How to Book Train & Bus Tickets in Vietnam

How to book train and bus tickets online in Vietnam with e-tickets and travel booking platforms
Book Train & Bus Tickets in Vietnam – Compare routes, schedules, prices, and book e-tickets online before your trip.

🎫 Book E-Tickets Online
🚉 Buy at train station
🚆 Travel by train in Vietnam
🚄 Train Routes in Vietnam
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips + Info

Cheapest

Train station

Official prices, but limited availability

Convenient

Travel agencies

Simple but slightly higher prices

Avoid

Unofficial websites

Risk of high fees or issues

Quick answer: Train tickets in Vietnam are easy to purchase either online or directly at train stations. Buying tickets online offers convenience and lets you choose your preferred seats, while station counters allow last-minute purchases. Major stations accept e-tickets via mobile or printouts, but it’s best to book early for popular routes to ensure availability and a smooth travel experience.

At a glance:

  • 🌐 Online booking: Convenient and allows seat selection; e‑tickets can be used on your phone or printed.
  • 🚉 At the station: Tickets can be bought at counters, though English might be limited.
  • 🔒 Ticket gates: Major stations have automatic gates that scan printed or e‑tickets.
  • ⚠️ Tip: Book early, especially for popular routes, and arrive in advance.

Last updated August 2026


How to Book Train & Bus Tickets in Vietnam

⚡ Quick Overview

  • Book train and bus tickets online in just a few minutes.
  • Compare routes, schedules, ticket prices, and seat availability.
  • Receive your e-ticket instantly by email.
  • Most operators accept mobile tickets.

🗓️ 1. Plan Your Journey

Choose your travel date, departure and arrival stations, then compare available trains or buses.

  • Select your route
  • Choose the travel date
  • Check schedules
  • Compare departure times

💻 2. Book Online

Book tickets on trusted platforms such as Baolau or 12Go.

  • Search your route
  • Choose seats or sleeper berths
  • Enter passenger details
  • Pay securely online

💳 3. Payment & Confirmation

Once payment is completed, your booking is confirmed automatically.

  • Receive confirmation by email
  • Get your booking reference
  • Download your e-ticket
  • Ready for departure

📱 4. Use Your E-ticket

Most railway and bus operators accept electronic tickets directly on your smartphone.

  • No printing required
  • Show your QR code or PDF
  • Paper tickets on selected routes only
  • Keep your confirmation email

🚉 5. Before Departure

Arrive at the station early and prepare your ticket before boarding.

  • Arrive 30–60 minutes early
  • Check the platform or gate
  • Have your e-ticket ready
  • Board on time

🎫 6. Buy Tickets at the Station

You can also buy tickets at railway stations, bus terminals, or local travel agencies.

  • Available throughout Vietnam
  • Useful for last-minute travel
  • Limited seat availability
  • Queues may occur during holidays

💡 Travel Tip

Book your tickets several days in advance for popular routes such as Hanoi–Sapa, Hanoi–Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City–Nha Trang to secure the best prices and preferred seats.

💡 Helpful Booking Tips

  • Book early for overnight trains and holiday periods.
  • Choose a 4-berth sleeper for the most comfortable journey.
  • Keep your passport available when booking some routes.
  • Download your e-ticket before arriving at the station.

Train Booking Tips for Vietnam

🎫 Book Early

Popular routes such as Hanoi → Sapa and Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh City often sell out during weekends and holidays. Booking several days in advance is recommended.

🛏️ Choose the Right Seat

Soft seats are ideal for daytime journeys, while 4-berth and 6-berth sleeper cabins provide the most comfortable option for overnight travel.

🚆 Why Travel by Train?

Train travel in Vietnam is comfortable, affordable, and one of the best ways to experience the country. Many routes pass through spectacular landscapes, including the coastline of Central Vietnam and the scenic regions of Southern Vietnam.


Recommended Ticket Booking Platforms

These trusted booking platforms let you compare train, bus, ferry, and flight tickets across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

🎫 Baolau

Search and book train, bus, ferry and flight tickets in Vietnam online with schedules and e-tickets.

