How to Get from Sapa to Halong Bay: By Bus, Train and Taxi
The distance from Sapa to Halong Bay is about 480 kilometers (298 miles). There are a couple of ways to transfer from Sapa to Halong Bay. Passengers can take a direct bus from Sapa to Halong, a train over Hanoi, or a private taxi.
1. Bus
Trip information
| Route | Distance | Travel time | Price |
| Sapa to Halong Bay (Bai Chay bus station) | 467 kilometers (290 miles) | 8h 45m (bus) | 220,000 VND |
| Sapa to Tuan Chau Marina (for cruise) | 459 kilometers (285 miles) | 8h 30m (bus) | 220,000 VND |
| Sapa to Halong city (for city tour, Quang Ninh museum) | 472 kilometers (293 miles) | 9h (bus + taxi) | 260,000 VND |
| Sapa to Cat Ba Island (Lan Ha bay) | 480 kilometers (298 miles) | 10h 45m (bus + transfer via Hanoi) | 700,000 VND |
Phuc Xuyen bus continues to be the preferred option as the only transport company offering direct transfers from Sapa to Halong and vice versa.
The luxury 42-seat sleeper bus is outfitted with necessary amenities including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, blankets, bottled water, and refreshing cold towels. Passengers will enjoy a comfortable travel experience on this highly convenient journey.
Phuc Xuyen Bus from Sapa to Van Don, Quang Ninh.
Upon arrival at the bus station, a taxi can be taken to the cruise port or hotel in Halong City.
Information:
- Frequency: 4 times per day
- Estimated price: approximately US$18 (~ 370,000 VND)
- Hotline: +84 243 366 2662
- Website: phucxuyen.com.vn
Bus schedule from Sapa to Halong:
| Pickup-time | Drop-off time | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | 16:45 | Phuc Xuyen office (80 Phan Đình Phủng, Phố Mới, Lào Cai) | Van Don Bus Station | 8h45m |
| 11:00 | 19:45 | Phuc Xuyen office (80 Phan Đình Phủng, Phố Mới, Lào Cai) | Van Don Bus Station | 8h45m |
| 16:00 | 00:15 (next day) | Phuc Xuyen office (80 Phan Đình Phủng, Phố Mới, Lào Cai) | Van Don Bus Station | 8h15m |
| 18:30 | 02:30 (next day) | Phuc Xuyen office (80 Phan Đình Phủng, Phố Mới, Lào Cai) | Van Don Bus Station | 8h30m |
Alternatively, travelers can book through vietnamlocalbus.com, which offers a service that collects you at your hotel in Sapa town or Sapa bus station and transports you directly to the bus station in Halong city.
Information:
- Pick-up time: 17:00 pm
- Drop-off time: 4:00 am (next day)
- Duration: 9 hours
- Transfer: Sapa – Lao Cai (seating bus) and Lao Cai – Halong city (sleeping bus)
- Website: vietnamlocalbus.com
The price is 600,000 VND and includes a taxi pick-up from the hotel in Sapa town as well as a bus ticket to Halong Bay.
2. Train and bus
Traveling by train remains a preferred option for those seeking comfort and a chance for restful slumber over long distances. Despite being the most time-consuming travel method, the experience is often favored over bus rides.
To begin your journey from Sapa town center, you will need to take a bus or taxi to Lao Cai train station before boarding a train to Hanoi. The overall travel time is approximately 8.5 hours.
Updated Train Schedule from Lao Cai Train Station (Sapa) to Hanoi:
| Train | Type | Lao Cai Station (for Sapa) | Stops | Hanoi Station (Tran Quy Cap) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP2 | Express train | 20:05 | 3 stops | 04:35 am (next day) |
| SP4 | Express train | 20:45 | 4 stops | 05:10 am (next day) |
| SP6 | Express train | 18:55 | 4 stops | 03:40 am (next day) |
| SP8 | Express train | 19:30 | 4 stops | 04:05 am (next day) |
| LC2 | Regular train | 21:20 | 15 stops | 06:55 am (next day) |
| LC4 | Regular train | 09:10 | 27 stops | 20:15 (11h 5m) |
| LC8 | Regular train | 22:05 | 13 stops | 07:25 am (Long Bien Station) |
Note: Train times and schedules may vary due to weather conditions and operational adjustments.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you can catch a bus from My Dinh or Yen Nghia Bus Station to Halong City. The journey takes about 4.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 70,000 VND to 150,000 VND. For more details, consult our bus guide from Hanoi to Halong.
3. Taxi and private transfer service
The quickest and most comfortable, albeit more costly, method to travel from Sapa to Halong Bay remains by private taxi. As of 2025, the fare generally falls between 7,500,000 VND and 8,200,000 VND for a journey that takes approximately 7 hours, influenced by the vehicle type.
Recommended taxi & private transfer services
Mai Linh Taxi Group
- Tel: (024) 3 76 76 76
- Website: mailinh.vn
Sapa Transfer Service:
- Address: Linh Handicraft, Cat Cat Village, Sapa, Lao Cai
- Tel: +84 24 39 915 599; +84 91 235 82 82
- Website: http://sapatransferservice.com/private-transfer-sapa-to-halong-66/
Alternatively, you can utilize the Grab app for private transfer options, offering an upfront price estimate.
