Vietnam train routes, prices and timetable
Vietnam Railways (VNR) runs daily trains the length of the country on the North-South Reunification Express (SE1-SE9), plus regional lines to Sapa, Hai Phong and the coast. The full Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City run covers 1,726 km in roughly 32 to 39 hours; shorter hops like Da Nang to Hue or Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang take a few hours.
Four main fare classes, cheapest to priciest: hard seat, soft seat, 6-berth hard sleeper (full guide) and 4-berth soft sleeper, with a 2-berth VIP cabin on selected trains. Prices scale with distance, so a short leg costs a fraction of the full line.
Below: the full Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City timetable, fares for every class, the busiest routes on the network, and how to book.
| Operator | Vietnam Railways (VNR), state-owned, plus a handful of licensed private sleeper carriages on the same trains |
|---|---|
| Main line | North-South Reunification Express, Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City, 1,726 km |
| Train series | SE1-SE9 (Super Express, full line), plus SNT, SPT, HD and local services on regional legs |
| Classes | Hard seat, soft seat, 6-berth hard sleeper, 4-berth soft sleeper, 2-berth VIP cabin (select trains) |
| Fares from | Around 86,000 VND for a short hard-seat hop, up to roughly 2,460,000 VND for a full-line 4-berth cabin |
| Key stations | Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Lao Cai (for Sapa) |
| Booking window | Up to 44 days before departure |
| Book online | YesMyTrips.com |
Below: fares for every class, the full Reunification Express timetable, the busiest routes on the network, and how to book.
Search Vietnam train tickets
Enter your route and travel date to see live schedules, seat availability and prices for every class.
Prices update in real time and e-tickets are delivered by email within minutes of booking.
Vietnam train classes and fares
Every Vietnam Railways train sells some or all of five classes, priced by comfort level and cabin privacy. Not every class runs on every route: short regional trains often skip hard seat or offer sleeper cabins only, while the North-South Super Express trains sell all five. Fares below show the real range across the routes in this guide, from a short regional hop to the full Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City line.
| Class | What it is | Typical fare range |
|---|---|---|
| Hard seat | Upright airline-style seats in an air-conditioned carriage. The cheapest way to travel, best for short daytime hops. | From ~86,400 VND (short hop) to ~1,175,040 VND (full line) |
| Soft seat | A step up from hard seat: wider, more padded reclining seats. The standard daytime option on most trains. | From ~111,240 VND (short hop) to ~1,310,040 VND (full line) |
| 6-berth hard sleeper | Enclosed compartment, six bunks in two facing columns of three. The cheapest way to lie flat overnight. See our full 6-berth cabin guide. | From ~197,640 VND (short hop) to ~2,160,000 VND (full line) |
| 4-berth soft sleeper | Same layout as the 6-berth but with only four bunks, so more room per passenger and a thicker mattress. | From ~232,200 VND (short hop) to ~2,458,080 VND (full line) |
| 2-berth VIP cabin | A private two-bed compartment on selected Super Express trains, the most comfortable and most expensive option. | From ~413,640 VND (short hop) to ~2,403,000 VND (full line), where available |
Fares are one-way, per person, and change with season, holidays (especially Tet) and how far ahead you book. Check live prices for your exact date on YesMyTrips.
Vietnam train timetables: departure and arrival times
Full departure and arrival times for the Reunification Express and the busiest regional lines, sorted by departure time. Southbound / eastbound / northbound direction shown below; the return direction runs on a close mirror of the same schedule.
Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (Reunification Express, SE trains)
Six SE trains run the full North-South line every day in each direction. Journey time is 32h45m to 38h40m depending on the train; overnight departures (SE3, SE1) are the most popular since they let you sleep through most of the ride.
| Train | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Fares from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE7 | 06:00 | 17:00 (+1 day) | 35h00m | 1,154,520 VND (~US$ 44.10) | Book SE7 |
| SE5 | 08:00 | 18:20 (+1 day) | 34h20m | 1,298,160 VND (~US$ 49.58) | Book SE5 |
| SE9 | 13:00 | 03:20 (+2 days) | 38h20m | 1,092,960 VND (~US$ 41.75) | Book SE9 |
| SE3 | 19:20 | 05:30 (+2 days) | 34h10m | 1,175,040 VND (~US$ 44.88) | Book SE3 |
| SE11 | 20:40 | 11:20 (+2 days) | 38h40m | 1,092,960 VND (~US$ 41.75) | Book SE11 |
| SE1 | 21:45 | 06:30 (+2 days) | 32h45m | 1,175,040 VND (~US$ 44.88) | Book SE1 |
Hanoi ↔ Lao Cai (for Sapa)
Two overnight sleeper trains only; both arrive early morning in time to continue to Sapa by road.
Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Nha Trang
The most-served route on the network, with 10 daily departures across day and overnight trains.
| Train | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Fares from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE8 | 06:00 | 13:43 | 7h43m | 327,240 VND (~US$ 12.50) | Book SE8 |
| SE6 | 08:45 | 16:06 | 7h21m | 367,200 VND (~US$ 14.03) | Book SE6 |
| SE22 | 10:15 | 18:05 | 7h50m | 413,640 VND (~US$ 15.80) | Book SE22 |
| SE10 | 13:15 | 21:51 | 8h36m | 452,520 VND (~US$ 17.28) | Book SE10 |
| SE24 | 14:25 | 00:20 (+1 day) | 9h55m | 452,520 VND (~US$ 17.28) | Book SE24 |
| SE4 | 19:20 | 02:40 (+1 day) | 7h20m | 478,440 VND (~US$ 18.27) | Book SE4 |
| SE2 | 20:35 | 03:44 (+1 day) | 7h09m | 534,600 VND (~US$ 20.42) | Book SE2 |
| SE12 | 21:00 | 04:54 (+1 day) | 7h54m | 452,520 VND (~US$ 17.28) | Book SE12 |
| SNT2 | 21:45 | 05:40 (+1 day) | 7h55m | 551,880 VND (~US$ 21.08) | Book SNT2 |
| SNT4 | 22:15 | 06:30 (+1 day) | 8h15m | 679,320 VND (~US$ 25.95) | Book SNT4 |
Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Da Nang
A long north-central leg, usually booked as an overnight sleeper.
| Train | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Fares from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE8 | 06:00 | 23:21 | 17h21m | 727,920 VND (~US$ 27.80) | Book SE8 |
| SE6 | 08:45 | 01:46 (+1 day) | 17h01m | 727,920 VND (~US$ 27.80) | Book SE6 |
| SE22 | 10:15 | 05:40 (+1 day) | 19h25m | 793,800 VND (~US$ 30.32) | Book SE22 |
| SE10 | 13:15 | 08:44 (+1 day) | 19h29m | 804,600 VND (~US$ 30.73) | Book SE10 |
| SE4 | 19:20 | 12:13 (+1 day) | 16h53m | 802,440 VND (~US$ 30.65) | Book SE4 |
| SE2 | 20:35 | 13:06 (+1 day) | 16h31m | 894,240 VND (~US$ 34.16) | Book SE2 |
| SE12 | 21:00 | 16:14 (+1 day) | 19h14m | 804,600 VND (~US$ 30.73) | Book SE12 |
Da Nang ↔ Hue
The scenic Hai Van Pass hop, with 12 daily departures including two heritage HD trains.
| Train | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Fares from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE6 | 02:01 | 04:44 | 2h43m | 111,240 VND (~US$ 4.25) | Book SE6 |
| HD2 | 07:05 | 11:03 | 3h58m | 199,800 VND (~US$ 7.63) | Book HD2 |
| SE10 | 08:59 | 12:10 | 3h11m | 128,520 VND (~US$ 4.91) | Book SE10 |
| SE4 | 12:28 | 15:05 | 2h37m | 140,400 VND (~US$ 5.36) | Book SE4 |
| SE2 | 13:21 | 15:49 | 2h28m | 155,520 VND (~US$ 5.94) | Book SE2 |
| SE24 | 13:38 | 16:47 | 3h09m | 128,520 VND (~US$ 4.91) | Book SE24 |
| HD4 | 15:20 | 18:15 | 2h55m | 199,800 VND (~US$ 7.63) | Book HD4 |
| SE12 | 16:29 | 19:01 | 2h32m | 128,520 VND (~US$ 4.91) | Book SE12 |
| SE20 | 18:00 | 20:43 | 2h43m | 258,120 VND (~US$ 9.86) | Book SE20 |
| JSE18 | 18:55 | 21:38 | 2h43m | 86,400 VND (~US$ 3.30) | Book JSE18 |
| SE18 | 18:55 | 21:38 | 2h43m | 282,960 VND (~US$ 10.81) | Book SE18 |
| SE8 | 23:41 | 02:12 (+1 day) | 2h31m | 99,360 VND (~US$ 3.80) | Book SE8 |
Hanoi ↔ Hue
A gateway run into Central Vietnam, mostly overnight.
