Hanoi to Lào Cai train with Vietnam Railways

Wed, Apr 01
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Vietnam Railways
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Deutsche Bahn
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Vietnam Railways
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai

Showing times and prices for Apr 02

Cheapest price

$45

Average price

$45

Fastest journey

8 h 42 m

Average duration

8 h 42 m

Trains per day

2

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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Hanoi to Lào Cai will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Hanoi for Lào Cai on Thu, Apr 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 8 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 42 m .

On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 8 h 42 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.

  • ESBT_7175
    10:00 PM8h42
    Hanoi Railway Station
    6:42 AMLao Cai Railway Station
    $451One-way
    0 transfers
  • ESBT_7175
    10:40 PM8h42
    Hanoi Railway Station
    7:22 AMLao Cai Railway Station
    $451One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Hanoi to Lào Cai

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Hanoi to Lào Cai 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 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $32.

Distance: 157 miles (254 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

$44

Average price

$11

Average price

Cheapest

9h 12m

Average total duration

8h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 28m

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 today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ESBT_71753:00 PM Hanoi Railway Station
8h42
11:42 PM Lao Cai Railway Station0 transfersDirect
ESBT_71753:40 PM Hanoi Railway Station
8h42
12:22 AM Lao Cai Railway Station0 transfersDirect

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 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.

Thu
Apr 02
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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 $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $9 (€8) by bus.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:30, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (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
Bus from $9 (€8)
Distance
157 miles (254 km)
Average train duration
8h 42m
Cheapest ticket price
$32 (€26)
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
8h 42m
First train
9:30 AM
Last train
11:03 PM
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 Hanoi to Lào Cai trainsVietnam Railways trains will get you between Hanoi and Lào Cai 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 17m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
Vietnam Railways frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai

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
Train ticket prices from Hanoi to Lào Cai can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $32 (€26), while the average price is around $44 (€35).
The train from Hanoi to Lào Cai takes 8h 42m and runs 9 per day.
The first train from Hanoi to Lào Cai leaves at 9:30 AM.
The distance by train from Hanoi to Lào Cai is 157 miles (254 km).
The last train from Hanoi to Lào Cai leaves at 11:03 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Hanoi to Lào Cai.
Yes, there is a direct train from Hanoi to Lào Cai. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by Vietnam Railways.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Hanoi to Lào Cai.
The train station in Hanoi that goes to Lào Cai is Hanoi Railway Station, which connects to Lao Cai Railway Station.
The cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Lào Cai is by bus, with a cost of around $9 (€8).
Yes, the Hanoi to Lào Cai train journey is considered scenic, offering views of lush landscapes, terraced rice fields, and distant mountains along the way.
A day trip from Hanoi to Lào Cai is not feasible as the travel duration is 8h 42m, covering a distance of 157 miles (254 km). The frequency is 9 per day for trains.
To fully experience Lào Cai, including attractions like Sapa, Bac Ha Market, and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, plan for a stay of 3 to 5 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Hanoi to Lào Cai.
Since neither Hanoi nor Lào Cai 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.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Hanoi to Lào Cai 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 Lào Cai, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded markets and transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging for taxis and motorbike rentals, so it's advisable to agree on prices beforehand or use metered services. Additionally, some guides may offer unofficial tours at inflated rates, so booking through reputable agencies is recommended. Awareness of weather conditions is also important, as mountainous areas can pose risks during heavy rains or landslides.
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.

Most popular train connections from Hanoi

Train Hanoi - Huế
Train Hanoi - Da Nang
Train Hanoi - Vinh

More options for your journey from Hanoi to Lào Cai

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

Return journeys for trains from Lào Cai to Hanoi
HomeTrainsHanoi to Lào Cai train

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