Hanoi to Sapa: 4 ways to travel, fares and arrival times

Are you staying in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or have you just landed at Noi Bai International Airport and want to head straight to Sapa? Start by deciding whether you want to reach Sapa around lunchtime, in the evening, or early the following morning. That will help you choose between a sleeper bus, a limousine, an overnight train to Lao Cai, or a private car, since each option has different arrival times and drop-off arrangements.

How far is Hanoi from Sapa, and how long does it take?

The driving distance from Hoan Kiem Lake to Sapa Stone Church is approximately 314 km (195 miles). Most road journeys follow the Noi Bai-Lao Cai Expressway before climbing the mountain road toward Sapa. Travel generally takes 5-7 hours, depending on the vehicle, pickup stops, and traffic conditions.

Traveling by train is different. The railway runs from Hanoi Railway Station to Lao Cai Railway Station, a journey of approximately 294 km (183 miles) by rail. Sapa has no railway station, so passengers must continue another 33-40 km (21-25 miles) by road from Lao Cai to the town center.

That is why an overnight train journey lasting almost eight hours still doesn’t take you all the way to Sapa.

These are operator or booking-platform rates published in 2026, not guaranteed fares for every departure date. Train prices exclude the transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa. Arrival times are estimates and do not necessarily include the journey from the drop-off point to your hotel.

Hanoi to Sapa sleeper bus: affordable and no transfers required

A sleeper bus is one of the easiest ways to reach Sapa if you want to keep costs down, travel with luggage, and avoid arranging another vehicle in Lao Cai.

There are two main types: standard sleeper buses and private cabin sleepers. Both are often advertised as sleeper buses, but the experience can be quite different.

Standard sleeper buses: prioritize price and pickup location

A standard sleeper bus has rows of reclining beds arranged on two levels. You’ll spend most of the journey lying down, although you won’t have the same privacy as a cabin sleeper.

Photo: Ilya Plekhanov

Some indicative fares for 2026 include:

• Sao Viet: approximately 330,000 VND per person for selected 36-bed sleeper services.
• Inter Bus Lines: approximately 340,000 VND per person for a standard sleeper berth.

Besides the price, check where the bus picks you up, whether it stops at Noi Bai Airport, and where you’ll be dropped off in Sapa.

Inter Bus Lines lists a pickup point at 5 Tran Nguyen Han Street, Hoan Kiem, which is convenient for travelers staying near Hoan Kiem Lake. Published pickup times at this location are 6:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 9:45 p.m.

The company also has pickup points at 419 Giai Phong Street, 51 Tran Khat Chan Street, and other locations. Pickup times vary even when passengers are traveling on the same service.

For example, a bus may pick up passengers at Giai Phong at 6:10 a.m. and reach Tran Nguyen Han at 6:45 a.m. Don’t assume the first departure time on a timetable applies to every stop.

In Sapa, Inter Bus Lines lists its office at 436 Dien Bien Phu Street. From there, you can walk or take a taxi to your accommodation, depending on where you’re staying.

Cabin sleeper buses: pay extra for privacy

Cabin sleepers have individual sleeping compartments, usually separated by curtains or doors. Depending on the bus, amenities may include reading lights, charging ports, and wider mattresses.

Inter Bus Lines lists single cabins at around 450,000 VND per person in its 2026 fares. Double cabins are approximately 680,000-750,000 VND for the entire cabin, depending on the service and cabin type.

Sapa Express advertises its Premium 24 Cabins service at USD 24 per person, one way, with departures from Hanoi at 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Paying extra for a cabin makes sense if you’re traveling as a couple, want some privacy, or find it difficult to sleep on a crowded bus.

However, don’t assume that purchasing one ticket gives you the entire compartment. Some operators charge per passenger, while others sell double cabins as a unit. Cabin dimensions and passenger limits also vary.

A cabin designed for two adults may still be considerably narrower than a hotel double bed. If you’re tall, traveling with children, or bringing extra luggage, ask about the cabin dimensions and occupancy rules before booking.

Does taking a night bus really save one night of accommodation?

An overnight bus can save the cost of a hotel night in Hanoi, but it may arrive in Sapa long before your next hotel room is available.

