The train Hanoi to Sapa is the scenic way north: an 8-hour ride to Lao Cai station, then a 35 km transfer up to Sapa town. Cabins run from $39, on overnight trains plus two daytime services. We handle bookings with all eight operators ourselves, so the fares and cabins in the table are exactly what we sell; compare them below.
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 | Luxury: VIP lounge & suite |
| Family Express | from $45 | $175 | Day | Daytime travel, families |
| Damitrans Express | from $45 | $175 | Night | Private, quiet cabins |
| King Express | from $48 | $180 | Day | Premium daytime train |
| 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.
Which Train Should You Book?
- On a budget? Livitrans from $39: great value, modern cabins, and our most-booked train.
- Want the most luxury? VIC Sapa or Chapa Express: the plushest cabins, VIP lounge and private suites.
- Prefer daytime? King Express and Family Express run by day, so you keep the scenery and save a hotel night.
- 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 6 hours, 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.
Last verified: June 2026 · ✓ Verified by Sapa Nomad Team
Sao Viet Bus: Hanoi Sapa Private Cabin Sleeper Bus





