Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train: Which Offers Superior Comfort?

When it comes to train travel in Vietnam, Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train are two popular choices. Both offer comfortable journeys, but each has its own unique features. If you’re deciding between the two, it helps to know what sets them apart in terms of service, amenities, and overall experience to make the best choice for your trip.

Take A Look At About Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train

Family Express Train 

The Family Express Train is a popular choice for travelers heading from Hanoi to Sapa, a beautiful mountain town in northern Vietnam. It’s perfect for families, offering a comfy and convenient way to travel.

Livitrans Express Train

Livitrans Express Train has been around for over 10 years, and it’s one of the most trusted options for train travel! Their tourist cabins are super comfy and clean, with all the modern amenities you need. Plus, they treat you to free snacks, cold towels, drinks, and fresh fruit – talk about a great ride!

Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train: A Comparison

When comparing Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train, both offer great travel experiences, but each has its unique features and style of service.

Ticket Prices Comparison

Family Express Train	Livitrans Express Train
4 Berth VIP Cabin (price/ticket) $39 2 Berth VIP Cabin (price/ticket) $148	Shared cabin (price/ticket) $35 Private VIP Cabin – Twin Bed (price/cabin) $140 Private VIP Cabin – Double Bed (price/cabin) $160

Note: The price is set when it’s published, but it might change during holidays. So, make sure to check before you book your tickets!

When it comes to pricing, both the Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train offer different options depending on your needs. On the Family Express, the 4-berth deluxe cabin is priced at $39 per ticket, which is a great choice for those traveling with family or friends. If you want more privacy, you can book a 2-berth VIP cabin for $148 per cabin. 

For Livitrans Express, the shared cabin costs about $35 per ticket, making it a good budget option. However, if you’re looking for a more private experience, Livitrans offers two VIP cabin options: a twin-bed cabin for $140 or a double-bed cabin for $160. Overall, Family Express tends to be a bit more affordable, especially for groups, while Livitrans gives you more flexibility with private cabins. 

*Transfer

Transfer to Hanoi & Lao Cai Train Station	Family Express Train	Livitrans Express Train
Shared Transfer (16 sears car)	$5	$5
Private Transfer (4-7 seats car)	$30	$30

You can choose a shared transfer in a 16-seat car for $5, or a private transfer in a 4-7 seat car for $30 if you want more privacy to go to Hanoi train station and Lao Cai Station. 

Comfort and Amenities

Both offer a comfortable journey with similar features. On the Family Express, passengers get individual reading lights, mineral water, fruit, biscuits, wet towels, toilets, air-conditioning, blankets, and pillows. It also offers a charger and Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected. 

On the other hand, the Livitrans Express provides most of the same amenities, such as reading lights, water, fruit, biscuits, air-conditioning, blankets, pillows, and toilets. However, it also includes earplugs for extra comfort and peace.

Service and Customer Support

Both the Family Express and Livitrans Express trains are known for their friendly and helpful staff. On both trains, the staff is generally welcoming and ready to assist passengers with anything they need, from helping with luggage to answering questions. 

In terms of responsiveness, both trains do a good job of attending to passengers’ needs quickly, though some travelers feel that Livitrans Express staff may be a bit more attentive at times.

Travel Time & Schedule 

Way from:		Family Express Train	Livitrans Express Train
Hanoi Station to Lao Cai Station	Departure Time	22:40	22:40
	Arrival Time	06:05	06:05
Lao Cai Train Station to Hanoi	Departure Time	12:05, 21:30	21:30
	Arrival Time	20:10, 5:35	5:35

*Please note, this is just an estimated time. The actual time can change because of things like the train schedule, traffic, weather, and other problems. So, make sure to arrive 50 -60 minutes before the train leaves to check in. At this time, your online ticket will be changed to a paper ticket.

So, if you’re thinking about taking the Family Express or Livitrans Express from Hanoi to Lao Cai, you’re in luck – their schedules are pretty much the same! Both leave Hanoi at 22:40 and get to Lao Cai at 06:05. 

The Family Express Train offers two departure times from Lao Cai Train Station to Hanoi, at 12:05 PM and 21:30. On the other hand, the Livitrans Express Train only has one departure time, which is at 21:30. This gives travelers on the Family Express Train more flexibility in choosing their preferred time, while the Livitrans Express Train offers a single evening option for those traveling later in the day.

Luggage Allowance

Good news on luggage – both the Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train have the same allowance! You can bring 20kg of luggage and a small handbag (around 5kg). So, no matter which train you choose, you can pack what you need without worrying! It’s plenty of space for most people, so you’re all set to bring your essentials along for the ride!

Which Train Is Best for You? Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train

Choosing between the Family Express and Livitrans Express depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a budget traveler, the Family Express is usually the better option, as it tends to be a bit more affordable while still offering a decent travel experience. 

For those seeking more comfort and luxury, Livitrans Express is the way to go. It offers more spacious seats and extra amenities like better bedding and meals, making it ideal for comfort seekers. If you’re traveling a long distance, Livitrans Express might be the best choice because it offers a smoother and more relaxed journey, especially on overnight trips.

Conclusion

In the end, both Family Express Train vs Livitrans Express Train offer great options for travelers in Vietnam. Your choice will depend on what matters most to you – whether it’s comfort, service, or overall convenience. Either way, you’re in for a pleasant ride, so pick the one that best fits your travel needs and enjoy the journey!