Vietnam Railway: Traveling Schedule & How to Buy Tickets

Vietnam Railways: Vietnam has a very extensive and quite good railway network from Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City (South) to Hanoi and Lao Cai (the station for visiting Sapa Town). Traveling by railway train through Vietnam is a lot easier than taking the bus. Although it can be slower than by bus and flight, you have much more space and it is safer. The tracks and trains are a bit outdated as they started by French colonialists about over hundred of years ago, but it’s a great way to explore Vietnam. Especially the night trains, with air conditioning and beds, are a better alternative than the long bus routes.

Vietnam Sleeper Train with 4 Beds Cabin

1. Why Should You Travel by Train through Vietnam?

Traveling by train in Vietnam is really an unforgettable local experience. The biggest advantage of this means of transport is the reasonable price and safety. The fare is half a flight and only slightly more expensive than the bus. The slow train goes through mountains, forests, valleys and even along the ocean, allowing you to enjoy the authentic natural view of Vietnam. Moreover, it is an interesting way to travel by train for a few hours to make friends with the locals and get a better picture of their daily lives.

Vietnam Sleeper Train with 6 Beds Cabin

2. How and Where to Buy the Train Tickets in Vietnam?

Train tickets are generally more expensive than the local or tourist bus, but cheaper than a domestic flight. The price of tickets depends on your train and which class you book. Hard seats is the cheapest and least comfortable option. Soft sleeper is suitable for long distances at night, but also more expensive (recommended!). For a ride Hanoi to/from Hue you pay around 900,000 Dong, which is around $ 42. Often, the earlier you book the tickets, the cheaper the price.

Vietnam Train with Soft Seat Cabin

Because the trains in Vietnam always have a limited amount of soft sleepers, it is wise to book train tickets as early as possible. Train tickets are usually available from 60 days before departure (sometimes 90 days in advance).

Train Tickets (sleeper and seater) for booking are available at every railway stations and travel agencies, hotels with a bit of extra fee. You can also book directly online via the Vietnam Railways Company Website, Bao Lau and 12go.asia.

3. Train Schedule in Vietnam and are They on time?

There are several Reunification Express trains departing daily from Hanoi and Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City with stops in Lao Cai, Hai Phong, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Quy Nhơn, Nha Trang,… . Train time change regularly, so check the updated timetable and schedule for departure times on the Vietnam Railways Company Offical Website.

Vietnam Train with Hard Seat Cabin

Vietnamese Railway Trains are not always on time. There is often a delay, sometimes a few hours late. Do not plan your connecting flight without a significant pause between the arrival of the train and your next departure. The weather can also cause train delays. Conditions are changing rapidly and they do not announce delays or cancellations in advance.

4. Is Traveling by Railway Trains in Vietnam Safe?

Traveling by Trains in Vietnam is much safer than local public buses. Trains also don’t run fast, so you don’t have to worry about accidents. Minor crime is rarely happened on Vietnamese trains. Thieves occasionally try to get things through the window of the trains when stopped in train stations. Always remember to keep your bag close by and attach or tie it to something, especially at night. They also serve some food on train to order.

5. Most Popular Train Routes for Traveling in Vietnam:

5.1. Train Hue to/from Da Nang: This is considered as one of the Best Train Trips in Vietnam. The most beautiful train route is from Da Nang to/from Hue along the famous Hai Van Pass. On one side you have a beautiful view of the ocean and on the other side the mountain pass. A good alternative if you prefer not to drive the motorcycle over the pass.

5.2. Train Hanoi to/from Sapa (Lao Cai): In the past it was even the only way to get to Sapa from Hanoi, but now you have a good road and great bus connections. It is now still the most popular train connection for tourists in Vietnam. You arrive at the train station of Lao Cai, where you drive the last 40km to Sapa by taxi, bus or minibus.

5.3. Train Nha Trang to/from Quy Nhon: Not a popular train route, but a very beautiful one is from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon. This train route rises almost the entire journey along the ocean.

5.4. Train Ho Chi Minh City to/from Mui Ne (Phan Thiet): This 4-hour train journey takes you past beautiful rice fields to Phan Thiet. From the station it is a short 20km to Mui Ne.

6. Some Travel Tips for Traveling by Trains in Vietnam:

• Book a ticket in advance to choose the best seats, especially if you travel during Vietnam National Holidays!
• Bring some food for a late evening meal or snack in between if you are afraid of food quality on the train.
• Temperature is usually cold, so a towel can be used as a blanket and keeps you warm during the long journey.
• If you buy budget ticket for sleeping on a hard or soft chair, bring a neck pillow for more comfortable.
• Do not bring too much luggage; you cannot sleep well while you watch over your belongings all the time.
• Take small change in Vietnamese Dong to pay for the taxi from the station and for food on the train.

Adventure Journey

See Related Articles:

• Vietnam Railway Stations in Major Tourist Cities North to South
• Ha Noi Vietnam Train Street Cafe: Everything You Need to Know