Vietnam Sleeper Trains: Schedules and Fares 2025

It is undeniable that sleeper trains are the preferred mode of transportation for many travelers on long-distance journeys. Compared to buses or cars, overnight trains in Vietnam are often more affordable and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for extended travel across the country.

If you are considering taking a sleeper train in Vietnam or simply curious about the experience, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know.

About Vietnam’s Sleeper Trains

Vietnam is a vast country, and one of the best ways to cover long distances is by train. Not only is it an economical option, but it also allows tourists to enjoy the country’s breathtaking landscapes along the way.

Vietnam’s railway system is a safe, comfortable, and budget-friendly means of transportation. It is particularly ideal for long-distance travel as it reduces fatigue, allowing passengers to relax and sleep during their journey. Most Vietnamese sleeper trains now offer Wi-Fi access, although connection speeds may vary.

Another advantage of taking a night train is the cost-saving factor—by traveling overnight, you reduce accommodation expenses while getting to your destination.

There are two main types of sleeper classes on regular Vietnamese trains:

Hard Sleeper

A hard sleeper is more suitable for short-distance travel. This type of berth consists of a metal bunk bed with a thin mattress.

Typically, each hard sleeper cabin contains six berths, and the ticket price varies depending on the bed level. The lowest berth (bottom level) is the most expensive, followed by the middle berth, while the upper berth (top level) is the cheapest due to limited headroom.

Soft Sleeper

A soft sleeper is the most comfortable option for tourists. These cabins typically contain four berths, or in some premium services, only two berths per cabin.

Soft sleepers are highly recommended for long-distance journeys, as they provide a more comfortable sleeping experience for extended travel.

Why Travel by Night Train in Vietnam?

1. Cost-Effective Travel

Traveling by train is significantly cheaper than flying. Additionally, certain groups, such as children, students, and military personnel, are eligible for discounted fares.

2. Stable Ticket Prices

Frequent travelers understand how complex pricing structures can be in different transportation modes. However, Vietnamese train fares tend to remain stable throughout the year. Whether you depart in the morning or at night, from Monday to Saturday, ticket prices generally stay unchanged.

Although fares may slightly increase during public holidays, they usually revert to normal after the holiday season, making train travel a budget-friendly and predictable option.

3. Generous Baggage Allowance

Train travel offers a major advantage in terms of luggage capacity. Passengers are allowed to bring up to 20 kg of baggage—significantly more than the 7 kg limit for economy class flights and 14 kg for business class air travel. This makes the train an ideal choice for those traveling with heavy or bulky luggage.

4. Safety

Trains are considered one of the safest means of transport in Vietnam. Since railways have dedicated tracks, the risk of accidents is much lower compared to road traffic, where collisions are more frequent. This peace of mind makes sleeper trains a reliable choice for long-distance travel.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Compared to cars and airplanes, trains emit far fewer greenhouse gases. Since train emissions do not directly impact the upper atmosphere, they are considered less harmful than airplane pollution, making train travel a more sustainable choice.

Important Notes for Sleeper Train Travel

The ticket price applies per person, meaning that if you book a 4-berth cabin but are traveling alone or in a smaller group, you must purchase all four tickets to reserve the entire cabin for yourself.

Schedules and Fares for Popular Night Train Routes in Vietnam

1. Hanoi to Sapa Night Train

If you’re heading to the mountains of Sapa, the best way to get there is by taking an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. While Sapa itself does not have a railway station, Lao Cai Station is located about 38 km (24 miles) from Sapa, with easy transfer options via bus, jeep, or taxi (approximately 50 minutes).

There are both day and night trains operating between Hanoi and Lao Cai, but most overnight trains depart between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, arriving in Lao Cai between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. If you are considering taking the Vietnam Railways (VNR) train, here are the Hanoi-Sapa sleeper train schedules for your reference:

Some sleeper trains in Vietnam offer standard railway services, while others provide luxury sleeper carriages tailored for tourists with higher comfort levels, which equals higher prices. For instance, a ticket for one person in VNR's soft sleeper 4-berth cabin costs around 17 USD, while other tourist trains might vary from 30 to 38 USD.

2. Hanoi to Hue Night Train

The journey from Hanoi to Hue takes approximately 12 to 14 hours, making it highly recommended to book a soft sleeper berth. The best option is to take a night train, departing in the evening and arriving around lunchtime the next day. This allows travelers to rest overnight and wake up to stunning landscapes in the morning. Here are VNR's schedules for Hanoi-Hue Sleeper Trains: 

Hanoi- Hue Night train ticket prices:

•  Vietnam Railways:

Soft Seat: Approximately $20 - $35 per person.

4-Berth Sleeper Cabin: Around $45 per person. ​

• Private Operators:

4-Berth Sleeper Cabin: Starting from $67 per person. ​

2-Berth VIP Cabin: Prices vary by operator; it's advisable to check specific services for accurate pricing.

3. Hanoi to Da Nang Night Train

With a distance of approximately 791 km, the train from Hanoi to Da Nang takes about 16 hours. This route is extremely popular among both locals and tourists, as the night train allows passengers to sleep overnight and arrive refreshed the next morning.

Beyond offering comfortable travel, the train ride between Hanoi and Da Nang provides stunning countryside views, making the journey an experience in itself.

Passengers can purchase meals and snacks onboard, or they can bring their own food for the trip.

Here are VNR's Hanoi- Danang Sleeper Trains's Schedules and Ticket prices:

Prices vary depending on the class chosen:​

Soft Seat: Approximately $32.65

6-Berth Sleeper (Top/Middle/Bottom): Prices range from $45.86 to $54.60

4-Berth Sleeper: Higher-priced options are available for more privacy and comfort. ​

4. Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang Night Train

Vietnam Railways operates multiple overnight trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, departing between 7:00 PM and 9:05 PM and arriving early the next morning.

Ticket prices:

Soft Seat: Around $14 to $20 

6-Berth Sleeper: Around $15 to $18

4-Berth Sleeper: Around $16 to $20

Note: If you are staying at a hotel in Nha Trang, it’s a good idea to inform the hotel of your early arrival, as standard check-in times are usually after noon. However, with prior notice, some hotels may allow you to check in earlier.

Tips for Traveling by Night Train in Vietnam

- Although sleeper trains are cheaper than other long-distance travel options, there are a few things to keep in mind for a better experience:

- Fresh sheets are provided at departure stations, but if you board at an intermediate stop, sheets may not be changed due to time constraints. If cleanliness is a concern, bring your own sheet and pillowcase.

- Expect to share your cabin unless you book all the berths. Train travel in Vietnam is generally safe, but it’s still advisable to keep valuables secure.

- Trains can be noisy and slightly shaky—consider bringing earplugs or listening to music to improve sleep quality.

- It's advisable to book your tickets at least a few days in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred class and berth. You can visit Vietnam Railways' official website for online booking. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets directly at the respective railway stations:​

Hanoi Railway Station: 120 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.​

Ho Chi Minh City Railway Station: 1 Nguyen Thong, Ward 9, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

Related articles:

>> Travel Guide for Night trains in Vietnam