Travel Guide
Sapa Train Station – Updated Guide For 2026
Jul
Introduction
Sapa Train Station, also known as Lao Cai Train Station, is an important traffic connection point with the northern provinces and provinces in China.
In addition, this is also the “gateway” for visitors to reach the dreamy town of Sapa, where you can enjoy peaceful moments of relaxation with nature.
For those who use the train to get to Sapa for the first time, there will certainly be many questions about the route, time, price, how to book tickets, and how to choose the right train for themselves.
So today, let’s join Sapa Private Car to learn about everything you need to know about Sapa Railway Station in today’s article!
Sapa Train Station Overview
Sapa train station is located at 29 Khanh Yen, Pho Moi, Lao Cai Province, the last station of the Hanoi – Lao Cai Railway.
In addition, this station is also linked to Ha Khau station of the Con Minh – Ha Khau railway, part of the Hai Phong – Con Minh route, in Van Nam province, China.
The station also has trains to China via the Zhejiang Nanxi River, but they are only freight trains. Lao Cai to Sapa is 35km from the Sapa center.
There is no train station in Sapa Town. Sapa has no railway station, but it’s about 24 miles (38 km) from Lao Cai railway station.
Currently, Lao Cai Train Station is providing trips to many provinces across Vietnam, including the central and southern provinces. But most trips are still to the northern provinces of Vietnam, including the Hanoi capital.
In terms of scale, the station currently has 4 passenger train pick-up and drop-off lines, 5 freight train pick-up and drop-off lines, 7 loading and unloading lines, and 4 locomotive and carriage adjustment lines.
The passenger station has an area of about 1,200m2, equipped with modern facilities, including 3 ticket offices and a spacious, airy waiting room.
Sapa Train Station History
Sapa Train Station was built by the French between 1903 and 1936. Since 1945, the Vietnamese Government has continued to take over, preserve, and operate the station.
In addition to the name Lao Cai Train Station, local people also often call the station Pho Moi Train Station.
From a station built to serve the purpose of exploiting French resources, Sapa Train Station has today become an important traffic bridge in the Northern region and also in connecting Vietnam with China.
After many upgrades and expansions, especially in 2014, Sapa Railway Station is serving the transportation of passengers and goods, especially international intermodal transport, ensuring import and export by rail from Vietnam to China.
Why Should You Choose Sapa Train To Travel?
Although many means of transport can conveniently take you to Sapa, using the Sapa Train still brings special experiences.
First of all, you can comfortably enjoy the beautiful scenery from the train window, admiring the poetic scenery of the city along the route.
Besides, the train is the safest means of transport to Sapa, fully equipped with high-quality amenities such as toilets, tables and chairs, food, luggage compartments, and convenient for customers when not depending on stops when traveling by car.
In addition, if you want to save time traveling during the day, choosing a sleeper train is an ideal solution.
With modernly equipped compartments, cool air conditioning, soft beds, and quiet space, the sleeper train helps you to rest comfortably and enjoy a good night’s sleep throughout the journey.
When you wake up, you have arrived at your destination, saving on overnight accommodation costs and not missing a full day of sightseeing.
How To Get From Sapa Railway Station To Sapa Town?
Traveling from Sapa Train Station to Sapa Town is the most popular route for tourists in this area.
Since Sapa Train Station is about 24 miles from Sapa Town, you will need to use another means of transportation to get to Sapa Town.
Depending on the type of vehicle, the arrival time may be shorter or longer. Below are some available options for your reference.
Lao Cai to Sapa bus
Taking the bus is very easy. When you exit the station gate, turn left, and go about 30m further, you will see the bus stop. Here, you can read the announcements about the bus schedule. Choose bus number 01 for the Lao Cai – Sapa route with a frequency of 15 minutes/trip.
The bus route is Sapa Train Station – Coc Leu Bridge – Hoang Lien Street – 4D Highway – Sapa Church. The bus to Sapa from Sapa train station departs at 5:50 am – 4:00 pm daily. The ticket price is 10,000 VND/trip.
Private car
Using a private car to travel from Sapa Train Station to Sapa Town is an option for many customers today.
In particular, you can completely decide your departure time and be picked up right at the train station to your accommodation in Sapa.
The travel time by private car from Lao Cai Train Station to Sapa town only takes about 1 hour, the fastest among other means of transport.
