Overview of the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus Journey
Route Overview
Most popular bus route: The most popular bus route travels on QL1A (National Highway 1A) in the northward direction from Ho Chi Minh bus station, stopping over at the following delightful array of cities and provinces:
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Bien Hoa (Dong Nai)
- Phan Thiet – Mui Ne (Binh Thuan)
- Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa)
- Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh)
- Da Nang – Hoi An (Quang Nam)
- Hue (Thua Thien Hue)
- Dong Hoi (Quang Binh)
- Vinh (Nghe An)
- Ninh Binh
- And finally, arriving in Hanoi
Outbound is led by the bus company. Some trips also provide scenic detours and rest stops to places like Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat, and the Ho Chi Minh Highway West – perfect for those looking to add an adventurous edge.
Duration & Travel Experience
Travel time varies depending on road conditions, weather, rest breaks, and the quality of your chosen bus line. The trip takes about 30 to 40 hours, on average. Some more luxurious services are faster and with fewer stops, while budget services can get there slower due to passenger dropoffs along the way.
Your Bus Options
- Sleeper Bus: comes with reclining seats, personal curtains, USB chargers, air conditioning, and may have toilets on board. Great for resting overnight
- Limousine Buses: Fewer seats, more comfort. Front cabins are quiet, and think massage chairs, personal screens, and privacy – the best choice for the luxury connoisseur.
- Economy Seaters: Simple, cheap. Great for short legs of the journey or ultra-budget travelers unconcerned with basic comfort.
Best Departure & Arrival Points
Major Ho Chi Minh City Bus Stations
For anyone travelling on the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus, selecting the correct departure station in Ho Chi Minh City is the first and most important step to a successful trip. Here are the two popular Ho Chi Minh bus stations:
Mien Dong Bus Station (Ben xe Mien Dong)
- Address: 292 Dinh Bo Linh, Ward 26, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- As the biggest Ho Chi Minh bus station, it is primarily used for travel from door to door within the rest of the city through the largest bus company in Vietnam, with almost all major bus companies throughout the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus route.
- Highlights: several buses leave throughout the day, comfortable waiting rooms, food stalls, and official bus ticket counters.
- How to get there: It’s about 20-30 minutes from the city center by Grab or buses, including 14, 19, or 45.
- Best for: First-time travelers, the most choices, and for assistance in English.
Mien Dong Bus Station (Source: wikipedia)
An Suong Bus Station (Ben xe An Suong )
- Address: QL22, Trung My Tay Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City
- A smaller but strategically located Ho Chi Minh bus station, good for anyone based in the northwest of the suburbs or near the airport.
- It is served by fewer bus companies, but, despite that, some routes from here can be faster because it has more direct access to the highways.
- How to get there: It’s a 25-minute Grab ride from Tan Son Nhat Airport or a ride on bus numbers 4 and 65.
- Good for: Visitors living in the outer districts or connecting from the Airports
An Suong Bus Station (Source: benbaivantaisaigon)
Main Hanoi Arrival Stations
Upon reaching the northern capital with the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus, your drop-off location will be one of the city’s three main bus terminals. It’s more convenient either way, depending on where in Hanoi you’re headed when you get there.
Giap Bat Bus Station (Ben xa Giap Bat)
- Address: 6 Giai Phong, Giap Bat Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi
- Just south of the city center and near the main train station, this terminal is convenient for the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the zoo, not to mention countless major hotels.
- Best for: tourists, first-time visitors, or connecting with trains.
Giap Bat Bus Station (Source: lighting)
My Dinh Bus Station (Ben xe My Dinh)
- Address: 20 Pham Hung, My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
- Located in the west of Hanoi, the station is popular among business travelers and people living in Cau Giay or Thanh Xuan Districts.
- Good for: visitors to universities, the National Convention Center, or catching a bus to the northern mountain provinces.
My Dinh Bus Station (Source: vedientu)
Nuoc Ngam Bus Station (Ben xe Nuoc Ngam)
- Address: 1 Ngoc Hoi, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi
- It is the bus Hanoi Ho Chi Minh travelers get dropped off at, which is popular among most buses traveling on the express highways.
- Near to: Principal ring roads and Hanoi’s southern exit, for those travelling onward to provinces such as Ninh Binh or Thanh Hoa.
