Hanoi - Sapa Train
About taking train from Hanoi to Sapa.
Hanoi - Sapa By Train
The best way for tourists to travel to Sapa - one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam - is to travel by train, thanks to its advantage of both time and money. Departing from Hanoi station during night time, the train arrives at Lao Cai station, a city adjacent to Chinese border, in early morning and vice versa. (Starting in early 2015, travelers can also visit Sapa by taking day bus. One way travel time is approximately 6 hours).
To meet the needs of tourists, service providers have upgraded the train with full amenities such as air-conditioner, clean bathroom, and comfortable beds with different names for each type of cars. When you hear Sapaly Express or Livitrans Epxress, they are not actual trains but just different cars attached to the same train operated by national railways.
Photo: thesinhtourcafe.com
Generally, it can be divided into three types of cabins: 4-berth cabin, 6-berth cabin and soft-seat cabin. Tourist trains also run VIP cabin where the upper berths are removed, allowing for more space and privacy for just 2 people. The price per person in a 4-berth room ranges from $35 to $45 and 6-berth cabin is between $20-$25. A return ticket can also be bought right from Hanoi. Children less than five years old will not be charged any ticket fee and will share beds with their parents.
Photo: dulichhalong.com
Train Schedule and Fare
From Hanoi:
Depart Hanoi | Arrive Lao Cai | |
Orient Express | 9:40 pm | 05:25 am |
Fanxipan Express | 9:40 pm | 05:25 am |
Livitrans Express | 9:40 pm | 05:25 am |
Pumpkin Express | 9:40 pm | 05:25 am |
Sapaly Express | 10:00 pm | 06:15 am |
King Express | 10:00 pm | 06:15 am |
Chapa Express | 10:00 pm | 06:15 am |
From Lao Cai:
Depart Lao Cai | Arrive Hanoi | |
Orient Express | 8:15 pm | 04:15 am |
Fanxipan Express | 8:15 pm | 04:15 am |
Livitrans Express | 8:15 pm | 04:15 am |
Pumpkin Express | 8:15 pm | 04:15 am |
Sapaly Express | 9:05 pm | 05:15 am |
King Express | 9:05 pm | 05:15 am |
Chapa Express | 9:05 pm | 05:15 am |
Each ride takes approximately eight to nine hours per way. There are also two morning trains that depart at 6:10 and 8:20 and arrive in the afternoon at 15:40 and 17:05 though it is not recommended that you take these trains as they make many stops along the way.
Lao Cai station is about 38 kilometers from Sapa, which takes about one hour going by bus or by car. The bus cost from Lao Cai – Sapa is $2-3 and ticket is available for purchase at the train station gate. Normally the bus stop is right in front of Sapa church, but tourists can also ask the bus driver to drop them off at their booked hotel.
How To Book Your Train Ticket
You can book your train tickets online in advance through many webs or through a local agent when you get to Hanoi. During peak season (December and January), train tickets may run out fast so it's recommended you reserve well in advance.
Online Train Ticket Booking
Hanoi Sapa Train (HanoiSapaTrain.com) and SapaTrains (SapaTrains.com) offers advanced reservation of train tickets and travel packages to Sapa. One way ticket costs from $35/person/way.
List Of Train Operators On Hanoi - Sapa Route
Each train offers a different advantage - you can choose one based on your preference for timing and budget
- Victoria Express Train
- Sapaly Express Train
- Orient Express Train
- King Express Train
- Chapa Express Train
- Fanxipan Express Train
- Livitrans Express Train
- Pumpkin Express Train (halt operation)
- Ratraco Express Train (halt operation)
- Royal Express Train (halt operation)
- Hara Express Train (halt operation)
Are the Sapa trains still running daily? Today (24 May 2022) I saw Vietnam Railway post on their booking page the following notice: Please be advised that the train from Hanoi to Sapa will available on every Friday for the travel date before 01SEP and the return train from Sapa to Hanoi will available on every Sunday.
Hi there, Most sapa trains are not offering services at the moment, you can choose express bus as it is more convenient and cost effective.