How to get from Hanoi to Lào Cai

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What is the best way to travel from Hanoi to Lào Cai?

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Trains and Buses to Lào Cai from Hanoi. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 14 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest and fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
4h 30m
£6
£14
82
Train
8h 0m
£25
£26
1

What is the cheapest way to reach Lào Cai from Hanoi?

You can reach Lào Cai with just £6 by taking a Bus from Interbus Lines, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Monday
from £8
Tuesday
from £8
Wednesday
from £8
Thursday
from £6
Friday
from £8
Saturday
from £8
Sunday
from £8

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 50m
    0
    05:40
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Basic
    £12
  • Sao Vang
    4h 30m
    0
    09:30
    Hanoi
    My Dinh Bus Station
    14:00
    Lào Cai
    Lao Cai station - Giang Phong Hao Import Export JSC
    0
    Sao Vang
    First Class
    £13
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    10:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    17:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • Phuc Lam Limousine
    5h 30m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Trần Quang Khải
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    Phuc Lam Limousine
    Economy
    £17

    Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Sao Vang
    4h 30m
    0
    09:30
    Hanoi
    My Dinh Bus Station
    14:00
    Lào Cai
    Lao Cai station - Giang Phong Hao Import Export JSC
    0
    Sao Vang
    First Class
    £11
  • Sapa Group Bus
    5h 0m
    0
    07:45
    Hanoi - Noi Bai Airport
    Hanoi - Noi Bai Airport - T2
    12:45
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Group Bus
    Business
    £11
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £12
  • Phuc Lam Limousine
    5h 30m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Trần Quang Khải
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    Phuc Lam Limousine
    Economy
    £15

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    08:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    14:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £13
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • Phuc Lam Limousine
    5h 30m
    0
    06:00
    Hanoi
    Trần Quang Khải
    11:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    Phuc Lam Limousine
    Economy
    £17
  • King Sapa Train
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    King Sapa Train
    Economy
    £18

    Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    13:45
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    19:15
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £6
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    08:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    14:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £13
  • FULL MOON PARTY TOUR
    6h 15m
    0
    16:30
    Hanoi
    Inter bus line station
    22:45
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    FULL MOON PARTY TOUR
    Business
    £15
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • King Sapa Train
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    King Sapa Train
    Economy
    £18
  • Cheapest Trains Thursday

  • Violette Trains
    8h 0m
    0
    22:00
    Hanoi
    Central Station Ga Hà Nội
    06:00
    Lào Cai
    Central Station
    0
    Violette Trains
    Economy
    from £25

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £13
  • FULL MOON PARTY TOUR
    6h 15m
    0
    16:25
    Hanoi
    Inter bus line station
    22:40
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    FULL MOON PARTY TOUR
    Business
    £15
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • TBus
    6h 0m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Go Asia
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    TBus
    Business
    £18

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 50m
    0
    05:40
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Basic
    £12
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • King Sapa Train
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    King Sapa Train
    Economy
    £20
  • TBus
    6h 0m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Go Asia
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    TBus
    Business
    £21

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    08:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    14:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £13
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • King Sapa Train
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    King Sapa Train
    Economy
    £20
  • TBus
    6h 0m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Go Asia
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    TBus
    Business
    £21
  • Cheapest Trains Sunday

  • Violette Trains
    8h 0m
    0
    22:00
    Hanoi
    Central Station Ga Hà Nội
    06:00
    Lào Cai
    Central Station
    0
    Violette Trains
    Economy
    from £28

What are the fastest trips from Hanoi to Lào Cai?

You can get to Lào Cai from Hanoi in just 4h 30m with a Bus from Sao Vang. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Monday
from 4h 30m
Tuesday
from 4h 30m
Wednesday
from 5h 30m
Thursday
from 5h 30m
Friday
from 5h 30m
Saturday
from 5h 30m
Sunday
from 5h 30m

    Fastest Buses Monday

  • Sao Vang
    4h 30m
    0
    09:30
    Hanoi
    My Dinh Bus Station
    14:00
    Lào Cai
    Lao Cai station - Giang Phong Hao Import Export JSC
    0
    Sao Vang
    First Class
    £13
  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Phuc Lam Limousine
    5h 30m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Trần Quang Khải
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    Phuc Lam Limousine
    Economy
    £17
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    10:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    17:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 50m
    0
    05:40
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Basic
    £12

    Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • Sao Vang
    4h 30m
    0
    09:30
    Hanoi
    My Dinh Bus Station
    14:00
    Lào Cai
    Lao Cai station - Giang Phong Hao Import Export JSC
    0
    Sao Vang
    First Class
    £11
  • Sapa Group Bus
    5h 0m
    0
    07:45
    Hanoi - Noi Bai Airport
    Hanoi - Noi Bai Airport - T2
    12:45
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Group Bus
    Business
    £11
  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Phuc Lam Limousine
    5h 30m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Trần Quang Khải
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    Phuc Lam Limousine
    Economy
    £15
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £12

    Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Phuc Lam Limousine
    5h 30m
    0
    06:00
    Hanoi
    Trần Quang Khải
    11:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    Phuc Lam Limousine
    Economy
    £17
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    08:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    14:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £13
  • King Sapa Train
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    King Sapa Train
    Economy
    £18
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16

    Fastest Buses Thursday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    13:45
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    19:15
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £6
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    08:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    14:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £13
  • King Sapa Train
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    King Sapa Train
    Economy
    £18
  • FULL MOON PARTY TOUR
    6h 15m
    0
    16:30
    Hanoi
    Inter bus line station
    22:45
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    FULL MOON PARTY TOUR
    Business
    £15
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • Fastest Trains Thursday

  • Violette Trains
    8h 0m
    0
    22:00
    Hanoi
    Central Station Ga Hà Nội
    06:00
    Lào Cai
    Central Station
    0
    Violette Trains
    Economy
    from £25

    Fastest Buses Friday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £13
  • TBus
    6h 0m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Go Asia
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    TBus
    Business
    £18
  • FULL MOON PARTY TOUR
    6h 15m
    0
    16:25
    Hanoi
    Inter bus line station
    22:40
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    FULL MOON PARTY TOUR
    Business
    £15
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • King Sapa Train
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    King Sapa Train
    Economy
    £20
  • TBus
    6h 0m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Go Asia
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    TBus
    Business
    £21
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 50m
    0
    05:40
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Basic
    £12

    Fastest Buses Sunday

  • Interbus Lines
    5h 30m
    0
    07:30
    Hanoi
    Sân Bay Nội Bài
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Interbus Lines
    First Class
    £8
  • Daily Limousine
    6h 0m
    0
    08:30
    Hanoi
    Opera House
    14:30
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Daily Limousine
    Business
    £13
  • King Sapa Train
    6h 0m
    0
    06:30
    Hanoi
    Parzona Cafe
    12:30
    Lào Cai
    Thạch Sơn
    0
    King Sapa Train
    Economy
    £20
  • TBus
    6h 0m
    0
    07:00
    Hanoi
    Go Asia
    13:00
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    TBus
    Business
    £21
  • Sapa Ethnic Travel
    6h 40m
    0
    00:30
    Hanoi
    Hyundai Long Bien
    07:10
    Lào Cai
    Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop
    0
    Sapa Ethnic Travel
    Business
    £16
  • Fastest Trains Sunday

  • Violette Trains
    8h 0m
    0
    22:00
    Hanoi
    Central Station Ga Hà Nội
    06:00
    Lào Cai
    Central Station
    0
    Violette Trains
    Economy
    from £28
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Hanoi to Lào Cai

What are the most popular stations in Hanoi and Lào Cai?

In Hanoi, you will usually depart from Mango Hotel, Chợ Gạo Street or Bến Xe Nuoc Ngam, while in Lào Cai you will be arriving at Bảo Yên, Lao Cai station - Giang Phong Hao Import Export JSC or Sapa Dien Bien Phu Bus Stop, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Lào Cai from Hanoi? With 5 connections between 14 Train and Bus operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Hanoi and Lào Cai, you can pay as low as £6 with a Bus from Interbus Lines.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Bus from Sao Vang: you will get to Lào Cai in just 4h 30m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Hanoi and Lào Cai are Interbus Lines, Daily Limousine and Sapa Ethnic Travel, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Hanoi and Lào Cai is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Nguyen Du or to Cốc San, and look at flights from Hanoi - Noi Bai Airport, and landing at . Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Hanoi to Lào Cai?

The most popular companies between Hanoi and Lào Cai, are Interbus Lines, Daily Limousine and Sapa Ethnic Travel. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: Interbus Lines, Daily Limousine, Sapa Ethnic Travel and 6 more.

Train companies: Violette Trains

All you need to know when you travel from Hanoi to Lào Cai

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Hanoi to Lào Cai. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Hanoi to Lào Cai

How can I reach Lào Cai from Hanoi?

Every day, there are on average 5 connections between Train and Bus, with which you can get to Lào Cai from Hanoi.

How far is Lào Cai from Hanoi?

The distance between Hanoi and Lào Cai is 252.4 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Hanoi and Lào Cai?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 7 kgs of CO2, a train 9 kgs, a car 43 kgs, and a flight 62 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Hanoi to Lào Cai?

You can get to Lào Cai with just £6 by taking a Bus from Interbus Lines.

What is the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Lào Cai?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Lào Cai in just 4h 30m with a Bus from Sao Vang.

More routes to Hanoi and to Lào Cai

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Hanoi and to Lào Cai. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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