Quick answer: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi can be done by plane, train, or bus. Flying is the fastest and most convenient, while the train offers a scenic, overnight journey. Buses are the cheapest option but take the longest time. You can book tickets to Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh City easily online.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: Approx. 1,140 km between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~2 hours; Train ~32–40 hours; Bus ~38–45 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$40–300; Train US$30–130; Bus US$60–65.
- ✈️ Flight: Most popular choice for speed and convenience with multiple daily flights.
- 🚆 Train: Overnight sleeper trains offer comfort and scenic views but take significantly longer.
- 🚍 Bus: Cheapest but slowest; suitable for budget travelers with flexible time.
Last updated in March 2026
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi you can travel by plane, train or sleeper bus.
The fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is by direct flight. Flights take about 2 hours and usually cost $40–250 per person, with many departures available every day.
Another popular option is the train. The journey takes about 32–37 hours and sleeper berths are recommended for comfort. Sleeper buses are also available, but the trip can take up to 45 hours and is less comfortable than the train.
Many travelers break up the journey with a stop in Da Nang or other destinations along Vietnam’s central coast.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the main gateway to northern Vietnam. From there, you can easily continue to places like Cat Ba Island or Ninh Binh.
| Transfer modes from Saigon to Hanoi: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Flight | 2 hours | $40–300 per person |
| Train by Vietnam Railways + Violette Train | 32–40 hours | $30–130 per person |
| Sleeper Bus via Da Nang | 38–45 hours | $60–65 per person |
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?
1. FLIGHT from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
👉 Direct flight is the quickest and most efficient way from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to save time and avoid long-distance land travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2 hours (nonstop)
- ✔️ Cost: $40–250 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (modern aircraft with multiple class options)
- ✅ Best Option: Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, or Vietravel Airlines
- 💡 Tip: Book early for the best fares and choose flights from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Noi Bai Airport for the fastest journey.
Flying is by far the fastest and most popular way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. It is one of the busiest domestic air routes in Vietnam, with dozens of direct flights every day operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways and other carriers.
Most travelers choose a direct flight because it takes only about 2 hours, compared to more than 30 hours by train or bus. VietJet Air often offers the lowest fares, while Vietnam Airlines provides the largest number of daily departures.
BOOK FLIGHTS to Hanoi on Baolau ➜
Flights operate between Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai Airport, about 30 km from central Hanoi (see the Vietnam airport map). One-way tickets usually cost between $40–250 per person, depending on the airline and travel season.
Because there are so many daily departures, flights are often available even at short notice. If saving time is your priority, flying is clearly the best option.
BOOK FLIGHTS to Hanoi on 12go.asia ➜
2. TRAIN from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
👉 Train travel is a scenic and immersive way to journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to explore multiple regions of Vietnam along the way
- ✔️ Travel time: ~32–40 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $30–130 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: moderate to high (seats or sleeper cabins available)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper berth on Vietnam Railways or upgraded cabins with Violette Train
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeping berth instead of a seat for this long trip and book tickets online in advance.
Traveling by train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is one of the most scenic ways to see Vietnam. Along the route, trains pass through major cities and coastal areas, making it a popular option for travelers exploring the country.
The journey takes about 32–40 hours, with departures from Saigon Railway Station and arrivals at Hanoi Railway Station near the city center. See the Vietnam railway map.
You can travel on regular Vietnam Railways trains or the tourist sleeper Violette Train. For this long route, a sleeper berth is recommended instead of a seat.
