trip and annual coverage. Get 5% off your policy when you enquire using my link.

→ Check prices here on HeyMondo

Recommended Sapa tours from Hanoi

• 2D1N Sapa from Hanoi – Overnight in Ta Van Village: Hiking-focused itinerary with trekking in Ta Van village (pictured above) and overnight accommodation in a bungalow. Check prices & availability here on Viator.

• 3N Sapa Trek and Homestay with Round Trip Transfer from Hanoi: Extended itinerary with hiking in the Muong Hoa valley, accommodation in Ta Van village, and transfers to/from Hanoi by overnight sleeper train. Check prices & availability here on Viator.

• 2D Amazing Trekking Sapa from Hanoi with Various Options: Flexible Muong Hoa Valley trekking tour with optional transfers to/from Hanoi by overnight train. Check prices & availability here on Viator.

Independent tour companies

Sapa O’Chau and Ethos are two independent tourism providers in Sapa that are known for their responsible tourism policies. As mentioned, Ethos is the more reputable of the pair and has a great track-record of collaborating with communities and giving back.

Ethos offers trekking tours and homestays departing from Sapa, and can organise train or bus transfers from Hanoi on your behalf. More information and bookings here.

Option 4: Hanoi to Sapa bus (Sapa Express Bus)

If you prefer to travel during daylight hours, there are several coach buses from Hanoi to Sapa.

My preferred company for this route is Sapa Express Bus. It runs twice daily, departing Hanoi at 7am and 3pm and arriving in Sapa 5.5 hours later.

This is a large sleeper bus with fully reclining seats.

If your Hanoi accommodation is in the Old Quarter, free pick up is included.

A major advantage of choosing the bus over the train is that there’s no need to book a second transfer from Lao Cai. The bus goes all the way to Sapa, where it terminates at the Sapa Express Bus Station in the centre of town.

It’s a long journey, but there are two scheduled rest stops (roughly 10 minutes each) to use the bathroom and purchase drinks and snacks along the way.

How to buy tickets for the Sapa Express Bus

Tickets for the Sapa Express bus start from 400K VND per person and can be purchased online in advance through 12GoAsia.

Search for Express Bus tickets here on 12Go

Is the road to Sapa safe?

Travelling from Hanoi to Sapa by road, buses and cars take highway CT05. It’s fairly flat and straight all the way to Lao Cai before the final, windy portion of mountain road into Sapa.

Sapa Express drivers are professional and riding in these coach buses is generally safe. If you’re prone to motion sickness or you’re a nervous traveller, consider taking a van instead (see the next section for details).

The return trip: Sapa to Hanoi bus

Travelling the opposite way, the Sapa Express bus departs from the office in Sapa at 7am, 2pm and 3pm. Travel time is 6 hours. If there’s heavy traffic in the city, the journey might take a little longer – so I highly recommend booking an early bus if you’re on a time crunch.

Drop off at your Hanoi hotel is included in the price (Old Quarter only).

On the way back, the bus passes directly in front of Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport. If you’re trying to make a flight on the same day, it might be possible to get dropped off at the airport. You should ask at the time of booking.

Tickets cost 400K VND per person and can be purchased via 12GoAsia.

Search for Express Bus tickets here on 12Go

Option 5: Hanoi to Sapa limousine van

Green Lion runs shared and private limousine vans between Hanoi and Sapa. They are slightly more expensive than a coach – but as you can see, the vans are a lot more comfortable.

The vans are fast, getting you to Sapa in as little as 5.5 hours. If it’s within your budget, limousine van is my preferred way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa.

Sapa Express Limousine bus. Photo credit: Amazing Uncles.

Green Lion vans depart from Hanoi in the morning at around 6.30am. The van features comfortable leather seats, WIFI, and USB charging ports. The ticket price includes water and a snack.

A second company, Sapa Express Limousine, has two vans daily: One departing Hanoi at 6.30am, and a second afternoon service departing Hanoi at 2.30pm.

Pick up from Old Quarter hotels is included in the ticket price. The drive takes 5.5 hours on average, including one or two short rest stops.

This is a door-to-door service and also includes drop off at your hotel in Sapa (provided it’s in the centre of town).

If you rent a private van, you can use the Sapa Express service to travel directly to Ta Van village, Su Pan village, or Topas Eco Lodge.

How to buy tickets for the Express Limousine

Tickets for the shared Express Limousine start from 25 USD per person one-way and are sold through Amazing Uncles, a reliable (yet strangely named!) tour agency in Vietnam. Enquire through their website.

Tickets for Green Lion vans start from 385K VND per person and are sold through 12GoAsia.

Search for Green Lion tickets here on 12Go

The return trip: Sapa to Hanoi limousine van

There are two vans back to Hanoi from Sapa departing on the same schedule (6.30am and 2.30pm daily).

