How Far is Sapa from Hanoi? Travel Time & Distance Guide
The distance between Hanoi and Sapa is from 320 to 455 kilometers, depending on your Hanoi to Sapa bus route you take. The fastest and most popular way to go to Sapa is via the Hanoi – Lao Cai Expressway (CT05), a modern freeway leading directly from the capital to Lao Cai City before climbing up into the Sapa hills.
Main Routes Used by Hanoi Sapa Bus Operators:
- Route 1 (Expressway): Hanoi → Noi Bai → Yen Bai → Lao Cai → Sapa (Approx. 320–340 km)
This is the quickest and most popular option for most limousine/ cabin sleeper buses, such as Sapa Express, Green Bus, or Pumpkin Limousine.
Travel Time: 4 to 7 Hours
A bus from Hanoi to Sapa typically occupies 4 to 7 hours, depending on some determining factors:
- Type of bus: Limousine buses (9 to 20 seats) typically take 4.5 to 5.5 hours with a few stops.
- Larger, 32–46-bed sleeper buses can take longer if there are several pick-up and drop-off points.
- Road conditions: Mountain weather could affect traffic, especially on foggy mornings or during the rainy season.
- Traffic volume: Travel times will be slower on weekends, public holidays, and Tet season, when demand peaks.
Top-Rated Bus Operators for Your Journey from Hanoi to Sapa by Bus
1. Sao Viet Bus – Spacious, Frequent, and Reliable
If you want to not hear four other dudes farting while you also do the same, then hell yes, Sao Viet is it. With as many as 17 departures daily from early morning to late evening, it offers the ultimate flexibility as to when you depart. Their luxury cabin sleeper buses (34 beds) feature private sleeping pods with their TVs, USB chargers, and premium air conditioning, making for a high-end experience whether you’re solo or traveling as a couple.
- Schedule: From 06:00 to 23:30 – departures almost every hour
- Ticket Price: Around 400,000 VND
- Pick-up Points: 789 Giai Phong, Noi Bai Airport, and several downtown locations
- Highlights: Private cabin beds, clean facilities, friendly staff
- Review Score: 4.5/5 – Consistently praised for punctuality and comfort
- Contact: 1900 272 708 – www.saovietbus.vn
Sao Viet Bus (Source: xesaoviet)
2. Ha Son Hai Van – High Volume, Door-to-Door Support
For those who favour reliability and will want to direct service, Ha Son Hai Van is an old favourite in the Hanoi to Sapa by Bus stakes. The company has a large fleet and runs 11 trips daily, providing a wide-ranging schedule from the early morning until late evening.
They have the conventional sleeper coaches as well as the VIP cabin buses (40 seats). Their door-to-door service couldn’t make things any easier with pick-ups from My Dinh Bus Station, even Noi Bai Airport, or central Hanoi.
- Schedule: Departures from 06:30 to 23:00
- Ticket Price: From 260,000 to 350,000 VND
- Pick-up Locations: My Dinh Station, Noi Bai Airport, and central districts
- Highlights: Helpful hotline support, smooth ride, clean bedding
- Review Score: 3.7/5 – Known for coverage and support options
- Contact: 0879 698 886 – www.hasonhaivan.com.vn
Ha Son Hai Van Bus (Source: onevivu)
3. Sapa Group Bus – Best for Night Travel
Have an overnight journey in mind? Sapa Group Bus is your reliable travel companion at night. With sleeper buses in comfortable cabins and only two significant departures daily, one early morning and one late at night, it’s meant for those who are ready to save an overnight stay and travel to Sapa with a fresh mind.
All the cabins have been designed for privacy, having curtains, USB ports, bottled water, and personal TVs as well.
- Schedule: Two fixed slots – 06:45 and 22:00
- Ticket Price: 400,000 VND
- Pick-up Points: 160 Tran Quang Khai, Hoa Binh Park, Kim Chung, plus KM19 of the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway
- Highlights: Comfortable for solo travelers, safe night route
- Review Score: 3.5/5 – Well-rated for late-night consistency
- Contact: 0978 914 895
Sapa Group Bus (Source: vexesapa)
4. The Anh Bus – Clean, Professional, and Safe
For customers who value punctuality, cleanliness, and sparseness, The Anh has earned a name for being dependable. Its VIP Limousine and sleeper buses have one scheduled trip nightly, great for customers craving peace of mind while en route. Even limited to one trip, the company boasts good vehicle upkeep standards and driving professionalism.
- Schedule: One daily departure at 22:00
- Ticket Price: 250,000 – 350,000 VND
- Pick-up Point: My Dinh Bus Station
- Highlights: Neat interiors, well-kept bedding, quiet cabins
- Review Score: 4.2/5 – Great for low-fuss travelers
- Contact: 1900 272 708
The Anh Bus (Source: megabus)
5. Green Bus – Smooth, Steady, and Professionally Driven
If you are looking for a safe, modern experience on your Bus trip from Hanoi to Sapa, Green Bus delivers with confidence. Their buses are serviced regularly, and their drivers are professional and careful. Green Bus offers luxury sleeper buses with individual cabins that feature amenities like Wi-Fi, USB, and air-conditioned convenience.
- Schedule: 7 daily departures (from 07:00 to 23:00)
- Price: 350,000 – 400,000 VND
- Departure Point: 21 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Strengths: Punctuality, clean interiors, professional service
- Perfect for: Travelers who value reliability and a newer fleet
- Contact: 0988 888 094 – greenbus.vn
Green Bus (Source: dixere)
6. Pumpkin Limousine – Stylish Comfort with Added Perks
For those travelers who are used to some comfort and elegance, Pumpkin Limousine is a great option. This 19-seat VIP limousine tour is perfect for couples or small groups seeking a stylish Hanoi to Sapa by bus trip. So, why are they special? They provide food and snacks, there is free Wi-Fi, and they have direct access to English-speaking personnel.
- Schedule: Two daily rides – 07:00 AM and 10:00 PM
- Price: Around 450,000 VND
- Departure Point: 49 Hang Dong Street, Hanoi
- Strengths: Well-maintained vehicles, food included, personalized service
- Perfect for: Travelers who want comfort and peace of mind
- Contact: 0243 927 2828 – pumpkintravel.com
Pumpkin Limousine Bus (Source: trekkingtoursapa)
7. Sapa Express – Tourist Favorite with 5-Star Buses
Among all the Hanoi to Sapa by Bus options, the Sapa Express Bus is a standing favorite among international visitors. Their VIP cabin sleeper and 5-star limousine buses are geared towards long-distance comfort with reclining leather chairs, complimentary water, and welcoming bilingual staff.
- Schedule: 2 fixed trips per day – 07:00 and 22:00
- Price: 400,000 – 500,000 VND
- Departure Point: 12 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Strengths: Exceptional safety record, punctuality, English-speaking support
- Perfect for: First-time travelers or families looking for worry-free service
- Contact: 0243 668 5555 – sapaexpress.com
Sapa Express Bus (Source: sapaexpressbus)
8. Interbus Lines – Budget Travel with Surprising Comfort
Interbus Lines is one of the lowest-priced options, but it never compromises on service. Interbus Lines uses a mix of cabin sleeper and limousine buses and is one of the best choices for budget-friendly travel from Hanoi to Sapa by bus, with reasonable quality.
- Schedule: 5 departures per day
- Price: 250,000 – 400,000 VND
- Departure Point: 110A Tran Nhat Duat, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Strengths: Reasonable pricing, friendly staff, easy online booking
- Perfect for: Solo travelers, students, or budget-conscious explorers
- Contact: 0962 626 689 – interbuslines.com
Interbus Lines Bus (Source: klook)
9. Queen Cafe – The Backpacker’s Choice
Queen Cafe is a popular choice in Vietnam’s backpacker community due to its dependable service for budget-conscious tourists. Their buses are dependable and punctual, and handle the Hanoi-Sapa and Sapa-Hanoi bus lines efficiently even during peak tourist seasons.
- Schedule: 3 daily departures – 06:30, 21:00, and 22:00
- Price: 250,000 – 350,000 VND
- Departure Point: 208 Tran Quang Khai, Hanoi
- Strengths: Popular among solo travelers and backpackers
- Perfect for: Adventurers looking for no-frills, low-cost rides
- Contact: 0243 903 6138 – queencafetour.com.vn
Queen Cafe Bus (Source: sapanomad)
10. Toan Thang – Best Value for the Price
For greatest value-for-comfort, Toan Thang cannot be beaten. Their limousines and sleeper buses are air-conditioned and clean, and while service is minimal, it never poses a problem. Their timetable is seasonal, so booking in advance is recommended.
- Schedule: 4 departures daily (flexible hours)
- Price: 230,000 – 300,000 VND
- Departure Point: My Dinh or Gia Lam Bus Stations
- Strengths: Great value, efficient routes via expressway
- Perfect for: Repeat travelers and domestic tourists
- Contact: 1900 7075 – toanthang.vn
Toan Thang Bus (Source: vinwonders)
Ticket Price & Return Overview (2025 Updated)
Bus Operator
|
Bus Type
|
Ticket Price (VND / USD)
|
Departure Point (Hanoi)
|
Return Pick-up (Sapa)
|
Drop-off (Hanoi)
|
Sapa Express Bus
|
VIP Sleeper / Limousine 29s
|
400,000 – 500,000 / $16–21
|
12 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem
|
2 Cau May Street
|
Hoan Kiem / Noi Bai Airport
|
Pumpkin Limousine
|
VIP Limousine 19s
|
450,000 / $18
|
49 Hang Dong
|
Hotel pick-up
|
Old Quarter
|
Green Bus
|
Luxury Cabin Sleeper
|
350,000 – 400,000 / $14 17
|
21 Bat Dan
|
Sapa Bus Station / Hotel pick-up
|
Noi Bai / City Center
|
Ha Son Hai Van
|
Sleeper & VIP Cabin 40s
|
260,000 – 350,000 / $10–14
|
My Dinh Station
|
Sapa town center
|
My Dinh / Hotel transfer
|
Queen Cafe
|
Sleeper
|
250,000 – 350,000 / $10–14
|
208 Tran Quang Khai
|
Sapa Bus Station
|
Old Quarter
|
Interbus Lines
|
Cabin Sleeper + Limousine
|
250,000 – 400,000 / $10–17
|
110A Tran Nhat Duat
|
436 Dien Bien Phu
|
Linh Dam, Hoang Mai
|
Toan Thang
|
Limousine Sleeper
|
230,000 – 300,000 / $9–12
|
My Dinh / Gia Lam Station
|
Night market Sapa
|
Noi Bai Airport / Lai Châu route
|
Sao Viet Bus
|
Cabin Sleeper 34s
|
350,000 – 400,000 / $14 17
|
789 Giai Phong, Noi Bai Airport
|
Sapa Bus Station
|
Giai Phong / Noi Bai Airport
|
Hanoi to Sapa Bus: Travel Tips for First-Timers
Arrive Early and Stay Ready for Hanoi to Sapa Bus
Most Hanoi to Sapa bus companies open the check-in 20–30 minutes before you leave. Getting in early not only ensures your seat becomes secure but also gives you time to double-check you have all your details, leave your luggage, or grab quick snacks. Bus stations in Hanoi (like My Dinh or Ly Thai To) can get busy, so arriving early is a great plan, especially around the holidays!
Pack Essentials You’ll Appreciate for Hanoi to Sapa Bus
Whether you’re taking a night bus or a day trip, some things will make your Hanoi Sapa journey much better:
- Passport and booking confirmation (hard copy or on your phone)
- Water bottle and light snacks
- Travel pillow or eye mask for overnight travel
- Motion sickness tablets if you get winding roads (normal on the final section to Sapa)
Choose Your Seat Strategically for Hanoi to Sapa Bus
Planning a reading, sleep, or work session on the trip? Avoid the back seats, where the sways and bumps are most felt. Get middle or front seats if you have motion sickness. Seat selection in advance is a common practice of most bus companies like the Sapa Express Bus; take advantage of it!
Conclusion
The best Hanoi to Sapa by Bus varies depending on comfort, timetable, and travel purpose. Backpackers will choose Queen Cafe, couples like Pumpkin Limousine, and families will rely on the dependable service of Sapa Express Bus. Choose a Hanoi Sapa bus, book in advance, choose your seat wisely, and add your journey to one of our unforgettable Sapa tours for the full mountain experience. Your journey to the highlands is here. Let’s drive to Sapa in style and comfort!