Overview

Livitrans Express runs tourist sleeper carriages on the nightly Hanoi–Lao Cai train — the rail gateway to Sapa — and has sold tickets on this route for over 10 years. The overnight run takes about 8 hours — Hanoi 22:40 to Lao Cai 06:25 — and its newest carriages travel under the “New Livitrans Express” name.

Carriages offer two cabin classes — Deluxe with 4 berths and VIP with 2 berths — with soft bedding, air-conditioning, reading lights, WiFi and USB charging. Every ticket includes complimentary snacks, cold towels, bottled drinks and seasonal fruit. We confirm every booking directly with the operator and send your e-ticket by email.

At $39 a berth it is the cheapest sleeper on the route. The $160 private twin works out at $80 a person — less than a shared berth on some rivals.

Train Cabin Option & Details

All cabin types include:

• Free Wifi
• Cabin with air-conditioning and soft berths

Deluxe Cabin

Shared cabin – 4 berths
Max occupancy: 4 adults

Berth size
70 cm × 185 cm

Amenity on Board

• Air-conditioning, plush beds, blankets, pillows, soft lighting
• Welcome letter
• Mineral water, coffee, tea, cookies, and fresh fruits

Vip Cabin – Twin Bed

Private cabin – 2 foldable twin berths
Max occupancy: 2 adults

Berth size
70 cm × 185 cm

Amenity on Board

• Air-conditioning, plush beds, blankets, pillows, soft lighting
• Welcome letter
• Mineral water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, cookies, and fresh fruits

Solo or on a budget, take a Deluxe berth — the route’s cheapest way to travel in a real bed. Couples: the VIP twin at $160 is $80 each, the lowest private-cabin price on this line. Family of four: book all four Deluxe berths and the cabin is yours for $156.

Schedule & Departures

Note the return is a daytime train — you ride down the Red River valley in daylight and reach Hanoi by evening. Be at the station about 45 minutes early to collect tickets. From Lao Cai it is a 35 km road transfer to Sapa, about an hour.

Itinerary

Way from Hanoi to Sapa

Pick-up Location:

Hanoi Train Station – 120 Le Duan

Train Arrival:

Lao Cai Train Station – Khanh Yen Street, Lao Cai City

Final Drop-off (if transfer is booked):

Your hotel in Sapa Town (by shared or private transfer)

Way from Sapa to Hanoi

Pick-up Location (if transfer is booked):

Your hotel in Sapa Town (by shared or private transfer)

Train Departure:

Lao Cai Train Station – Khanh Yen Street, Lao Cai City

Final Arrival:

Hanoi Train Station – 120 Le Duan

Why Choose Livitrans Express Train?

Livitrans is the budget pick of the Hanoi–Sapa sleepers — the lowest fares on the route, run by an operator that has sold this line for over ten years.

• Comfortable Cabins:
  Deluxe (4 berths) and VIP (2 berths) with soft bedding, air-conditioning, and cozy interiors.
• Modern Amenities:
  Free Wi-Fi, charging outlets, reading lights, clean restrooms, plus complimentary snacks and drinks.
• Reliable Service:
  Daily departures, friendly staff, and affordable prices make it a trusted choice for travelers to Sapa

Comparing trains? All 8 Hanoi–Sapa trains side by side — or our Livitrans Express review.

Additional Info

Luggage Allowance

• One large suitcase and one bag per person is fine — there is rack space and room under the berths in every cabin.

Children Policy

• Children ≤ 4 years old and under 112 cm in height can share a bed with a parent for free (1 child per cabin).
• Children > 4 years old or ≥ 112 cm must purchase a full ticket.

Other

• Trains run nightly year-round; book two or three days ahead for Friday and Saturday nights in high season.
• Food and drinks are allowed for consumption inside the vehicle, with consideration to maintaining cleanliness during the trip