Train (sleeper)
Best balance of comfort and price, overnight journey saves accommodation
Luxury train cabin
Private cabins with better comfort on long 30+ hour journey
Hard/soft seat
Cheapest option but very long trip around 32–37 hours
Day train (seat only)
Long journey without beds, uncomfortable for full distance
Quick answer: Travelling by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a classic way to see Vietnam — long, but scenic and comfortable if you pick a sleeper berth. The route spans the full north–south railway line, and overnight trains run daily. For such a long trip, booking a soft-sleeper berth on a sleeper train is strongly recommended over a seat for comfort.
At a glance:
- 📍 Route length: approx. 1,700 km by rail.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Typically ~33–39 hours, depending on train and service.
- 💰 Price: ~US $35 (seat) to $45–60 (soft sleeper); luxury trains cost more
- 🚆 Trains: Day seats or overnight sleeper cabins (4–6 berths)
- 🕐 Departures: Several daily from Hanoi (e.g. SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7)
- ✅ Tips: Choose soft sleeper, book early, bring basics for the journey
Last updated in May 2026
🚆 How to travel by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
You can travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) by regular Vietnam Railways trains or tourist sleeper trains. The railway route is about 1,700 km long and the train journey takes around 33–38 hours. Most travelers choose sleeper cabins for better comfort on this long-distance trip.
The route passes through major destinations in central and southern Vietnam, including Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang. Train tickets from Hanoi to Saigon start at about $35 per person, while tourist sleeper trains are more expensive. Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Saigon Railway Station. Train tickets and schedules can be searched and booked online in advance.
📅 Train travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City:
-
- Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – the major and longest train tourist route in Vietnam
- you can travel by day or overnight sleeper + seat trains (SE1-SE11) of Vietnam Railways
- you can also travel by Violette Express Train from Hanoi to Saigon in southern Vietnam
- train tickets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) start at $35pp (seat) and $45-60/pp (soft sleeper)
- transfer by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) takes about 33-39 hours
- trains from Hanoi to Saigon depart from Hanoi Railway Station (120 Đường Lê Duẩn)
- Ho Chi Minh City (01 Nguyễn Thông, Phường 9) is the end train station
- trains from Hanoi to Da Nang: Livitrans Express, Violette Express Train, Laman Express, Lotus Train
- from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City you can also travel by Saigon Golden Train
- luxury tourist trains have sleeper cabins for 2, 4 or 6 people
- regular trains of Vietnam Railways have sleeper cabins for 4-6 people
- the most cheapest train ticket from Hanoi to Saigon is a soft seat (about $35/pp)
- Book tickets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City easily online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
| Train Operator | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| VR Train SE1 (seat, sleeper) | 20:55 | 06:50 (33h 55m) | From $42.00 |
| VR Train SE3 (seat, sleeper) | 19:20 | 05:45 (34h 25m) | From $42.00 |
| VR Train SE7 (seat, sleeper) | 06:10 | 18:10 (36h 00m) | From $34.00 |
| VR Train SE11 (seat, sleeper) | 21:20 | 11:30 (38h 10m) | From $37.00 |
| VR Train SE9 (seat, sleeper) | 13:05 | 04:00 (38h 55m) | From $35.00 |
| VR Train SE5 (seat, sleeper) | 15:30 | 05:18 (37h 48m) | From $37.00 |
| Violette Trains SE1 (sleeper) | 20:55 | 06:50 (33h 55m) | From $110.00 |
| Violette Trains SE3 (sleeper) | 19:20 | 05:45 (34h 25m) | From $110.00 |
| Train Operator | Departs in Ho Chi Minh City | Arrival in Hanoi | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| VR Train SE8 (seats, sleeper) | 06:00 | 19:12 (37h 12m) | From $38.00 |
| VR Train SE6 (seats, sleeper) | 15:00 | 04:35 (37h 35m) | From $37.00 |
| VR Train SE2 (seats, sleeper) | 20:35 | 06:00 (33h 25m) | From $37.00 |
| VR Train SE12 (seats, sleeper) | 19:25 | 10:10 (38h 45m) | From $37.00 |
| VR Train SE4 (seats, sleeper) | 19:00 | 05:40 (34h 40m) | From $40.00 |
| VR Train SE10 (seats, sleeper) | 12:20 | 04:55 (40h 35m) | From $53.00 |
| Violette Trains SE2 (sleeper) | 20:35 | 06:00 (33h 25m) | From $126.00 |
| Violette Trains SE4 (sleeper) | 19:00 | 05:40 (34h 40m) | From $126.00 |
🚆 Type of trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City you can travel by regular trains of Vietnam Railways, seats and 4,6-berth cabins.
🚆 Tourist luxury trains on the route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh:
From Hanoi (Danang) to Ho Chi Minh you can also travel by tourist luxury trains, sleeper trains, 2,4-berth cabins.
❓ FAQ – Train Travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City:
How to book train tickets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
You can search and book train tickets online via Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City take?
The train journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 33–39 hours depending on the train type.
How much does the train from Hanoi to Saigon cost?
Train tickets cost about $35–128 per person depending on the seat or sleeper cabin type. Tourist sleeper trains are more expensive than regular Vietnam Railways trains.
What is the distance from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by train?
The railway distance from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is about 1,700 km.
Which sleeper train from Hanoi to Saigon is the best?
Popular tourist sleeper trains include Violette Express, Livitrans Express and Saigon Golden Train. Most travelers choose sleeper cabins for better comfort on this long journey.
Are there high-speed trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
No, there are currently no high-speed trains in Vietnam. Read more about the future railway project here.
Can you use an e-ticket on your phone?
Yes, train e-tickets on smartphones are accepted, but printing your ticket is still recommended.
Is there another way to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, you can also travel by plane or sleeper bus. Flights are the fastest and most comfortable option. Read also: How to get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
From which railway station do trains depart in Hanoi?
Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station.
Where do trains arrive in Ho Chi Minh City?
Trains arrive at Saigon Railway Station.
Where can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City?
From Ho Chi Minh City you can travel to Mui Ne, Phu Quoc or Con Dao Island.
💡 Travel Tips for Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by Train
Traveling by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is one of the longest and most scenic railway journeys in Vietnam.
- Best Option: Choose a sleeper cabin for better comfort on the 33–38 hour journey.
- Book Early: Sleeper cabins often sell out during weekends and holidays.
- What to Bring: Pack snacks, water, charger, travel pillow and light jacket for air-conditioning.
- Onboard Food: Food and drinks are available on regular and tourist trains.
- Possible Delays: Train delays can happen, so avoid tight transport connections.
- Scenic Route: The railway passes through destinations like Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang.
Tip: Train tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.