Vans can stop at Noi Bai Airport on the way back to Hanoi on request.

Option 6: Hanoi to Sapa taxi

The final option is to take a private taxi to Sapa. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, taking as little as 4.5 hours.

Ouros taxi. Photo credit: 12GoAsia.

How to pre-book a private taxi online

I recommend using 12GoAsia to pre-book a Sapa taxi and driver online. They accept reservations for a number of reputable companies, including Ouros and Dichung.

Prices start from 4,400K VND one-way for a sedan, or 4,600K VND for a 9-person van. If you’re travelling with a large family or group, this can work out much cheaper than VIP van or even the train.

Pick up is on demand, any time of day or night from anywhere in Hanoi or from the arrivals terminal at Noi Bai Airport. Upon arrival in Sapa, you’ll be taken all the way to your hotel. WIFI and AC are standard, and taxis have plentiful luggage space.

Search for a taxi here on 12Go

Final verdict: What is the best way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa?

I’ve done this trip several ways, by rail and by road. As a train lover it pains me to say it, but I recommend taking the bus or VIP van over the night train.

Taking the train in Vietnam is a cool experience, but there are much better routes elsewhere in the country (most notably the coastal leg of the Reunification Express to South Vietnam). For me, the discomfort isn’t worth the price tag.

The biggest drawback is having to book another transfer to Sapa – the last thing you feel like doing after an overnight train ride is braving a windy mountain drive.

Overall, VIP van is much more convenient while still being very affordable.

Sapa travel FAQ

Is Sapa worth visiting?

Sapa is known for two things: Trekking, and the vibrant ethnic minority communities that live in the valleys and mountains around the town. If you’re interested in multi-day hikes and/or learning more about Vietnam’s ethnic minority culture, Sapa should be on your radar.

Unfortunately, much like Halong Bay, Sapa has become a victim of its own popularity. Over-tourism has become a serious issue in recent years. If you plan to visit Sapa, it’s important to know that this is a very touristy destination. If you come in expecting an off-the-beaten-track experience, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

The scenery is beautiful – there’s no denying that – but most of Sapa’s problems have to do with the local communities who have been largely excluded from tourism development. There are villages that are sadly presented like exhibition displays for tourists to gawk at (I experienced this myself when I visited Bac Ha). Popular Cat Cat village is another example.

In my opinion, Sapa is still worth visiting provided you know what you’re getting yourself into.

There are things you can do to improve your experience and avoid contributing to Sapa’s social and environmental problems. If you can get away from the city into the smaller villages, you’re more likely to have a positive, rewarding experience.

If you prefer something less touristy, there are some great Sapa alternatives in the north, including Ha Giang and Pu Luong. Both offer excellent hiking and village homestays.

How many days in Sapa?

The ideal amount of time to spend in Sapa is 2-3 nights. If you plan on trekking, you’ll need at least 2 full days in Sapa.

Depending on which method of transport you choose, getting to Sapa from Hanoi can be a time-consuming and energy draining process. I strongly recommend including some time in your itinerary for rest – e.g. set aside your first afternoon/evening for recovery.

Can I do a Sapa day trip from Hanoi?

While it is technically possible to visit Sapa as a day trip from Hanoi, it’s not advisable.

There are very few companies that offer this option, simply because the drive is so long. Even if you left Hanoi at 6am, you wouldn’t arrive in Sapa until after lunch. That would only give you a few hours to explore.

I strongly recommend an alternative day trip such as Ninh Binh (< 2 hours from Hanoi) or even Halong Bay (< 3 hours from Hanoi).

Related: Top 10 day trips in Vietnam.

Is there a Hanoi to Sapa flight?

No – there are no flights between Hanoi and Sapa. The closest airport to Sapa is Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. The only way to travel between the two destinations is by road or rail.

There are currently 6 different ways to travel between Hanoi and Sapa, as described above.

How far in advance should I buy my Sapa bus/train tickets?

Sapa is a very popular destination among both domestic and international tourists. It’s not at all unusual for train/bus tickets to sell out.

If you’re travelling during high season (November to January) or on a weekend, you should book your bus or train tickets as far in advance as possible (at least 4 weeks ahead of your travel date).

If your trip coincides with Vietnamese New Year (Tet) in February, know that the trains will be extra busy. There are additional services on holidays, but it’s still a good idea to book 6 weeks out.

In the section above, I’ve included links to buy tickets online. If your itinerary is set, I suggest booking tickets before you leave home so you don’t have to worry about making arrangements while you’re on the road.

Where to stay in Sapa

Sapa has tons of different accommodation options depending on your budget and the type of experience you want to have. My Sapa accommodation guide brings together some of the best, including eco lodges, central hotels and more remote homestays.

Here are my top overall recommendations:

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