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Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, and the Old Quarter is its beating heart. Narrow streets there run on street food, motorbikes and pavement beer stools. The train is the cheapest way to get from Sapa to Hanoi, at $11 (282,000 VND). The ride takes 6h 51m - 9h 5m, though. The bus and the minivan both cut the journey shorter and cost a bit more. A private transfer is the comfortable, costly pick.
Distance from Sapa to Hanoi
Sapa and Hanoi are about 253 km (157 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 353 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h 45m and 9h 5m.
4 ways to travel from Sapa to Hanoi
There are four ways to travel from Sapa to Hanoi. You can choose between the train, bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 4h 45m–6h 50m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $11 (282,000 VND).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Sapa→Lao Cai45m
- Lao Cai→Hanoi6h 5m
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1Sapa to Hanoi by Train
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.
Step 1: Sapa to Lao Cai by Van/Bus
From Sapa, you can take either a van or a public bus to Lao Cai.
We recommend booking a minivan through your hotel. These vans pick you up from your hotel and take you to Lao Cai Railway Station for about $2.30 (60,000 VND). Travel time is around 45 minutes.
Public buses are cheaper at $1.10 (30,000 VND), but not as reliable as the vans. In theory, they depart from the bus station at the main square every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 18:30. However, bus trips can get cancelled without notice.
Be aware that there are no local buses leaving from Sapa to Lao Cai after 18:30!
In case you miss the last bus, you can take a taxi to Lao Cai Railway Station with fares from $9.50 (250,000 VND).
Step 2: Lao Cai to Hanoi by Train
Starting October 2022, Vietnam Railways has returned to its nightly operations from Lao Cai to Hanoi. It previously reduced its trips to a few times a week due to the pandemic.
Train SP4 departs from Lao Cai every night at 21:30. It arrives in Hanoi around 05:25 the next day.You can get a bunk in a 4-berth sleeper for $8.30 (218,000 VND). Cheaper 6-berth sleepers are also available, but they are less spacious and may not be as comfortable.
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Sapa to Hanoi by Bus
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 (313,000 VND).
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 (313,000 VND).
- 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 $14 (377,000 VND).
- Limo Bus: Airconditioned buses with reclining seats – an alternative if you don’t want sleeper bunks. Prices start from $16 (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.
Bus schedule from Sapa to Hanoi
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Sapa to Hanoi by Minivan
A minivan ride from Sapa to Hanoi costs around $19 (500,000 VND). The minivan journey takes about 4h 45m - 6h, depending on traffic.
There are five companies operating on this route: Phuc Lam Limousine, Eco Sapa Limousine, Sapa Dragon Express, Green Sapa Bus and Green Lion Bus
Sapa to Hanoi by Minivan
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Sapa to Hanoi by Private Transfer
Looking for a private transfer from Sa Pa to Hanoi? You can book one through BookAway, which offers comfortable cars with professional drivers.
Rates start from $135 (3,579,000 VND) for a 5-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $27 (716,000 VND) per person.
Private Transfer tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Hanoi
Here are our favourite places to stay in Hanoi for every budget.
Siva Luxury Hotel
Just landed in Hanoi? In this hotel, you will get the best night of sleep you had since ages. The friendly staff will give you a warm welcome and serve a wonderful breakfast buffet the next morning! Located in the middle of the centre, but completely isolated from all the noise.
Double rooms with city view from: $42
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Sapa to Hanoi, roughly 253 kilometres (157 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $11 (282,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 4h 45m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Sapa to Hanoi?
The distance from Sapa to Hanoi is 253 kilometres (157 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sapa to Hanoi?
Journey times from Sapa to Hanoi overlap: train 6h 51m - 9h 5m, bus 4h 45m - 6h 50m, minivan 4h 45m - 6h, private transfer 5h 30m - 6h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sapa to Hanoi?
The cheapest way to get from Sapa to Hanoi is by train with ticket costs starting from 282,000 VND.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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