from $39 /person
| Train Route | Train Name | Soft Berth (4 Berth per Cabin) |
| Hanoi – Laocai (for Sapa) | King Express Train | $39 / Berth |
| Hanoi – Laocai (for Sapa) | Orient Express Train | $42 / Berth |
| Hanoi – Laocai (for Sapa) | Livitrans Express Train | $42 / Berth |
| Hanoi – Laocai (for Sapa) | Chapa Express Train | $44 / Berth |
| Hanoi – Laocai (for Sapa) | Sapaly Express Train | $47 / Berth |
| Hanoi – Laocai (for Sapa) | Fansipan Express Train | $47 / Berth |
| Hanoi – Laocai (for Sapa) | Victoria Express Train | $155 / Berth |
Generally, it can be divided into three types of cabins: 4-berth cabin, 6-berth cabin and soft-seat cabin. Tourist trains also run VIP cabin where the upper berths are removed, allowing for more space and privacy for just 2 people. A return ticket can also be bought right from Hanoi. Children less than five years old will not be charged any ticket fee and will share beds with their parents.
Each ride takes approximately eight to nine hours per way.
| Train Schedule From Hanoi | Depart Hanoi | Arrive Lao Cai |
| Orient Express | 9:40 pm | 05:25 am |
| Fanxipan Express | 9:40 pm | 05:25 am |
| Livitrans Express | 9:40 pm | 05:25 am |
| Sapaly Express | 10:00 pm | 06:15 am |
| King Express | 10:00 pm | 06:15 am |
| Chapa Express | 10:00 pm | 06:15 am |
| Train Schedule From Sapa | Depart Lao Cai | Arrive Hanoi |
| Orient Express | 8:15 pm | 04:15 am |
| Fanxipan Expres | 8:15 pm | 04:15 am |
| Livitrans Express | 8:15 pm | 04:15 am |
| Sapaly Express | 9:05 pm | 05:15 am |
| King Express | 9:05 pm | 05:15 am |
| Chapa Express | 9:05 pm | 05:15 am |
Lao Cai station is about 38 kilometers from Sapa, which takes about one hour going by bus or by car. The bus cost from Lao Cai – Sapa is $2-3 and ticket is available for purchase at the train station gate. Normally the bus stop is right in front of Sapa church, but tourists can also ask the bus driver to drop them off at their booked hotel.
Best train operators:
Each train offers a different advantage – you can choose one based on your preference for timing and budget:
– Sapaly Express: this is the most popular carrier thanks to its early operation and built-in reputation
– King Express: offers lowest fare with seasonal promotions
– Chapa Express: offers free shuttle bus to Sapa/ Chapa also has an express lounge at the train station for their guests
– Victoria Express: the most luxurious train to Sapa, reserved exclusively for in-house guests