Best Ways: How to Get from Hanoi to Sapa
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam? The small mountain town of Sapa is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam, so don’t miss it on your Vietnam Itinerary.
Explore the spectacular rice terraces of Sapa, see the beautiful mountain peaks, hike the most scenic trekking trails, immerse yourself in the culture, and experience the traditional way of life of ethnic minorities.
Getting to Sapa may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to Sapa by bus, train, or minivan.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Hanoi to Sapa, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or private transfer will cost.
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Hanoi to Sapa Distance
The distance between Sapa and Hanoi is about 310 km, which is 5-8 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
There are several ways to get to Sapa from Hanoi: by train (8 hours), by bus (5-7 hours), and by private transfer (5-5.5 hours).
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a train or bus ticket will cost.
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Hanoi to Sapa by Flight
There are no direct flights from Hanoi to Sapa, as Sapa has no airport. The nearest airport is the Noi Bai International Airport (airport code HAN), the biggest airport in northern Vietnam, located on the outskirts of Hanoi.
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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Hanoi, Vietnam.
The distance between the airport and Downtown Hanoi is approximately 30 km, and the travel time is 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tours from Hanoi to Sapa
Are you looking for the best Sapa tours from Hanoi? You can join a 2-day, 1-night, or 3-day, 2-night trekking tour.
The two-day hiking tour to Sapa is perfect for nature lovers. You can experience the most beautiful landscapes of northern Vietnam, see lush rice terraces, eat some delicious local food, and visit traditional ethnic villages. You will spend the night in a bungalow in the hill tribe village of Ta Van, where you will learn more about rural Vietnamese life and culture.
The tour price includes a round-trip bus ticket between Hanoi and Sapa, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking local guide, one breakfast, one dinner, two lunches, water, and homestay accommodation in Ta Van village.
Book this excellent Sapa tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Hanoi to Sapa by Bus
The cheapest way to reach Sapa is by bus. The travel time is approximately 5-7 hours, depending on traffic. Buses run several times a day from 6 AM to 11:30 PM.
The bus tickets start from 8 USD, depending on the type of bus (sleeping, VIP Cabin, etc.).
Many bus companies offer buses from Hanoi to Sapa. Each company has different departure and arrival stations, so you can choose the one that best suits you. As these are direct buses, you don’t have to worry about additional transfers to get to Sapa.
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Buy your bus tickets online through 12Go or Bookaway.
The sleeping bus to the Sapa is a great way to save money on your trip to Vietnam.
Hanoi to Sapa by Private Transfer
The most comfortable and fastest way to reach Sapa is by private transfer.
A shuttle minivan from Hanoi Airport/City to Sapa (any hotel) starts from 109 USD, and 4 pax are allowed. The journey time takes 5-5.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Alternatively, book a minivan to Sapa, which starts from 16 USD per person and offers hotel pick-up. The journey takes just 5-5.5 hours.
Hanoi to Sapa by Train
One of the best ways to get to Sapa is by train. Hanoi Railway Station is just a 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride from the Old Quarter. You can easily reach Hanoi Railway Station from the airport by bus, minivan, or taxi.
The train journey from Hanoi to Sapa takes 8 hours. As trains only run once a day at 10 PM, tickets sell out quickly. Therefore, we recommend buying them days in advance online (especially in high season).
The trains depart from Hanoi Train Station and arrive at Lao Cai Train Station at 6 AM. The train tickets start from 25 USD, depending on the type of train (luxury, shared cabin, suite cabin, VIP cabin, etc.).
Most train tickets include food, drinks, WiFi, and a blanket. As the cabins are air-conditioned, pack warm clothes.
Check Sapa train ticket rates and availability HERE.
Sapa has no railway station, so trains only run to Lao Cai. The distance between Lao Cai train station and Sapa is approximately 30 km, and the journey time is 50 minutes.
Lao Cai to Sapa
Once you arrive at Lao Cai, you can easily reach Sapa by bus, taxi, or minivan.
The buses depart twice daily from Lao Cai SSB to Sapa SSB at 6:00 AM and 6:15 AM. The travel time is around 50 minutes, and the bus ticket costs just 3 USD.
Alternatively, you can book a comfortable minivan that departs every hour from 7 AM to 6 PM. A shuttle minivan from Lao Cai to Sapa starts from 8 USD. The journey time is 55 minutes, depending on traffic.
Where to Stay in Sapa
Sapa has some luxury resorts, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Sapa, Vietnam
- Luxury: Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa
- Mid-Range: Pistachio Hotel Sapa or Laxsik Ecolodge
- Budget: Eco Palms House – Sapa Retreat
We hope our post on how to get from Hanoi to Sapa will help you plan your next trip to Vietnam. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Train/Transfer – 12Go
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