Family Express Train vs Chapa Express Train: Discover the Best Choice

If you’re planning a train trip and can’t decide between Family Express Train vs Chapa Express Train, you’re in the right place. Both offer unique features, services, and travel experiences. In this review, we’ll break down the key differences to help you choose the best option for your next journey. Let’s dive in!

Overview of Family Express Train vs Chapa Express Train

Chapa Express Train offers a truly comfortable and convenient journey with features like wood-paneling cabins, air-conditioning, reading lights, cozy beds, and beautiful Sapa-inspired décor. With thousands of satisfied passengers choosing us, it’s clear that Chapa Express is the preferred choice for those seeking a relaxing and enjoyable travel experience.

Family Express Train is a premium tourist train that offers a comfortable and unforgettable travel experience. With spacious seating, great amenities, and a focus on customer satisfaction, it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable journey to their destination.

Key Differences between Family Express Train vs Chapa Express Train

Those are some interesting distinctions between Family Express and Chapa Express! Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the their differences:

Comfort & Amenities

Chapa Express provides a few extra touches for a more luxurious experience. On Family Express, passengers enjoy individual reading lights, mineral water, paper cups, fruit, biscuits, and wet towels in each cabin. The train also has air-conditioning, charging points, and free Wi-Fi. Toilets are available, and blankets and pillows are provided for a cozy ride.

Chapa Express takes it up a notch with free high-speed Wi-Fi, Lavie mineral water, soft drinks, snacks, cakes, and fresh fruit. They also offer charging sockets at each bed, air conditioning, and freshly changed bedding and pillows before each trip. Additional services include slippers, dental kits, toiletries, and both hot and cold water. The well-trained, multilingual staff ensures a smooth and pleasant experience, making Chapa Express a great choice for those looking for a bit more luxury and comfort on their way to Sa Pa.

Design & Décor: Modern vs traditional styles

The Family Express Train, though not as high-end as some top-tier trains, creates a cozy atmosphere with well-equipped cabins. Passengers can enjoy comfortable berths, air conditioning, reading lights, and clean toilets, ensuring a restful journey. The natural wooden paneling in the cabins adds a warm, inviting touch, and the cheerful décor helps lift the mood. 

In contrast, the Chapa Express Train embraces a more traditional Sa Pa style, with elegant wood-paneling and luxury furniture. Its cabins are well-appointed with comfortable beds, and heaters, offering a more classic, refined feel. While the Family Express offers a modern, relaxed vibe, the Chapa Express highlights traditional design elements, making both trains appealing in their own way depending on personal style preferences.

Pricing: Cost comparison and value for money

	Family Express Train	Chapa Express Train
4 Berth Deluxe Cabin (price/ticket)	$39	$43
2 Berth VIP Cabin (price/cabin)	$148	$180
2 Berth Suite Cabin (price/cabin)	No	$195

Note: The price is set when it’s published, but it might change during the holidays. So, make sure to check before you book your tickets!

When comparing prices between Family Express vs Chapa Express, Family Express tends to be more affordable.

The Family Express Train has a 4-berth deluxe cabin priced at $39 per ticket, which is cheaper than the Chapa Express Train’s 4-berth deluxe cabin at $43 per ticket. For a more private experience, the Family Express offers a 2-berth VIP cabin at $148 per cabin, while Chapa Express charges $180 for the same type of cabin. 

The Family Express does not offer a 2-berth suite cabin, but the Chapa Express has one priced at $195 per cabin. Overall, the Family Express is more affordable for both the 4-berth deluxe and 2-berth VIP cabins, while the Chapa Express is pricier, especially for the suite cabin.

*Transfer

Transfer to Sapa Town, or Lao Cai Train Station	King Express Train	Chapa Express Train
Shared Transfer (16 sears car)	$5	$5
Private Transfer (4-7 seats car)	$30	$30

Both King Express Train vs Chapa Express Train offer transfers to Sapa Town or Lao Cai Train Station. You can choose a shared transfer in a 16-seat car for just $5, or if you prefer more privacy, a private transfer in a 4-7 seat car for $30.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Passengers on the Chapa Express Train often highlight the smooth check-in experience and the excellent quality of the private suite cabins, which are modern, clean, and well-maintained. Many appreciate the extra touches, like free drinks before bed and upon arrival. The private car transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa is also a big plus, with customers enjoying the personalized service, even though some noted that the driver chose a longer, winding route to avoid tolls. 

On the other hand, Family Express Train passengers tend to mention its more budget-friendly services with a slightly less private feel, though the overall experience is still comfortable and pleasant for those looking for a good value.

Click here to read detailed reviews of each train for the most complete overview!

• Family Express Train Review: Awe-Inspiring Ride for Everyone
• Chapa Express Train: Luxury Travel with Panoramic Landscapes

Duration & Timetable

Way from:		Family Express Train	Chapa 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, 12:05	21:30
	Arrival Time	5:35, 20:10	5:35

*Please note, this is just an estimated time. The actual time can change because of things like the train schedule, traffic, weather, and other problems. So, make sure to arrive 50 -60 minutes before the train leaves to check-in. At this time, your online ticket will be changed to a paper ticket.

Regarding travel time, both the Family Express Train vs Chapa Express Train offer similar schedules from Hanoi Station to Lao Cai Station. Both trains depart at 10:00 PM and arrive at 6:05 AM the following morning, making it an overnight trip. 

However, the schedule for the Family Express Train from Lao Cai to Hanoi is more flexible compared to the Chapa Express Train. The Family Express has two departure times: 21:30 and 12:05, giving you more options to choose from. On the other hand, the Chapa Express only departs at 21:30, so there’s less flexibility.

Which Train is Best for You?

If you’re looking for comfort without breaking the bank, and more flexible time if you want to go from Lao Cai Station to Hanoi, the Family Express Train is a solid choice. It offers cozy cabins, free Wi-Fi, snacks, and essential amenities like air conditioning and charging points at a more affordable price.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more luxurious experience with extra touches like high-speed Wi-Fi, snacks, and personalized service, the Chapa Express Train is perfect for you. While it’s pricier, the added comfort and elegance make it ideal for those seeking a more refined journey.

Conclusion

Have you finally made your own decision yet? If you already have a decision about Family Express Train vs Chapa Express Train, you can visit our website to book the type of train you want with affordable prices and the best care service!