Book Tickets on Baolau ➜

🚌 12go.asia

Popular platform for buses, trains, ferries, private transfers and domestic transport in Vietnam.

Book Transport on 12go.asia ➜

🚆 Book train / bus / ferry tickets or flights in Vietnam online 🚆

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


Buying Train Tickets at Railway Stations in Vietnam

Although online booking is the most convenient option, you can also buy train tickets directly at railway stations across Vietnam. Ticket counters are available at all major stations, including Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City.

🎫 Advantages

Buying tickets at the station can be a good option if you have flexible travel plans or prefer paying in person.

  • Available at all major railway stations
  • Useful for last-minute travel
  • Choose your preferred seat if available
  • Cash and cards are accepted at most stations

ℹ️ Things to Know

Popular trains and sleeper berths may sell out quickly, especially during weekends, holidays, and the Tet Festival.

  • English may be limited at ticket counters
  • Bring your passport or passport details
  • Arrive early during busy travel periods
  • Online booking offers the widest choice of seats

🚆 Major Railway Stations

The busiest stations include Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. These stations have multiple ticket counters and generally provide the widest selection of daily departures.

Passenger train arriving at a railway station in Vietnam
Passenger train at a railway station in Vietnam – Train tickets can be purchased online or at railway stations throughout the country.


Train Travel in Vietnam: What to Expect

Traveling by train is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to explore Vietnam. Operated by Vietnam Railways, the railway network connects major cities from north to south with a choice of comfortable seats and overnight sleeper cabins.

🚄 Why Choose the Train?

  • Affordable long-distance travel
  • Air-conditioned coaches
  • Soft seats & sleeper cabins
  • Comfortable overnight journeys
  • Beautiful countryside and coastal views
  • Power sockets on many trains
  • Food, drinks & onboard services

🗺️ Railway Network

The main railway line connects northern, central, and southern Vietnam, making it easy to travel between the country’s most popular destinations.

  • Hanoi ↔ Da Nang
  • Hue ↔ Nha Trang
  • Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Hanoi

📍 Railway Maps & Timetables

Plan your journey with detailed railway maps, station information, train schedules, and ticket prices.

👉 Vietnam Railway Map

Explore railway routes, stations, and major train connections across Vietnam.

👉 Train Schedule & Timetable

Check train schedules, departure times, ticket prices, and travel durations.

⭐ Popular Tourist Routes

Some of Vietnam’s most scenic railway journeys are especially popular with international travelers.

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.
Soft seats and 4-berth sleeper cabin on a Vietnam Railways train
Vietnam Railways coaches – Comfortable soft seats for daytime travel and 4-berth sleeper cabins for overnight journeys. Photo: Baolau.


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

from-hanoi-to-ninh-binh

from-hanoi-to-sapa-lao-cai

from-hanoi-to-cat-ba-island

from-hanoi-to-ha-long-bay

hanoi-to-ha-giang-vietnam

sapa-to-ha-giang-vietnam

from-hanoi-to-hue

from-hanoi-to-nha-trang

from-ninh-binh-to-dapho-nang

from-hanoi-to-dong-hoi-phong-nha-kebang

from-hai-phong-to-hanoi

from-hanoi-to-tam-coc-ninh-binh

from-hanoi-to-hoi-an

from-hanoi-to-thanh-hoa

from-hanoi-to-phu-tho

from-hanoi-to-ho-chi-minh-city

cat-ba-island-to-ninh-binh-bus-vietnam

hue-to-phong-nha-ke-bang-bus-vietnam

travel-phong-nha-hanoi

travel-hue-da-lat

travel-lao-cai-to-hanoi

travel-da-lat-to-hoi-an

transport-sapa-ha-long-bay

transport-sapa-cat-ba-island

travel-hue-nha-trang

travel-danang-halong-bay

transport-hanoi-mu-cang-chai

transport-hanoi-tuan-chau-island

transport-ninh-binh-hue

transport-hai-phong-ninh-binh

transport-ninh-binh-to-sapa

transport-ninh-binh-to-ha-long-bay

travel-hue-to-ninh-binh-vietnam

traveling-danang-to-ninh-binh-vietnam

lao-cai-to-sapa-travel

ha-giang-to-dong-van-travel

transport-phong-nha-to-ninh-binh

transport-da-nang-hoi-an-to-sapa

transport-hanoi-mai-chau

transport-hoi-an-phong-nha

travel-hanoi-to-quy-nhon

travel-sapa-to-mu-cang-chai

travel-hai-phong-to-da-nang

travel-hanoi-to-moc-chau

travel-mai-chau-to-ninh-binh

da-nang-to-hanoi-train-travel

travel-halong-bay-to-phong-nha

travel-mai-chau-to-sapa

travel-sapa-to-hanoi-noi-bai-airport

travel-cat-ba-to-da-nang

transport-vinh-to-danang

travel-halong-bay-to-tam-coc

travel-halong-bay-to-cao-bang

train-dong-hoi-to-da-nang

travel-hai-phong-to-sapa

travel-sapa-to-cao-bang

travel-ha-giang-to-meo-vac

travel-mai-chau-to-halong-bay

travel-train-hanoi-to-cam-ranh

travel-train-ninh-binh-to-dong-hoi

travel-halong-bay-to-hanoi

travel-sapa-to-hanoi

transport-cat-ba-island-to-sapa

transport-halong-bay-to-sapa

transport-ha-giang-to-sapa

transport-phong-nha-to-sapa

transport-hanoi-to-da-lat

transport-phong-nha-to-sapa

travel-halong-bay-to-phong-nha

travel-hoi-an-to-ninh-binh

travel-noi-bai-airport-to-sapa

travel-hue-to-hoi-an-vietnam


travel-hanoi-to-hoi-an

danang-to-hue-vietnam

hochiminh-to-hoi-an-vietnam

from-nha-trang-to-da-lat

from-nha-trang-to-quy-nhon

ho-chi-minh-ca-mau-vietnam

ho-chi-minh-soc-trang-vietnam

from-nha-trang-to-phan-thiet-train

from-ho-chi-minh-city-to-vung-tau

from-ho-chi-minh-to-buon-ma-thuot-vietnam

from-ho-chi-minh-to-can-tho-vietnam

from-ho-chi-minh-to-mui-ne

ho-chi-minh-to-nha-trang-train-vietnam

ho-chi-minh-to-dalat-bus-vietnam

from-ho-chi-minh-to-phu-quoc

da-nang-to-ho-chi-minh-vietnam

nha-trang-to-cam-ranh-vietnam

nha-trang-to-phan-rang-vietnam

da-nang-to-nha-trang-vietnam

transport-con-dao-ho-chi-minh-city

transport-hai-phong-cat-ba-island

transport-nha-trang-hoi-an

transport-dalat-hanoi

transport-quy-nhon-to-da-lat

transport-ben-tre-to-saigon

transport-can-tho-phu-quoc

transport-ninh-binh-hanoi

transport-ninh-binh-da-nang-hoi-an

transport-phu-quoc-da-lat

transport-nha-trang-vung-tau-tickets

transport-nha-trang-phu-quoc

transport-ho-chi-minh-quy-nhon

transport-phong-nha-to-cat-ba

transport-hai-phong-hue

transport-saigon-hue

transport-hoi-an-to-mui-ne-vietnam

transport-phan-thiet-to-saigon-vietnam

transport-can-tho-mui-ne-vietnam

transport-mui-ne-hanoi-vietnam

transport-hue-to-ha-long-bay-vietnam

transport-da-lat-to-mui-ne-vietnam

transport-phu-quoc-to-hanoi-vietnam

transport-hue-to-sapa-vietnam

transport-mui-ne-to-nha-trang-vietnam

transport-hoi-an-hanoi-vietnam

transport-da-nang-mui-ne-vietnam

transport-hoi-an-to-hue-vietnam

travel-ho-chi-minh-saigon-to-my-tho

travel-hoi-an-to-phu-quoc

transport-ho-chi-minh-to-dong-hoi

transport-nha-trang-to-ho-chi-minh

travel-danang-to-phu-quoc

