Hanoi to Halong Train: Prices, Schedule & Tips for Seamless Hanoi Tours

Top Train Operators Serving the Hanoi to Ha Long Route

The Hanoi to Halong Train is the exclusive service of Vietnam Railways and runs on route 51501 (from Yen Vien Railway Station) and 51502 (from Ha Long Bay return). This was formerly the sole direct rail transportation mode between Hanoi and Ha Long, commonly used by budget travellers and the locals.

The trains are old, and most are no-frills, but they’re considered safe, cheap, and typically on time. They have basic hard seats, and it takes about 7 hours.

Yen Vien Railway Station (Source: wikipedia)

Seat Classes & Onboard Services: What to Expect on the Hanoi to Halong Train

Compare that to Vietnam’s more established train routes (like the Hanoi to Sapa train) the and the Hanoi to Halong Train plays it simple – and very local. Currently, there is just one train company, Vietnam Railways, and the line (when it was running) served mostly one class of seat:

Seat Types on the Hanoi to Halong Train

• Hard Seat (Standard): Wooden, hard seat without air conditioning. It is the sole option on the Hanoi to Halong Bay train, so quite a rustic experience! Great for quick trips and backpackers who are willing to sacrifice comfort for savings.
• No soft seat, no 4-berth or 6-berth cabins, as on the sleeper trains to Hue or Hai Phong.

Hard Seat (Source: seat61)

Onboard Services

Do note that there are no dedicated food stalls or restaurant gondolas on this route. However:

• At some of the longer stops like Kep or Mao Khe, you’ll get 15-20 minutes to hop off and purchase hot meals, snacks, or fruit from local hawkers.
• You should bring your breakfast or pack a lunch (or eat breakfast before you get to Yen Vien Station) when traveling, especially if you plan on a long day trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Quick 15-min Stop For Local Bites (Source: bsa)

Train Timetable: Hanoi to Ha Long & Return (2025 Update)

There was a train running once a day, the Hanoi to Halong Train.

• Train 51501: Left Yen Vien Station at 4:55 AM, arrived at Ha Long Bay at 11:45 AM
• The 51502: Departed Ha Long at 1:45 PM, arrived in Hanoi at 8:30 PM.

It made several stops at small stations such as Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Kep, and Mao Khe for 15-20 minute layovers.

By taxi, it is a 30-minute taxi ride (~11 km) from central Hanoi to Yen Vien Station.

The nearest cruise ports, such as Tuan Chau Marina, are a 15-minute taxi ride from Ha Long after arrival.

Ticket Price Breakdown & Seat Types

If you’re searching for the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, then the Hanoi to Halong Train was once the way to go! At 4 USD per adult (roughly 95,000 VND), it was the most inexpensive way to take a complete journey to the Halong Bay.

This train had hard seats only – no soft seats, no sleeper compartments. It’s a no-frills ride, but for many penny-pinchers, the joy lies in the journey, not the cushy seat! Here’s how the prices break down:

Here’s how the ticket prices break down:

• Adults: 4 USD / one-way
• Children under 6: Free
• Children 6-10: 3 USD (25% off)
• Seniors (60+): 3.4 USD (15% off)
• Extra (floor/aisle) seat: 3 USD (not recommended for long rides)

Pros & Cons of Taking the Train to Halong

Pros

• Cheapest mode of transport: Hanoi to Halong Train ticket price is only  3-5 USD, which is a right choice for budget travelers to cut down transportation cost but still keep soft transfers.
• Safe and steady: Happily, taking to the rails with Vietnam Railway is generally safer than sharing the road – fewer traffic accidents, less anxiety.
• Scenic countryside views: The slow journey is also an asset when you’re watching rice fields, rivers, and sleepy villages amble past the window.
• Authentic encounters: Locals, small vendors, commuters, and farmers are your co-passengers. The closest you can get to it is a hot plate of street food.

Cons

• Long journey: You’ll cover 7 hours, almost twice the duration of shuttle buses or limos from Hanoi to Halong.
  
