Hanoi to Lào Cai train with Vietnam Railways

Wed, Nov 26
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Vietnam Railways
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Deutsche Bahn
SNCF TER
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1,000+ travel companies
Vietnam Railways
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF TER
Regiojet
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai

Showing times and prices for Nov 27

Cheapest price

€26

Average price

€26

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 €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Hanoi for Lào Cai on Thu, Nov 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 27 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, Nov 27 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.

Violette Train
03:00PM8h42
Hanoi
11:42PMLào Cai
261One-way
0 transfers
New Livitrans
03:40PM8h42
Hanoi
12:22AMLào Cai
261One-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 €7. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €7, and a train costs an average of €14.

Distance: 254 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€26

Average price

€8

Average price

Cheapest

9h 8m

Average total duration

8h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 41m

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, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:49 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ESBT_6530_SAPALY_EXPRESS_TRAIN3:00 PM Hanoi
8h42
11:42 PM Lào Cai0 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
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
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Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
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Wed
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Thu
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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 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €14 but you can travel from only €7 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 254 km distance in 7h 19m.

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 €7
Distance
254 km
Average train duration
8h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
€14
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
7h 19m
First train
09:30
Last train
23:03
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 €7

Train companies: Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Lào Cai trainsVietnam Railways trains will get you between Hanoi and Lào Cai from €7. 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 22m
Cheapest Price
€19
Vietnam Railways frequency
2 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
Cheap train tickets from Hanoi to Lào Cai can start from as little as €14 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Hanoi to Lào Cai is €26; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Hanoi to Lào Cai train travel time is 7 h 19 min   for the 254 km long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Hanoi to Lào Cai leaves at 09: 30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Hanoi to Lào Cai leaves at 23: 03.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Hanoi to Lào Cai without having to change trains with Vietnam Railways. There are 9 direct trains from Hanoi to Lào Cai each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Hanoi to Lào Cai train to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with Vietnam Railways. However, it's always good to check all possible train companies with services between Hanoi and Lào Cai to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 03.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Hanoi Railway Station, which is located around 34.8 miles (56.1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Lao Cai Railway Station, located 4.5 miles (7.2 km) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month to travel from Hanoi to Lào Cai by train is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Lào Cai from Hanoi including taking a train or coach.

More options for your journey from Hanoi to Lào Cai

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

HomeTrainsHanoi to Lào Cai train

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