🎫 Book E-Tickets Online
🚉 Train Station in Vietnam
🚆 Travel by train in Vietnam
📍 Railway Map of Vietnam
🚄 Train Routes in Vietnam
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips + Info
Online booking
Easy, choose seats in advance
Train station
Official prices, but limited availability
Travel agencies
Simple but slightly higher prices
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 April 2026
How to book train / bus tickets in Vietnam?
- ✔ easiest option: book tickets online
- ✔ receive e-ticket instantly by email
- ✔ mobile ticket is accepted
1. Plan your trip
- choose travel date and route
- select departure and arrival cities
- check train schedules and availability
You can check train times on official railway websites or booking platforms.
2. Book tickets online
- use platforms like Baolau or 12go.asia
- enter route, date, and passengers
- compare trains and prices
- choose seat or sleeper berth
- fill passenger details and pay online
Online booking is the most convenient and fastest way to secure your ticket in advance.
3. Payment and confirmation
- receive confirmation by email
- get booking reference number
- save or print your e-ticket
- mobile ticket is fully accepted
4. Ticket collection
- most tickets are electronic (no printing needed)
- scan e-ticket directly at the station
- for paper tickets, arrive early and collect at counter
5. At the train station
- arrive 30–60 minutes before departure
- check platform and train number
- go through security if required
- board the train and enjoy your trip
6. Booking in person
- buy tickets at train or bus stations
- or use travel agencies in major cities
This option is less convenient but still possible if you prefer offline booking.
Book your train tickets in advance, especially on popular routes, to secure the best seats and prices.
Booking of Train / Bus Tickets in Vietnam:
Booking train tickets in Vietnam (as well as bus or ferry tickets) is simple and can be done online, at train stations, or via travel agencies. The easiest and fastest option is online booking, where you can secure your seat in advance.
Train tickets can sell out quickly on popular routes such as Hanoi to Sapa or Hanoi to Saigon, especially during peak seasons. It is recommended to book early.
Train travel in Vietnam is affordable, comfortable, and one of the best ways to explore the country. Trains operated by Vietnam Railways are also among the cheapest transport options.
Soft seats and sleeper berths in Vietnam trains
When booking train tickets in Vietnam, you can choose between soft seats and sleeper berths (4–6 berth cabins).
Soft seats are ideal for shorter routes and budget travel, while sleeper beds are recommended for long-distance or overnight journeys. Both options are available during the booking process and can be selected easily online.
Train travel in Vietnam as an experience
Traveling by train in Vietnam is not only practical but also a unique experience. On long routes from north to south, for example to Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, you can enjoy scenic coastal views and authentic landscapes.
You can explore regions like central Vietnam or southern Vietnam along the way.
Most tickets are issued as e-tickets, which can be stored on your mobile phone. In most cases, printing is not required, but always check the latest instructions before departure.
Where to book train, bus and ferry tickets in Vietnam?
1. Online booking (fast & easy e-tickets)
The best way to book train, bus or ferry tickets in Vietnam is online. You will receive an e-ticket directly to your email and can use it on your smartphone without printing.
These platforms allow you to compare routes, prices, schedules and availability across Vietnam and Southeast Asia:
1. Baolau.com
– reliable booking platform for train, bus and ferry tickets in Vietnam and nearby countries. Offers a simple interface and quick comparison of routes and prices.
2. 12go.asia
– popular search engine for transport tickets across Southeast Asia, with detailed schedules, availability and multiple transport options.
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
- ✔ affordable and relatively comfortable way to travel across Vietnam
- ✔ operated by Vietnam Railways (state railway company)
- ✔ soft seats for short routes, sleeper cabins (4–6 berths) for long journeys
- ✔ trains are air-conditioned, with toilets and basic onboard services
- ✔ major routes connect northern,
central and
southern Vietnam
Popular train routes and information
- ➜ see the railway map: Vietnam Railway Map
- ➜ check schedules: Train Schedule / Timetable
Tourist and luxury trains
| 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. |
⚠️ Travel tips for train travel in Vietnam
- ✔ book tickets online in advance for popular routes
- ✔ arrive at the station at least 30–60 minutes before departure
- ✔ keep your ticket ready on your phone (e-ticket is usually accepted)
- ✔ watch your luggage and do not leave it unattended
- ✔ choose sleeper berths for long-distance journeys
- ✔ delays can happen, especially on long routes
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
Vietnam Railway Map (2026):
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.
Popular travel routes in Vietnam (Train, Bus, Ferry, Flight):
International popular travel routes from Vietnam ⬇️
❓ FAQ – Train tickets and travel by train in Vietnam
How to book train or bus tickets 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.
