Hanoi to Halong Bay Train: Witness Incredible Scenery Unfold!

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay train is a delightful experience that offers stunning views of Vietnam’s countryside. The journey allows you to relax and soak in the beautiful landscapes while enjoying comfortable seating. It’s a fantastic way to start your adventure in Halong Bay, making the trip as memorable as the destination itself!

About Hanoi To Halong Bay Train

The Hanoi to Halong Bay train service primarily operates with trains No. 51501 and 51502, which have been running for many years. This traditional mode of travel is more popular among locals than foreign tourists. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 17 minutes, moving at a leisurely speed of just 45.7 km/h. 

While this slower pace allows for scenic views along the way, it’s significantly longer than traveling by shuttle or public bus. Many travelers enjoy the charm of this historic route, as it offers a glimpse into local life and the beautiful countryside. However, if you’re short on time, you might want to consider faster transport options such as Hanoi to halong bay bus or plane for your trip to Halong Bay.

Train Itinerary

No. Train	Departure time	Arrival Time
No. 50501 – Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay	4.55 am – Yen Vien Station	11.45 am – Ha Long Station
No. 51502 – Halong Bay to Hanoi	1.45 pm – Ha Long station	8.31 pm – Hanoi Station

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

The Hanoi to Halong Bay train, No. 50501, departs daily from Yen Vien Station at 4:55 am and arrives at Ha Long Station by 11:45 am. Along the route, it stops at 11 stations, including Tu Son and Bac Ninh, perfect for those wanting to explore these areas before reaching Halong.

During each stop, especially at Kep and Mao Khe, passengers have about 15 to 20 minutes to stretch their legs. This is a great chance to grab snacks, shop a bit, or simply enjoy the scenery. Be sure to take some fantastic photos along the way! It’s a convenient and fun way to experience the region before arriving at the beautiful Halong Bay.

Halong Bay to Hanoi

When it’s time to return to Hanoi, you can choose train No. 51502. This train departs from Ha Long Station at 1:45 pm and reaches Hanoi at 8:31 pm. It’s a comfortable option that lets you relax and enjoy the journey back. Perfect for unwinding after your Halong Bay adventure, this train ensures you have a pleasant trip while taking in the lovely scenery along the way.

Ticket Price of Ha Noi To Halong Bay Train

Hard-seat	Price / One way
Adult	4 USD
Extra Seat	3 USD
Children below 6 years old	Free
Children 6 – 10 years old	3 USD (Discounted 25%)
Elderly from 60 and above	3.4 USD (Discounted 15%)

Ticket prices for the Halong Bay to Hanoi train range from $3 to $5, making it a great option for budget travelers. The main choice is a hard seat, priced around $4 for adults. If regular seats are fully booked, extra seats are available for $3, though these are not recommended due to comfort issues. 

All prices include VAT and passenger insurance, but they can change depending on when you book. Children under 6 ride for free, while those aged 6 to 10 receive a 25% discount, and seniors over 60 get a 15% discount. It’s wise to check the booking website regularly for the latest prices and availability!

Some Rules about the Return Policy

Ticket Policy	Details
Ticket Exchange	Individual tickets can be exchanged for a 20,000 VND fee Must be done at least 24 hours before departure Group tickets cannot be exchanged
Ticket Refund	Individual Tickets: Refund before departure: 10% fee.  Refund between 4 and 24 hours before the 20% fee. No refunds within 4 hours of departure.
	Group Tickets 10% fee for refunds at least 72 hours before departure. 20% fee for refunds within 24-72 hours. No refunds within 24 hours before departure.

Pros and Cons of Hanoi to Halong Bay Train

Let’s explore the pros and cons of the Hanoi to Halong Bay train, highlighting its benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed travel choice!

Pros

• Safety: The Hanoi to Halong Bay train is the safest way to reach Halong Bay, with a significantly lower risk of accidents compared to buses, cars, or seaplanes. This allows you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about safety issues.
• Affordability: Traveling by Hanoi to Halong Bay train is one of the cheapest options available, especially for budget travelers. With a ticket price of around $4 per adult, you can enjoy a comfortable transfer to Halong without breaking the bank.
• Local Experience: Taking the Hanoi to Halong Bay train offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. As the train moves slowly, you can admire the beautiful scenery and interact with locals, gaining insight into their daily lives and stories along the journey.

Cons

Here are the cons of taking the train from Hanoi to Halong Bay, presented in bullet points:

• Long Travel Time: The train ride takes about 7 hours, which can take up your valuable time. If you’re planning a short trip, this lengthy journey might limit your opportunities to enjoy leisure activities in beautiful Halong Bay.
• Hard Seat Option: The only seating available on the Hanoi to Halong Bay train is hard seats, which can be uncomfortable for such an extended period. You may find yourself feeling restless, especially if you’re not used to sitting for long durations.
• Poor Tourist Service: The Hanoi to Halong Bay train primarily caters to local traders, so the service may not meet tourist expectations. Unlike shuttle buses or seaplanes, the staff might not be as trained in providing a pleasant experience, leading to potential dissatisfaction.
• Language Barriers: Communication can be challenging due to language differences. If you need assistance during your journey, you might find it difficult to express your concerns or understand the staff, adding to your travel stress.

How To Book A Train From Hanoi To Halong Bay?

Let’s discover how to easily book a train from Hanoi to Halong Bay, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for your trip!

Step 1: Visit the Website: Go to the Vietnam Railways homepage at https://dsvn.vn/ and select your preferred language at the top right.

Step 2: Fill in Departure Information: 

•  In the “From” box, enter your departure location and select the correct Vietnamese name (e.g., Hanoi).
• In the “To” box, enter your destination and choose the corresponding Vietnamese name (e.g., Halong).
• Choose between one-way or round-trip travel. If selecting round-trip, enter your return date and time.

Step 3: Search for Trains: Click “Search” to see a list of trains with available seats based on your criteria.

Step 4: Select Your Train: 

• A list of trains departing on your chosen date will appear, with the nearest departure time highlighted in green.
• Click on the train car to view the seat map, then select your preferred empty seat. This will add the ticket to your cart.

Step 5: Proceed to Booking: Click “Buy Tickets” to enter the next booking page.

Step 6: Enter Passenger Information: 

• Fill in details like full name, ID/passport number, date of birth, and contact info.
• Ensure all information is accurate, as it will be printed on the ticket.

Step 7: Choose Payment Method: Select either prepaid or postpaid. After a successful transaction, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Step 8: Ticket Collection: Bring your ID and reservation code to the station to print your tickets. 

• Check Booking Status: You can verify your reservation by accessing the Reservation Information section on the website.

Conclusion

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay train is a wonderful experience showcasing Vietnam’s beauty. The scenic views along the way make the journey enjoyable and memorable. Plus, it’s a convenient way to reach your destination while relaxing in comfort. You’ll arrive ready to explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture that Halong Bay has to offer!