- Must visit
Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
Vietnam's leading art museum, showcasing Buddhist sculpture, lacquer, folk art, and modern works in a colonial-era complex.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lào Cai to Hanoi
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 24
Cheapest price on Sep 24
€21
Average ticket price on Sep 24
€21
Fastest journey on Sep 24
7 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 24
7 h 21 m
Trains on Sep 24
3
Distance
254 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lào Cai to Hanoi is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lào Cai to Hanoi will cost around €21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €21.
Fast trains
On Thu, Sep 24, we found 3 trains from Lào Cai to Hanoi, including 3 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 24 the direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 7 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 5 m .
On Thu, Sep 24 the slowest trains will take 7 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.
12:05 PM7h05Sapa Lao Cai7:10 PMHanoi Gia Lam Station€211One-way0 transfers- 8:55 PM7h17Sapa Lao Cai4:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station€211One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM7h42Sapa Lao Cai5:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station€211One-way0 transfers
- 12:05 PM7h05Sapa Lao Cai7:10 PMHanoi Gia Lam Station€211One-way0 transfers
- 8:55 PM7h17Sapa Lao Cai4:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station€211One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM7h42Sapa Lao Cai5:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station€211One-way0 transfers
Compare prices and tickets Lào Cai to Hanoi 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Lào Cai to Hanoi
VietnamVietnam
Take a train from Lào Cai to Hanoi and enjoy the approximately 157 miles (254 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 12:05, the last at 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 €8
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
First train 12:05 PM |
Last train 11:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 €8
Complete guide to Hanoi
Things to do in Hanoi
Discover the best of Hanoi — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hanoi trip today.
- Must visit
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Essential museum on Vietnam's ethnic diversity, with insightful exhibits, traditional artifacts, and well-curated cultural interpretation.
- Must visit
Vietnamese Women's Museum
One of Hanoi's strongest museums, documenting women's roles in family life, culture, and wartime through thoughtful exhibits.
- Must visit
Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi's historic commercial heart, packed with guild streets, heritage houses, temples, and constant street life worth exploring on foot.
- Must visit
Hoan Kiem Lake
Central lake and promenade famous for dawn exercise, night walks, and key landmarks, offering the city's most iconic urban scenery.
- Must visit
West Lake
Largest lake in Hanoi, popular for sunsets, lakeside walks, temples, and a calmer atmosphere than the busy central districts.
- Gluten-free
Pho Bo
Flat rice noodles in a light beef broth with herbs. Hanoi is considered the birthplace of pho, and the city’s version is noted for its clear, delicate flavor.
- Gluten-free
Bun Cha
Grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and a sweet-savory dipping sauce. This Hanoi signature is a classic lunchtime dish with smoky charcoal flavor.
- Gluten-free
Cha Ca
Turmeric-marinated fish cooked with dill and spring onion, eaten with noodles and peanuts. It is a famous old Hanoi specialty linked to a historic local restaurant.
HOME Hanoi Restaurant
Refined fine-dining restaurant serving elevated northern Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant villa setting. Strong choice for a polished Hanoi food experience.
Banh Cuon Ba Xuan
Established old-quarter venue known for silky banh cuon made to order. Simple local atmosphere and a strong reputation for a traditional breakfast favorite.
Cha Ca Thang Long
Iconic traditional spot famous for cha ca. Historic setting, busy atmosphere, and one of Hanoi’s best-known places to try this classic fish dish.
Vietnamese đồng (₫)
Budget-friendly versus many Asian capitals. Street food, simple hotels, and ride-hailing are cheap; mid-range dining and central hotels stay reasonable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- ₫50,000-120,000 for street food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- ₫200,000-500,000 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- ₫800,000+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- ₫35,000-70,000 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. Restaurants may add service charge; otherwise round up or leave 5-10%. For taxis, round up. In cafes, small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Trains from Lào Cai to Hanoi
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lào Cai to Hanoi 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 Hanoi, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The first train from Lào Cai to Hanoi leaves at 12:05 PM.
The distance by train from Lào Cai to Hanoi is 157 miles (254 km).
The last train from Lào Cai to Hanoi leaves at 11:03 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lào Cai to Hanoi.
Yes, the train journey from Lào Cai to Hanoi is considered scenic as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of northern Vietnam, including lush green rice paddies, rolling hills, and views of the Red River.
No, you cannot take the train from Lào Cai to Hanoi.
Popular day trips by train from Hanoi include Huế.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). For travelers, cash is generally preferred for small purchases and markets, while cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and stores in major cities. It's advisable to carry both for convenience.
In Hanoi, travelers should be cautious of common scams such as taxi overcharging, motorbike rental scams, and street vendors inflating prices for foreigners. Petty theft, including pickpocketing in crowded areas like the Old Quarter, is also a concern. It's advisable to use reputable transportation services, agree on prices beforehand, and keep valuables secure to ensure a safe experience.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Lào Cai to Hanoi
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hanoi and Lào Cai
Most popular train connections to Hanoi
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