How to get from Sapa to Hanoi
We recommend travelling by train from Sapa to Hanoi. Taking the night train saves you a day of travelling and is also a great experience. Sapa does not have a railway station, so you will first take a bus to Lao Cai Railway Station. From here, you can take the night train to Hanoi.
Buses are faster but do not have convenient travel times. Either they travel for an entire day or from evening until very early morning. You won't be able to save on accommodation, unlike when you take the overnight train. Also, travelling during peak hours can result in several hours of delay due to traffic.
For a door-to-door ride, you can also get a private transfer from Sapa to Hanoi. Prices start from [price 2,824,000 VND] for a 3-seater car.
PRO TIP: After visiting the North of Vietnam, it's time to explore the beautiful karst mountains on the coast of Halong Bay or Cat Ba. Use the search tool on top of the page to see the route overviews or book a Halong Bay boat cruise directly with Kook.
Flying from Sapa to Hanoi is not an option, yet. But there are plans to build an airport close to Lao Cai. This plan was officially approved by the prime minister in 2019 and the airport is expected to be completed in 2025.
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| Transport | Duration | Price | Best For | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BusFastest | 4h 45m | ($12) | -- | |
| Minivan | 4h 45m | ($19) | -- | |
| Private Transfer | 5h 30m | ($136) | -- | |
| TrainBudget | 6h 51m | ($11) | -- |
Route Overview
SapaHanoi315 km
Via Lao Cai
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Train
6h 51m - 9h 5mFrom ~$11
When travelling from Sapa to Hanoi, the train is always our first choice. Why?
First, trains are generally safer and more comfortable than buses. Second, with the train, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep and also save one night on accommodation.
A few tips, though. There is not much to do around Lao Cai Railway Station, so we don’t advise arriving here too early.
Instead, make the most of your stay in Sapa and take a van/bus around 17:00 or 18:00 to Lao Cai. Have dinner at one of the local restaurants near the train station before hopping on your train, which leaves at 21:30.
Bus
4h 45m - 6h 50mFrom ~$12
Travelling by bus doesn’t beat sleeping on a safer and more comfortable train. But if you really want to take the bus, you’ll be happy to know that there are a few highly-rated companies operating from Sapa to Hanoi.
Some of the main operators for this route are Sapa Dragon Express, Grouptour, SaPa Explore, Ha Son, TBus, Sao Vang (Thai Binh), Green Sapa Bus, Kadbus, Sao Viet, Techbus VN JSC, G8 OPEN TOUR, Ha Son Hai Van, Sapa Express and Sapa Group Bus. Bus fares start from $12.
Which bus to take?
There are 3 types of buses you can choose from when travelling from Sapa to Hanoi. It’s a ride that takes 4h 45m - 6h 50m, so it’s important to pick a bus depending on your preferred level of comfort.- Sleeping Bus: The most basic, these usually come with sleeper bunks, blankets, as well as food & drinks. Rates start from $12.
- VIP Cabin Bus: An upgrade to the sleeping bus, this comes with cabin-type bunks with curtains that you can close for privacy. Fares are from [price 377,000 VND].
- Limo Bus: Airconditioned buses with reclining seats – an alternative if you don’t want sleeper bunks. Prices start from [price 422,000 VND].
Departure and arrival station
Most buses depart from Sapa Bus Station or around Sapa Lake in the city centre. In Hanoi, buses mostly park around the Old Quarter, but that is not always the case. Double-check the departure and arrival points of your chosen bus. This way, you won’t end up spending a fortune on taxi rides to get between the bus station and your hotel.KEY LOCATIONS
Departure & Arrival Stations
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Hanoi?
Hanoi is Vietnam’s bustling capital, where heritage and modernity collide. At its heart is the iconic Old Quarter bustling with cosy hotels, old residential buildings and neighbourhood cafes. Composed of 36 streets, just walking around this area will reward you with many amazing discoveries.
Must-visit sites include the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the 19th-century gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral. We recommend munching on as much street food as you can, strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, and our favourite: watching the world go by from one of the many coffee shops in Hanoi.
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Carbon Footprint
This 315 km journey produces approximately 28 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Traveller Reviews
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Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
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Jenny L.Jan 2026
TrainThe overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
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Carlos V.Oct 2025
BusTook the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
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Maya R.Dec 2025
TrainLomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
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David H.Feb 2026
BusFlew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
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Sophie K.Jan 2026
Flight
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