SP7 Train Hanoi to Sapa: Schedule, Cabins & Prices

SP7 Overnight Train — Hanoi to Sapa

The SP7 overnight train is one of the most popular ways to travel from Hanoi to Sapa without wasting a full day on the road. Departing nightly at 22:40 from Hanoi Station (Vietnam Railways) (Ga Hà Nội) and arriving in Lao Cai at 06:25, the journey turns an 8-hour road trip into 8 hours of sleep — you close your eyes in Hanoi and wake up minutes from the mountains. From Lao Cai station, Sapa is 50–60 minutes away by private taxi (350,000–450,000 VND for a 4–5 seat car, 450,000–500,000 VND for a 7-seater), by shared limousine van (150,000–180,000 VND per person, timed to the train arrival) or by local public bus (50,000–60,000 VND). Travellers can choose between two soft-sleeper cabin options depending on budget and privacy needs: the shared 4-berth Deluxe cabin or the fully private 2-berth VIP cabin.

SP7 Train Schedule: Hanoi to Lao Cai

SP7 Cabin Options and Ticket Prices

All prices are fixed, VAT included, with no hidden fees.

SP7 Deluxe — Shared 4-Berth Soft Sleeper Cabin ($36/person)

The SP7 Deluxe cabin is a shared 4-berth soft sleeper, the most budget-friendly way to travel overnight from Hanoi to Sapa by train. It’s the top pick for solo travellers, backpackers, and anyone happy to share the cabin with other passengers in exchange for a lower fare. Each berth comes with clean linens, an individual reading light, a power socket, and air conditioning, so even at this price point the journey stays comfortable. Onboard amenities include mineral water, a cold towel, and a light snack, with VAT already included in the ticket price — no hidden fees at checkout. There is no WiFi on board, so it’s worth downloading music, podcasts, or offline entertainment before departure. At $36 per person, the SP7 Deluxe cabin offers the best value for travellers who care more about reaching Sapa well-rested than about having the cabin to themselves.

SP7 VIP — Private 2-Berth Lockable Cabin ($142/cabin)

For travellers who want the carriage section entirely to themselves, the SP7 VIP cabin is a fully private, lockable 2-berth sleeper — the only option on the Hanoi–Sapa route offering complete privacy for two passengers. It’s the preferred choice for couples, families, and anyone who values a quiet, undisturbed night’s sleep, as well as solo female travellers who feel safer with a door that locks from the inside. Like the Deluxe cabin, the VIP cabin includes soft-sleeper beds, clean linens, reading lights, a power socket, air conditioning, mineral water, a cold towel, and a light snack — with VAT included in the fixed price of $142 per cabin (2 passengers), so there are no surprise charges on arrival. No WiFi is available on board, so pack a power bank and download entertainment in advance. For $142 shared between two travellers, the VIP cabin delivers a private, hotel-like sleeper experience at a fraction of what a private cabin would cost on most other overnight routes in Vietnam.

What’s Included in Your SP7 Ticket

• Soft-sleeper berth with clean linens
• Individual reading light, power socket and air conditioning
• Complimentary mineral water, cold towel and a light snack
• Fixed price with VAT included

There is no WiFi on board – download music or podcasts before you leave and bring a power bank.

Getting from Lao Cai Station to Sapa

Lao Cai Station is about 38 km from Sapa town:

• Private taxi (4–5 seats): 350,000–450,000 VND per car, 50–60 minutes
• Private taxi (7 seats): 450,000–500,000 VND per car
• Shared limousine van (9–11 seats): 150,000–180,000 VND per person, 60–70 minutes, timed to the train arrival
• Local public bus: 50,000–60,000 VND per person

Your Journey Timeline: Hanoi to Sapa

1. 22:00 – Arrive at Hanoi Station (1 Tran Quy Cap, Hoan Kiem) and board.
2. 22:40 – SP7 departs. Settle into your cabin and sleep through the night.
3. 06:25 – Arrive at Lao Cai Station.
4. 06:30–07:30 – Transfer to Sapa by taxi or limousine van.
5. Around 07:30 – Breakfast in Sapa, with a full day ahead for trekking.

Getting to Hanoi Station: 1 Tran Quy Cap, Hoan Kiem. By Grab from the Old Quarter, it’s about 10 minutes and 30,000–50,000 VND. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to board comfortably.

Planning your return trip? Book the Sapa to Hanoi Train SP8 — a daytime train with the same cabins, departing Lao Cai at 12:05 and arriving in Hanoi at 19:40, so you can enjoy the mountain scenery on the way back.

Travelling in January? Check our Sapa weather guide — temperatures can drop to 5°C, so pack warm layers.

Plan the rest of your trip: read our guide to the best time to visit Sapa or see our Sapa – Bac Ha Market Tour.

• Overnight Journey Timeline: Hanoi Station → Lao Cai → Sapa