Introduction
Vietnam Railways is the state-owned railway operator in Vietnam, connecting Hanoi, Lao Cai, Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phan Rang, Phan Thiet and Ho Chi Minh.
Trains operated by Vietnam Railways
Vietnam Railways operates trains pulled by diesel locomotives circulating at a top speed of 80 km/h.
Passenger cars are divided in four classes: Hard seat, Soft seat, Hard bed in compartments for 1-6 passengers and Soft bed in compartments for 1-4 passengers.
For more information about travelling by train, please read our Train Guide in Vietnam.
Routes
We facilitate advance ticket booking for trains operated by Vietnam Railways.
| Stations | SP1/2 | SP3/4 |
| Hanoi | ||
| Gia Lam | ||
| Yen Vien | ||
| Yen Bai | ||
| Lao Cai |
| Stations | MR1/2 |
| Hanoi | |
| Gia Lam | |
| Dong Dang | |
| Pingxiang | |
| Nanning |
| Stations | HP1/2 | LP3/2 | LP5/6 | LP7/8 |
| Hanoi | ||||
| Long Bien | ||||
| Gia Lam | ||||
| Hai Duong | ||||
| Hai Phong |
| Stations | SE1/2 | SE3/4 | SE5/6 | SE7/8 | SE19/20 | SE21/22 | SNT1/2 |
| Hanoi | |||||||
| Ninh Binh | |||||||
| Thanh Hoa | |||||||
| Vinh | |||||||
| Dong Hoi | |||||||
| Hue | |||||||
| Da Nang | |||||||
| Dieu Tri | |||||||
| Tuy Hoa | |||||||
| Nha Trang | |||||||
| Thap Cham | |||||||
| Binh Thuan | |||||||
| Saigon |
| Stations | SPT1/2 | SPT3/4 |
| Phan Thiet | ||
| Binh Thuan | ||
| Saigon |
Destinations
Vietnam Railways serves the following destinations in Vietnam:
Northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam comprises the provinces of Hanoi, Lao Cai and Hai Phong.
Train routes to Hanoi
Train routes to Lao Cai
Train routes to Hai Phong
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam comprises the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa.
Train routes to Ninh Binh
Train routes to Dong Hoi
Train routes to Hue
Train routes to Da Nang
Train routes to Nha Trang
Train routes to Phan Rang
Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam comprises the provinces of Ho Chi Minh and Binh Thuan.
Train routes to Ho Chi Minh
Train routes to Phan Thiet
Change policy
The following change terms apply to the train fares:
| Vietnam Railways | Change time/date |
| Fare Sleeper 4-Berth | Not permitted |
| Fare Sleeper 6-Berth | Not permitted |
| Fare Soft seat | Not permitted |
| Fare Soft seat Premium | Not permitted |
| Fare Soft seat Tourist | Not permitted |
| Fare Soft seat Lounge | Not permitted |
| Fare Hard seat | Not permitted |
| Fare Supplementary seat | Not permitted |
| Fare No seat | Not permitted |
In accordance with the policy of Vietnam Railways, once the booking has been confirmed changes are not permitted.
To modify the passenger details, the itinerary, the fare or the departure date, you need to cancel the existing booking and make a new booking.
Cancellation policy
The following cancellation terms apply to the train fares:
| Vietnam Railways | Cancellation before departure |
| Fare Sleeper 4-Berth | Permitted with fees |
| Fare Sleeper 6-Berth | Permitted with fees |
| Fare Soft seat | Permitted with fees |
| Fare Soft seat Premium | Permitted with fees |
| Fare Soft seat Tourist | Permitted with fees |
| Fare Soft seat Lounge | Permitted with fees |
| Fare Hard seat | Permitted with fees |
| Fare Supplementary seat | Permitted with fees |
| Fare No seat | Permitted with fees |
If you wish to cancel your booking with Vietnam Railways, kindly manage your booking and request a cancellation to proceed with the refund. This option is available until 12 hours before departure, except in public holidays and promotion tickets.
Service fees will not be refunded. Cancellation fees will apply.
- For standard tickets, 10% / 20% of the ticket fare + 35,000 VND / 35,000 VND per ticket. No refund if less than 12 hours to departure.
- For promotion tickets, 30% / 50% of the ticket fare + 35,000 VND / 35,000 VND per ticket. No refund if less than 12 days to departure.
In case of cancellation or delay of the transport service due to the weather conditions or an event of force majeure, you must request a cancellation at the station to proceed with the refund. In case of delay, if you do not cancel the tickets at the station Vietnam Railways will consider that you accept to travel anyway and no refund will be given after the train departure.
Hanoi–Lao Cai railway serving Hanoi and Lao Cai