Trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Hanoi
Lao Cai
Sat, Dec 13
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Destination Reviews

MS
A lot of snacks (potato chips, cookie, nuts), a coke, a water. + Wet tissue. We had 2 bed VIP class cabin. The upper beds were just lifted up. Since the floor under the bed was really dirty (dust, used water bottles, used earplugs) we had to put our luggage on one of the upper beds. The toilet room of our wagon was really small. You have to put one leg each on one side of WC in order to be able to close the door. But the toilets in neighbor wagons were bigger, if not that large that a shower cabin could fit into them. The wagon was quite shaky in comparison to the Demitrans train that we took in the other direction.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Dec 10, 2025
DJ
It was a good trip there. It was nice to have snacks and amenities in the cabin. The cabin and beds were nice and clean. The process of getting the tickets is a little confusing and can be improved.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Dec 4, 2025
NR
The train ride in itself was good. The bathrooms could have used a quick clean halfway through though. We were lucky enough to only be two in a 4 people carriage and I feel like they are too small for 4 unless there are kids. The operator did a weird thing where I bought tickets for the later train and they gave me tickets for the earlier one. I then had to say I wanted to cancel for them to give me the tickets that I had chosen which was a bit weird.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Cabin 4x, Damitrans, Dec 3, 2025
DK
Its great value for money for sure but the room is not sound proof at all. the neighbouring rooms are so noisy as they are drinking and talking loudly all night. Since we booked the VIP room (2 pax room) they informed us its sold out and gave use the 4 pax room instead (althought its still just the two of us and they did inform beforehand), but we think they should have more separation between guest if its not fully booked. No water so the toilet stink.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Cabin 2x, NewLivitrans Express, Nov 29, 2025
FA
Cabin is clean, very comfortable. We slept throughout the night. We can lock the cabin so there is no worry at all. The toilet is clean and has no smell. It was a very nice experience. I will take Chapa Express again to SaPa
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 29, 2025
FM
The chapa express cabin we booked was replaced with fansipan cabin due to some issue at that time but still nothing has changed for us as the ride was very comfortable. The lounge, the service provided, welcome drinks, fruits, snacks and the clean beds and toilets really made our trip enjoyable and comfortable. We even thought why couldnt we take train everytime during our travel in vietnam.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 18, 2025
DB
Someone, Send Me The tickets via WhatsApp and Ask me of Everything was OK ?
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train Shared Suite Cabin, King Sapa Train, Nov 10, 2025
ZB
We booked a Deluxe Sleeper class with Chapa Express, but what we got was not at all what was ordered. We were placed in a coach numbered 12A, which was not branded as Chapa like the other coaches (e.g. 12, 14). It was much older, the room was not as shown in the photos, the toilets were smelly, and there was no WiFi available. And worst of all, the suspension of this older coach was creeking and squeaking very loudly during the entire trip. We could hardly sleep due to the extreme noises during the entire ride. Steping into the adjacent Chapa coach, we could see it was nothing like ours. Much newer with much better rooms and toilets, and much much quiter. We paid for a deluxe sleeper and got a 2nd class sleeper at best. Upon reaching them by WhatsApp, they claim this simply their "deluxe" class. Bottom line, if you consider taking their "deluxe" class, better consider a modern sleeper bus instead...
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Sleeper 4x + Shuttle Bus, Chapa Express, Nov 9, 2025
ID
A good experience and quite comfortable. Bear in mind the train left 45mins early. Had to rush from the vip suite with the help of the kind staff
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP7 Deluxe Sleeper 4x, Chapa Express, Nov 7, 2025
SC
We had to collect the tickets at the station, and be there at least 45 minutes before. The Fanxipan rep didn't show until 20 minutes before so we were quite worried we wouldn't be able to travel.
Hanoi to Lao Cai, Train #SP3 Deluxe Cabin 4x, Fanxipan Express, Nov 5, 2025
4.4
391 customer reviews
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49%
4
27%
3
16%
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Hanoi to Lao Cai Train Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:00
05:55
$23.90
  3.9
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:00
06:00
$31.83
  4.5
Et Pumpkin
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:01
06:01
$25.81
  2.0
Fanxipan Express
Deluxe Cabin 4x
22:30
06:25
$23.90
  3.9
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:36
05:55
$16.88
  3.5
Chapa Express
Deluxe Sleeper 4x
22:40
06:40
$31.83
  4.5
Damitrans
Cabin 4x
22:40
06:40
$24.67
  4.6
Vietnam Railways
1st Class Sleeper
22:58
05:55
$20.64

Transportation from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Facts about the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai

Cheapest Train$20
Fastest Train6h 57m
Earliest Train9:35 PM
Latest Train11:03 PM
Daily Train Routes86
Distance188 kilometers
TrainChapa Express, Charmy Express, Damitrans, Family Express, Fanxipan Express, King Sapa Train, Laman Express, NewLivitrans Express, Tiim Group, Vicsapa Train, Vietnam Rail, Violette Trains

How to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai by train

Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai is a decent alternative to bus or air travel. Travelling from Hanoi to Lao Cai by train is easy, safe, and convenient. There is a direct railway link between the two destinations, which makes your trip smooth and hassle-free. Tickets are available for online booking and it is a good idea to buy them in advance to secure your seat. To get the most out of your train journey, check the schedule and choose the most convenient departure. As a rule, trains and ticket classes are available for every taste and budget.