Nuoc Ngam Bus Station (Source: xanhsm)
Top 7 Best Bus Companies for the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus Route (2025 Review)
Hoang Long
- Bus Type: Sleeper & Limousine – various configurations (24-45 seats)
- Price Range: 830,000 – 1,000,000 VND
- Duration: Around 37 hours, straight from the Ho Chi Minh bus station to Hanoi
- Trips per Day: 1 to 3
- Contact: Hotline 1900 988 920; Mien Dong Bus Station (HCMC) 028 3898 4442; Giap Bat Bus Station (Hanoi) 043 6644 391
- Highlights: One of Vietnam’s biggest fleets, reclinable chairs, on-bus toilets, blankets, free snacks, TV, and wifi. An ideal blend of comfort, service, and reliability.
Hoang Long Bus (Source: vinwonders)
Mai Linh Express
- Bus Type: 40-seat air-conditioned bus, with some sleeper-class available
- Price Range: 775,000 VND
- Duration: 32-38 hours
- Trips per Day: 1
- Contact: HCMC Hotline (028) 39 39 39 39 or (0985) 29 29 29; Ticket office at 292 Dinh Bo Linh, Binh Thanh
- Highlights: A reliable nationwide brand that offers all the bells and whistles, refreshments, hard and soft.-water, free wifi, as well as towels – exceptionally punctual and professional.
Mai Linh Express (Source: easybook)
Phuong Hoang
- Bus Type: Sleeper
- Price Range: 950,000 VND
- Duration: 35-40 hours
- Trips per Day: 1
- Contact: Book via VeXeRe or similar platforms; typical hotline around 0985 29 29 29 (shared with Mai Linh)
- Highlights: Sleek, sleep-in style buses, personal TV screens, wifi, drinks, blankets, towels – great for a seamless sleeping experience.
Phuong Hoang Bus (Source: 12go)
A Ba Bus
- Bus Type: Limousine Sleeper – VIP cabins
- Price Range: 950,000 – 1,000,000 VND
- Duration: 36-38 hours
- Trips per Day: 1
- Contact: Hotline 0988 881 112
- Highlights: VIP seats that recline in double beds, massage chairs, Onboard meals, purified air, the utmost comfort – ideal for those who want true luxury when traveling on the bus Hanoi Ho Chi Minh.
A Ba Bus (Source: alltop)
Hien Phuoc
- Bus Type: Sleeper 37-42 bed configuration
- Price Range: 1,030,000 – 1,200,000 VND
- Duration: Around 37 hours
- Trips per Day: 3
- Contact: Hotline 0936 796 264
- Highlights: Generous sleeper cabins, lunch is included, wifi, blankets, towels; perfect for daytime departure, comfortable sightseeing travel.
Hien Phuoc Bus (Source: viettrekking)
Anh Khuyen
- Bus Type: Sleeper 45 bed
- Price Range: 900,000 VND
- Duration: Approximately 38 hours
- Trips per Day: 1
- Contact: Hotline 0911 558 919
- Highlights: Beautiful hilly countryside route, the bare minimum in comfort – air con, wifi, toilet, towels… For travelers really wanting to enjoy regional views from the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi bus!
Anh Khuyen Bus (Source: hohaidang)
Chien The
- Bus Type: Standard sleeper 45 seats
- Price Range: 1,000,000 VND
- Duration: Around 36 hours
- Trips per Day: 1
- Contact: Usually booked via services such as VeXeRe – follows the hotline of the respective company.
- Highlights: A popular choice for local travel, they are one of Central and North Vietnam’s longest-established operators with a stronger emphasis on timetabled departures and a professional driving crew.
