How Book TRAIN TICKETS in Vietnam? ▶️

Booking of Train / Bus Tickets in Vietnam:

Booking and buying train tickets (+bus or ferry tickets) in Vietnam can be done through several methods, including online booking (the best and fastest way), at the train stations, and through travel agencies. Keep in mind that train tickets in Vietnam can sell out quickly during peak travel seasons, so it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially for popular routes (eg. Hanoi to Sapa, Hanoi to Saigon). Additionally, train travel in Vietnam is relatively affordable and offers a scenic way to explore the country’s landscapes, so it’s a popular choice among both locals and tourists. Trains by Vietnam Railways are also the most cheapest options of transport in Vietnam.

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How to book and buy train tickets in Vietnam?

1. Plan Your Trip:

• • Determine your travel dates, departure and arrival cities, and preferred train routes.
  • Check the train schedule and availability for your chosen route. You can find this information on the official website of Vietnam Railways or through other online booking platforms.

2. Online Booking:

• • The most convenient way to book train tickets in Vietnam is online. You can use popular third-party booking websites/apps like Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
  • Create an account on the chosen platform if required.
  • Enter your travel details, including departure and arrival cities, date of travel, and the number of passengers.
  • Browse available train options, check ticket prices, and choose your preferred train class (e.g., hard seat, soft seat, sleeper berth).
  • Select your seats or berths if the platform allows for seat selection.
  • Provide passenger information and contact details.
  • Review your booking details and make the payment online using a credit card or other available payment methods.

3. Payment and Confirmation:

• • Once your payment is processed, you will receive a booking confirmation via email or on the booking platform’s website. This confirmation will contain your ticket details, including a booking reference number.
  • Print a physical copy of your e-ticket or save it on your mobile device for easy access during your journey.
  • Train ticket in your smartphone is acceptable

4. Ticket Collection:

• • Some booking platforms offer e-tickets that can be scanned directly at the train station. In this case, you may proceed directly to the train with your e-ticket.
  • If you have a paper ticket or need to collect your ticket at the train station, arrive at the station well in advance of your departure time.
  • Present your booking reference number or reservation details at the ticket counter to collect your physical train tickets.

5. At the Train Station:

• • Arrive at the train station at least 30-60 minutes before your train’s departure time.
  • Go through security checks if required.
  • Find your platform and train using the information on your ticket.
  • Board the train and enjoy your journey.

6. In-Person Booking:

• • If you prefer not to book online, you can also purchase train tickets in person at train stations or through authorized travel agencies in major cities.

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The best options to book and buy train / bus tickets in Vietnam:

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1. Online (train, bus, ferry e-ticket in your smartphone, easy, fast)

There are various companies and search engines where and how you can book and buy train/bus or ferry e-tickets for southeast Asia easily online. Only a few websites are reliable and trusted, modern, updated and recommended. Booking process of train tickets in Vietnam is very easy and fast. You can use e-tickets in your smartphone for regular trains in Vietnam, so you can also save your time. Search and book your tickets (+flights) at these websites:

1. Baolau.com – one of the best search engines for booking the train, bus, ferry tickets for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand… Baolau.com aims to simplify the booking process by aggregating various transportation options and presenting them in a user-friendly interface. It enables users to compare different travel routes, prices, and providers, helping them find the most suitable and cost-effective options for their travel needs.

BOOK TICKETS WITH BAOLAU ➜

2. 12go.asia – company sells the train, bus, ferry tickets mainly for Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos… The website aims to simplify the process of planning and booking travel arrangements within Asia, making it easier for travelers to explore multiple destinations and find the best routes and deals. 12go.asia also provides information on travel routes, schedules, availability, and prices, helping users make informed decisions when arranging their trips.

BOOK TICKETS WITH 12GO.ASIA ➜

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⏬ Book your train / bus / ferry tickets or flights in Vietnam online ⏬

(You can search another travel route, date of departure, place of departure…)

• • These companies operate in Vietnam, online booking, reliable, tested, and fast processing, online support.
  • I recommend to use these services of Baolau or 12go.asia. You will see the final price before payment.
  • Baolau is also recommended in Lonely Planet, Vietnam Airlines, Tripadvisor, Gapyear and other platforms.
  • These companies have secured payments and websites. Online payment without any problems.
  • You can also choose your seat or berth when you buy train tickets on Baolau or 12go.asia.
  • You will find also other online companies on the internet, but all of them are travel agencies and resellers and the price can be higher (eg. vietnam-railway.com, vietrailways.com, vietnamrailways.net, cheapvietnamtrain.com, vietnamtrain.com…).
  • You can also book and buy cheap but also luxury flights of various airline companies operating in southeast Asia.
  • Read carefully the instructions before and after you book your tickets.

2. Buy Train Tickets at the Railway Station in Vietnam

• • Another option is – go to the train station and buy train tickets at the station. But you must reckon with the fact that most of the staff do not speak English (but not all of them) so there can be various disagreements.
  • It is good to know, the train and bus tickets can be sold out and you need to wait at the station for processing. In my opinion, it is not so comfortable and necessary to use this option. Book and buy train, bus or ferry tickets online.

Automatic ticket gates at the train stations from November 2017.

• • Vietnam to install automatic ticket gates at major train stations. The new facilities wa installed at train stations in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. At the Hanoi station, there will be six lanes with ten automatic ticket gates to serve passengers, where as the terminal in Da Nang will have two lanes and three gates, and Ho Chi Minh City, three lanes and five gates. In the near future it can change.
  • Passengers can scan their printed or electronic tickets at these automatic ticket gates to enter platforms for boarding their trains (more infos).

🚆 Traveling by train in Vietnam:

• • Vietnamese trains have been extensively upgraded or renovated (Reunification Express Train)
  • you can buy food, snack, toilets available…
  • Vietnam Railways – are the state-owned operator of the railway system
  • a relatively cheap and safe option of transport in Vietnam
  • Vietnamese trains are mostly clean, but not so fast and some of them are not very comfortable (“Hard seat“ labeled)
  • SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7 – high-quality and air-conditioned, comfortable trains with soft seats or sleeper cabs (4-6)
  • TN1, TN2 –  air-con soft sleepers (4-berth, old type), air-con hard sleepers (6-berth), air-con soft seats+ordinary hard seats
  • LP3, LP5, LP7, HP1 –  trains to Hai Phong (hard or soft seats)
  • SP1, SP3, LC3 – trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai (seats, sleeper…)
  • air conditioned coaches with comfortable seats (Dièu Hòa – Air-conditioned soft seats)
  • Vietnam does not have a large network coverage, but connects northern, central and southern parts
  • see the current railway map > Vietnam Railway Map
  • tourist trains, 1st class: Orient Express, Sapaly, Chapa, King Express, Violette Train, Livitrans (From Hanoi to Lao Cai)
  • tourist trains, 1st class: Laman Express, Violette Train, Livitrans Express (From Hanoi to Da Nang)
  • tourist trains, 1st class: Livitrans Express, Saigon Golden Train (eg. From Saigon to Nha Trang)
  • check also – Train Schedule/Timetable and the most popular train routes in Vietnam

Train Types in Vietnam:	Description
SE	South-North Reunification Express: The main train service in Vietnam, connecting Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Hanoi in the north, with multiple stops along the way.
TN	Local Train: Slow-moving trains that operate on shorter routes, serving local communities and making frequent stops at smaller stations.
DT	Day Train: Trains that primarily operate during the day, allowing passengers to enjoy scenic views during their journey.
NT	Night Train: Overnight trains equipped with sleeper cabins, offering comfortable accommodations for long-distance travel between major cities.
LC	Local Commuter Train: Trains that provide transportation for daily commuters within city suburbs or nearby towns.
SP	Speed Train: High-speed trains that offer faster travel times between certain destinations, providing efficient transportation for passengers.