How far is Hanoi from Lao Cai?

The distance from Hanoi to Lao Cai is 188 km. Railways link the two destinations so that you can travel direct without connections. If there are connections, they will be indicated in your ticket.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai by train?

Depending on the type of train, the length of your railway journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai may vary. The slowest train needs about 8h 25m to get to Lao Cai, and the fastest one brings you there in about 6h 57m. We recommend opting for the fastest service to save you time, especially if you travel by day. With overnight service, the difference of a couple of hours seems not so crucial and may prove even convenient.

Note that trains normally depart on time from their station of origin but sometimes come later than scheduled to their terminus. It is better not to plan short connections if you are going to continue your journey immediately after arrival to Lao Cai.

In many destinations, train stations are located very centrally and have good transport connections with the rest of the city, bus stations, and airports. It mostly concerns the older and well-established railway stations. The newer and bigger ones tend to appear in the outskirts of towns and cities, first of all, due to the reason of limited space in the central locations. Getting to and from there may be challenging even by taxi, as restrictions may apply on taxi operators allowed to serve the passengers. Hence, we highly recommend double-checking the location of the station you will depart from and arrive at as some destinations have several train stations.

How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Lao Cai by train?

There may be carriages of a different class on one and the same train on one and the same route. The price of your ticket will vary accordingly – from a dirt-cheap tag for hard seats to high numbers for super comfy overnight sleeper berths on luxury trains. For the Hanoi – Lao Cai route, the cheapest ticket costs while if you want to travel with more comfort, expect to pay for the most expensive option.

Travelling by train essentials

  • Train tickets often sell out well before the date of departure. Book them in advance even if your travel does not fall onto high-season dates. Travelling during peak periods which also include public and national holidays, and long or bank weekends, advanced booking is a must if you do not want to remake your travel plans on the spot. It is unnecessary to go to the train station to book – buy your ticket online in a few clicks.
  • Advanced booking ensures you get the seats and berths you want. For example, the lower berths are always the first to sell out, while upper berths may be available even on the departure date. Similarly, for longer distances, it is the night trips that enjoy the highest demand, while you may be able to grab a ticket for the same route an hour before departure if it is an inconvenient day ride that eats a huge part of your time.
  • There may be different carriages within one and the same train: fan-only and air-conditioned; hard seats and soft seats; second class berths and private compartments. Before buying your ticket, make sure you understand what type of seat you are paying for. Prices may differ greatly, but sometimes it is a good idea to pay more not to spend 20 hours on a hard seat in a fan-only carriage. In general, second-class berths are a good choice for longer overnight trips, while for shorter 4-6-hour day journeys, a soft seat is a great option.
  • Air-conditioning on trains can be excessive – as well as heating during the cold season. Make sure to pack layers not to get cold or hot during your trip. In hot countries, fan-only carriages are a cheaper and acceptable alternative to air-conditioned carriages.
  • There are toilets on board a train. Depending on the type of train, some carriages can be equipped with simple squat-type toilets or normal Western toilets. Regardless of your ticket's price, the train toilets' cleanness is not often up to the standard, alas. It especially concerns cheaper classes, though even in first-class carriages, complaints are not unheard of.
  • There is normally a dining carriage on long-distance trains, but on some routes, dining carriages have become extinct due to covid-19 restrictions. Check in advance if food is available on board or simply pack some snacks to be on the safe side. On many trains, you will also see hawkers patrolling the aisles during the journey and selling soft beverages and snacks. Alcohol drinks are prohibited on trains.
  • Smoking is prohibited, too, if, of course, you are not travelling by a common class somewhere in China or Indonesia!
  • Arrive at the train station at least half an hour before departure to allow enough time to find your platform and go through check-in formalities. A passport or other ID which you use for buying your train ticket is almost always needed, so keep it at hand to produce when asked at check-in or boarding.
  • Trains may arrive at their destination later than scheduled. These delays are not uncommon, especially for long-haul routes. Be ready and plan accordingly. Yet compared to buses, trains are less weather and traffic dependent hence more reliable schedule-wise.