The short answer
- Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
- About 33 hours by train, 2 by air
- Most scenic train
- Hue to Da Nang
- Best overnight train
- Hanoi to Lao Cai for Sapa
- Sleeper class
- 4 berth soft sleeper
Vietnam's North South Railway, often called the Reunification Express, runs about 1,700 kilometres along the length of the country. It is a great experience for a section or two, but too slow to rely on for a whole trip.
Journey times compared
| Route | Fastest train | Flight | Our pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City | About 33 hours | About 2 hours 10 minutes | Fly |
| Hanoi to Hue | About 12 hours 40 minutes (overnight) | About 1 hour 15 minutes | Fly, or overnight train for the experience |
| Hue to Da Nang | About 2 hours 30 minutes | No direct flights | Train, for the coastal views |
| Hanoi to Lao Cai (for Sapa) | About 7 hours 40 minutes (overnight) | No airport | Train or limousine van |
| Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City | About 16 to 18 hours | About 1 hour 20 minutes | Fly |
Train times are for the fastest scheduled services in 2026 and vary with timetable changes.
Classes on board
- Soft sleeper: Air conditioned 4 berth cabins, the best choice for overnight trips.
- Hard sleeper: 6 berth cabins, cheaper and more cramped.
- Soft seat: Fine for daytime stretches such as Hue to Da Nang.
- Private carriages: Some routes, especially Hanoi to Lao Cai, have privately run carriages with more comfortable cabins.
Tip: Sit on the left heading south (right heading north) between Hue and Da Nang for sea views as the train climbs around the Hai Van Pass.
Our advice
Most tours combine both: fly the long hops, such as Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, and take the train for the short scenic stretch from Hue to Da Nang or the overnight train to Sapa.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
About 33 hours on the fastest trains. Flying takes about two hours.
Which train journey in Vietnam is the most scenic?
Hue to Da Nang, along the coast and around the Hai Van Pass, about 2.5 hours.
Sources we checked
Vietnam month by month
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