Train tickets cost about $30–70 per person, while the Violette Train costs around $100–130 per person. It is recommended to book train tickets online in advance.
| Train | Departs in Ho Chi Minh City | Arrival in Hanoi | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SE2 (seats, sleeper) | 20:35 | 05:45 (33h 10m) | From $37.00 |
| Train SE8 (seats, sleeper) | 06:00 | 16:10 (34h 10m) | From $38.00 |
| Train SE6 (seats, sleeper) | 08:40 | 19:12 (34h 32m) | From $37.00 |
| Train SE12 (seats, sleeper) | 20:55 | 10:25 (37h 30m) | From $37.00 |
| Train SE4 (seats, sleeper) | 19:25 | 04:55 (33h 30m) | From $40.00 |
| Train SE10 (seats, sleeper) | 13:20 | 04:35 (39h 15m) | From $53.00 |
| Violette Trains SE2 (sleeper) | 20:35 | 05:45 (33h 10m) | From $110.00 |
| Violette Trains SE4 (sleeper) | 19:25 | 04:55 (33h 30m) | From $110.00 |
3. BUS from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (via Da Nang)
👉 Sleeper bus is a budget-friendly but lengthy option from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (usually via Da Nang).
- ✔️ Ideal for: low-cost travelers who don’t mind long journeys and transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~31–40 hours (with transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $35–70 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: basic to moderate (reclining sleeper buses, varying quality)
- ✅ Best Option: Split the trip into two legs (Saigon → Da Nang → Hanoi)
- 💡 Tip: Expect possible delays and choose well-reviewed operators; consider this option only if you’re on a tight budget.
You can also travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by sleeper bus, although this is usually the least comfortable option due to the long travel time. Many travelers prefer to split the journey with a stop in Da Nang.
Several companies operate on this route, including Futabus, Techbus VN, Hanh Café, Queen Cafe and Duc Duong. Most services use modern sleeper buses with reclining beds.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Da Nang / Hanoi ➜
Traveling by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi via Da Nang takes about 31–40 hours and costs around $35–70 per person. Departure and arrival times can vary due to traffic and road conditions.
Bus tickets can be booked online in advance. However, if you are choosing between a train and a bus, the train is usually the more comfortable and popular option for this route.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
How to book tickets or flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?
How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?
Direct flights take about 2 hours, trains 32–40 hours and sleeper buses around 31–40 hours.
What is the travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?
The distance is about 1,700 km by train or bus and around 1,100 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?
Flights cost about $40–300, trains $30–130 and sleeper buses around $60–65 per person.
What is the best way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option, with many daily departures available.
What is the cheapest transport option?
Train tickets are usually the cheapest, although low-cost airlines sometimes offer very competitive fares.
Where can you store luggage in Hanoi?
You can use Radical Storage, which offers several luggage storage locations in central Hanoi.
Is traveling by sleeper bus a good idea?
For most travelers, the train is a better choice. The bus journey is very long and generally less comfortable.
Can you use a train e-ticket on your phone?
Yes, Vietnam Railways accepts e-tickets on smartphones, although printing tourist train tickets is sometimes recommended.
Which airport serves Hanoi?
Noi Bai International Airport is the main airport serving Hanoi and is located about 25 km from the city center.
Can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi by motorbike?
Yes, but this route is suitable only for experienced riders due to the long distance and traffic conditions.
Where can you travel from Hanoi?
Popular destinations include Sapa, Ha Giang and Ha Long Bay.
Where to stay in Hanoi?
Hanoi offers everything from budget hostels to luxury hotels. See these guides: cheap hotels in Hanoi and luxury hotels in Hanoi.
What is the weather like in Vietnam?
Vietnam’s weather varies by region, with different rainy and dry seasons in the north, central and southern parts of the country.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam:
If you’re planning your next trip from Ho Chi Minh City, here are other popular routes in Vietnam:
These are the most popular travel routes from Ho Chi Minh City for visitors exploring Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi covers over 1,600 km and you can travel by plane, train or sleeper bus.
- Choose Flights for Speed: Direct flights take about 2 hours and are the fastest option.
- Use Sleeper Trains: Train journeys take 32–40 hours, so a sleeper berth is highly recommended.
- Consider Stopovers: Destinations like Da Nang, Hue or Nha Trang are ideal places to break up the journey.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper berths can sell out during holidays and peak travel seasons.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers and a travel pillow for long-distance travel.
- Allow Extra Transfer Time: Traffic in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi can be busy, especially during rush hours.
Tip: Flights, train and bus tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.