travel-hoi-an-to-halong-bay

travel-quy-nhon-to-hoi-an-da-nang

travel-phan-thiet-to-da-nang

travel-hoi-an-to-da-nang

travel-cat-ba-island-to-hoi-an

travel-tuy-hoa-to-ho-chi-minh

travel-can-tho-to-da-lat

travel-hue-to-phu-quoc-island

travel-ha-tien-to-saigon

travel-da-lat-to-dong-hoi

travel-hai-phong-to-dong-hoi

travel-ho-chi-minh-saigon-to-cam-ranh

travel-hanoi-to-phu-quoc-island

travel-chau-doc-to-saigon

travel-phan-thiet-to-da-lat

travel-ha-giang-to-cao-bang

travel-mai-chau-to-hue

travel-cam-ranh-to-mui-ne

travel-mui-ne-to-quy-nhon

travel-danang-to-cam-ranh

travel-danang-to-quy-nhon

travel-quy-nhon-to-hue

travel-hue-to-mui-ne

travel-phong-nha-to-saigon

travel-da-lat-to-vung-tau

travel-nha-trang-to-con-dao

travel-vung-tau-to-phu-quoc

travel-vinh-to-ninh-binh

travel-halong-bay-to-phu-quoc

travel-vinh-to-sapa

travel-vinh-to-dong-hoi

travel-hue-to-ha-giang

travel-phan-rang-to-mui-ne

travel-buon-ma-thuot-to-da-nang

travel-saigon-to-pleiku

travel-buon-ma-thuot-to-hoi-an

travel-buon-ma-thuot-to-nha-trang

travel-pleiku-to-buon-ma-thuot

travel-da-lat-to-buon-ma-thuot

travel-buon-ma-thuot-to-hanoi

travel-can-tho-to-ca-mau

travel-saigon-to-phan-thiet

travel-da-nang-to-da-lat


International popular travel routes from Vietnam ⬇️

from-ho-chi-minh-city-to-siem-reap-cambodia

from-ho-chi-minh-city-to-phnom-penh-cambodia

from-ho-chi-minh-to-sihanoukville

from-ho-chi-minh-to-battambang

from-hanoi-to-vang-vieng

from-hanoi-to-luang-prabang

from-hanoi-to-vientiane

from-hanoi-to-nanning-train

from-chau-doc-to-phnom-penh-cambodia

from-ho-chi-minh-to-bangkok-thailand

from-ho-chi-minh-to-chiang-mai-thailand

from-hanoi-to-udon-thani-thailand

from-hanoi-to-kunming

hanoi-to-guangzhou-china

hanoi-to-guilin-china

hanoi-to-lijiang-china

hanoi-to-chengdu-china


❓ FAQ – Train tickets and travel by train in Vietnam

Is it better to travel by train or bus in Vietnam?

Trains are generally more comfortable and safer, while buses can be faster on some routes. Train travel is ideal for longer distances.

How long is the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?

Travel time from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is about 32–36 hours. Sleeper cabins are recommended.

Are trains safe in Vietnam?

Yes, train travel in Vietnam is safe and reliable, but keep an eye on your luggage.

Is a train e-ticket accepted on a smartphone?

Yes, most trains accept e-tickets on your phone. For some tourist trains, printed tickets may be required.

How many people share a sleeper cabin?

Sleeper cabins usually have 4 or 6 berths, with some trains offering 2-berth options.

What are popular train routes in Vietnam?

Popular routes include Da Nang to Hanoi and Hue to Hanoi.

Can I book train tickets in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular routes and peak travel seasons.

How to travel solo in Vietnam?

Learn more about solo travel in Vietnam and plan your journey safely and efficiently.


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

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


vietnam-solo-traveling-on-your-own

Transport in Vietnam ➔

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About the author:
Hi, my name is Milan and I’m from the Czech Republic. I’m an independent traveler and the creator of this guide about northern Vietnam. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this beautiful region — especially its mountains, nature, and ethnic culture. This website was born from my personal travel experiences, and I regularly update it with new tips and information to help fellow travelers. Follow our Facebook page for updates. This site was built with passion ❤️. Read more about the author
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