Sapa Tours & Activities
Every operator on this route runs the same rails on the same schedule. What you’re really choosing is the carriage: how new the cabins are, a shared 4-berth or a private 2-berth, and day or overnight. The table below shows all eight operators at the exact fares we book them at; schedule and the Lao Cai transfer follow.
Train Hanoi to Sapa: Compare Every Operator
Every train offers the same two cabin choices. A shared 4-berth soft-sleeper, booked per berth, is the cheapest; a private 2-berth VIP cabin, booked whole, gives couples more space. What differs between operators is price, comfort, and day-vs-overnight:
| Train | 4-Berth (per person) | Private 2-Berth (per cabin) | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livitrans Express ⭐ | from $39 | $160 | Night | Best value, modern cabins |
| Chapa Express | from $45 | $215 | Night | Most booked — VIP lounge & suite |
| Family Express | from $45 | $175 | Night | Families, whole-cabin option |
| Damitrans Express | from $45 | $175 | Night | Private, quiet cabins |
| King Express | from $48 | $180 | Night | Premium cabins, midday return |
| Laman Express | from $48 | $180 | Night | Comfy cabins, friendly staff |
| Sapaly Express | from $55 | $198 | Night | Comfortable VIP cabins |
| VIC Sapa | from $55 | $195 | Night | Top luxury, VIP service |
Some trains also offer suites or twin and double-bed private cabins; see each train’s page for the full cabin list and exact prices.
Schedule: What Time Do Trains Leave?
| Train | Hanoi (Tran Quy Cap gate) | Arrive Lao Cai |
|---|---|---|
| SP3 (night) | 22:00 | 05:55 – 06:05 |
| SP7 (night) | 22:40 | 06:25 |
| SP4 / night trains back | dep Lao Cai 21:30 | Hanoi 05:30 – 05:35 |
| Midday return (SP8 — King, Chapa, Family, Livitrans) | dep Lao Cai 12:05 | Hanoi 19:37 |
Each operator attaches its own carriages to these trains, so exact times vary by a few minutes — your ticket shows the final one. From Lao Cai station it is a 35 km road transfer to Sapa, about an hour; we can arrange the van when you book. Overnight riders arrive in time for sunrise and an early trek start.
Which Train Should You Book?
- On a budget? Livitrans from $39: great value and modern cabins at the lowest fare on the route.
- Want the most luxury? Chapa Express — our most-booked train — or VIC Sapa: the plushest cabins, VIP lounge and private suites.
- Want daylight views? Every departure from Hanoi is overnight — but King, Chapa, Family and Livitrans run a 12:05 midday return from Lao Cai, so you ride down with the scenery.
- A couple after privacy? Book a private 2-berth VIP cabin (from about $160) instead of a shared 4-berth.
Why Book With Sapa Nomad
- A licensed local operator. Sapa Nomad is run by LIM Travel Company Limited (business reg. / tax code 0109215229; international tour operator licence 01-2452/2023), with an office at 536 Dien Bien Phu, Sapa.
- Real human support. If something goes wrong on travel day, message our Sapa team on WhatsApp and a person sorts it out, not a bot.
- Booked direct and confirmed. You get confirmation by WhatsApp and email, usually within one business day, and can reschedule if your plans change.
→ Want the deep dive, with cabin photos and our verdict on the best luxury and sleeper trains? See our full train ranking.
→ Want full schedules, the Lao Cai transfer and step-by-step booking? See our train booking guide.
Booking FAQ
Does the train go all the way to Sapa?
No. The Hanoi to Sapa train actually runs to Lao Cai station, about 8 hours away. From Lao Cai it is a 35 km road transfer of roughly an hour up to Sapa town, which you can arrange when you book.
What is the difference between a 4-berth and a 2-berth cabin?
A 4-berth is a shared soft-sleeper cabin, booked per berth, so it is the cheapest way to travel. A 2-berth VIP cabin is private for two, booked as a whole cabin, with more space and quiet.
Which is the cheapest train to Sapa?
Livitrans starts from $39 per berth in a 4-berth cabin. The most luxurious trains, VIC Sapa and Sapaly, start from $55.
What time do trains leave Hanoi for Sapa?
Night trains leave Hanoi around 22:00–22:40 and arrive Lao Cai 05:30–06:25; the daytime option is the 12:05 return from Lao Cai. See the schedule table above — and book a day ahead in high season, two for Friday nights.
Last verified: August 2026 · ✓ Verified by Sapa Nomad Team