THE SHORT VERSION
Hanoi to Lao Cai at a glance.
- From
- Hanoi Hà Nội
- To
- Lao Cai Lào Cai
- Road distance
- About 287 km
- Straight line
- 253 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~4 h buses take longer
- Return route
- Lao Cai to Hanoi →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Hanoi
Hanoi is the hub for buses into northern Vietnam and the start or end of most north–south open-tour trips. Long-distance buses use several stations around the edge of the city, and many tourist sleeper and limousine companies collect passengers from offices or hotels in and around the Old Quarter.
- My Dinh Bus Station · Bến xe Mỹ Đình
West of the centre. Many routes to the north-west and the mountains, including Lao Cai, Sapa and Ha Giang. - Giap Bat Bus Station · Bến xe Giáp Bát
South of the centre. Public buses to the south, such as Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and central Vietnam. - Gia Lam Bus Station · Bến xe Gia Lâm
Across the Red River to the north-east. Buses towards Hai Phong, Ha Long and the north-east. - Nuoc Ngam and Yen Nghia stations · Bến xe Nước Ngầm, Yên Nghĩa
Smaller southern and south-western terminals, used by some routes towards Hoa Binh and Mai Chau.
Arriving in Lao Cai
Buses for Sapa often wait near the railway station to meet trains as well as at the bus station.
- Lao Cai Bus Station · Bến xe Lào Cai
Regional and long-distance buses, including services to Sapa and Hanoi.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- The border crossing to Hekou in China is in the city. Check visa rules well before travelling.
KEEP GOING
From Lao Cai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Lao Cai
More buses from Hanoi
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Hanoi from Lao Cai by road?+
About 287 km by road (253 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Hanoi to Lao Cai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 4 h by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Hanoi?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Hanoi include My Dinh Bus Station, Giap Bat Bus Station, Gia Lam Bus Station, Nuoc Ngam and Yen Nghia stations, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Lao Cai to Hanoi?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Lao Cai to Hanoi guide.
Where does the bus from Hanoi arrive in Lao Cai?+
It depends on the operator. In Lao Cai, services use Lao Cai Bus Station. Buses for Sapa often wait near the railway station to meet trains as well as at the bus station.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Lao Cai?+
Buses for Sapa often wait near the railway station to meet trains as well as at the bus station.
What kind of bus runs from Hanoi to Lao Cai?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Hanoi to Lao Cai bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Lao Cai by bus?+
Direct buses from Lao Cai include Hekou, Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, Noi Bai Airport (HAN) and more. See all connections on our Lao Cai bus page.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Hanoi to Lao Cai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Hanoi (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Lao Cai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →