You want to save on the cost of a hotel? You want to get a real insight into Vietnam at the ground level that you would otherwise have missed from 35,000 feet? In that case, there will be no better choice for you than a train journey. Vietnam trains are now not only inexpensive but also safe and convenient compared to other types of vehicles.

If you have already decided to travel by train, this article guide is definitely written for you with all you need to know about Vietnam train ticket reservation: how many train classes, how many types of seats, how much does it cost, how to buy tickets at the station, how to buy online, and some helpful tips when travelling by train in the country.

How many train classes?

Currently, there are two types of train: SE – the fastest and the most modern & TN – the slower and older. Foreign travelers are encouraged to book SE trains because this is much more comfortable and convenient than TN trains. SE trains have better services and more advanced amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, etc. The price for SE train tickets is much cheaper than flight tickets but not much higher than TN train tickets.

How many types of seats?

Vietnamese train seats are categorized into 4 types including: hard seats, soft seats, hard sleepers, and soft sleepers. Soft seat is a good choice for daytime journeys, however, air-conditioned soft sleepers are still mostly recommended for Western passengers if you want to get the maximum of comfort.

How much does it costs?

Train ticket prices vary depending on routes, seat types, and train types. Generally, the more luxury and comfort you get, the more expenses you have to pay. In addition, fares will be slightly different by season. If you travel in peak season or on special occasions such as New Year, Tet Holiday, Independence Day, Reunification Day, etc., train fares will be more expensive than normal days.

How to buy tickets at the station?

To be honestly, buying train tickets at the station is not an easy job for expatriates because staff at the station mostly cannot speak English. However, if you still prefer to buy tickets at the station, please catch a taxi or a bus to the nearest station (please refer to the below addresses), check information about your designed journeys, and then buy ticket from ticket counters.

Information for your reference:

Hanoi Railway Station:

Gate A: 120 Le Duan, Cua Nam Ward, Hoan Kiem District (To the South, Hue – Da Nang – Nha Trang – Saigon…)

Gate B: 01 Tran Quy Cap str, Van Mieu ward, Dong Da district, Hanoi (To the North, Lao Cai – Sapa…)

Saigon Railway Station: 1 Nguyen Thong, Ward 9, District 3

Da Nang Railway Station: 202 Hai Phong str, Tan Chinh ward, Thanh Khe, Da Nang

Nha Trang Railway Station: 17 Thai Nguyen str, Phuoc Tan, Nha Trang city

Hue Railway Station:  01 Bui Thi Xuan str, Hue city

Ninh Binh Railways Station: No 1, Lane 41, Hoang Hoa Tham str, Thanh Binh ward

Binh Thuan Railways Station: Muong Man village, Ham Thuan Nam district

Quang Ngai Railway Station: 1 Nguyen Chanh str, Tran Phu, Quang Ngai city

Dong Hoi Railway Station: Tieu Khu 4, Nam Ly ward, Dong Hoi city

Thanh Hoa Railway Station: 19/8 Duong Dinh Nghe str, Tan Son, Thanh Hoa city

Vinh Railway Station: 1 Le Ninh, Quan Bau, Vinh city

Dieu Tri Railway Station: Dieu Tri Town, Tuy Phuoc District, Binh Dinh Province

Lao Cai Railway Station: Khanh Yen str, Pho Moi ward, Lao Cai city

How to buy tickets online?

It’s much easier for you to buy tickets online. You can access the official online booking website of Vietnam Railways www.vietnam-transports.com, which is available in English. Please kindly be reminded that this site accepts Visa/Master/JCB credit cards.

Tips:

• Making a reservation in advance: In normal days, train tickets can be easily booked a few days ahead without problem. However, if you intend to travel at peak holiday periods, you should reserve tickets in advance (1 – 3 months before departure). This action will not only help you reserve the best seat but also save expenses. The fare closer to your trip date may be more expensive than one you book it few months ahead.
• Booking through a travel agent: Nowadays, many travel agencies or hotels can help you to buy tickets with a very small commission. You don’t need to worry about long and hard conversation at ticket counter with staff who cannot speak English or waste time getting to train station & making a long queue in front of the counter to buy the tickets and not sure it’s available. Instead, just contact a reliable travel agent and tell them about your demand. It’s easier, isn’t it?

See more related train schedule from main attractions:

Hanoi Sapa Trains

Trains from Hanoi – Hue – Da Nang – Nha Trang – Saigon

Trains from Ninh Binh

Trains from Hue

Trains from Da Nang

Trains from Nha Trang

Trains from Saigon (HCM) – Nha Trang – Quy Nhon – Da Nang – Hue – Hanoi

Vietnam Transports is an official online booking agency of Vietnam Railways. Please contact us for any other questions regarding train reservation booking@vietnam-transports.com OR you can check via our hotline number +84969623100 / +84969303322

Two new trains have been launched on the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route and two others have been upgraded, with their design and services described as being of “five-star” quality by railway managers Tuesday.
The upgraded trains were introduced in Ho Chi Minh City, where two new ones had been launched in February last year.

The Saigon Railways JSC spent VND65 billion (US$2.87 million) upgrading trains SE5 and SE6, equipping them with air conditioners, “comfortable” seats, noise-proof materials, and hygienic bathrooms, CEO Dao Anh Tuan told news website VnExpress.
But there would be no rate hikes, meaning the fares would remain at VND542,000-1.54 million ($24-68), he said.
After the Tet holiday from February 5 to 14 this year, the fares would be reduced by 15 percent, he added.
The two new trains, SE7 and SE8, were launched in Hanoi by the Hanoi Railway Transport Company, news website Tuoi Tre reported.
The company made a similar assurance about fares though the new coaches have been built using “luxury” materials and designs at a cost of around VND80 billion ($3.53 million).
It takes from 31 to 37 hours from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City depending on the train.

Source: Thanh Nien news