Hanoi to Lào Cai train with Vietnam Railways

Fri, 19 Jun
+ Add return
Vietnam Railways
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
Trenitalia
2,000+ travel companies
Vietnam Railways
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
Trenitalia
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai

Showing times and prices for 19 Jun

Cheapest price

21S$

Average price

21S$

Fastest journey

7 h 17 m

Average duration

7 h 24 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

254 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hanoi to Lào Cai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Hanoi to Lào Cai will cost around 21S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 21S$.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Hanoi for Lào Cai every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 7 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 17 m .

The slowest trains will take 7 h 32 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
    9:58 PM7h17
    Hanoi Gia Lam Station
    5:15 AMSapa Lao Cai
    21 S$1One-way
    0 changes
  • Vietnam Railways
    10:23 PM7h32
    Hanoi Gia Lam Station
    5:55 AMSapa Lao Cai
    21 S$1One-way
    0 changes
  • Vietnam Railways
    11:03 PM7h22
    Hanoi Gia Lam Station
    6:25 AMSapa Lao Cai
    21 S$1One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Hanoi to Lào Cai

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Hanoi to Lào Cai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 8S$. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 5h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 8S$, and a train costs an average of 28S$.

Distance: 254 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

35S$

Average Price

9S$

Average Price

Cheapest

9h 12m

Average total duration

8h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Hanoi to Lào Cai train times

The table below shows live departures for Hanoi to Lào Cai trains for tomorrow, Friday, 19 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Vietnam Railways9:58 PM Hanoi Gia Lam Station
7h17
5:15 AM Sapa Lao Cai0 changesdirect
Vietnam Railways10:23 PM Hanoi Gia Lam Station
7h32
5:55 AM Sapa Lao Cai0 changesdirect
Vietnam Railways11:03 PM Hanoi Gia Lam Station
7h22
6:25 AM Sapa Lao Cai0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Hanoi to Lào Cai by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Fri
19 Jun
Sat
20 Jun
Sun
21 Jun
Mon
22 Jun
Tue
23 Jun
Wed
24 Jun
Thu
25 Jun

Journey information

Overview: Train from Hanoi to Lào Cai

VietnamVietnam
VietnamVietnam
Icon of train

Trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 28S$ but you can travel from only 8S$ by coach.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:30, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 254 km distance in 8h 42m.

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
Coach from 8S$
Distance
254 km
Average train duration
8h 42m
Cheapest ticket price
28S$
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
8h 42m
First train
9:30 AM
Last train
11:03 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
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
Coach from 8S$

Train companies: Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Lào Cai trainsVietnam Railways trains will get you between Hanoi and Lào Cai from 8S$. 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 17m
Cheapest Price
21S$
Vietnam Railways frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Hanoi to Lào Cai train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hanoi to Lào Cai 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 Lào Cai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Hanoi to Lào Cai can start from as little as 28S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Hanoi to Lào Cai is 35S$; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Hanoi to Lào Cai is 8h 42m to travel the 254 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Hanoi to Lào Cai leaves at 9:30 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Hanoi to Lào Cai leaves at 11:03 pm.
Yes, there are 9 direct trains a day from Hanoi to Lào Cai with Vietnam Railways. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Hanoi to Lào Cai, you can count on Vietnam Railways for the best way to get you to Lào Cai. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Hanoi and Lào Cai and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Lào Cai from Hanoi is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 42m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Hanoi to Lào Cai is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Hanoi and Lào Cai including taking a train and coach.

More options for your journey from Hanoi to Lào Cai

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in VietnamHanoi to Lào Cai train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone