From Lao Cai (station) to Sapa – 3 Options: Shuttle, Taxi & Private Car

Important things to know about this route

Lao Cai is the arrival point for trains from Hanoi — not Sapa itself. If you’re taking the train, you’ll always arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station, located about 30 km from Sapa. The drive from Lao Cai to Sapa usually takes 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on where your hotel is — whether it’s in Sapa town or further out in the countryside.

The good news is, this trip is very straightforward. Transport is always available, even for the early morning train arrivals. You won’t be stuck waiting around.

Important: This guide is only relevant if you’re arriving by train. If you’re traveling by bus from Hanoi, this doesn’t apply — buses go directly to Sapa without stopping in Lao Cai.

Option 1: Shuttle bus (Cheapest option)

How this option works

The shuttle bus from Lao Cai to Sapa is the cheapest and most common option for solo travelers and backpackers. These buses are always waiting right outside the railway station, well-timed to the train arrivals from Hanoi.

There’s no need to book in advance. As soon as you exit the station, you’ll see drivers calling for passengers. The buses are minivan-style shuttles that leave once they are full or when there are no more passengers coming out of the station. This usually means waiting 5 to 20 minutes, but rarely longer than that.

Most shuttle buses drop you off at a central point in Sapa town, like near the lake or the old church. If your hotel is nearby, they may drop you at the door — but if you’re staying further out, you might need to take a short taxi ride from the drop-off point.

Cost

• 40,000–60,000 VND per person (~$1.60–2.40 USD)

Pros

• Cheapest option.
• Super easy — no booking needed.

Cons

• Might need to wait until the bus fills.
• Not door-to-door unless your hotel is centrally located.

Option 2: Taxi (Easy and flexible)

How this option works

The most straightforward and flexible option for getting from Lao Cai to Sapa is by taxi. No matter how early your train arrives — even before sunrise — you’ll find plenty of taxis waiting right outside Lao Cai Station.

Some taxi drivers can be a bit pushy when approaching travelers, especially when lot of people come out the station at once. Don’t feel pressured — there are plenty of cars available. The benefit of a taxi is that you don’t have to wait for other passengers like the shuttle bus. You can leave immediately and head straight to your hotel in Sapa, whether that’s in the center of town, on the edge of the rice fields, or even further into the countryside.

Cost

• 400,000–550,000 VND (~$15–22 USD) depending on hotel location and car size.

Important

• Always agree on a price upfront or insist that the driver uses the meter.
• If using the meter, the standard rate is about 15,000 VND per kilometer. The ride to Sapa is roughly 30 km, so a fair meter price is about 450,000 VND (~$18 USD).
• If the price offered feels too high, don’t hesitate to approach another driver — there are always several waiting.

Taxi companies to look for

• Mai Linh Taxi
• Sapa Green Taxi (Xanh Sapa Taxi)
• Taxi Sapa

Pros:

• No waiting time — leave immediately.
• Door-to-door service, whether you’re staying in town or far out in the hills.
• Available anytime, including early morning arrivals.

Cons:

• Some drivers may try to overcharge unsuspecting tourists — know the price range in advance.
• More expensive than the shuttle bus.

Option 3: Pre-arranged private car (Stress-Free)

If you prefer to have everything fully organized in advance, a private car from Lao Cai to Sapa is the most hassle-free option. This works similarly to a taxi but with one big difference: the price is agreed upon upfront, and the driver waits for you at the station with a sign — no stress, no negotiation.

You can easily arrange this through your hotel in Sapa or a local travel agency. When you arrive at Lao Cai Station, your driver will already be waiting outside, often holding a sign with your name. From there, it’s a comfortable, direct ride straight to your hotel, whether it’s in Sapa town or out in the countryside.

Cost:

• 400,000–550,000 VND (~$15–22 USD) — generally the same range as taxis, but with no risk of being overcharged.

How it works:

• Booked in advance through your hotel or tour agency.
• Fixed price upfront — no surprises.
• Driver waits for you at the station and brings you directly to your hotel.

Pros:

• No negotiation needed.
• Stress-free, reliable, and comfortable.
• Perfect if you prefer to have everything organized before arrival, especially for early morning trains.

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than a shared shuttle (but the comfort and convenience are worth it for many travelers).

Tips for traveling from Lao Cai to Sapa

Lao Cai Town is skippable

There’s not much to see or do in Lao Cai. Unless you’re curious about the China-Vietnam border crossing, most travelers go straight from Lao Cai to Sapa. However, if you do want to explore, check out our guide: things to do in Lao Cai.

Breakfast near Lao Cai Station

Most trains from Hanoi arrive very early — between 5:00 and 6:00 AM. Your hotel check-in in Sapa won’t be available yet. A good option is to grab breakfast before heading to Sapa. There are several decent restaurants and cafes right across from the train station serving Vietnamese breakfast, coffee, and even some Western options.

Ask your hotel about taxi prices in advance

Even if you don’t book a private transfer, it’s smart to ask your hotel in Sapa how much a taxi from Lao Cai to Sapa should cost. This helps you avoid getting overcharged at the station and makes it easier to recognize a fair price.

Understand taxi pricing

• Meter rate: Usually 15,000 VND per km.
• The ride from Lao Cai to Sapa is about 30 km, so a fair meter price is around 450,000 VND (~$18 USD).
• Bigger cars or SUVs may have slightly higher rates.

Learn more: taxis in Sapa

Reliable taxi companies to look for

• Mai Linh Taxi – National, reliable, always metered.
• Sapa Green Taxi (Xanh Sapa Taxi) – Well-reviewed local company.
• Taxi Sapa – Local option, easy to recognize.
  These companies are generally more reliable than unbranded taxis waiting around the station.

The road to Sapa has mountain curves

The road from Lao Cai to Sapa starts flat but becomes winding as you head into the mountains. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a good idea to take medication beforehand.