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Hanoi to Lào Cai train with Vietnam Railways

Mon, Nov 10
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Vietnam Railways
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Deutsche Bahn
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iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Vietnam Railways
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai

Showing times and prices for Nov 10

Cheapest price

$34

Average price

$34

Fastest journey

8 h 42 m

Average duration

8 h 42 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

254 km

Cheap tickets

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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Hanoi to Lào Cai will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Hanoi for Lào Cai on Mon, Nov 10, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Nov 10 the direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 8 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 42 m .

On Mon, Nov 10 the slowest trains will take 8 h 42 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.

SAPALY EXPRESS TRAIN
03:40PM8h42
Hanoi
12:22AMLào Cai
$341One-way
0 transfers
SAPALY EXPRESS TRAIN
03:00PM8h42
Hanoi
11:42PMLào Cai
$341One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Hanoi to Lào Cai

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Hanoi to Lào Cai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a train costs an average of €14.

Distance: 157 miles (254 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€26

Average price

€8

Average price

Cheapest

9h 8m

Average total duration

8h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Hanoi to Lào Cai train times

The table below shows live departures for Hanoi to Lào Cai trains for today, Sunday, November 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:34 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ESBT_6530_SAPALY_EXPRESS_TRAIN3:00 PM Hanoi
8h42
11:42 PM Lào Cai0 transfersDirect
VNR_111113:36 PM Hanoi
7h19
10:55 PM Lào Cai0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Hanoi to Lào Cai by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13
Fri
Nov 14
Sat
Nov 15
Sun
Nov 16

Journey information

Overview: Train from Hanoi to Lào Cai

VietnamVietnam
VietnamVietnam
Icon of train

Trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) but you can travel from only $9 (€8) by bus.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:30, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 7h 19m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $9 (€8)
Distance
157 miles (254 km)
Average train duration
8h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
$17 (€14)
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
7h 19m
First train
09:30
Last train
23:03
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $9 (€8)

Train companies: Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Lào Cai trainsVietnam Railways trains will get you between Hanoi and Lào Cai from $9 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Vietnam Railways

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 22m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
Vietnam Railways frequency
2 a day

FAQs: Trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai

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.

FAQs
The train from Hanoi to Lào Cai takes 7h 19m and runs 9 per day.
To fully experience Lào Cai, including attractions like Sapa, Bac Ha Market, and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, plan for a stay of 3 to 5 days.
A day trip from Hanoi to Lào Cai is not feasible as the travel duration is 7h 19m, covering a distance of 157 miles (254 km). The frequency is 9 per day for trains.
Yes, the Hanoi to Lào Cai train journey is considered scenic, offering views of lush landscapes, terraced rice fields, and distant mountains along the way.
The last train from Hanoi to Lào Cai leaves at 11:03 PM.
The distance by train from Hanoi to Lào Cai is 157 miles (254 km).
Train ticket prices from Hanoi to Lào Cai can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $17 (€14), while the average price is around $33 (€27).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Hanoi to Lào Cai.
The train station in Hanoi that goes to Lào Cai is Hanoi Railway Station, which connects to Lao Cai Railway Station.
The cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Lào Cai is by bus, with a cost of around $9 (€8).
There is no high speed train available from Hanoi to Lào Cai.
The first train from Hanoi to Lào Cai leaves at 9:30 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Hanoi to Lào Cai.
Yes, there is a direct train from Hanoi to Lào Cai. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by Vietnam Railways.

Most popular train connections from Hanoi

More options for your journey from Hanoi to Lào Cai

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsHanoi to Lào Cai train

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