⚠️ Recommendation for traveling by train in Vietnam:

1. 1. Book your train, bus, ferry tickets in advance online, if you want to avoid scammers in Vietnam!
   2. Arrive to the train or bus station about 30-60 minut (I recommend 60 min.) before departure.
   3. A lot of tourist agencies in Hanoi, Saigon sell the train and bus tickets, but lots of them are overprized.
   4. All the trains (also lots of buses) can take a baggage to 20 kg (recommended – keep this rule).
   5. Watch your luggage on the train, yes thiefs are everywhere (do not leave a luggage alone).
   6. Read all additional information if you book and buy train+bus tickets online (on Baolau or 12go.asia).
   7. Online customer support on Baolau and 12go.asia, you can use it.
   8. You can choose your seat or berth in the train if you buy train tickets online on Baolau and 12go.asia.
   9. In some cases, trains and buses in southeast Asia may be delayed (mainly in Laos, Cambodia).
   10. Print your voucher (e-ticket from email) or keep your ticket in your smart phone. (Victoria Express, Fansipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express and Saigon Golden Train – you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email to collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.)

Seats and berths in the train in Vietnam:

• • Hard seat – hard wooden seats with air-conditioning in the cab
  • Soft seat – soft and comfortable seats with air-conditioning in the cab
  • Hard sleeper – hard bed in the cabin, pillow+cover, shared with 3 or 5 other people
  • Soft sleeper – soft bed in the cabin, pillow+cover, shared with 3 or 5 other people
  • 4 berths cab – 4 persons share one cab
  • 2-4 or 6 berths cab – Soft sleeper – regular + luxury tourist trains – Hanoi > Lao Cai (Sapa), Hanoi > Ho Chi Minh City

Travelling with children in the train in Vietnam:

 For trains operated by Vietnam Railways:
– passengers under 6 years old do not need to buy train ticket if they seat with their parents, or else benefit from 25% discount in all fares when they book a separate ticket. If you do not wish to take this passenger into account when making the booking, please select a smaller number of passengers
– passengers from 6 to 9 years old need to buy train ticket but benefit from 25% discount in all fares
– passengers with 10 years old or over are not eligible for children discount, need to book train ticket as adults

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Vietnam Railway Map (2024):

Vietnamese railway map and train routes. Click on the picture below for high resolution image. You can also check this Google Railway Map of Vietnam + the most popular train routes.

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Baolau – Search, book, buy tickets online:

• • you can book train, bus, ferry tickets and flights mainly for Vietnam (also tickets for Cambodia, Laos, Thailand…)
  • very nice and mobile responsive website, easy to use
  • Baolau company is recommended in the new Lonely Planet, Vietnam Airlines, Gapyear and Tripadvisor
  • you can choose a seat or berth in a train (Vietnam Railways may not guarantee a selection)
  • keep your online ticket in your mobile phone or tablet (I recommend to print your train, bus or ferry tickets)
  • the final price of the ticket will show when ordering (before the payment)
  • online payment – accepting international credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay and Alipay
  • bus tickets: you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus or train
  • read also frequently asked questions on Baolau

Baolau integrate ticket booking for trains operated by Vietnam Railways and private railway companies Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express, Livitrans Express, Violette Train and Saigon Golden Train. At the end of the booking process you will receive the official tickets, which you can use to board the train.

For bookings with Vietnam Railways and private railway companies Livitrans Express and Violette Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present when boarding the train.

For bookings with Royal Railway and private railway companies Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express and Saigon Golden Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email to collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.

For bookings with the international railway service Hanoi-Nanning-Beijing, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email to collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.

Train berth selection on Baolau:

Train seath selection on Baolau:

12go.asia – Search, book, buy tickets online:

• • 12go sells the train, bus, ferry tickets and flights mainly for Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar
  • you can use an online train ticket (e-ticket) in your smartphone in Vietnam and Thailand
  • advantage: immediately after your search, this final price of the ticket and the fees will shown
  • in the search of this website you will see also a photos and ratings+reviews of the trains, bus…
  • if you book and buy train tickets in Baolau and 12go for tourist trains in Vietnam to Lao Cai (Orient Express, Sapaly, Chapa, King Express…), you must pick it up at the station, read carefully all information before you book and buy tickets

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Popular travel routes in Vietnam (Train, Bus, Ferry, Flight):

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International popular travel routes from Vietnam ⬇️

❓ FAQ + TIPS – Train tickets and travel by train in Vietnam:

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🎫 Book your train / bus / ferry tickets or flights in Vietnam online:

(You can change your departure, arrival, date of departure)

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