How to travel from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa, Vietnam

The distance between Tam Cốc and Sa Pa is around 415km (258 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 4h 35m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Sa PaTam Cốc if you're planning a return trip.

1
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Hanoi Airport and then to Sapa.

  • Duration7h 25m
  • Departsevery 4 hours
  • Typical cost
    ₫748,610($32)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Ha Noi and then to Sapa Lao Cai.

  • Duration11h 25m
  • Departstwice a week
  • Typical cost
    ₫561,455($24)
Operated by

Vietnam Railways

🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Sapa.

  • Duration4h 35m
  • Distance415km (258 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Tam Cốc and Sa Pa

There are several options for getting from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around ₫561,455 ($24) and will take around 11h 25m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 4h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ₫748,610 ($32).

The distance between Tam Cốc and Sa Pa is around 415km (258 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 320km (199 miles)

It takes around 7h 25m to get from Tam Cốc and Sa Pa by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 4h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa is to drive which takes around 4h 35m and will set you back approx ₫748,610 ($32).

The cheapest way to travel between Tam Cốc and Sa Pa, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around ₫561,455 ($24) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Tam Cốc and Sa Pa. It typically takes around 11h 25m and departs twice a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Ninh Binh, Ha Noi and Sapa Lao Cai. These services run twice a week and will take a minimum of 11h 25m.

Vietnam Railways run train services between Tam Cốc and Sa Pa. Trains depart twice a week and will take around 11h 25m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Tam Cốc and Sa Pa. It typically takes around 7h 25m and departs every 4 hours.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Tam Coc and Hanoi Airport. These services run every 4 hours and will take a minimum of 7h 25m.

Ninh Binh Excursion Transport, Sao Viet, Inter Bus Lines, Trang An Limousine, BinhMinh Limousine and Sapa Express run regular bus services between Tam Cốc and Sa Pa. Buses run every 4 hours and take around 7h 25m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa. We recommend that you take the bus to Hanoi Airport and then to Sapa. instead which will take 7h 25m.

The closest major airport to Sa Pa is Dien Bien Airport (DIN) (DIN) which is approximately 137km (85 miles) from Sa Pa. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) (HAN) and Bai Thuong Airport (THD) (THD) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Tam Cốc and Sa Pa. The distance is around 415km (258 miles) by road and it will take around 4h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa is to take the bus which takes, on average, 7h 25m and will usually cost around ₫748,610 ($32).

How do I get from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa

Compare travel optionsbetween Tam Cốc and Sa Pa

Transport options from Tam Cốc to Sa Pa
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus + 1 similar
7h 25m
₫748,610($32)
every 4 hours422km (262 miles)
Bus via Rạp Xiếc Trung Ương9h 40m
₫725,215($31)
every 20 mins474km (295 miles)
Train
11h 25m
₫561,455($24)
twice a week451km (280 miles)
Drive
4h 35m
₫748,610($32)
on demand415km (258 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Tam Cốc and Sa Pa

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Sa Pa

The following major airports near Sa Pa offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Vietnam and internationally.

DIN
Dien Bien Airport (DIN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
137km (85 miles) from Sa Pa
HAN
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
International Airport
Distance
238km (148 miles) from Sa Pa
THD
Bai Thuong Airport (THD)
Domestic Airport
Distance
319km (198 miles) from Sa Pa