The train journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is a long one, taking 31 to 35 hours and more if delayed, and we do not recommend travelling in a hard seat or a hard sleeper as this is likely to become uncomfortable, especially towards the later part of the route. However, this is one of the great train journeys of the world and a must do on the South East Asian travel circuit. The scenery, especially between Hue and Da Nang, is spectacular and for most travellers this more than makes up for any discomfort associate with a long train journey.
Train Times from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Times of fast trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with soft seats and soft sleepers.
| Train | Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh |
| SE7 | 06:00 | 16:30 (+ 1 Day) |
| SE5 | 08:50 | 18:55 (+ 1 Day) |
| SE3 | 19:25 | 04:38 (+ 1 Day) |
| SE1 | 22:15 | 05:45 (+ 1 Day) |
Buy Train Tickets to Ho Chi Minh City
Use the Search Form below to buy your tickets on the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. After booking you will be sent an electronic voucher to use on the train.
It is worth it to book a ‘soft sleeper’ because this is a really long train journey; most of the trains take two nights to travel the distance to Ho Chi Minh City. If you prefer to spend only 1 night on the train then the best departure is train SE7 departing at 06.15 from Hanoi.
Location of Hanoi Train Station
Location of Saigon Train Station
About the Reunification Line
The train journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City journey covers the entire length of the famous Reunification Line. This railway line has a special significance because it links the former capitals of North Vietnam (the Democratic Republic of Vietnam) and South Vietnam (the Republic of Vietnam) which were unified on 2 July 1976 as single state: the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The end to end journey on the Reunification Line is scheduled to take from 31 to 35 hours.
Two strategies to cope with a journey of this length: 1. Make it as comfortable as possible by booking a ‘soft sleeper’ seat well in advance. 2. Break up the journey by stopping overnight in Da Nang and visiting the historic city of Hoi An, which is just 31.4 km from Da Nang.