For example, Sapa Express advertises a cabin bus leaving Hanoi at 10:00 p.m. and arriving at its office at 1 Vuon Treo Street, Sapa, around 4:00 a.m.

Most hotels won’t allow regular check-in at that hour. You could end up spending several hours waiting after a night of interrupted sleep.

If you want to shower, change clothes, and rest as soon as you arrive, consider booking your Sapa room from the previous night. Alternatively, ask the hotel whether confirmed early check-in is available.

An overnight bus doesn’t always save as much money as it first appears, particularly if you end up paying extra for early access to your room.

Hanoi to Sapa limousine: a comfortable daytime option

If you don’t like lying down on a sleeper bus and prefer a spacious reclining seat, a 9-10-seat limousine van is worth considering.

Unlike cabin sleeper buses, which are also sometimes marketed as limousines, these vehicles have individual seats that recline but don’t convert into full beds.

EcoSapa: Old Quarter pickup with midday or evening arrivals

EcoSapa publishes two departures from Hanoi for its 10-seat D-Car limousine service in its 2026 schedule.

The operator offers hotel pickup within Hanoi’s Old Quarter. For the 6:30 a.m. departure, the published pickup window runs approximately from 5:45 to 6:30 a.m., depending on your hotel’s location.

This is convenient if you’re staying in the Old Quarter and would rather not carry your suitcase to a departure office.

Still, send your exact address and request pickup confirmation. Not every hotel in Hoan Kiem District is automatically within the free pickup area.

The morning departure reaches Sapa around 12:30 p.m., leaving time for lunch, luggage storage, and hotel check-in when rooms become available.

The 2:30 p.m. service is better if you need the morning to check out, have breakfast, or finish something in Hanoi. The trade-off is arriving in Sapa around 8:30 p.m., when most of your first day is already gone.

Sapa Express: a cheaper option with larger reclining-seat buses

Sapa Express also advertises a 28-seat soft-seat bus at USD 16 per person, one way, with departures from Hanoi at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

For the 7:00 a.m. departure, the operator’s itinerary lists:

• 6:30 a.m.: check in at 204 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem.
• 7:00 a.m.: departure from Hanoi.
• 8:30 a.m.: rest stop at Km98.
• 11:30 a.m.: another stop before the mountain section.
• 1:00 p.m.: estimated arrival at 1 Vuon Treo Street, Sapa.

This is a larger seated coach, not a 9-10-seat limousine van. However, its published fare is lower than EcoSapa’s.

It’s a reasonable choice if you’re traveling alone, don’t need a private compartment, and want to arrive in Sapa around early afternoon.

For travelers who struggle to sleep in upright seats or prefer more privacy, comparing cabin sleeper options is worthwhile.

Will a limousine help with motion sickness?

A more spacious seat can make the journey comfortable, but it won’t eliminate the bends on the mountain road approaching Sapa.

Most of the expressway journey is relatively straightforward. The final section from Lao Cai into the mountains still has curves and elevation changes.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, try to choose a seat near the front or middle of the vehicle, avoid a very heavy meal immediately before the mountain section, and bring any motion sickness medication you normally use according to its instructions.

On cabin buses, lying sideways or staring at a phone for long periods can make some passengers feel worse.

Hanoi to Lao Cai overnight train: arrive early, then transfer to Sapa

The overnight train suits travelers who prefer a proper sleeping berth, are traveling with family, or don’t want to spend the entire journey in a road vehicle.

The train only goes as far as Lao Cai, not Sapa.

Photo: calflier001

Updated Hanoi-Lao Cai overnight train schedule for October 2026

From October 12, 2026, Vietnam Railways introduced a regular third daily passenger-train service on the Hanoi-Lao Cai route, adding SP15/SP16.

The published outbound schedule is:

If you’re having dinner in the Old Quarter, the 10:00 p.m. or 10:40 p.m. service gives you more time before heading to the station.

Plan to arrive around 45-60 minutes before departure, especially if you have several bags or are using a private tourist carriage.

You still need to find the correct check-in area and carriage.

Hanoi Railway Station has access points on Le Duan Street and Tran Quy Cap Street. Chapa Express operates its check-in office in the station area at 120 Le Duan Street.

When ordering a taxi, use the exact meeting point on your ticket or voucher rather than simply entering "Hanoi Railway Station."

Vietnam Railways advertised four-berth sleeper tickets from approximately 475,000 VND per person, one way, in October 2026. Actual prices vary by departure date, carriage, and whether you choose an upper or lower berth.

Although the new SP15 service has a published schedule, don’t assume every berth class or fare available on SP3 is also offered on SP15. Check availability for your specific travel date.

Is Chapa Express worth the extra money?

Chapa Express is a premium tourist sleeping-carriage service attached to trains operating between Hanoi and Lao Cai. It isn’t a separate railway line, and it doesn’t travel directly to Sapa.

The company offers Deluxe, Premium, VIP, and Suite accommodation.

Its published cabin information lists an indicative USD 44 per Deluxe berth, while a two-berth VIP cabin is advertised at approximately USD 207 per cabin. These are Chapa Express prices, not standard Vietnam Railways sleeper fares.

Compared with an ordinary sleeping compartment, the extra cost mainly pays for upgraded interiors, amenities, additional services, and access to lounge facilities.

Chapa also advertises passenger lounges at Hanoi and Lao Cai stations, with benefits such as drinks or shower facilities depending on the service and cabin package.

Chapa Express is worth considering if comfort and privacy matter more to you than the lowest possible fare, especially when traveling as a couple or family and booking an entire compartment.

If you simply need somewhere to sleep overnight and want to keep the budget under control, a standard four-berth sleeper may be enough.

Paying extra for Chapa doesn’t make the train faster. You’ll still follow the regular train’s timetable and need a road transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa.

A premium cabin also doesn’t guarantee perfectly quiet sleep. Trains still vibrate, make wheel noise, and stop at stations. Light sleepers may want to bring earplugs.

How do you get from Lao Cai Railway Station to Sapa?

The distance from Lao Cai Railway Station to Sapa Stone Church is approximately 33.5 km by one road-distance reference, although some maps and transport providers quote around 35-40 km depending on the destination.

The drive normally takes around an hour, sometimes longer if you’re using a shared vehicle that waits for other passengers or makes several stops.

Photo: calflier001

There are three main ways to complete the journey.

Option 1: Book a connecting vehicle with your train ticket.

In information published on October 12, 2026, the railway operator introduced a connecting road transport service between Lao Cai Railway Station and Sapa at 60,000 VND per person, one way.

The service was described as covering locations within approximately 2 km of Sapa Stone Church.

Ask about this connection when purchasing your train ticket.

A four-berth sleeper starting around 475,000 VND plus a 60,000 VND transfer brings the combined cost to approximately 535,000 VND per person before any additional charges.

Make sure the connecting vehicle matches your train number and confirm the exact drop-off location. Don’t assume that every transfer ticket is valid for every departure.

Option 2: Take public bus number 01.

Public bus route 01 connects the Lao Cai Railway Station area with Sapa, including the Sapa Stone Church area near Thach Son Street.

Timetables from 2021 still circulating online shouldn’t be used to plan around the new train services.

After leaving the railway station, ask staff where to board bus 01 and when the next service is expected.

This option is better for travelers with light luggage who aren’t in a hurry to reach Sapa immediately after their train arrives.

Option 3: Arrange a shared van or private taxi.

Shared transfer vehicles commonly operate around train arrival times.

Online booking platforms list services such as Asian Bus Travel between Lao Cai Railway Station and Sapa, with indicative 2026 prices of approximately 187,500-312,500 VND per person depending on the vehicle and departure.

You can also ask your hotel to organize a station pickup.

For groups of three or four, compare the price of a private vehicle with the combined cost of individual transfer tickets.

Private car from Hanoi to Sapa: best for families and groups

A private car is particularly useful if you’re traveling with young children, elderly family members, several suitcases, or simply want to choose your own departure time.

Sapa Express publishes the following one-way private transfer prices:

The operator estimates a journey of around five hours and offers pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Holiday surcharges may apply under its booking conditions.

If four people share a four-seat car costing USD 110, the transport cost works out to USD 27.50 per person.

That’s not much more than some individual limousine fares, while giving your group more control over departure time and rest stops.

However, a four-seat car may not comfortably accommodate four adults carrying four large suitcases. Tell the operator how much luggage you have and ask which vehicle is suitable.

If you’re arriving at Noi Bai Airport, request a specific quote for airport pickup, rather than assuming the Old Quarter rate applies.

For comparison, RideVN listed a private sedan transfer from Noi Bai Airport to Sapa starting at USD 180 per vehicle in 2026.

The price can differ depending on the pickup location, waiting arrangements, and operator.

Also confirm whether expressway tolls, parking fees, airport waiting time, and charges for flight delays are included.

Just landed at Noi Bai Airport: go straight to Sapa or stop in Hanoi?

Noi Bai Airport lies in the direction of the expressway to Lao Cai, so there’s no need to travel into central Hanoi simply to board transport heading toward Sapa.

However, booking a bus too close to your flight’s scheduled arrival can create unnecessary stress.

Traveling directly from Noi Bai Airport to Sapa

Inter Bus Lines publishes pickup times around Noi Bai Airport at 8:15 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 11:15 p.m.

When booking, specify whether you’re arriving at Terminal 1, which handles domestic flights, or Terminal 2, which handles international flights.

The operator should confirm the actual boarding point, whether any shuttle is required, and when you need to be there.

A timetable saying "Noi Bai Airport pickup" doesn’t necessarily mean the main bus stops directly outside your terminal’s arrivals hall.

Suppose your flight lands at 1:00 p.m. and you book a bus pickup at 3:00 p.m.

Two hours might be enough if everything runs smoothly, but the connection becomes tight if you need to clear immigration, wait for checked baggage, or deal with a delayed flight.

For international arrivals, allow a more generous buffer. If the timing looks uncertain, take a later bus or arrange a private transfer that can accommodate your flight’s actual arrival time.

Some operators use pickup points near the expressway or a transfer stop outside the airport rather than entering the terminal itself.

That’s an important difference if you’re carrying heavy luggage or traveling with children.

When should you spend a night in Hanoi first?

If you’ve just completed a long-haul flight, arrive at Noi Bai late in the evening, and don’t sleep well in moving vehicles, spending a night in Hanoi is often the more comfortable option.

Taking EcoSapa at 6:30 a.m. or Sapa Express at 7:00 a.m. the next morning gets you to Sapa around 12:30-1:00 p.m., conveniently close to lunchtime and regular hotel check-in.

On the other hand, if you’re well rested, arrive at Noi Bai in the morning, and have a confirmed onward pickup, traveling directly to Sapa avoids an unnecessary trip into the city.

An overnight train from Hanoi Railway Station makes more sense if you want to spend the afternoon or evening exploring the capital.

From the airport, you’ll still need to travel into central Hanoi and reach the station before departure.

Arriving in Sapa at 4:00-7:00 a.m.: what can you do before hotel check-in?

An overnight cabin bus may drop you in Sapa around 4:00 a.m. If you’re taking train SP3 or SP7, you may reach town around 7:00-8:00 a.m. after transferring from Lao Cai.

Before leaving Hanoi, send your hotel two details: your expected arrival time and whether you need luggage storage or early check-in.

If you arrive at 4:00 a.m., confirm whether the hotel has overnight reception and whether you can enter the lobby.

Some accommodations cannot receive guests outside their operating hours, even if you only want to leave your suitcase.

Arriving around 7:00 a.m. is easier. You can have breakfast, store your luggage, and explore the town center before your room is ready.

Sapa Stone Church, the central square, and nearby streets are convenient places for a gentle first morning without carrying bags.

For arrivals between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., don’t assume cafés and breakfast shops are already open.

If you need a shower, a change of clothes, or immediate rest, book your room from the previous night or arrange early check-in once the hotel confirms availability.

There’s also no need to schedule a demanding trek immediately after a night of interrupted sleep.

You could spend the first morning having breakfast and recovering before heading to Fansipan or exploring the surrounding villages.

Sapa can be cold and foggy, particularly in winter. Accommodation choices, clothing, and trekking plans deserve separate attention rather than trying to squeeze everything into your arrival morning.

Returning from Sapa to Hanoi: choose your return before booking the outbound trip

Many travelers spend plenty of time choosing how to reach Sapa, then leave the return journey until the last minute.

That becomes a problem if you have a flight from Noi Bai Airport, a train departing Hanoi, or another tour to catch.

Check what comes after Sapa first. Then choose your return transport.

Daytime and overnight buses from Sapa to Hanoi

EcoSapa and Sapa Express both publish useful return schedules.

Arrival times are based on the operators’ published schedules and estimated journey durations. Actual travel times depend on road conditions.

For Sapa Express, the office at 1 Vuon Treo Street is a published departure point. Passengers on the 3:00 p.m. service are instructed to arrive around 2:30 p.m. for check-in and boarding.

If you’re staying outside central Sapa, such as in the Muong Hoa Valley or Ta Van, allow extra time to reach the pickup point.

The bus departure time is not the time you should be leaving your homestay.

For a 7:30 a.m. departure, confirm the evening before whether the operator will collect you from your accommodation or whether you need to travel to its office.

This morning service is convenient when most of your final day is reserved for transportation.

Afternoon departures around 2:00-3:00 p.m. allow you to have lunch in Sapa before leaving.

However, they also mean arriving in Hanoi relatively late. Avoid scheduling another long transport connection that evening without sufficient time between services.

Lao Cai to Hanoi return train schedule

According to the schedule published on October 12, 2026, there are three return train options from Lao Cai to Hanoi.

SP8 is a daytime train.

To board it, you’ll need to reach Lao Cai Railway Station before 12:05 p.m., which normally means leaving Sapa around 9:30-10:00 a.m. to allow time for the drive, locating the platform, and boarding.

SP16 and SP4 are more suitable if you’d like to spend most of the afternoon in Sapa before sleeping on the train back to Hanoi.

For SP4 at 9:50 p.m., you could arrange a pre-booked car from central Sapa around 7:00-7:30 p.m.

The exact pickup time should be agreed upon with the driver and adjusted for road conditions that evening.

If you intend to use a public bus, don’t rely on an outdated timetable to make a tight railway connection.

The overnight trains reach Hanoi at around 5:15-5:40 a.m. You can start another day in the capital or continue your journey, but you’ll again need to think about luggage storage if your next hotel room isn’t ready.

Can you return from Sapa and catch an evening flight at Noi Bai?

Yes, it can be possible, particularly if you take a morning bus and leave plenty of time for your airport transfer.

Suppose you have an international flight departing at 9:00 p.m. A more comfortable plan would be:

• 7:30 a.m.: board a limousine in Sapa.
• 1:30 p.m.: estimated arrival in Hanoi.
• Around 3:00-5:00 p.m.: travel to and reach Noi Bai Airport, depending on the bus drop-off point, connecting transport, and traffic.
• 9:00 p.m.: scheduled flight departure.

That gives you significantly more flexibility than taking a bus out of Sapa in the early afternoon.

Vietnam Airlines generally opens airport check-in counters two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures, with check-in closing ahead of flight time.

For a 9:00 p.m. international flight, arriving at the airport around 6:00 p.m. is a sensible target rather than planning to show up close to 8:00 p.m.

Now consider the Sapa Express cabin bus leaving Sapa at 2:00 p.m.

The operator’s published itinerary places the bus near Noi Bai Airport around 7:00 p.m., before reaching central Hanoi around 8:00 p.m.

If you must fly on the same day, prioritize a morning return service.

When your itinerary allows it, spending a night in Hanoi before an international flight removes much of the pressure.

What if you’re continuing to Ha Long, Ninh Binh, or Hai Phong?

For onward journeys, the most important details are where your bus from Sapa finishes and where your next service departs.

A bus ending at Tran Quang Khai Street doesn’t mean you’ll be standing at the pickup point for your Ha Long tour.

Likewise, arriving in Hanoi at 1:30 p.m. doesn’t automatically mean you can catch a 2:00 p.m. intercity bus departing from another terminal.

If you’re heading to Ninh Binh after Sapa, check whether a direct Sapa-Ninh Binh service fits your itinerary before deciding to travel through Hanoi.

For Hai Phong, compare direct transport with connections through Hanoi, including the time needed to change vehicles.

On a multi-stop northern Vietnam itinerary, a return ticket labeled "Sapa to Hanoi" is only part of the plan until you know the exact drop-off address.

Which transport should you choose for your Sapa itinerary?

