THE SHORT VERSION
Hanoi to Son La at a glance.
- From
- Hanoi Hà Nội
- To
- Son La Sơn La
- Road distance
- About 280 km
- Straight line
- 203 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~3 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Son La 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 Son La
Taxis wait at the station for the short ride into town.
- Son La Bus Station · Bến xe Sơn La
Services to Hanoi, Dien Bien Phu and the north-west.
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.
- Moc Chau's tea hills are on the same road from Hanoi and make a good break in the journey.
KEEP GOING
From Son La, the road continues.
12Go's list doesn't include onward buses from Son La yet.
All buses from and to Son LaOther ways to reach Son La
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 Son La by road?+
About 280 km by road (203 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Hanoi to Son La take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 3 h 30 min 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 Son La to Hanoi?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Son La to Hanoi guide.
Where does the bus from Hanoi arrive in Son La?+
It depends on the operator. In Son La, services use Son La Bus Station. Taxis wait at the station for the short ride into town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Son La?+
Taxis wait at the station for the short ride into town.
What kind of bus runs from Hanoi to Son La?+
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 Son La 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.
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 Son La bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Hanoi (Get in) ↗12Go: Hanoi to Son La bus listing ↗How BusConnects uses sources →