THE SHORT VERSION
Yen Bai to Lao Cai at a glance.
- From
- Yen Bai Yên Bái
- To
- Lao Cai Lào Cai
- Road distance
- About 169 km
- Straight line
- 129 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~2 h buses take longer
- Return route
- Lao Cai to Yen Bai →
Ready to travel from Yen Bai to Lao Cai?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Yen Bai
Yen Bai is a city on the Red River between Hanoi and Lao Cai, and a gateway towards Mu Cang Chai. Buses on the north-west routes pass through.
- Yen Bai Bus Station · Bến xe Yên Bái
Regional services and north-west routes.
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 Yen Bai
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Yen Bai from Lao Cai by road?+
About 169 km by road (129 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Yen Bai to Lao Cai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 2 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 Yen Bai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Yen Bai include Yen Bai Bus Station, 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 Yen Bai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Lao Cai to Yen Bai guide.
Where does the bus from Yen Bai 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 Yen Bai 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 Yen Bai 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, Noi Bai Airport (HAN), Hanoi and more. See all connections on our Lao Cai bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Yen Bai → Lao Cai on 12GoFOLLOW 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: Yen Bai to Lao Cai bus route listing ↗12Go: Hanoi to Yen Bai bus listing ↗Wikivoyage: Lao Cai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →