Lào Cai to Hanoi train with Vietnam Railways

Mon, May 11
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Vietnam Railways
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Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Vietnam Railways
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lào Cai to Hanoi

Showing times and prices for May 11

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

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 $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.

Fast trains

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.

  • Vietnam Railways
    12:05 PM7h05
    Sapa Lao Cai
    7:10 PMHanoi Gia Lam Station
    $261One-way
    0 transfers
  • Vietnam Railways
    8:55 PM7h17
    Sapa Lao Cai
    4:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station
    $261One-way
    0 transfers
  • Vietnam Railways
    9:30 PM7h42
    Sapa Lao Cai
    5:12 AMHanoi Gia Lam Station
    $261One-way
    0 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

The cheapest way to travel from Lào Cai to Hanoi is a bus with an average price of $11 (€9).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Lào Cai to Hanoi is by bus with an average journey time of 5h 18m.

Other travel options to Hanoi take longer:

Train takes on average 8h 22m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Lào Cai and Hanoi including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lào Cai to Hanoi among Omio's users.

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ESBT_71759:30 PM Lao Cai Railway Station
8h22
5:52 AM Hanoi Railway Station0 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.

Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13
Thu
May 14
Fri
May 15
Sat
May 16
Sun
May 17

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lào Cai to Hanoi

VietnamVietnam
VietnamVietnam
Icon of train

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.

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 $10 (€8)
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
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 $10 (€8)

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

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 5m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
Vietnam Railways frequency
3 a day

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Lào Cai to Hanoi can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $30 (€24), while the average price is around $48 (€38).
The train from Lào Cai to Hanoi takes 8h 22m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Lào Cai to Hanoi is 157 miles (254 km).
The first train from Lào Cai to Hanoi leaves at 12:05 PM.
The last train from Lào Cai to Hanoi leaves at 11:03 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Lào Cai to Hanoi.
Yes, there is a direct train from Lào Cai to Hanoi. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Vietnam Railways.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lào Cai to Hanoi.
The train station in Lào Cai that goes to Hanoi is Lao Cai Railway Station, which connects to Hanoi Railway Station.
The cheapest way to get from Lào Cai to Hanoi is by bus, with a cost of around $10 (€8).
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.
A day trip from Lào Cai to Hanoi is not feasible as the journey takes 8h 22m. The distance is 157 miles (254 km), and there are 6 trips per day available by train.
Three days in Hanoi is typically sufficient to explore major attractions such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy the local cuisine and culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Lào Cai to Hanoi.
Since neither Lào Cai nor Hanoi are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Vietnam and Vietnam. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Hanoi include Huế.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Lào Cai to Hanoi among Omio's users.
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 train connections to Hanoi

HomeTrainsLào Cai to Hanoi train

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