Chien The Bus (Source: chienthe)
Types of Buses on This Route: Choose What Fits You
Bus Type
|
Key Features
|
Best For
|
Departure Tips
|
Sleeper Bus
|
– Reclinable seats or flat beds
– Blanket, AC, USB, curtains
– Affordable long-distance option
|
Budget travelers
Overnight riders
Backpackers
|
Book early, especially for night departures from Ho Chi Minh bus station
|
Limousine Bus
|
– VIP cabins
– Massage chairs
– Quiet, luxurious space
– Personal entertainment
|
Families
Comfort seekers
Business travelers
|
Limited seats, check availability via apps or at Ho Chi Minh bus station
|
Seater Bus
|
– Basic reclining seats
– Limited legroom
– AC and sometimes USB ports
|
Local commuters
Students
Short-haul trips
|
Best for daytime travel in the day, cheaper but less comfortable
|
Comparison Table: Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus vs. Flights vs. Trains
Transport Mode
|
Duration
|
Price Range (USD)
|
Comfort Level
|
Flexibility
|
Best For
|
Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus
|
30-40 hours
|
$29 – $55
|
Varies: seater (basic) → sleeper → limousine
|
High – many daily trips from Ho Chi Minh bus station
|
Budget travelers, scenic route lovers
|
Flight
|
~2 hours
|
$60+ (before baggage)
|
High – fast, air-conditioned, reclined seating
|
Medium – fixed departure times
|
Business travelers, short on time
|
Train
|
32-35 hours
|
$45 – $60
|
Medium – soft seat or sleeper berth
|
Low-Medium – limited schedules
|
Culture seekers, slow travel fans
|
Must-Know Travel Tips for First-Timers on the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus
Bring Snacks, a Neck Pillow & a Power Bank
Even if your bus company provides water or light snacks, it’s a good idea to bring your snacks for the long ride. Your spine will thank you for 30+ hours of riding with a neck pillow, especially if your recliner seat isn’t exactly first-class. And don’t forget a fully charged power bank – many buses now have USB ports, but you’d rather not rely on them entirely.
Download Offline Maps and Translation Apps
There are a few provinces where the signal can be lost on the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus route. Download Google Maps for offline use and a basic Vietnamese translation app so you can get around rest stops, ask questions, and not get lost. If you are on your journey on the bus Hanoi Ho Chi Minh or the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh road journey, being semi-digital can be beneficial in many ways!
Arrive Early at Ho Chi Minh bus station
Expect to be at the Ho Chi Minh bus station at least 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. This time can be used to confirm your bus ticket, locate the appropriate gate, and board early to secure an optimal seat. Stations can be crowded during peak times or public holidays, but in Ho Chi Minh City and buses might leave on time.
Keep Your Valuables Close
Never keep anything of value in the luggage hold! Keep your passport, phone, wallet, and devices with you in a secure daypack. Bus companies tend to be trustworthy on the whole, but thefts occasionally occur in crowded rest areas or overnight stops.
Conclusion
Ready for an unforgettable ride? The Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus is how you do an all-time cheap, yet super memorable trip in Vietnam! Ideal for adventurers, backpackers, or just anyone who wants a shot of real culture, this bus trip provides flexibility, comfort, and an unbeatable range of discovery. Simply get a healthy early booking, travel light, and smile your way through to the Ho Chi Minh bus station on time – your overland adventure begins now. North or south (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, anyone?), the road is a calling. Let’s ride!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus Journey
How long is the bus from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City?
While traveling on the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh route, your bus ride will last on average anywhere from 30 to 40 hours for the bus journey, according to the bus company, types of roads, rest stops, and so on. Sleeper buses are the most common and tend to consist of rows of reclinable seats armed with USB ports, aircon, and the odd on-board loo. The majority of the departures from Ho Chi Minh bus station or Hanoi’s Giap Bat and Nuoc Ngam stations are done during the day or overnight.
How long is the train from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi?
Vietnam’s North-South Reunification Express train takes 32 to 35 hours (depending on the service class and number of stops. Comfy though it might be to watch the countryside roll by, train ticket prices are usually comparable to buses – $45 to $60 for soft seats or sleeper cabins. But if you enjoy scenery, it’s a fantastic alternative to the 46-hour Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus.
How to commute from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi?
You have three main options:
- Bus – Some flexible departure times, good-priced bus tickets, and a range of bus companies like Hoang Long, Mai Linh, or Phuong Hoang. Departures mostly leave from the Ho Chi Minh bus station.
- Train – Slower, but the sights are lovely, and it’s a very relaxed way to travel.
- Flying – Quick (2hrs), but often more expensive. Prices of flight tickets usually begin at $60+.
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?
In general, because it has more international flights and more carriers, Ho Chi Minh City can be a cheaper gateway. But, again, domestic travel is contingent on your route and the time of year. A flight from HCMC going to Hanoi can be even pricier than that of the Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Bus, mostly on the occasion of Tet or on weekends. If you’re budget sensitive and time rich, the bus Hanoi Ho Chi Minh or return trip option represents serious value for money.