Noi Bai (Hanoi) airport (HAN) to Sapa Bus

Hanoi airport to Sapa detailed guidance:

When you want to get from Hanoi airport to Sapa, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

• Standard sleeper bus
• VIP cabin bus
• Shared limousine van
• Private car

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use a private car. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can consider the rest options are buses/shared vans.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A private car is the most expensive option - it will cost you about VND 3,700,000 (USD 160). If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a sleeping bus as a Hanoi airport Sapa bus ticket costs as low as VND 280,000 (USD 12)

How long does it take to get from Hanoi airport to Sapa?

The travel time from Hanoi to Sapa can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 4.5 to 5.5 hours

• Standard sleeper bus/VIP cabin bus: around 5.5 hours with 02 breaks on the way
• Limousine van: about 05 hours with 2 breaks on the way
• Private car: about 4.5 - 5 hours

How much does it cost to get from Hanoi airport to Sapa?

The cost of the trip from Hanoi airport to Sapa varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable option is the standard sleeper bus which costs VN 280,000 (~ US 12) for 01 ticket for 01 way.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel, the most expensive variant is to opt for a private - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as VND 3,700,000.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Hanoi to Sapa:

• Standard sleeper bus: US12 per ticket
• Van price: USD 17 - USD 22 per seat (depend on your seat location on the van)
• Private car: From US 160 USD - US 190 per car (depend on your group size)

How many trips per day are there between Hanoi airport and Sapa?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

• Vans from Hanoi airport to Sapa depart during the day - there are approximately 2 departures a day: around 08:00 AM and 04:00 PM
• Daily sleeper bus/VIP cabin bus at around 08:00 AM and 23:00
• A private car is a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Hanoi to Sapa at any time of the day.

Important note: If you're looking for the bus or shared van, your arrival time at the airport should be at least 1.5 hours before the pick-up time, to make sure that you'll have enough time for the check-out procedures & collecting your luggage. Never mind if you choose a private car.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Hanoi to Sapa is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make the bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

• If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
• As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
• While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. 

Private car

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Hanoi to Sapa. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours, and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

The car can wait for you at the airport in case of a delayed flight and pick you up right upon your arrival. Sometimes, your arrival time at the airport is not ideally matched with the bus/shared van schedule, in this case, a private car would be a good option if you do not want to wait for a long time at the airport.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as VND 3,700,000.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Hanoi airport to Sapa. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around.