Hanoi to Lao Cai train tickets
The Hanoi to Lao Cai train runs 2 times daily, with day services and comfortable overnight options. The fastest completes the journey in 7h47m. Tickets start from 594,580 VND (US$ 22.99) . Overnight sleeper cabins are available on 2 of them.
Traveling the other way? Lao Cai to Hanoi train
Book Hanoi - Lao Cai train tickets online
YesMyTrips books Vietnam Railways (VR) tickets for Hanoi - Lao Cai. Prices shown in the search results are final and include all fees: nothing is added at checkout. Your ticket is sent as a PDF by email once our team confirms the booking.
Why travelers book with YesMyTrips
- Final prices from the first screen, all fees included. QR code payment costs even less.
- Choose your exact seat or berth on most trains.
- Real-time prices and availability from the operator.
- Real people answer by email, WhatsApp or Telegram.
- We handle changes and cancellations with the operator for you, when the operator allows them.
Founded by Maxence Decamp, train booking specialist in Southeast Asia since 2019. YES MY TRIPS Co., Ltd. (Vietnam), member of EuroCham Vietnam and CCI France Vietnam.
Pick your train and book in two minutes.
Every departure running this route right now, with live VNR fares. The overnight services save you a night of accommodation.
| Train | Times | Duration | Classes | Days | From * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP3 | 22:00 → 05:50+1 | 7h50m |
Sleeper 4-Berth
Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP)
|
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
594,580 VND (US$ 22.99) | Book → |
| SP7 | 22:40 → 06:27+1 | 7h47m |
Sleeper 4-Berth
Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP)
|
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
594,580 VND (US$ 22.99) | Book → |
* Cheapest fare of the week from 26-10-2026 to 01-11-2026.
Booking the overnight service? See our full guide to Vietnam's sleeper trains for cabin types, fares and what a night on board is really like.
Route facts
- First and last train
- 22:00 · 22:40
- Fastest train
- SP7 · 7h47m
- Overnight sleeper
- Yes, on 2 of 2 trains
- Cheapest class
- Sleeper 4-Berthfrom 594,580 VND (US$ 22.99)
- Usually booked
- About 20 days ahead
Elegance in Motion, Heritage in Sight.
Settle into a private cabin and let Chapa Express carry you between Hanoi and Lao Cai overnight, with a station lounge waiting at both ends of the journey.
- Private cabins and VIP suites, or a single berth
- Daily departures, Hanoi to Lao Cai
- Chapa Lounge access at Hanoi and Lao Cai stations
- Ticket by email, nothing to print
Which class to book.
The 4-berth sleeper is the choice of most international travelers. Lower berths sell out the fastest, so book them first.
Sleeper 4-Berth
Lockable cabin, soft beds, A/C, power outlets and privacy.
Sleeper 6-Berth
Compact bunks, firmer mattresses, A/C. The social budget pick.
Soft Seat
Reclining cushioned seat, arm-rests and tray table.
Seat
Standard reclining seat. The cheapest way to ride.
Price per class
| Class | From | Up to |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper 4-Berth SP3, SP7 | 594,580 VND (US$ 22.99) | 594,580 VND (US$ 22.99) |
| Sleeper 2-Berth (VIP) SP3, SP7 | 880,182 VND (US$ 34.04) | 880,182 VND (US$ 34.04) |
Per person, one way, from the current Vietnam Railways timetable. The price varies by train, so pick yours when you book.
Travelling as a family? Book a whole private cabin on this route: all 4 berths behind one door, chosen on the seat map before you pay.
What it's like on the train.
Vietnam Railways has steadily refreshed its carriages, and the air-conditioned classes are comfortable, practical, and better equipped than most first-time travellers expect.
Power, Wi-Fi and comfort
Air-conditioned carriages have 220V sockets for charging phones and laptops, shared between seats or fitted inside sleeper cabins. Bring a universal adapter, as some sockets take the local two-pin plug. Onboard Wi-Fi is patchy and drops out on rural and mountain stretches, so download anything you want to watch or listen to before you board. The air-conditioning runs cold overnight; a light layer or a scarf makes the difference on the long-distance services.
Food and drink
A trolley service passes through the carriages with hot drinks, instant noodles, soft drinks and snacks, and most long-distance trains also have a small dining car. Prices are low but the choice is limited, so it pays to bring your own. Grab fresh fruit, a sandwich or local street food from the station or a nearby shop before departure. It's cheaper, better, and turns a plain trolley meal into a proper picnic with a view.
Luggage
There is no luggage check-in: you keep your bags with you. Each passenger can bring up to 20kg of luggage. Keep valuables, documents and electronics in a small bag you hold onto for the journey.
VNR tickets, without the VNR headaches.
Vietnam Railways' own site demands a local phone number for SMS verification, which rules out most foreign travelers. We handle that for you.
No Vietnamese phone number
We complete VNR's SMS verification on your behalf. You just book.
Official VNR e-ticket
Issued by Vietnam Railways, emailed as a PDF with QR. Show it on your phone.
Pick your exact berth
Live seat map at checkout. Upper or lower bunk, window or aisle, your choice.
Real human on WhatsApp
Questions and issues handled personally by our team, not a chatbot.
Easy payment
Pay with Visa, Mastercard or American Express, or by QR code, our cheapest option.
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Ready when you are.
Live fares, real seat maps, e-ticket. It takes about two minutes.
See live prices ↑The practical details.
Onboard
Sleepers have bedding, A/C. A/C gets cold overnight, bring a layer. Food trolley and power outlets in 4-berth.
ID & tickets
Bring your passport, the name must match your ticket. QR e-ticket on your phone, no printout needed.
Changes & refunds
Cancellations allowed under certain conditions; changes aren't permitted. Full policy shown before you pay.
Best time to travel
November to April is the dry season and the most comfortable. Book 3+ weeks ahead in July-August peak.
How far ahead can you book?
You can book this route up to 44 days before departure. Here is how the Vietnam Railways sales window works, and how to secure your preferred seats the moment they open.
When tickets go on sale
Vietnam Railways releases seats up to 44 days before the departure date. If your travel date is further out, trains will display with a "Not open yet" status, this is normal and means tickets are not yet available. When the window opens, all seats become available at once. Popular services, especially 4-berth soft sleepers and lower berths, sell out quickly during Tet, summer, and public holidays, so securing your spot early is essential.
Exceptional update: reservations are open on every Vietnam Railways route through February 25, 2027, well beyond the usual 44 day booking window.
How the waitlist alert works
Your stations.
Hanoi
120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City, Vietnam
Lao Cai
Group 26A, Lao Cai Street, Lao Cai City, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam Arrive 30-60 min before departure.
More trains around this route.
The way back, the stops in between, and where else the line can take you. Live prices and seats on every route.
Quick answers.
How many trains run from Hanoi to Lao Cai each day?
2 trains run daily from Hanoi to Lao Cai, giving you a wide choice of departure times throughout the day and night.
How long does the Hanoi to Lao Cai train take?
The Hanoi to Lao Cai train takes as little as 7h47m on the fastest service, the SP7. Slower services stop at more stations along the way.
How much is a Hanoi to Lao Cai train ticket?
Hanoi to Lao Cai train tickets start from 594,580 VND (US$ 22.99), with higher fares for sleeper berths and premium classes.
Is there an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai?
Yes. 2 of the daily services between Hanoi and Lao Cai offer sleeper cabins, so you can travel overnight and save on a night of accommodation.
Which station do Hanoi to Lao Cai trains depart from?
Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội), 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City, Vietnam. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to complete boarding.
Where do Hanoi to Lao Cai trains arrive?
Trains arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station (Ga Lào Cai), Group 26A, Lao Cai Street, Lao Cai City, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam.
Do I need a Vietnamese phone number or SIM card to book?
No. You can book with any email address and pay by international card, no Vietnamese phone number or local SIM required.
How do I receive my train ticket?
Your ticket is delivered as a QR code by email. Show it on your phone at the station; there is no need to print anything or collect a paper ticket.
Book your Hanoi to Lao Cai train
Live availability, real seat maps, official VNR e-ticket by email. About two minutes.
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