Because it is a private vehicle, the car only serves you or your group of friends, so there is no need to wait or go to a fixed pick-up point.
Before starting the trip, customers only need to provide information related to name, phone number, number of customers, amount of luggage, and make a payment, and you can quickly complete the private car service booking.
You can easily book a private car schedule to travel from Sapa Railway Station to Sapa Town through online platforms.
But you should carefully select information to find a reputable service provider, ensuring a safe and convenient trip.
After exploring attractive destinations in Sapa, you can refer to some private car services from Sapa to other famous places on Sapa Private Car website, such as:
- Sapa to Cao Bang Private Car – from $256/car.
- Private Car Sapa to Moc Chau – from $165/car.
- Sapa to Ninh Binh Private Car – from $192/car.
- Sapa to Cat Ba Island Luxury Car – from $300/limousine.
- Luxury Car Sapa to Halong Bay – from $240/limousine.
Taxi
Besides the bus, you can also take a taxi to travel from Sapa Train Station to Sapa Town for a price of 300,000 VND. Using a taxi compared to the bus is more flexible in terms of time, especially if you arrive at Sapa station at night.
Some popular taxi companies currently providing services are Mai Linh Taxi, Hieu Hong Lao Cai Taxi, Phan Xi Pang, Thanh Luyen, and Huu Nghi.
Rental Motorbike
A way to travel for those who love freedom is to rent a motorbike to travel to Sapa Town from Sapa Train Station.
When using a motorbike, you will be in complete control of your itinerary, from travel time, travel distance, stops along the way to sightsee, rest, etc.
You can rent a motorbike on online platforms or go directly to a motorbike rental shop near Sapa train station.
The price includes two types: manual and automatic motorbikes. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the right type of motorbike.
When renting, you can bring your ID card or personal documents, make a payment, and you can use the motorbike immediately.
A rented motorbike will be provided with a helmet. Don’t forget to check the gas tank and capacity of the motorcycle before starting the trip.
Since this is a self-sufficient means of transport, you should travel during the day, avoid traveling late at night because the mountain pass is very dangerous, and it is difficult to see clearly as during the day.
Also, make sure you know your route well to get there quickly. You can check the Sapa weather in advance for the most convenient trip with a motorcycle.
How To Book Sapa Train Station Ticket?
To book a Sapa Train Station Ticket, the fastest way is to access the Vietnam Railways website, then select the train departing from your location to Sapa Train Station or vice versa.
After successful payment, you will receive a voucher (in PDF or email format).
Then, before boarding the train at Hanoi station, you need to bring that voucher (printed or on your phone) to the train company counter (or ticket intermediary) at the station to exchange for an official paper ticket before boarding the train.
Sapa Tran Station Schedule
Below is a schedule of the most popular trains going from nearby locations to Sapa Train Station and vice versa.
Sapa Train Station To Hanoi
Most tourists will choose to stay in Hanoi, or arrive at Hanoi airport, then travel to Lao Cai by the Hanoi – Sapa train and return to Hanoi.
Therefore, this can be considered the most popular train among the trips offered at Sapa Train Station.
For the Hanoi-Sapa route and vice versa, customers will choose one of two types: day train and night train. The night train will include two types: normal train and sleeper train.
The current Hanoi-Sapa-Hanoi train route includes tourist trains (fast) and slow trains (stopping at each destination on the route).
In which, LC3, LC4 will start from Hanoi or Sapa and stop at each station of the provinces on the route.
| Number of trains | Route | Schedule |
| SP1, SP3, SP7 | Hanoi – Lao Cai | 09:30pm – 5:35am
10:00pm – 6:20 am 10:30pm – 07:00am |
| SP2, SP4, SP8 | Lao Cai – Hanoi | 08:35 pm – 4:45 am
09:10 pm- 5:22 am 07:40 pm – 4:20 am |
| LC3 | Hanoi – Lao Cai | 6:10 am – 3:40 pm |
| LC4 | Lao Cai – Hanoi | 10:5am – 19:32pm |
Each Sapa Train has different compartments and room classes. Depending on your travel needs and budget, you can flexibly choose the type of train and compartment that suits you. With a lower budget, you can choose a regular train of Vietnam Railways, or choose high-class, comfortable trains from travel companies.
