The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
8 h 42 m
Average duration
8 h 42 m
Trains per day
2
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hanoi to Lào Cai will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 2 trains that leave Hanoi for Lào Cai on Mon, Feb 09, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Feb 09 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, Feb 09 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.




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 €7. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €7, and a train costs an average of €26.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€30 Average price | €9 Average price Cheapest |
9h 12m Average total duration 8h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration Fastest 5h 38m 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 tomorrow, Monday, February 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 PM Hanoi Railway Station | 8h42 | 11:42 PM Lao Cai Railway Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:40 PM Hanoi Railway Station | 8h42 | 12:22 AM Lao Cai Railway Station | 0 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.
Feb 09
Feb 10
Feb 11
Feb 12
Feb 13
Feb 14
Feb 15
Feb 16
Feb 17
Feb 18
Feb 19
Feb 20
Feb 21
Feb 22
Feb 23
Feb 24
Feb 25
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
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 $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) 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 8h 42m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average train duration 8h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 8h 42m |
First train 09:30 |
Last train 23:03 |
Train companies: Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Lào Cai trainsVietnam Railways trains will get you between Hanoi and Lào Cai from $9 (€7). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Vietnam Railways
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.

Most popular train connections from Hanoi
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