History of Lao Cai Train Station:
Lao Cai Railway Station was built from 1903 to 1936. After defeating the French Colonial Empire in the year of 1954, the Vietnam government decided to take control, restore, and exploit the station throughout the process of developing socialism in Northern Vietnam. Its operation was then put to a temporary halt in 1979. Till 1993, the station was used again and since then, it has been operated for 28 years. In the year of 2003, Lao Cai train station was upgraded to one of the main stations.
The main duty of Lao Cai station is to transport goods and passengers inside and outside the country in order to contribute to the development of the national economy and satisfy the demand of getting around.
Lao Cai railway station has served 98.363 passengers in Lao Cai and many from other provinces and areas such as Bat Xat, Muong Khuong, especially Hanoi. Every day, there are two Hanoi – Lao Cai Trains. These get from Hanoi to Lao Cai and vice versa. Therefore, if you are in Hanoi or the surrounding areas of Lao Cai and planning to pay an excursion to Sapa, you can travel by train to Lao Cai, and from Lao Cao, get on another vehicle to Sapa Town.
Lao Cai Railway Station ‘s Location:
- Address: 65 Phan Đình Phùng, Phố Mới, Lào Cai Province
- Telephone: +84 91 972 86 81
- Ticket Hours: 7:30 – 19:30
How to Get to Lao Cai Railway Station:
There are several transportation options for getting to the Lao Cai Railway Station. Depending on where you come from: Hanoi or Sa Pa. You can travel to station by train from Hanoi, by long-distance bus, and by taxi from nearby Sapa.
From Hanoi:
+ By Overnight train: Take an overnight train from the Hanoi Railway Station to Lao Cai. The journey typically takes around 8 hours, with trains like the SP3 departing in the evening and arriving early the next morning. This is a popular option because it allows you to sleep during the journey and wake up near Sapa.
+ By Sleeper bus or Limousine van: Several bus operators offer sleeper bus services or more comfortable Limousine vans from Hanoi directly to Sapa. The bus journey is often faster than the train, taking between 5 and 7 hours, and can drop you off directly in Sapa town.
From Sapa:
+ By local bus: A public bus service operates between Sapa and the Lao Cai Train Station. The bus runs every four hours and costs approximately $2, with a travel time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
+ By grab taxi or private car: Taxis and private cars are available for a more direct and comfortable transfer between Sapa and the train station, taking about 30–60 minutes. Taxis are available for hire outside the station, and private transfers can be pre-booked.
+ By Motorbike: For solo travelers seeking more freedom and adventure, renting a motorbike is a viable option. However, the mountainous road can be rough and is best suited for experienced drivers.
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