Trains & Transfers

Title

One way to get to Sapa from Hanoi is by overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai and a bus transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa. We can help you book the overnight trains and transfers even if you are not trekking or touring with us.

Overnight train to Lao Cai

The overnight train will take you to Lao Cai approximately 38 km from Sapa. We offer two train options when booking treks and tours with us.

King Express Train

The King Express Train reflects the charm of colonial traveling style in northern Vietnam. They offer an inspirational experience onboard as well the time to enjoy the beauty of evocative destinations.The King Express carriages feature various types of budget to ensure the most convenient trip for visitors to Sapa.

Price:
Standard cabin USD28 per person one way 
VIP cabin for 2 person USD60 per person one way 

Timetable:
Hanoi to Lao Cai (SP3) departs daily at 10:00pm (arrives 6:20am following day)
Lao Cai to Hanoi (SP4) departs daily at 9:05pm (arrives 5:22am following day)

Chapa Express train

The comfortable wooden-panelled cabins let you relax or simply let the beauty glide across the spacious windows. Each Chapa express train cabin is equipped with reading lights, an electricity socket 220V, baggage storage, flower, a free bottled mineral water and free face napkin. If you set up a Private cabin for 2, it has a snack, coffee and ice tea. Each train carriage has a toilet and a wash basin for you to freshen up.

Price:
Superior cabin USD27 per person one way 
Deluxe cabin USD35 per person one way 
VIP cabin for 2 person USD75 per person one way 

Timetable:
Hanoi to Lao Cai (SP3) departs daily at 10:00 pm (arrives 6:20am following day)
Lao Cai to Hanoi (SP4) departs daily at 9:05 pm (arrives 5:22am following day)

Transfers Lao Cai to Sapa

Sapa is located approximately 38 km from Lao Cai station and there are two main options for making the one hour journey

  • Shared mini-bus at USD3 per person one way
  • Private vehicle from USD27 one way
  • Please let us know when you book which transfer option you would prefer.

Even if you are not booking your train ticket with us we can still arrange your transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa.

How it works

Once your booking is confirmed we will send you an official e-voucher for your tickets that you will need to print out and take to Hanoi Railway Station one hour before your train departure to exchange for your ticket. This is very similar to a modern airport procedure.

There is only one station in Hanoi. However, an important thing to note is that you must go to the 'B' entrance of Hanoi Railway Station (called Trần Quý Cáp: see map) and not the main entrance.

When you arrive in Lao Cai your driver will be waiting for you with a sign with our Sapa O'Chau logo and your name on it. The driver will escort you to the vehicle for your 45 minute trip to Sapa.