Schedule of train and bus trips from Hanoi to Lao Cai and Lao Cai to Hanoi in Vietnam. Last updated on July 20, 2019.
Lao Cai is the capital city of the mountainous province of Lao Cai, home to a number of ethnic hill tribes and stunning natural landscapes. It is reachable by train, bus, and van from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.
TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS
SCHEDULE OF BUS, VAN AND TRAIN TRIPS FROM HANOI TO LAO CAI AND VICE-VERSA
TRAIN SCHEDULE FROM HANOI TO LAO CAI
There are only two departures every night at 9:35 PM and 10:00 PM from Hanoi to Lao Cai but it is serviced by many different railway companies such as Pumpkin Express, Vietnam Railways, Orient Express, Fanxipan, Livitrans Express, Victoria Express, King Express, Sapaly Express, Violette Express, and Chapa Express.
TRAIN FARE BETWEEN HANOI AND LAO CAI
The train fare varies depending on the class and the railway company. Fare starts at USD23 and goes as high as USD164. Check here for full fare rates.
BUS SCHEDULE FROM HANOI TO LAO CAI
| Bus Company | Departure | Fare |
| Sapa Express | 6:30 AM | USD16 |
| Sapa Express | 7:00 AM | USD12 |
| Truly Hagiang | 7:00 AM | USD12 |
| Sapa Dragon | 7:00 AM | USD13 |
| Sapa Express | 3:00 PM | USD18 |
| Sapa Dragon | 10:00 PM | USD11 |
| Sapa Express | 10:00 PM | USD12 |
TRAIN SCHEDULE FROM LAO CAI TO HANOI
The train departs at 8:55 and 9:40 PM. As mentioned above this route is serviced by many different railway companies.
BUS SCHEDULE FROM LAO CAI TO HANOI
| Bus Company | Departure | Fare |
| Sapa Express | 7:00 AM | USD18 |
| Grouptour | 7:45 AM | USD11 |
| Sapa Express | 1:15 PM | USD12 |
| Grouptour | 1:15 PM | USD11 |
| Truly Hagiang | 3:00 PM | USD12 |
| Grouptour | 3:00 PM | USD11 |
| Sapa Express | 3:15 PM | USD12 |
| Grouptour | 3:15 PM | USD11 |
| Sapa Dragon | 3:30 PM | USD11 |
| Sapa Express | 3:30 PM | USD16 |
| Grouptour | 3:45 PM | USD11 |
| Grouptour | 9:45 PM | USD11 |
TRAVEL TIME
The travel time between Hanoi and Lao Cai is around 6 hours by bus and approximately 8 hours by train.