There isn’t one best option for everyone. It depends on how much time you want to spend in Sapa and what you’re willing to trade for comfort, convenience, or a lower fare.

Sapa in 2 days and 1 night

A practical choice is to leave Hanoi around 6:30-7:00 a.m. and arrive in Sapa around lunchtime.

You’ll have the afternoon to explore and spend the night in town.

On the second day, choose one main activity before taking a return bus around 2:00-3:00 p.m.

That leaves you with roughly one full day’s worth of sightseeing, so it’s not ideal for combining several attractions far apart.

Trying to fit in a long village trek and then rush back for an afternoon bus can turn a short holiday into a race against the clock.

Sapa in 3 days and 2 nights

Three days gives you more flexibility.

One option is to take train SP3 from Hanoi at 10:00 p.m. the night before, reach Lao Cai at 5:50 a.m., and arrive in Sapa around 7:00-8:00 a.m.

After storing your luggage and having breakfast, you can begin your first day.

Keep the second day for Fansipan or a longer village trip.

On your final day, choose a morning or afternoon limousine depending on your next destination.

If you want two full nights sleeping in a Sapa hotel, a daytime bus is often more straightforward.

When choosing an overnight train, make sure your itinerary distinguishes between nights spent on the train and nights spent in Sapa.

Couples and groups of friends

Two travelers trying to save money can choose a standard sleeper bus.

For more privacy, a double cabin makes sense, provided you’ve checked whether the quoted price covers the whole cabin or only one passenger.

Groups of four should compare a private four- or six-seat car with four individual limousine tickets.

The difference may be relatively small, especially after including taxis between hotels and pickup or drop-off points.

For groups with lots of luggage, choose a vehicle with more space than the minimum number of seats required. A fully occupied four-seat car may not have enough room for everyone’s bags.

International visitors traveling to Sapa for the first time

Prioritize an operator with clearly stated pickup arrangements, English-language booking confirmation, and a precise drop-off location.

Sapa Express and EcoSapa both publish English information about their services. Chapa Express also provides station check-in instructions and details of its office in Hanoi Railway Station.

If you’re unfamiliar with local transportation, a limousine collecting you from an Old Quarter hotel and dropping you near central Sapa often involves fewer steps than an overnight train.

The train is still a worthwhile experience if you enjoy rail travel, but it requires more planning for the final road transfer from Lao Cai.

How to book Hanoi-Sapa tickets without going to the wrong pickup point

One of the easiest mistakes on this route is confusing the service’s initial departure time with your own pickup time.

An operator might list a bus departing its first terminal at 6:00 a.m., picking up passengers in the Old Quarter at 6:45 a.m., and reaching the Noi Bai area later.

The time that matters is the one assigned to your specific boarding location, not necessarily the first time shown on the timetable.

Before paying for a bus ticket, confirm these five details:

1. Travel date and exact pickup point: street name, building number, or a precise map location.
2. Required arrival time: generally around 15-30 minutes before pickup, depending on the operator.
3. Seat or sleeper type: reclining seat, standard sleeper, single cabin, or double cabin.
4. Sapa drop-off location: the operator’s office, the town center, or your hotel.
5. Return arrangements: service number, pickup time, drop-off point in Hanoi or Noi Bai, and ticket-change conditions.

Train passengers should also check whether they’re booked on SP3, SP7, or SP15, their berth class, carriage number, and the correct check-in entrance at Hanoi Railway Station.

If you’re using Chapa Express, follow the instructions on the company’s voucher.

Vietnam Railways tickets can be booked through the official railway booking system or at the station.

For buses, booking directly with the operator or through an intermediary can both work, but keep your booking confirmation, cancellation conditions, and customer support contact details.

The day before departure, send the operator your accommodation’s map location and ask for written pickup confirmation.

This is particularly useful in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where one-way streets and narrow sections can make stopping a large bus difficult.

A bus scheduled to arrive in Sapa at 1:00 p.m. doesn’t guarantee you’ll be standing outside your hotel at exactly 1:00 p.m.

If you’ve arranged a tour, activity, or onward transfer, leave room for the final part of the journey.

Before buying your outbound ticket, save the exact location of your return pickup point in Sapa and compare it with your hotel’s address. That small check can save you from dragging a suitcase across town just as your bus is preparing to leave.