Traveling by train in Vietnam can be an excellent way to enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Vietnamese countryside and spice up your time here. If you ever find yourself in the capital city of Hanoi, don’t hesitate to buy a train ticket for a change. Here’s everything you need to know about Hanoi Trains.
A Brief Introduction to Hanoi Trains
Trains were first introduced as a means of transportation in Vietnam in 1881 by constructing the first railway from Saigon to My Tho (now a city in the Mekong Delta). Hanoi witnessed the establishment of its first train station, Hang Co Station, in 1902. Since then, various routes have been set to connect Hanoi with other towns and cities in the country. Traveling by train was once the best way to get around from the capital city. People now shy away from it since the introduction of faster and more convenient transportation methods. Currently, Hanoi has 3 train stations for commercial purposes: Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station, and Hanoi Station.
Train Routes from Hanoi
Reunification Express Train Routes: Danang, Dieu Tri, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Hoi, Hai Phong, Hue, Muong Man, Nanning (China), Nha Trang, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Tuy Hoa, Thanh Hoa, Thap Cham, and Vinh.
Your train will start from Hanoi Station, get to Hanoi Train Street, then Long Bien Station, Gia Lam Station before departing the city.
Tourist Train Routes: These long-distance trains connect Hanoi with four prominent tourist provinces of Vietnam: Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Hue, and Sa Pa.
How to Travel to Nanning City (China) from Hanoi by Train
You can buy train tickets to Nanning City offline at train stations or book tickets online at least three days in advance. The train will depart from Gia Lam Station at 9:20 PM daily and reach Nanning Station at 9:12 AM the next day. All the berths are equipped with soft beds to ensure a comfortable journey. The train ticket costs VND 1,000,000/turn.
Friendly Reminders:
- Passengers are required to present passports, China VISA when buying tickets, or getting on the train to Nanning City.
- You can make a reservation to travel back to Hanoi at Gia Lam Station and buy the return tickets at the destination station 3 days in advance.
Type of Seats and Price of Hanoi Trains
The price of train tickets in Hanoi varies depending on the destination and the type of seat. You’ll pay more for longer travel and better seats.
Types of seats
- Hard Seat (Standard): This is the basic option for traveling by train in Vietnam. It’s a hardwood bench that often seats two people side by side.
- Soft Seat (Deluxe): You can pay a little extra to upgrade your seat to soft. It’s a comfortable sofa that would help if you have a bad back or want to take a good nap during your travel.
- Berth (Long Distance only): For routes over 150km long, you can opt for berths on the train. These provide beds instead of seats and can also be upgraded to a more comfortable and private deluxe.
How to Get Tickets for Hanoi Trains
Buy Tickets at the Hanoi Station
There are 3 stations where you can buy train tickets in Hanoi: Gia Lam Station, Long Bien Station, and Hanoi Station. Here’s our guide to purchasing tickets at Hanoi Station, the most popular one.
Go to Hanoi Station on Le Duan Street, enter through the main door, and turn right through the passageway to reach the ticket office. Here, find the window marked “Tourist” and queue up. Tell the operator your destination, time, train number, and type of seat, then pay for the ticket. You should reserve a seat at least two days before to get soft seats and have time to change the tickets should there be a problem.
Tips:
- Not all the operators speak English, so it’s a good idea to write the ticket information in Vietnamese beforehand.
- If you arrive at the last minute, don’t panic. Find the booth where they sell immediate tickets at the corner of the ticket office, near the boarding pass. They’re more expensive but will guarantee you a seat.
- Parking usually costs VND 5,000/bike/turn, and overnight parking will cost VND 20,000. However, the security guard may try to take advantage of you and overcharge, so be careful.
Buy Train Tickets Online
Buying a train ticket from the comfort of your home is the best option for international travelers in Vietnam. All information is in English, and you will receive an email coupon for your tickets. The only thing left is to present the coupon at the train station before boarding the train.
Look for a train ticket in the search below:
Conclusion on the Hanoi Trains Guide
After getting through the language barrier and getting your tickets, traveling in Vietnam by train can be a fun way to spice up your stay. We strongly advise you to take a train from Hanoi to nearby provinces such as Ninh Binh or Hai Phong for a day trip. Comment below what you think about our Hanoi Trains Guide, and stay tuned for more in-depth local knowledge about Vietnam Travel.