The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai
Cheapest price
33S$
Average price
33S$
Fastest journey
7 h 17 m
Average duration
7 h 24 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hanoi to Lào Cai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hanoi to Lào Cai will cost around 33S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 33S$.
Of the 3 trains that leave Hanoi for Lào Cai every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 7 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 17 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 32 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:58 PM7h17Hanoi Gia Lam Station5:15 AMSapa Lao Cai33 S$1One-way0 changes
10:23 PM7h32Hanoi Gia Lam Station5:55 AMSapa Lao Cai33 S$1One-way0 changes
11:03 PM7h22Hanoi Gia Lam Station6:25 AMSapa Lao Cai33 S$1One-way0 changes
9:58 PM7h17Hanoi Gia Lam Station5:15 AMSapa Lao Cai33 S$1One-way0 changes
11:03 PM7h22Hanoi Gia Lam Station6:25 AMSapa Lao Cai33 S$1One-way0 changes
10:23 PM7h32Hanoi Gia Lam Station5:55 AMSapa Lao Cai33 S$1One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Hanoi to Lào Cai
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Hanoi to Lào Cai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 12S$. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 5h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 12S$, and a train costs an average of 43S$.
Distance: 254 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
55S$ Average Price | 13S$ Average Price Cheapest |
9h 12m Average total duration 8h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration Fastest 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Hanoi to Lào Cai by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
14 Aug
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20 Aug
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hanoi to Lào Cai
Trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 43S$ but you can travel from only 12S$ by coach.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:30, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 254 km distance in 8h 42m.
Distance 254 km |
Average train duration 8h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price 43S$ |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 8h 42m |
First train 9:30 AM |
Last train 11:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Train companies: Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Lào Cai trainsVietnam Railways trains will get you between Hanoi and Lào Cai from 12S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Vietnam Railways
FAQs: Hanoi to Lào Cai train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hanoi to Lào Cai by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lào Cai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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