| Train | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Fares from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE7 | 06:00 | 19:38 | 13h38m | 636,120 VND (~US$ 24.30) | Book SE7 |
| SE5 | 08:00 | 21:35 | 13h35m | 716,040 VND (~US$ 27.35) | Book SE5 |
| SE9 | 13:00 | 03:07 (+1 day) | 14h07m | 640,440 VND (~US$ 24.46) | Book SE9 |
| SE3 | 19:20 | 07:50 (+1 day) | 12h30m | 636,120 VND (~US$ 24.30) | Book SE3 |
| SE19 | 19:45 | 08:45 (+1 day) | 13h00m | 1,809,000 VND (~US$ 69.09) | Book SE19 |
| SE17 | 20:25 | 10:52 (+1 day) | 14h27m | 1,502,280 VND (~US$ 57.38) | Book SE17 |
| SE11 | 20:40 | 11:26 (+1 day) | 14h46m | 640,440 VND (~US$ 24.46) | Book SE11 |
| SE1 | 21:45 | 10:25 (+1 day) | 12h40m | 636,120 VND (~US$ 24.30) | Book SE1 |
Hanoi ↔ Da Nang
Overnight run to the gateway station for Hoi An.
| Train | Departs | Arrives | Duration | Fares from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE7 | 06:00 | 22:15 | 16h15m | 732,240 VND (~US$ 27.97) | Book SE7 |
| SE5 | 08:00 | 00:21 (+1 day) | 16h21m | 821,880 VND (~US$ 31.39) | Book SE5 |
| SE9 | 13:00 | 05:48 (+1 day) | 16h48m | 730,080 VND (~US$ 27.89) | Book SE9 |
| SE3 | 19:20 | 10:28 (+1 day) | 15h08m | 721,440 VND (~US$ 27.56) | Book SE3 |
| SE19 | 19:45 | 11:35 (+1 day) | 15h50m | 1,865,160 VND (~US$ 71.24) | Book SE19 |
| SE17 | 20:25 | 14:30 (+1 day) | 18h05m | 1,548,720 VND (~US$ 59.15) | Book SE17 |
| SE11 | 20:40 | 14:50 (+1 day) | 18h10m | 730,080 VND (~US$ 27.89) | Book SE11 |
| SE1 | 21:45 | 13:14 (+1 day) | 15h29m | 721,440 VND (~US$ 27.56) | Book SE1 |
Departure times are the scheduled times as of the last update below; always confirm the exact time for your date when booking, since VNR occasionally adjusts timings around holidays. Last updated: June-July 2026
Popular Vietnam train routes: schedule and fares at a glance
Beyond the full North-South run, these are the routes travellers book most, from the short scenic hop over the Hai Van Pass to the overnight sleeper up to Sapa. Tap a route for its full timetable, every class of fare, and live booking.
| Route | Trains / day | Fastest journey | Fares from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City The full Reunification Express line, 1,726 km | 6 | 32h45m | 1,092,960 VND (~US$ 41.75) |
| Hanoi ↔ Lao Cai (Sapa) Overnight sleeper only, gateway to Sapa by road | 2 | 7h45m | 506,520 VND (~US$ 19.35) |
| Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Nha Trang The most-served route on the network, 10 daily trains | 10 | 7h09m | 327,240 VND (~US$ 12.50) |
| Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Phan Thiet (Mui Ne) Short daytime hop to the beach town of Mui Ne | 2 | 3h57m | 231,120 VND (~US$ 8.83) |
| Da Nang ↔ Hue Scenic run over the Hai Van Pass, 12 daily trains | 12 | 2h28m | 86,400 VND (~US$ 3.30) |
| Hanoi ↔ Hue Overnight run into Central Vietnam | 8 | 12h30m | 636,120 VND (~US$ 24.30) |
| Hanoi ↔ Da Nang Overnight run to the gateway of Hoi An | 8 | 15h08m | 721,440 VND (~US$ 27.56) |
The Vietnam Railways network: North, Central and South
Vietnam Railways trains run the length of the country along a single main line, with one short branch inland. Roughly:
- Northern region Hanoi is the hub, with lines out to Lao Cai (for Sapa), Hai Phong and Dong Dang on the Chinese border. Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Vinh sit along the main line south of Hanoi.
