Hanoi To Sapa By Train

Located about 350 km northwest of Hanoi, Sapa is one of the famous attractions of North Vietnam that travelers should not miss. With the development of transportations, there are many ways to reach Sapa from Hanoi including cars, shuttle buses, D-car limousines, daytime and night trains and even motorbikes. Among these options, it is a great way to get from Hanoi to Sapa by train, which will give you the unique experience like nowhere.

Traveling by train is more comfortable and safer than the other ways though it takes more time, about 8-9 hours from Hanoi Railways Station to Lao Cai Station – a city adjacent to Chinese border. The night trains for tourists often depart between 20:00 and 22:00 in Hanoi and reach Lao Cai around 05:30 – 06:00 in the next morning. During on train, you can catch a good sleep and enjoy the beautiful scenery at dawn after waking up. When you arrive Lao Cai, you will take another one-hour going bus or taxi for 38 km drive to Sapa Town.

Below is the list of best tourist trains operating between Hanoi and Lao Cai (for Sapa travel).

1. Chapa Express

Chapa Express started operations in June 2014, making it one of the newest trains in Vietnam. It possesses two beautiful coaches served on Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi route. Each coach has 7 cabins which are designed the wood-paneling cabins, air-conditional, reading lights, comfortable beds, Sapa-inspired décor and especially mattress will be changed after each journey. Tourists can choose from shared Deluxe 4-berth cabins,  VIP 2- berth cabins or Suite 2-berth cabins. Besides, its clean toilets and elegant washing room with newly paneled-porcelain designation, cozy atmosphere and high-speed internet and complimentary welcome drinks, snacks (biscuits or fresh fruits), toiletries and hot/cold towels surely make tourists feel satisfied. If you need any help, the Chapa Express Train well-trained, professional and multilingual are staff are also on hand to assist you throughout the journey.
Pick-up point: Tran Quy Cap Railway Station (or Hanoi B Station) at 01 Tran Quy Cap Street
Time: Daily departure from Hanoi at 22:00 and arrival Lao Cai at 06:05
Ticket price:
– Deluxe 4-berth cabin: ~ 40 USD/ ticket/ one way
– VIP 2-berth cabin: ~ 160 USD/ cabin/ one way (setting up from 4-berth cabins – folding 2 upper berths)
– Suite 2-berth cabin: ~ 176 USD/ cabin/ one way (only 2 berths in one cabin)

2. Sapaly Express

Sapaly Express is designed with stunning and luxurious interior following the European standards. The coach from Hanoi – Lao Cai route is designed only 6 cabins instead of 7 cabins as other trains so each cabin has more space. There are two types of cabin including Deluxe 4-berth cabins, which are pretty suitable for family or a groups of more than 2 people, and VIP 2-berth cabins (folding 2 upper berths from Deluxe cabin) for those who desire a private space.

Each cabin in Sapaly Express is decorated with natural wooden interior and enchanting light system and equipped with reading light, speaker, air conditioner, curtain and luggage storage. Berths with clean and comfortable mattresses, blankets and pillows following to 3-star standard are replaced after each turn of the train to bring a comfortable feeling and wonderful sleep for passengers. The train also offers welcome drink, bottled water, napkin and toiletries for free.
Pick-up point: Tran Quy Cap Railway Station (or Hanoi B Station) at 01 Tran Quy Cap Street
Time: Daily departure from Hanoi at 22:00 and arrival Lao Cai at 06:05
Ticket price:
– Deluxe 4-berth cabin: ~30 USD/ ticket/ one way
– VIP 2-berth cabin: ~ 120 USD/ cabin/ one way (setting up from 4-berth cabins – folding 2 upper berths).

3. King Express

With a slogan of “Serving you as serving the King and the Queen on board”, King Express Train promises to bring passengers the highest level of satisfaction. During your journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, you will be served by friendly and professional staff who are always happy to meet all your requirements.
King Express train is designed with Deluxe 4-berth cabins and VIP 2-berth cabins which are wood-paneled, air-conditioned and furnished with individual reading lights and large luggage storage. Deluxe cabins with sharing 4 berths are popular choices of most tourists while couples prefer to attractive and spacious VIP cabin with 2 berths only to have the privacy with remarkable interior décor. Mineral water, WiFi, snacks or biscuits, wet towels and drinks are served for passengers with no extra fee during the journey.
Pick-up point: Tran Quy Cap Railway Station (or Hanoi B Station) at 01 Tran Quy Cap Street
Time: Daily departure from Hanoi at 22:00 and arrival Lao Cai at 06:20
Ticket price:
– Deluxe 4-berth cabin: ~25 USD/ ticket/ one way
– VIP 2-berth cabin: ~110 USD/ cabin/ one way (only 2 berths in one cabin).

4. Fansipan Express

With 14 cabins spreading over 2 coaches, Fansipan Express train offers Deluxe 4-berth cabins and VIP 2-berth cabins for couples or friends who value more privacy and space. All cabins are wooden paneled, equipped with air-conditioner, soft linens, individual reading light, luggage storage and oversized window with the aim of making your stay the most enjoyable. You will be delighted by the combination of luxurious wood-paneled cabins and the latest facilities. At the end of the coach is a mini bar where snacks, drinks and fast foods could be found.
Pick-up point: Tran Quy Cap Station (or Hanoi B Station) at 01 Tran Quy Cap Street.
Time: Daily departure from Hanoi at 21:30 and arrival Lao Cai at 05:30.
Ticket price:
– Deluxe 4-berth cabin: ~ 30 USD/ ticket/ one way.
– VIP 2-berth cabin: ~ 120 USD/ cabin/ one way (setting up from 4-berth cabins – folding 2 upper berths).

5. Victoria Express

Victoria Express is rated as the most luxurious train running Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi route. It is a perfect choice for those looking for the luxury and professional service. There are 13 Superior shared 4-berth cabins which can be converted to Deluxe 2-berth private cabins, being ideal for couples in need of privacy. All natural paneled wooden cabins are equipped with individual reading light, baggage storage, air conditioner, comfortable bed, amenity kit/ slippers and a large picture window, which brings passengers a sound sleep and convenient stay. Each coach has a separate washbasin to wash hands and spacious toilet designed with stunning and luxury decoration, always kept very clean and comfortable. In particular, Victoria Express’s attentive and well-trained staffs are always ready to provide passengers best services that will give you a memorable experience.
Pick-up point: Hanoi Railway Station: 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District.
Time: Daily departure (except for Saturday) from Hanoi at 22:00 and arrival Lao Cai at 06:10.
Ticket price:
– Superior 4-berth cabin: ~ 90 USD/ ticket/ one way.
– Deluxe 2-berth cabin: ~ 260 USD/ cabin/ one way (setting up from 4-berth cabins – folding 2 upper berths).

How to book train ticket from Hanoi to Sapa

It is suggested that you should book your train ticket in advance, especially during peak time of the week, on Thursday and Friday from Hanoi to Lao Cai. This is normally due to the weekend retreat of local tourists and there is a famous local market – Bac Ha which is opened on every Sunday and attracts a lot of visitors. Or you may contact Vietnam Travel’s consultants who will help you to book tickets, recommend the best suitable train for you and also arrange pick-up and drop-off services at train stations. Furthermore, we also offer private tours in Sapa, which you may be interested in.