Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train: Find the Perfect Ride

When it comes to traveling between Hanoi and Sapa, two popular options are the Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train. Both trains offer unique experiences, but they each have their own style and amenities. Let’s explore the differences between these two trains to help you choose the best one for your journey!

Overview of Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train

Chapa Express Train is one of the newest night train Hanoi to Sapa since June 2014. With just 7 cozy cabins for up to 28 passengers, it’s perfect for a smooth and safe trip to Sapa, one of the coolest spots in Vietnam. You’ll love the modern amenities, clean spaces, and comfy vibe onboard.

Livitrans Express is known as the “cleanest train in Vietnam”! It’s a newer, super comfy train connecting Hanoi to Sapa, Hue, and Danang. It’s one of the luxury train Hanoi to Sapa, with VIP and Tourist cabins. The 6 VIP cabins are fancy and stylish, with beautiful wooden interiors. Honestly, it’s like riding in a high-end hotel on wheels

Detailed Comparison: Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express

Looking to choose between Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train? Let’s break down the key differences in comfort, pricing, services, overall travel experience, and other factors!

Journey Experience

Both trains offer great comfort, but there are a few differences. Both Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train have cozy cabins with comfortable bedding, pillows, and blankets. You’ll also find air conditioning, individual reading lights, chargers, Wi-Fi, and earplugs on both, ensuring a relaxing trip. As for speed and punctuality, both trains are generally reliable with no major delays, taking about 8 hours for the journey. 

In terms of facilities, both offer clean toilets, water, and Wi-Fi, but Livitrans tends to feel a bit more luxurious in terms of overall design and atmosphere. When it comes to noise and vibration levels, Livitrans generally offers a quieter, smoother ride, which might be more comfortable for light sleepers.

Route and Schedule

Way from:		Chapa Express Train	Livitrans Express Train
Hanoi Station to Lao Cai Station	Departure Time	22:00	22:00
	Arrival Time	06:05	06:05
Lao Cai Train Station to Hanoi	Departure Time	21:30	21:30
	Arrival Time	5:35	5:35

Regarding schedules of Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train, both trains travel between Hanoi and Lao Cai, offering convenient options for travelers. 

Both Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train follow the same route between Hanoi and Lao Cai, with nearly identical schedules. From Hanoi, both trains depart at 10:00 PM and arrive in Lao Cai at 6:05 AM. 

The return trip from Lao Cai departs at 9:30 PM and arrives in Hanoi at 5:35 AM. These timings give travelers a full night of rest during the journey. As for check-in, it’s recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes or 1 hour before departure to allow time for ticket verification and boarding

Pricing Comparison

Chapa Express Train	Livitrans Express Train
4 Berth Deluxe Cabin (price/ticket) $43 2 Berth VIP Cabin (price/cabin) $180 2 Berth Suite Cabin (price/cabin) $195	Shared cabin (price/ticket) $35 Private VIP Cabin – Twin Bed (price/cabin) $125 Private VIP Cabin – Double Bed (price/cabin) $135

When it comes to pricing, both Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train offer different options depending on your budget and preferences. For Chapa Express, a 4-Berth Deluxe Cabin costs around $42 per ticket, while a 2-Berth VIP Cabin is priced at $180 per cabin, and the 2-Berth Suite Cabin goes for $195 per cabin. 

On the other hand, Livitrans Express offers a Shared Cabin for $35 per ticket, which is a great budget-friendly choice. For a more private experience, the Private VIP Cabin with a Twin Bed is $125 per cabin, and the Private VIP Cabin with a Double Bed is $135 per cabin. So, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, Livitrans might be the way to go. However, if you’re after extra luxury and privacy, Chapa Express offers higher-end cabins.

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>> See more: Chapa Express Train: Luxury Travel with Panoramic Landscapes

Booking Process for Both Trains

Booking tickets for Chapa Express and Livitrans Express is super easy, whether you want to do it online or at the station! You can quickly grab your tickets on their official websites or through third-party sites. Booking online is fast and saves you time, plus you can lock in your spot ahead of time. 

If you’re already at the station, you can also buy tickets there. Both Chapa Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train have similar cancellation policies: cancel more than 72 hours before departure and you’ll get a full refund (minus a small fee), cancel between 48-72 hours and get half back, and no refund within 48 hours or for no-shows. 

Do you want to book your trip to Sapa? Head over to our website for great prices, easy booking, and awesome customer service! It’s the easiest way to get your tickets!

What Do Travelers Say? A Look at Reviews

Chapa Express really gets great reviews for comfort and service! Many travelers loved the Deluxe cabins – they’re clean, cozy, and have air conditioning. The beds are comfy, and the bathrooms are spotless with full toilets. People also liked the free snacks and drinks, and the lounge in Lao Cai was a nice bonus. One standout review even mentioned how the staff went above and beyond to help find a lost phone, searching through the cabin and laundry.

Now, on the flip side, reviews for Livitrans Express are a bit more mixed. Some travelers appreciated the welcome basket with water, beer, and snacks, but the food options were pretty basic, mostly noodles and snacks.

Which Train is Right for You? Chapa Express vs Livitrans Express

• For Budget Travelers:
  • Chapa Express: Great value for money with affordable cabins like the 4-Berth Deluxe ($42).
  • Livitrans Express: Offers even cheaper options like the Shared Cabin ($35), making it a solid budget pick.
• For Luxury Seekers:
  • Chapa Express: Premium options like the 2-Berth VIP Cabin ($180) and Suite Cabin ($195) for extra comfort.
  • Livitrans Express: More affordable luxury with the Private VIP Cabins (Twin Bed $125, Double Bed $135).
• For Families/Groups:
  • Chapa Express: More spacious, ideal for families and larger groups.
• For Solo Travelers/Backpackers:
  • Livitrans Express: A more affordable option for solo travelers while still offering decent comfort.

Conclusion

So, at the end of the day, both the Chapa Express vs Livitrans Express Train have their perks! Chapa Express is all about that extra comfort and top-notch service, while Livitrans is perfect if you’re looking to save a bit. It really just depends on what you’re after – a bit of luxury or more savings! Either way, you’re in for a great ride!