The Vietnamese Railway Network
Vietnam's railway network connects the country's major cities through four main lines:
+ Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (The North-South line)
+ Hanoi – Lao Cai
+ Hanoi – Lang Son
+ Hanoi – Hai Phong
Train tickets can be purchased through GP Travel by emailing us at: info@gptravelvietnam.com, or online via the official Vietnam Railways website: https://dsvn.vn/#/, or directly at train stations. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of seat or sleeper chosen.
How to Book a Train Ticket with GP Travel?
To book a train ticket, please provide GP Travel with the following passenger details: Full name, Passport number and date of birth (preferably with a copy of the passport), Email address and phone number, Travel date, Train type (sleeper, seat, category)
Once the ticket availability is confirmed, you will need to proceed with the payment, which includes the ticket price and any additional fees (such as banking or service charges).
After the payment is validated, your e-ticket or a voucher will be sent via email (or through another agreed method such as WhatsApp). This will allow you to collect your tickets directly at the passenger terminal in coordination with the Transport Company.
If you provide us with personal data, we commit to processing and storing it in accordance with our Privacy Policy. As a user, you are responsible for the accuracy of the information provided when booking and must present a valid ID at check-in and/or boarding. Additionally, you agree not to provide false information regarding your identity.
Train Prices and Schedules
Below, we have provided details for some train routes. For more information or additional train journeys, please contact us at info@gptravelvietnam.com .
Train Hanoi – Lao Cai
4 soft sleeper sharing a cabin
| Chapa express USD/soft sleeper | Sapaly USD/ soft sleeper | Family USD/ soft sleeper | Damitrans USD/ soft sleeper |
Hanoi -> Lao Cai SP3 Depart : 22h00, Arrival : 5h55 | 42 | 37 | 35 | 35 |
Lao Cai -> Hanoi SP4 Depart : 21h30, Arrival : 5h35 | 42 | 37 | 35 | 35 |
Train Hanoi à Dong Hoi , Hue, Danang
4 soft sleeper sharing a cabin
Departure from Hanoi | To Dong Hoi USD/ soft sleeper | to Hue USD/ soft sleeper | to Danang USD/ soft sleeper |
Vietnam Rail Way SE 1 : Depature at 20h55 | 62 USD Arrival at 6h53 | 70 USD Arrival at 9h59 | 75 USD Arrival at 12h32 |
Wagon Lotus SE 19 : Depature at 19h40 | 67 USD Arrival at 5h53 | 70 USD Arrival at 9h13 | 75 USD Arrival at 12h32 |
Damitrans SE 3: Depature at 19h20 | 67 USD Arrival at 5h29 | 70 USD Arrival at 8h40 | 75 USD Arrival at 12h32 |
Violettes train SE1 : Depature at 20h55 | 67 USD Arrival at 6h53 | 70 USD Arrival at 9h59 | 75 USD Arrival at 12h32 |
Lam An Express SE 19 : Depature at 19h40 | 70 USD Arrival at 5h53 | 80 USD Arrival at 9h13 | 85 USD Arrival at 11h58 |
Questions & Answers
What is the railway system like in Vietnam?
The railway network is operated by the state-owned Vietnam Railways. However, some private companies, such as Chapa Express, Livitrains, Violette, Lotus, Lam An, Victoria, Family, and Damitrans, lease wagons from Vietnam Railways and upgrade them for added comfort. These companies offer more expensive tickets but provide better services. Despite their upgrades, these wagons remain attached to trains operated by Vietnam Railways locomotives and follow the same schedules.
What classes are available on Vietnamese trains?
There are four main types of wagons:
+ Hard seats (wooden benches): The least comfortable but the most affordable and authentic option. Only equipped with fans. Not recommended for travelers.
+ Soft seats: Air-conditioned and suitable for short journeys like Danang – Hue or Hanoi – Ninh Binh, Hanoi – Hai Phong.
+ Hard sleeper (6 berths per cabin): A narrow but authentic experience, only available with Vietnam Railways.
+ Soft sleeper (2 or 4 berths per cabin): The most comfortable option, ideal for overnight trips. Available on both Vietnam Railways and private wagons.
+ Private train companies offer 2- to 4-berth cabins with bunk beds on two levels (upper and lower berths). However, seat selection is not possible. In contrast, in standard Vietnam Railways compartments (4- to 6-berth cabins), passengers can pay extra to secure a lower berth, avoiding the need to climb to an upper bunk.
All sleeper cabins are air-conditioned and come with a pillow, sheet, and blanket. Each sleeper wagon includes a Western-style toilet, a washbasin, and a hot/cold water dispenser.
Children's Fares
Vietnam Railways wagons:
+ Free for children under 6 years old.
+ Discounted fares for children aged 6 to under 10 (25% off sleepers and seats). If the child’s age is not specified, the discount applies to children under 1.32 meters in height.
+ Children 10 years and older pay the full fare.
Children can travel for free only if they share a seat or berth with an accompanying adult. In this case, no ticket is needed for the child, but you must be ready to show their passport to prove their age at boarding. If a child requires their own seat or berth, a standard ticket must be purchased.
Private train companies: Children must pay full fare for a private berth.
At What Age Can a Child Travel Alone?
Children under 10 years old must travel with an adult. When booking, the child’s full name and date of birth must be provided, along with the accompanying adult’s details (who must be on the same journey).
Children aged 10 and older can travel alone.
On Board the Train
Luggage Policy
Carry-on baggage allowance: Adults: 20 kg, Children: 10 kg. Maximum dimensions: 0.8m (length) × 0.5m (width) × 0.4m (height).
Luggage can be stored above your seat, in designated racks, or under your seat. Space is limited, so traveling light is recommended. Passengers are responsible for their own baggage.
For extra baggage or bulky items (such as bicycles or motorbikes), the "Luggage" option must be selected for an additional fee. Only certain trains provide baggage check-in services for motorbikes. It's essential to confirm availability before purchasing tickets to avoid unnecessary expenses. Arrive at the station the day before departure to arrange baggage check-in. If transporting a motorbike, ensure the fuel tank is emptied before check-in.
Boarding & Disembarking
Boarding and disembarking can be fast-paced and hectic. There are no luggage carts or staff available to assist with your bags.
Boarding procedures vary depending on the station and time of day:
In some cases, you must show your e-ticket to access the platform before it is scanned onboard.
Other times, you may board freely and have your ticket checked later during the journey.
You may board at a later station than your booked departure point and get off earlier than your booked destination. However, "hop-on, hop-off" travel is not allowed.
For private train services, the boarding process is different. You will receive a PDF voucher with a confirmation code, which must be presented at the operator's counter in the station or an adjacent office to collect your ticket. The voucher will include instructions on where to pick up your ticket.
Food & Drinks on Board
All trains in Vietnam have a restaurant car. Additionally, a mobile food service passes through the train every hour, offering: Snacks: Boiled eggs, rice, bread with sausage, and fruits, Beverages: Tea, coffee, and sodas.
At station stops, local vendors also board the train to sell fresh fruits, snacks, and other items.
Booking & Services
How Far in Advance Can I Book a Train Ticket in Vietnam?
Most Vietnam Railways routes open for booking 30 to 60 days before departure.
+ Long-distance routes (e.g., Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City) open closer to 60 days in advance.
+ Shorter routes (e.g., Hue to Danang) open closer to 30 days before departure.
Availability may vary depending on the seat or sleeper type.
+ Private trains open for booking much earlier, sometimes up to a year in advance.
Are There Power Outlets on the Train?
Each sleeper cabin has one power outlet, primarily for charging phones.
Luggage Storage at Train Stations
There is no official luggage storage service at Vietnamese train stations.
In some cases, local vendors (such as drink sellers) offer informal storage services. However, this is not a reliable option. If planning your trip, do not count on leaving your bags at the station, even for a few hours.
Are Trains in Vietnam Punctual?
Vietnamese trains are not always on time and may experience delays of several hours. It is highly recommended to leave a buffer period between your train arrival and your next connection.
Lost & Found Service
There is no official lost and found service for Vietnamese trains. Before leaving the train, double-check your belongings, as recovering lost items is extremely difficult.