• Basic comfort: Nothing but hard seats, no air-conditioning, no soft beds. It’s basic, old school – it can be an issue for people who are light sleepers.
• Inflexible schedule: Only one train a day leaves Yen Vien Station at dawn – no dice if you’re not a morning person.
• Extra transfers needed: Once you get to Ha Long Bay, you will need to take a 15-minute taxi ride to Tuan Chau Marina (or other cruise ports), which also adds to the cost and hassle.

How to Book Hanoi to Ha Long Train Tickets (Step-by-Step)

So, are you ready to book your seat to travel by the Hanoi to Halong Train? Here is a short and easy guide to reserving your ticket, suitable for budget-conscious travelers who want to see Halong Bay on a budget.

Step-by-Step Booking:

1. Visit the official website: Head to https://dsvn.vn – the online portal of Vietnam Railways.

2. Select departure & arrival:

• • From: Choose Ha Noi or Yen Vien Station.
  • To: Select Ha Long Bay.
    

3. Pick your dates: Select the date of departure and (optional) return – useful for people who are also taking the train Halong Bay to Hanoi.

4. Select seat type: There are only hard seats available on the Hanoi to Halong Bay Train.

5. Fill in passenger info: Input your name, ID/passport number, and contact number. Attention to detail matters – this will be on your ticket.

6. Pay online: Book with a card through to completion. After you have been confirmed, you will be sent a booking code by email.

7. Get your ticket:

• • Get there: Pick it up at the station (30-45 minutes before departure)
  • Or present (e-ticket, check whether this is possible on your journey)

Important: Don’t forget to pack your passport or I.D. when boarding. Tickets are checked carefully.

Extra Tips for a Smooth Booking:

• Yen Vien Station address: Ngoc Thuy, Long Bien, Hanoi – around 11 km from the Old Quarter.
• Hotline for support: 1900 6469 (Vietnam Railways customer service)
• If you are booking from abroad, use the English version of the site by changing the language at the top right-hand corner of https://dsvn.vn.

Alternatives to the Train: Is It Worth Considering?

The Hanoi to Halong Train is a nostalgic and cheap (ish) way to get to Halong Bay, but it’s not the only way you can get there. If you’re in a rush or looking for a bit more comfort, let’s take a look at other top-rated ways to get to Hanoi to Halong – and help you figure out which one will work best for you!

Here’s a quick comparison:

Hanoi to Halong Train (Sours: gtrip)

Practical Tips for First-Time Train Travelers

Going to take the Hanoi to Halong Train for the first time? Read on to know what to expect as you embark on a slow (but fine and soulful) ride through Vietnam’s rural areas! But while you’re waiting to board, here are some time-tested tips for having the best travel experience.

• Book early: There are few seats on the Hanoi to Halong Bay Train. Book 2-4 weeks ahead, particularly in high season or during holidays.
• Pack smart: Your neck pillow, your water bottle, your headphones. The train journey is more than 7 hours long, and being comfortable is a must.
• Dress comfortably: The hard seat may be too hard to sit on, and travel with time to enjoy.
• Arrive early: Arrive at Yen Vien Station at least 30 minutes ahead of departure to give yourself a cushion for check-in, ticket printing, and platform-finding.
• Carry small bills: Many local vendors at station stops don’t carry change. Use Vietnamese Dong and buy snacks or drinks during 15 to 20 minutes rest stops like Bac Ninh or Mao Khe (use small bank notes).
• Stay alert at stops: The train’s wait time is short. Watch your time and never go too far from your coach! 
• Double-check station access: Yen Vien Station is located around 11 km away from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 

Final Thoughts

The direct Hanoi to Halong Train is not just a means of transportation to Halong Bay – it’s some scenery you won’t want to miss. If you let yourself have a little time, you love slow travel, and you want some real moments, this ride can be about more than just the views. If it’s speed and comfort that you prefer, however, alternative means of transport from Hanoi to Halong could be the best for you. Whichever way you choose to go, your visit to Halong Bay will be a memorable one!