- Central region Dong Hoi, Hue and Da Nang are the main stops, connected by the scenic Hai Van Pass segment. Da Nang is the closest station to Hoi An.
- Southern region Nha Trang, Thap Cham, Phan Thiet/Mui Ne and Bien Hoa lead into the terminus at Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), with the busiest short-haul services on the network around Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang.
How to book Vietnam train tickets
Booking takes a few minutes and needs no Vietnamese phone number or SIM card:
- 1. Search your route Enter departure and arrival stations, your date, and passenger count in the search widget above.
- 2. Compare trains and fares Filter by departure time, journey length or class to find the schedule and price that fits your trip.
- 3. Choose your class and seat Pick a class from hard seat to VIP cabin, and select your exact seat or berth on the interactive chart.
- 4. Enter passenger details and pay Fill in traveller information as it appears on your ID or passport, then pay securely by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- 5. Get your e-ticket Your ticket arrives by email as a QR code, ready to show on your phone at the station. Nothing to print.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see our step-by-step booking guide.
Why book Vietnam trains with YesMyTrips
- Live VNR data Schedules and seat availability are connected directly to the Vietnam Railways system, not a cached list.
- Instant e-ticket Tickets are sent by email as a QR code within minutes, no printing or Vietnamese SIM required.
- English-language support Search, book and get help in English, without navigating a Vietnamese-only booking system.
- Secure international payment Pay by international card, Apple Pay or Google Pay; no Vietnamese bank account needed.
Vietnam train routes, prices and timetable: frequently asked questions
How much do train tickets cost in Vietnam?
It depends on distance and class. A short hop like Da Nang to Hue starts around 86,000 VND in hard seat, while the full Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City line ranges from about 1,090,000 VND for a hard seat up to roughly 2,460,000 VND for a 4-berth soft sleeper cabin.
What are the main train classes in Vietnam?
Five, from cheapest to priciest: hard seat, soft seat, 6-berth hard sleeper, 4-berth soft sleeper, and a 2-berth VIP cabin on selected Super Express trains. Not every class is sold on every route.
How long does the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train take?
Between about 32 hours 45 minutes and 38 hours 40 minutes for the full 1,726 km line, depending on the specific SE train. SE1, the fastest, departs Hanoi in the evening and arrives the following morning after two nights.
Is there a direct train to Sapa?
Not all the way. The line ends at Lao Cai, about 35 km from Sapa town. Take the overnight Hanoi to Lao Cai sleeper (around 7h45m to 7h55m), then continue to Sapa by road.
How far in advance should I book Vietnam train tickets?
Tickets open up to 44 days before departure. Lower sleeper berths on popular routes sell out first, and the whole network fills up weeks ahead around Tet (Vietnamese New Year), so book early for those dates.
Are Vietnam Railways prices fixed, or do they change?
They change. Fares vary by season, public holidays, how far ahead you book, and sometimes by specific train number even on the same route. The figures on this page are typical starting rates; check your exact date for the live price.
How do I receive my Vietnam train ticket?
As a QR code by email, usually within minutes of booking. Show it on your phone at the station gate; there is no need to print anything or have a Vietnamese phone number.
Can I get a refund or change my Vietnam train ticket?
Changes to the date, train or passenger details are not possible once a ticket is booked. Refunds depend on how close to departure you cancel, and are set by Vietnam Railways rather than the booking platform. Check the cancellation terms shown at checkout before you pay.
Which is the cheapest and fastest way to travel by train in Vietnam?
For short hops, Da Nang to Hue in hard seat is both the cheapest and one of the fastest legs on the network, at under 2 hours 30 minutes from about 86,000 VND. For the full North-South run, SE1 is the fastest Reunification Express train and hard seat the cheapest class.
Book your Vietnam train tickets
Search live schedules, compare every class, and get your e-ticket in minutes.
Search trains on YesMyTrips →