Getting Around Vietnam: Grab, Trains, Sleeper Buses and Flights
How to travel in Vietnam: Grab in cities, sleeper buses and night trains to Sapa, domestic flights and private cars, with travel times and tips.
By AmGo Travel4 min read
Vietnam is 1,650 km from north to south, so how you travel shapes your whole trip. Fly between the big regions, take buses, trains or private cars for shorter hops, and use Grab inside cities. Here is how each option works and when to choose it.
Typical travel times from Hanoi
- Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Best option: Cruise shuttle bus or private car; Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Best option: Day-tour bus or private car; Time: About 2 hours
- Hanoi – Sapa – Best option: Sleeper bus or limousine van; Time: About 5–6 hours
- Hanoi – Sapa – Best option: Night train to Lao Cai + 1 hour transfer; Time: About 9 hours
- Hanoi – Ha Giang – Best option: Sleeper bus; Time: About 6–7 hours
- Hanoi – Da Nang / Hue – Best option: Domestic flight; Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City – Best option: Domestic flight; Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
In cities: Grab, taxis and walking
Grab is the easiest way to get around Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. You see the price before you book, pay by card or cash, and avoid haggling. Choose GrabBike (motorbike taxi) for short solo trips and GrabCar for luggage or rain.
- Install the app and add a card before you arrive; a local SIM makes it work smoothly.
- Check the licence plate before you get in.
- In Hanoi's Old Quarter, walking is often faster than any car.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City also have new metro lines, useful for some routes but not yet for most tourist areas.
Sleeper buses and limousine vans
Sleeper buses connect Hanoi with Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh and many other towns. Each passenger gets a reclining berth or a private cabin, with blankets and Wi-Fi. Limousine vans with 9–11 large seats are a more comfortable, faster option on routes such as Hanoi – Sapa.
Tips: take off your shoes when boarding (you get a bag for them), keep valuables with you, and book a day or two ahead in peak season. AmGo Travel books Hanoi – Sapa and Hanoi – Ha Giang bus tickets with hotel pick-up in the Old Quarter; contact us or drop by our shop.
Trains
The train is slower than a plane but scenic and relaxing. The most popular routes for travelers are:
- Hanoi – Lao Cai (for Sapa): an overnight train in a 4-berth soft-sleeper cabin, then about an hour by car up to Sapa.
- Hue – Da Nang: about 2.5 hours along the coast, with sea views over the Hai Van Pass area.
- Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City (Reunification Express): over 30 hours end to end; most travelers ride only one section.
Domestic flights
For long distances, flying saves days. Frequent flights link Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. Book a few weeks ahead for the best fares, especially around Tet. Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and check your baggage allowance, as cheaper fares often include hand luggage only.
Private car with driver
A private car is the most comfortable way to reach Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh or the Hai Van Pass, especially for families and small groups. You set the pace, stop for photos and avoid waiting for other passengers. AmGo Travel arranges private cars with experienced drivers from Hanoi to anywhere in the north.
Riding a motorbike
Motorbikes give you freedom, especially on the Ha Giang Loop. Ride only if you are experienced:
- You need a valid licence: a Vietnamese licence or an International Driving Permit (1968 Convention) that covers motorcycles.
- Wear a helmet at all times; it is required by law.
- Check that your travel insurance covers motorbike riding.
- On mountain loops, hiring an easy rider (a local driver) is a safer option. AmGo Travel arranges Ha Giang Loop trips with experienced local drivers; ask us for dates.
FAQ
What is the best way to get around Vietnam? Fly between regions, use buses, trains or private cars for shorter trips, and Grab in cities.
Is Grab safe in Vietnam? Yes. Prices are fixed in the app and trips are tracked.
How do I get from Hanoi to Sapa? By sleeper bus or limousine van (about 5–6 hours) or by night train to Lao Cai plus a short transfer.
Can tourists rent a motorbike in Vietnam? Yes, but you need a valid licence and insurance. An easy-rider tour is safer for beginners.
Tours with transport included
Let AmGo Travel handle the transport
From airport pick-ups and private cars to bus tickets for Sapa and Ha Giang, our team in Hanoi arranges it all. Visit us at 61 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, see our tours, or message us on WhatsApp.