Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Train: Schedules, Fares & Booking 2026
4 daily trains connect Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. The journey takes between 33h10m and 34h32m. Fares start from US$ 53.60 and go up to US$ 98.01. The fastest option is train SE2, and the cheapest is train SE8. This is an overnight route. The 4-berth soft sleeper cabin is the most popular class for international travelers: you board in the evening, sleep onboard, and arrive at your destination in the morning without spending a night in a hotel. You can book without a Vietnamese phone number via YesMyTrips. Tickets are issued directly by Vietnam Railways (VNR) and delivered to your email as a PDF. VNR opens bookings 45 days before departure. On popular overnight routes, sleeper cabins sell out weeks ahead.
Secure Your Seats: Live Booking and Real-Time Seat Maps
Select your exact berth on a live seat map. Upper or lower bunk, window or aisle. Tickets issued by VNR, delivered to your email as a PDF with QR code. No Vietnamese phone number needed.
Compare prices, schedules and routes | Fast confirmation and e-tickets sent to your email.
Schedules and prices on this page are sourced directly from Vietnam Railways (VNR) in real time. All departures, durations, and fares reflect current availability, not estimates. Booking opens 45 days before departure.
At a Glance: 2026 Schedules and Ticket Prices
Quick FactsHO CHI MINH to HANOI - Train Timetable
Which Train Should You Choose? (2026)
Every train currently running this route. The Best For column is based on departure time, duration, and price.
When to Book Your Train Tickets
Vietnam Railways (VNR) opens bookings 45 days before departure. On popular overnight routes, sleeper cabins sell out weeks ahead, especially around Tet, summer school holidays, and national public holidays. Booking early also locks in the lowest fares.
Tickets Not Open Yet? Don't Miss Out.
VNR opens bookings exactly 45 days before departure. If your date is not showing yet, check back closer to the 45-day mark. Message us on WhatsApp and we will notify you the moment tickets open.
💬 Message on WhatsAppChoosing Your Carriage: Sleepers vs. Seats
Vietnam Railways offers distinct classes for different needs. Here is what is available on this route:
Which Class Is Right for You?
A quick breakdown by traveler type:
What to Expect Onboard
VNR sleeper cabins come with bedding, A/C, and a lockable door (4-berth) or curtain (6-berth). Bring a light jacket: the A/C gets cold overnight. Each cabin has a small table and luggage space under the lower bunks. A food trolley or dining car serves basic hot meals and drinks. Power outlets available in 4-berth cabins. Wi-Fi is unreliable, download entertainment before you board.
Best Time to Travel HO CHI MINH to HANOI
This route spans multiple climate zones. January to April offers the most reliable weather overall: mild in the north, largely dry along the coast, best in the south. The one period to plan carefully is Tet (late January and early February). Trains sell out nation-wide. Book 45 days ahead during Tet, 30 days out the rest of peak season.
HO CHI MINH to HANOI: Train vs. Bus vs. Plane
How the train compares to other ways of making this journey:
Travel Requirements for Foreigners (2026 Guide)
Vietnam Railways requires that the name on your ticket matches your travel document. What international travelers need to know:
The YesMyTrips Advantage
VNR's own website requires a Vietnamese phone number for SMS verification, which rules out most international travelers. YesMyTrips handles that process on your behalf. You book in your language, pay by card or Apple/Google Pay, and receive an official e-ticket by email.
Verified Traveler Reviews
From Trustpilot · trustpilot.com/review/yesmytrips.com
"Booked a 4-berth cabin for two. The seat map was easy to use and we got lower bunks without any hassle. E-ticket arrived within minutes and worked perfectly at the station."
"Booking trains in Vietnam without a local phone number seemed complicated at first. YesMyTrips made it completely straightforward. Maxence replied within minutes when I had a question. Highly recommend."
HO CHI MINH Railway station
1 Nguyen Thong Street, Ward 9, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
HANOI Railway station
120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City, Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions
The journey typically takes between 33h10m and 34h32m
It costs from US$ 53.60 to US$ 98.01
You can book train tickets in Vietnam by visiting YesMyTrips.com or using the above widget.
Yes, children under age of 10 have discount price of approximately 25% of adult fare.
Classes available on the journey are: Seat, Soft Seat, Sleeper 6-Berth, Sleeper 4-Berth
You may cancel your Vietnam Railways train ticket under certain conditions, but changes are not permitted. For full details, please visit our terms page.
Yes, assigned seating is available. You can reserve your seat on a seat map during the booking process when using YesMyTrips. This allows you to choose your preferred spot in advance for a more comfortable journey.
Weight limits is 20kg (66lbs).
Arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes early, especially if you are unfamiliar with the station layout.
No printout needed. The official VNR e-ticket contains a QR code and can be shown on your phone screen at the station gate. YesMyTrips sends it to your email as a PDF within minutes of booking.
Bring your passport. The name on your ticket must match your passport exactly. Staff may check your document at the gate, especially on overnight trains. Children under 10 may need a birth certificate for the age discount.
Yes. Most long-distance VNR trains have a food trolley or a dining car serving hot meals, instant noodles, drinks, and snacks. You can also buy food from vendors at major station stops. On short daytime routes, bring your own snacks to be safe.
Sleeper cabins and soft seats are air-conditioned. Hard seats may be fan-only on older rolling stock. The A/C in sleeper cabins can get genuinely cold overnight. Bring a light jacket or layer, even in summer.
The 4-berth soft sleeper cabin is the best option for most travelers. It has a lockable door, comfortable beds, A/C, and a good balance of comfort and price. The 6-berth cabin costs less but has less privacy. Always choose lower berths first as they sell out faster and are easier to access.