Vietnam Railways SP3/SP4 & SP7/SP8 · 9 Tourist Operators
Hanoi to Sapa Sleeper Trains
Compare wooden 4-berth Deluxe and 2-berth VIP sleeper cabins from Hanoi Station (120 Le Duan) to Lao Cai Station, with optional shuttle or private car transfer to Sapa.
Online booking is temporarily closed. You can compare schedules and prices below; prices are for reference until booking reopens.
Tonkin Heritage Express Train (5-Star Luxury)
Chapa Express Train
VicSapa Train
KingSapa Train (King Express)
Sapaly Express Train
Fanxipan Express Train
Damitrans Express Train
Family Express Train
Livitrans Express Train
Boarding Gate, Station Transfer & Ticket Policies
Important station check-in rules and transfer information for all Hanoi ⇄ Lao Cai tourist sleeper trains.
Station Gate & Check-in Policy
- Hanoi Departure Station: Main Gate, Hanoi Railway Station — 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District (all Sapa sleeper trains and VIP lounges check in here; the old Tran Quy Cap rear gate is no longer used).
- Lao Cai Departure Station: Lao Cai Railway Station, Khanh Yen Street, Pho Moi Ward.
- Check-in Time: Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure with your SapaPass E-Voucher and original passport or national ID.
Lao Cai Station ⇄ Sapa Transfer
- Rail Terminus: All trains end at Lao Cai Station (35 km / ~50 minutes drive from Sapa town center).
- Shared Shuttle Bus ($5/pax): Departs continuously outside the station arrival hall and drops off at central Sapa hotels.
- Private Car ($32/7-seat MPV): Driver meets you at the station exit with a name sign for direct door-to-door hotel transfer.
Luggage, Children & Cancellation Policy
- Luggage Allowance: Up to 20–25 kg per passenger (1 large suitcase + 1 daypack), stored securely beneath the lower berths.
- Child Policy: Children under 5 years old (under 100 cm) sharing an existing berth with parents travel free of charge.
- Cancellation & Changes: Free date changes or cancellation (subject to operator fee of 10–15%) up to 7 days prior to departure; non-refundable within 72 hours of departure or on public holidays.
View Official Vietnam Railways Route Timetable & Intermediate Stops (Gia Lam, Yen Bai, Bao Ha)
| Train | Direction | Departs | Intermediate Stops | Arrives | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP3 | Hanoi → Lao Cai | 22:00 | Gia Lam (22:20) · Yen Bai (02:07) · Bao Ha (04:13) | 05:55 | 7h 55m |
| SP7 | Hanoi → Lao Cai | 22:40 | Gia Lam (23:00) · Yen Bai (02:35) · Bao Ha (04:36) | 06:25 | 7h 45m |
| SP4 | Lao Cai → Hanoi | 21:30 | Bao Ha (23:04) · Yen Bai (01:07) · Gia Lam (05:06) | 05:35 | 8h 05m |
| SP8 | Lao Cai → Hanoi (Day) | 12:05 | Bao Ha (13:40) · Yen Bai (15:38) · Gia Lam (19:10) | 19:37 | 7h 32m |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa, and how do I reach Sapa town from Lao Cai Station?
The overnight sleeper train takes approximately 7 hours 55 minutes from Hanoi Railway Station to Lao Cai Station (the final rail terminus, as there are no train tracks up the mountain to Sapa). From Lao Cai Station, Sapa town is 35 km (about 50 minutes drive) away. You can add a shared shuttle minibus ($5/person) or private 7-seat MPV ($32/car) during checkout.
What is the difference between a 4-berth Deluxe, 2-berth VIP, and Queen Cabin?
A 4-berth Deluxe cabin has two lower and two upper soft berths (70x190 cm); you book per berth and share with other travelers unless you buy all 4 tickets. A 2-berth VIP cabin has only two berths for complete privacy for couples or two friends. Selected luxury carriages (like Tonkin Heritage and Chapa Express) also offer Queen double-bed suites.
Are there toilets, washbasins, and power sockets onboard the sleeper carriages?
Yes. Every tourist sleeper carriage has a clean western-style toilet and a separate stainless-steel washbasin area at the end of the corridor, plus 220V power sockets, USB ports, individual reading lights, complimentary bottled water, and light snacks inside every cabin.
Can a solo traveler book a private cabin, or will I share a 4-berth cabin?
Solo travelers can book a single berth in a 4-berth Deluxe cabin ($40–$55) and share the compartment with up to 3 other passengers, or purchase a 2-berth VIP cabin to enjoy total privacy.
How early should I book Hanoi to Sapa train tickets?
Each tourist operator only attaches 1 to 3 wooden carriages per train, and 2-berth VIP cabins sell out quickly. We recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead for weekend trips (Thursday, Friday, Sunday nights) or peak rice terrace season (September–October), and at least 3–5 days ahead on weekdays.