Flight
Fastest and most convenient way to travel long distance
Train
Scenic journey across Vietnam, good for slow travel
Private car / motorbike
Ultimate freedom, ideal for multi-day road trip
Sleeper bus
Very long journey, less comfortable for this distance
Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) offers several options to suit different needs. Flying is the fastest and most popular choice for most travelers, while the train provides a scenic and more leisurely experience over a day and a half. Tourist buses are available for budget-conscious travelers willing to spend more time on the road.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 1750 km by train or bus, about 1300 km by plane.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Plane ~2 hours | Train 33–40 hours | Tourist bus 38–45 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Plane US$50–300 per person | Train US$35–115 per person | Tourist bus US$60–65 per person.
- ✈️ Plane: Fastest and most convenient for most travelers.
- 🚆 Train: Scenic journey with various classes and sleeper options.
- 🚌 Tourist bus: Budget option, longer travel time but economical.
Last updated in May 2026
How do I get from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
1. FLIGHT from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Good for: all travelers & long-distance travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~2 hours (direct flight)
- ✔️ Price: $55–300 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (economy & business class options)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight with low-cost or full-service airline
- 💡 Tip: Book flights in advance to get the best prices and seat options.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Early morning or late evening flights are often cheaper.
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Flights operate daily from Noi Bai International Airport to Tan Son Nhat Airport, with a flight time of about 2 hours. You can also view the Vietnam Airports Map before your trip.
Several airlines serve this busy route, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, Vietravel Airlines and Hanh Air Systems. Economy and Business Class tickets are available, while VietJet Air often offers the lowest fares.
BOOK FLIGHT to Saigon on Baolau ➜
Including airport transfers and check-in, the total journey usually takes about 4–5 hours. Tan Son Nhat Airport is only a few kilometers from the city center and is easily accessible by bus, shuttle or taxi. Flight prices typically range from $55–300 per person, and booking online in advance is recommended.
2. TRAIN from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Train is the scenic and budget-friendly way of travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Good for: experience & long-distance travel
- ✔️ Duration: 33–40 hours
- ✔️ Price: $35–120 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (better with sleeper berths)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper berth in a 4-bed cabin or tourist sleeper train
- 💡 Tip: Choose a sleeper berth and consider breaking the journey (e.g. in Da Nang).
- 🌏 Extra tip: Bring snacks and essentials as onboard services can be limited.
Traveling by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is a popular option for travelers who want to experience Vietnam by rail. Around six regular Vietnam Railways trains operate daily, offering seats and sleeper berths. For this long journey, a sleeper berth is strongly recommended.
The train journey takes about 33–40 hours and tickets cost around $35–120 per person. Regular trains provide 4–6 berth sleeper cabins, while the Violette Train offers a more comfortable tourist sleeper experience.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Saigon ➜
Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Saigon Railway Station, both conveniently located near the city centers. You can also check the Vietnam Railway Map. Train tickets can be booked online in advance, and onboard services include toilets, food and drinks.
| Train | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Ho Chi Minh | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SE1 (seat, sleeper) | 20:55 | 06:50 (33h 55m) | From $42.00 |
| Train SE3 (seat, sleeper) | 19:20 | 05:45 (34h 25m) | From $42.00 |
| Train SE7 (seat, sleeper) | 06:10 | 18:10 (36h 00m) | From $34.00 |
| Train SE11 (seat, sleeper) | 21:20 | 11:30 (38h 10m) | From $37.00 |
| Train SE9 (seat, sleeper) | 13:05 | 04:00 (38h 55m) | From $35.00 |
| 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 |
3. SLEEPER BUS from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Budget option for long-distance travel across Vietnam by sleeper intercity bus.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers & flexible routes
- ✔️ Duration: 38–45 hours
- ✔️ Price: $60–65 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low (better for shorter segments)
- ✅ Best option: Split the journey (e.g. Hanoi → Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City)
- 💡 Tip: Avoid doing the full route in one go and break the trip into shorter legs.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose newer buses with fewer passengers for slightly better comfort.
Traveling by sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is possible, but it is the least comfortable option due to the long travel time of about 38–45 hours. A better alternative is to split the journey into shorter sections, for example via Da Nang.
Mai Linh operates a direct sleeper bus on this route, with ticket prices of about $60–65 per person. Since the fare can be similar to or even higher than a train ticket, many travelers prefer rail travel for better comfort.
You can also book separate bus routes, such as Hanoi to Da Nang and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Bus tickets are available online, but for such a long journey, the train is generally the more comfortable choice.
❓ FAQ — Travel route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City:
How to book tickets or flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
You can book flights, train tickets or buses online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
Direct flights take about 2 hours, trains about 33–40 hours and sleeper buses about 38–45 hours.
What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
The travel distance is about 1,700 km by train or bus and about 1,300 km by plane.
How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
Flights cost about $50–300/pp, train tickets about $35–120/pp and sleeper buses about $60–65/pp.
What is the best way to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
The best and fastest option is a direct flight. There are many daily flights, including low-cost services.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Ho Chi Minh City?
The cheapest option is usually a regular train seat, although a sleeper berth offers much better comfort on this long journey.
Where can you store luggage in Hanoi?
You can use Radical Storage, which provides secure luggage storage locations across Hanoi.
Is traveling by sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City recommended?
It is better to split the journey into shorter sections via destinations such as Hue or Da Nang. For the full route, the train is usually more comfortable.
Can you use a train e-ticket on your smartphone?
Yes, e-tickets on your smartphone are accepted, although carrying a printed copy is still recommended.
Can you travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike?
Yes, but this route is recommended only for experienced riders with a valid international driving permit.
How to book a motorbike in Vietnam?
You can search and reserve a motorbike online via Bikesbooking ➜.
Where can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City?
You can continue to Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc Island or Con Dao Island.
How to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
You can travel by tourist bus, minivan or direct flight. See also: How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
Which floating markets are worth visiting?
The best-known floating markets in southern Vietnam are Cai Rang, Cai Be and Phong Dien. Read more in Best Floating Markets in Vietnam.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by plane, train or sleeper bus.
Ho Chi Minh City is about 1,700 km south of Hanoi. The fastest way to travel is by direct flight, taking about 2 hours, while trains and sleeper buses are suitable for travelers with more time.
Vietnam Railways trains take about 33-40 hours and offer seats and sleeper berths. Sleeper buses are available too, but for such a long journey the train is usually the more comfortable option.
From Ho Chi Minh City you can continue to Can Tho, Chau Doc, Phu Quoc or Con Dao.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is the longest and one of the most popular routes in Vietnam. You can travel by plane, train or sleeper bus.
- Fastest Option: Flights are the quickest choice and take about 2 hours.
- Train Travel: Overnight trains are more comfortable for long-distance travel and offer scenic views.
- What to Bring: Pack snacks, water, charger and a neck pillow for the long journey.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper trains can sell out quickly during holidays and peak seasons.
- Break the Journey: You can stop in Hue, Da Nang or Nha Trang along the route.
- Avoid Cheap Offers: Very cheap bus tickets may include delays or multiple stops.
Tip: Flights, trains and bus tickets from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can be searched and booked online in advance.