The cheapest and fastest trains from Lào Cai to Hanoi
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$26
Fastest journey
7 h 5 m
Average duration
7 h 21 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
254 km
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 $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Of the 3 trains that leave Lào Cai for Hanoi on Mon, May 11, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 11 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 Mon, May 11 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$261One-way0 transfers
8:55 PM7h17Sapa Lao Cai4:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station$261One-way0 transfers
9:30 PM7h42Sapa Lao Cai5:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station$261One-way0 transfers
12:05 PM7h05Sapa Lao Cai7:10 PMHanoi Gia Lam Station$261One-way0 transfers
8:55 PM7h17Sapa Lao Cai4:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station$261One-way0 transfers
9:30 PM7h42Sapa Lao Cai5:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station$261One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Lào Cai to Hanoi
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lào Cai to Hanoi among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $30.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
$48 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest |
8h 52m Average total duration 8h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration Fastest 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lào Cai to Hanoi:
A bus is $37 (€29) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lào Cai to Hanoi costing on average $48 (€38).
Other travel options to Hanoi take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 22m.
Live departures
Lào Cai to Hanoi train times
The table below shows live departures for Lào Cai to Hanoi trains for today, Sunday, May 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:30 PM Lao Cai Railway Station | 8h22 | 5:52 AM Hanoi 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 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.
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
Journey information
Overview: Train from Lào Cai to Hanoi
Trains from Lào Cai to Hanoi run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:05, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 8h 22m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average train duration 8h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 8h 22m |
First train 12:05 PM |
Last train 11:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: Vietnam Railways from Lào Cai to Hanoi trainsVietnam Railways trains will get you between Lào Cai and Hanoi from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Vietnam Railways
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.

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