Normal Train
Regular trains belong to the Vietnam Railway system. Currently, Vietnam Railways has 4 train numbers: SP1, SP3, LC3, and LC4. These Sapa train station to Hanoi routes run every day to serve the travel and tourism needs of customers.
Passengers can book train tickets to Sapa at train stations, train ticket agents nationwide, or buy online via the hotline, website, e-wallet applications, or banks.
| Carriage | Train number | Price Range |
|
SP1 | From $8,2 – $18 |
|
SP3 | From $16 – $34 |
|
LC3, LC4 | From $6 – $12 |
In addition, Vietnam Railways also provides additional routes during peak periods such as Tet and national holidays to fully and promptly meet the needs of tourists and people in need of travel.
Sleeper Train
| Train Operator | Train Number | Price ($/pax) |
| Fansipan Express | SP1, SP2 | $28 |
| Livitrans Express Train | SP1, SP2 | $27 |
| King Express | SP1,SP3 | $22 |
| Damitrans | SP3, SP4 | $32 |
| Family Express Train | SP7, SP8 | $32 |
| Laman Express Train | SP3, SP4 | $38 |
| Sapaly Express Train | SP3, SP4 | $26 |
| Chapa Express Train | SP3, SP4 | $40 |
| VicSapa Train | SP3, SP4 | $40 |
| Orient Express | SP1, SP2 | $21 |
| Pumpkin Express | SP1, SP2 | $23 |
| Dream Train Express | SP3, SP4 | $23 |
| Victoria Express | SP3, SP4 | $48 |
Sapa Train Station To Fansipan
Another popular route that many customers are interested in is from Sapa Lao Cai Train Station to Fansipan.
After arriving at Sapa Train Station, you will move to one of two locations to get to Fasipan. That is by cable car and by funicular. Below is detailed information for each type of vehicle:
Cable Car To Fansipan
- Address: 89B, Nguyen Chi Thanh, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Ticket price: 800,000 VND/adult; 550,000 VND/children (under 100 – 140 cm)
- Cable car opening hours: 08:30 am – 05:00 pm daily, except Saturday and Sunday: 07:30 am – 05:30 pm.
When choosing to go to Fansipan by cable car, you must first move to the cable car station, about 24 miles (40 kilometers) from Sapa railway station. Then, you proceed to buy a ticket or give the online ticket you booked in advance to the staff.
From there, you will begin your journey to explore the impressive scenery of Fansipan. Known as the highest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan has a system of primeval forests, with colorful flowers blooming all year round.
From the cable car cabin, you can practice “cloud hunting from a prime location”, admire the panoramic view of Muong Hoa valley, Hoang Lien National Park, and the majestic Hoang Lien Son range.
For 800,000 VND/adult, you will have a round trip, valid for use during the day.
In addition, you can buy a combo ticket combining the cable car with other sightseeing and dining services, such as the mountain train, buffet at a preferential price.
Mountain Railway To Fansipan
- Address: 89B, Nguyen Chi Thanh, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Ticket price: Muong Hoa mountain train (Sapa – Muong Hoa station): 150,000 VND/ticket (adult and child from 100cm and above), children under 100cm are free; Fansipan mountain train (Fansipan station – Do Quyen station): 70,000 VND/ticket.
- Opening hours: 7:15 to 15:15 (depending on the day), and the last trip is 19:00
In addition to the cable car, you can also use the mountain train to visit Fansipan.
You can buy train tickets online or directly at the ticket counter at the same address as the cable car. This train route connects Sapa town with the Fansipan mountain range.
With airy cabins, a driver’s cabin, a capacity of 60 passengers, and a curved design, it goes through an underground tunnel.
The experience of taking the train to explore Fansipan brings a new feeling, when you can approach the poetic natural landscape at the closest distance.
Normally, there will be two trains, the first one stops at Muong Hoa station. From Muong Hoa station, visitors walk 600 more steps to reach the top of Fansipan.
The second train stops at Do Quyen station (near Fansipan peak), only 50 steps to reach the top of the mountain.
The ticket price for this route is 70,000 VND/person, helping you save time and energy instead of climbing 600 steps.
