- Must visit
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Leading museum on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, with strong indoor exhibitions and an excellent outdoor display of traditional houses.
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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 $9. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $33.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
$44 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest |
8h 52m Average total duration 8h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 5h 10m 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 $10 (€8).
This is compared to other travel options from Lào Cai to Hanoi:
A bus is $33 (€28) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lào Cai to Hanoi costing on average $44 (€36).
The fastest way to travel from Lào Cai to Hanoi is by bus with an average journey time of 5h 10m.
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.
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
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 $33 (€28) but you can travel from only $9 (€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 $9 (€8)
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average train duration 8h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€28) |
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 Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 Lào Cai to Hanoi trainsVietnam Railways trains will get you between Lào Cai and Hanoi 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 5m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€21)
Vietnam Railways frequency
2 a day
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
Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Former prison turned museum documenting French colonial rule and the Vietnam War, one of Hanoi’s most visited historical sites.
- Recommended
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Museum presenting the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh through historical displays and symbolic modern exhibition design.
- Must visit
Hoan Kiem Lake
The central lake district of Hanoi, ideal for walking, people-watching, and visiting major nearby sights in the historic core.
- Must visit
Hanoi Old Quarter
The city’s best-known historic neighborhood, famous for dense streets, local commerce, traditional shop houses, and lively street scenes.
- Recommended
Ta Hien Street
Compact Old Quarter street that has become especially popular on social media for its lively atmosphere and photogenic evening crowds.
- Gluten-free
Phở Hà Nội
Hanoi-style noodle soup with a clear, aromatic beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and herbs. It is one of the city’s most iconic everyday dishes.
- Gluten-free
Bún Chả
Grilled pork served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. This smoky, balanced dish is one of Hanoi’s signature lunchtime specialties.
- Gluten-free
Chả Cá Lã Vọng
Turmeric-marinated fish cooked at the table with dill and spring onions, usually eaten with noodles and peanuts. It is a classic dish strongly associated with Hanoi.
Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine
An established upscale restaurant near Hoàn Kiếm Lake known for refined Vietnamese cooking, polished service, and attractive city views.
Chả Cá Thăng Long
A long-running Hanoi restaurant celebrated for chả cá, with a traditional setting and a focused menu built around the city’s famous fish dish.
Bún Chả Hương Liên
A well-known local restaurant specializing in bún chả, with a lively, no-frills atmosphere and strong reputation among both locals and visitors.
Vietnamese dong
Hanoi is affordable for most visitors. Street food and local transport are cheap, while upscale hotels and fine dining cost far less than in many major capitals.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- VND 40,000-80,000 for street food or simple local meals.
- Mid-range
- VND 150,000-350,000 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- VND 700,000+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- VND 30,000-70,000 for coffee at a cafe.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not required. Round up small bills, tip VND 20,000-50,000 for good service, and add 5-10% at higher-end restaurants if no service charge is included.
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.
Train ticket prices from Lào Cai to Hanoi can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $33 (€28), while the average price is around $44 (€36).
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 $9 (€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 trains to and from Hanoi and Lào Cai
Most popular train connections to Hanoi
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