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Hanoi to Sapa Train

There is no railway into Sapa itself: night trains run Hanoi to Lao Cai in about 8 hours, and a 38 km shuttle covers the last hour up the mountain. Shared cabins cost US$29–40; private cabins start around US$115.

How the Hanoi to Sapa train route works

Night trains leave Hanoi Station (use the Tran Quy Cap street entrance for these tourist carriages) late in the evening, around 21:30–22:00, and arrive at Lao Cai early the next morning after roughly 8 hours. From Lao Cai station it is 38 km up the mountain to Sapa town — about one hour by shuttle van or taxi, which meet every arriving train. Check each listing above for its exact departure time and whether the Sapa shuttle is included.

Carriages and prices on this site

Option	Price	Notes
Shared 4-berth soft sleeper	US$29–40	King Express, Pumpkin Express, Chapa Express, Sapaly Express, Orient Express and Fanxipan Express carriages
Victoria Express shared cabin	US$94	The premium carriage on the route, run for Victoria Sapa Resort guests and open to other travelers
Private cabin (2 berths or whole cabin)	US$115–370	Pumpkin, Orient, Fanxipan and Victoria private compartments — the whole cabin is yours

Getting from Lao Cai station to Sapa

Shuttle vans and taxis wait outside Lao Cai station for every train arrival. The 38 km climb takes about an hour. Some tickets bundle this transfer — the listing says so when it does; otherwise expect to pay a small extra fare on arrival, or ask us in chat to arrange it with your ticket.

Train or bus?

The train costs more than a sleeper bus (from US$10) and ends with the Lao Cai transfer, but you sleep lying flat on rails instead of a winding road, which many travelers — especially families and anyone prone to motion sickness — find worth the difference. Daytime travelers should also look at the limousine vans. The full comparison is on the Hanoi to Sapa route page, and the detailed guide is in our Hanoi to Sapa train article.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from Hanoi to Sapa?

No. The railway ends at Lao Cai station, 38 km from Sapa. All trains on this route are Hanoi–Lao Cai night trains; a shuttle van or taxi covers the last hour up the mountain.

What time do the night trains leave Hanoi?

Departures are late in the evening, around 21:30–22:00 from Hanoi Station, arriving at Lao Cai early the next morning. Each listing shows its exact departure time — plan to be at the station 30–45 minutes early.

Should I choose a lower or upper berth?

Lower berths are easier to get in and out of and let you sit upright with your luggage in reach, so they go first. Upper berths are the same price on most services and slightly more private.

Is the train good for families with children?

Yes — a private cabin gives you the whole compartment, so children can sleep normally. Shared 4-berth cabins also work if you book all four berths together.

Prices reflect the services listed on this page; exact departure times are on each listing. Last checked: 14 August 2026.