Hotel Near Sapa Train Station
De la Coupole – MGallery
- Price: from $120/night
- Address: No.1, Hoang Lien Street, Sapa District, Lao Cai Province
Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery is a luxury 5-star hotel in the center of Sapa, about 35 minutes from Sapa Train Station.
With an architectural blend of classic French style and the ethnic cultural identity of the highlands.
Located on Hoang Lien Street, the hotel stands out with a view of the majestic Fansipan Mountain and Muong Hoa Valley.
Luxurious interiors, a warm indoor swimming pool, a relaxing spa, and stylish rooftop restaurants and bars all create a wonderful resort experience in the middle of the mountains.
In addition, the hotel also provides a shuttle bus service to move from the Sapa Train Station to the hotel.
Chapa Ecolodge
- Price: from $40/night
- Address: 1 Cau May Ward, Y Linh Ho, Sapa, Lao Cai Province
Chapa Ecolodge is a resort nestled on a peaceful mountainside about 2km from the center of Sapa, featuring thatched-roof bungalows with a rustic style but full of amenities.
From the private balcony, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the lush Muong Hoa valley, terraced fields, and the majestic Hoang Lien Son range.
The fresh air and quiet space are ideal for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle to immerse themselves in the nature of the mountains and forests.
Eden Central Hotel & Spa
- Price: from $32/night
- Address: No.07 Fansipan, Sapa, Lao Cai Province.
Eden Central Hotel & Spa is a 4-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Sapa town at Fansipan 07, right opposite Sun Plaza and Fansipan station, very convenient for visitors arriving by train. Enjoy clean and beautiful rooms and relaxing spa services.
This is a place worth considering if you want to save money and receive a quality experience.
Sapa Train Station Travel Tips
- Before traveling, check and make sure you have all the necessary documents for the trip.
- Pay attention to the ticket exchange, cancellation, or refund policy.
- You should plan in advance about your accommodation, destinations, and Sapa entrance fee before traveling.
- Prepare an electronic ticket or a printed copy: If you buy a ticket online, you should save both the printed copy and the soft copy (PDF) on your phone. Some routes still require you to exchange paper tickets at the station before boarding the train.
- Arrive at the station 30–45 minutes before departure to check in, find your train car, and avoid unforeseen problems.
- Bring warm clothes and cold-proof clothes because Sapa can still be cold at night or early in the morning, even in summer.
- You can bring your favorite snacks on the trip.
- If you take a night train, you can bring headphones or a reading light to help relax your mind.
- You should book a hotel and vehicle services to Sapa in advance to avoid being offered a vehicle or tour at the station.
FAQ about Sapa Train Station
Where to buy Sapa Train Ticket?
You can buy train tickets to Sapa at Hanoi station or buy online through railway companies’ websites, such as the Vietnam Railways official website, train ticket sales apps, or e-wallets.
Does Sapa have a train station?
Lao Cai to Sapa distance is 24 miles from the Sapa train station. There is no railway station in Sapa itself. You can use private car, bus, or rental motorbike to travel from the station to Sapa Town or vice versa.
Which train is best from Hanoi to Sapa?
Depending on your budget and needs, you can flexibly choose the type of train that suits you.
- If you want to have a private travel experience and can sleep overnight, some train companies you can choose from are: Fansipan ExpressLivitrans Express TrainKing ExpressOrient Express.
- If you want to save on travel costs and have more time to travel, you can choose a train of the Vietnam Railway system.
What is the policy for cancelling, returning, and changing Sapa Train Station tickets?
Change tickets
- Only Individual tickets can be changed at least 24 hours before the train departs, with a fee of 20,000 VND/ticket.
- Tickets cannot be changed within 24 hours before departure.
Return tickets
Individual tickets
- Return 24 hours or more before the train departs, the fee is 10% of the ticket price.
- Return 4 hours to less than 24 hours in advance, the fee is 20% of the ticket price.
- Return tickets cannot be returned less than 4 hours before departure.
Group tickets
- Return 72 hours or more in advance, and the fee is 10% of the ticket price.
- Return 24 hours to less than 72 hours in advance, the fee is 20% of the ticket price.
- Return tickets cannot be returned less than 24 hours before departure.
Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced traveler, understanding and updating full information about the Sapa train station in 2026 will make your trip easier and more convenient. Sapa private car hopes you will have a memorable trip and discover many attractive destinations on your journey.