How to get Sapa from Hanoi
09/04/2024Sa Pa Town is located in Lao Cai Province, and 350 km north-west of Hanoi, close to the border with China. If you want to visit Sapa and you wonder how to get to Sapa from Hanoi? Let The Time Journeys guide you through the transportation modes and routes to reach this incredible destination in the mountains of northern Vietnam.
Nowadays, it is easy to travel to Sapa. You can go to Sapa by night train, private van/ car, limousine bus or sleeper bus. It takes around 5 to 8 hours for a way.
1. By night train
Travel by train let you more private space, time to rest and beautiful view over window. Travel by train is the safest. The most popular 4-berth carriages. All the trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai station departure from Hanoi around 21:30 – 22:00. Each ride takes approximately eight to nine hours per way. The train arrives at Lao Cai station, a city adjacent to Chinese border. From Lao Cai, you will take a bus or car to Sapa. It takes around 45 minutes to 1-hour drive away.
You can check the ticket prices from operators like Sapaly Express, Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, Chapa Express. The price is around $ 29 – $ 35/ 1 ticket/ 1 way. Children less than five years old will not be charged any ticket fee and will share beds with their parents. A return ticket can also be bought right from Hanoi.
There are currently two trains to Lao Cai from Hanoi every night, the SP1 and SP3. Additional services might be added during peak holiday periods.
– SP1 departs Hanoi at 9.35pm and arrives in Lao Cai at 5.30am the next morning
– SP3 departs Hanoi at 10pm and arrives in Lao Cai at 6am the next morning
2. By Limousine Van
If you prefer to travel during daylight hours, there are several coach sleeper bus/ limousine van from Hanoi to Sapa. The vans are fast, getting you to Sapa in as little as 5.5 hours. If it’s within your budget, limousine van is my preferred way to travel from Hanoi to Sapa.
Normally: One departing Hanoi at 6.30am, and a second afternoon service departing Hanoi at 2.30pm. Pick up from Old Quarter hotels and drop you off your hotel in Sapa, is included in the ticket price. The drive takes 5.5 hours on average, including one or two short rest stops. The van features comfortable leather seats, WIFI, and USB charging ports. The ticket price includes water and a snack.
3. By sleeper bus
Sleeper buses have become an ideal means of transportation for travelers seeking to explore this destination. The journey typically spans between 5.5 and 6 hours, , but travel times may vary depending on road conditions and traffic. Their buses come in different designs and quality levels, giving travelers plenty of choices to find the right fit for their preferences.
The Sleeper buses offers spacious seats adorned with curtains and a TV for your entertainment during the journey. These bus companies offer various options in terms of comfort and price. Make sure to check the schedules, ticket availability, and customer reviews before booking your bus tickets.
If you choose to travel to Sapa by sleeper bus, it is best to do so at night, around 10 PM. You can rest during the journey, arrive early in the morning at your destination, and start exploring right away!
4. By private transfers
You can also reach Sapa by arranging private transfers or private cars.
Renting a private car with a driver is a popular option for a comfortable and hassle-free transfer. You can book a private car in advance from various providers. This option provides flexibility and allows you to enjoy the scenic drive to Sapa. When considering private transfers, make sure to plan ahead, check the route and road conditions, and arrange everything with a reliable and reputable service provider to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to Sapa.
