Taking A Train From Hanoi To Ha Long Bay: Experience The Authentic Route

Transportation to Halong

Let's take a look at the adventure by train from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay! Halong Bay is lauded for its sloping mountains, which the immaculate emerald water reflects, and for being a popular tourist destination. This region is an out-of-this-world travel destination due to the breathtaking and romantic scenery.

Halong Bay may be reached in several ways, but the quickest and safest one is by boarding the train from Hanoi. You will be amazed by the area's beautiful roads when you travel there.

Hanoi To Halong Bay Map

Nestled in the North East reaches of Vietnam, the Hanoi to Halong Bay distance is roughly 165 km. When making your way from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a multitude of avenues for conveyance lie at your disposal, including private cars or taxis for private transfer, a shuttle bus, a local bus, a luxury limousine, opulent bus travel, and even a deluxe limousine.

How To Get From Hanoi To Halong Bay?

Should you yearn to expedite your journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay, there exist two expeditious alternatives. First and foremost, the option to embark on a flight departing from Hanoi airport (Noi Bai International Airport) to Quang Ninh (the serene enclave of Van Don International Airport) presents itself as a seamless and time-efficient endeavor.

Let's say you don't want to take a Hanoi to Halong Bay flight. You may opt to engage a shuttle bus or partake in the lavishness of a luxury bus ride facilitated by procuring bus fare through a reputable bus company. 

Halong Bay with its beautiful landscapes is a place you should visit once in your life

Another choice is to go from Hanoi to alight at Bai Chay Bus Station. The buses are offered by numerous bus operators with reasonable ticket prices.

Is There A Train From Hanoi To Halong Bay?

You can also take a train voyage from Hanoi to reach Halong Bay. The train journey offers a unique perspective of the Vietnamese countryside and can be an interesting travel experience.

Suppose you decide to go for this method; the ride will take you around 6 to 7 hours to get from Hanoi to the bay. However, be informed that the train route between Yen Vien and Halong train station is presently suspended. As an alternative, you can get to Halong Bay by taking a train to Hai Phong City.

From Hanoi to Halong Bay, you can travel by many different means

Read more: What About Visiting Ha Long Bay? Road To Heaven 2023

About Hanoi To Halong Bay Train And Reverse

Traveling today is simple. In order to be well-prepared, you should purchase your tickets online and show up at the station prior to the departing time. To eliminate the risk of tickets running out or forgetting to make reservations, go for round-trip tickets (two-way) for a journey with a set schedule for departure and return.

Traveling by train is unique and new for those who want to see the scenery

Timetable And Cost Of Trains From Hanoi To Halong Bay

Now, we'll provide you with all the details you need to know about the train routes between Hanoi and Halong Bay, as well as the schedule, costs, and essential processes. Let's begin working together.

Traveling by train is not too expensive

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How Much Is Transfer Ha Noi To Halong Bay

Depending on whether you select a soft seat or a hard seat, the ticket fee will fall somewhere between 3 – 5 USD. This could be considered as the cheapest option for those on a tight budget.

Notice that the tickets cost includes insurance. Also, several factors, including the purchasing time, the train's destination, and the carriage's position, could affect the cost. So stay up to date by checking the booking website frequently.

There are many routes to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Ticket exchange policy:

Individual tickets can be exchanged with a 20,000 VND fee for each, provided that they are done so at least 24 hours prior to the departing time. Group tickets are not eligible for exchange.

Ticket refund policy:

• Individual tickets: If you return a ticket before the train departs, the refund fee is 10% of the ticket fare; if you do so between 4 hours and 24 hours, your refund will be deducted 20%. Within 4 hours before the departure time, you are not allowed to request a refund.
• Collective tickets: You will be charged 10% of the ticket price when requesting a refund from at least 72 hours from the departing time. It is 20% of the fare if you want to return the ticket within 24-72 hours before the train leaves. You can’t give back collective tickets within 24 hours before departure.

Traveling by train will bring you many interesting experiences

How Long Is Travel From Ha Noi To Halong Bay?

You have the following options:

Station order: Ha Noi - Gia Lam - Hai Duong - Phu Thai - Thuong Thuong Ly - Hai Phong.

• From 6:00 AM to 8:25 AM

Station order: Ha Noi - Long Bien District - Gia Lam - Cam Giang - Phu Thai - Thuong Ly - Hai Phong

• From 9:20 AM to 12:00 PM
• From 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM
• From 6:10 PM to 8:55 PM

It will typically take 2.25 to 2.45 hours for each journey. So, the total Hanoi to Halong Bay train time will be approximately 6 to 7 hours. Although this might seem like a long time, the journey still completes in the same day, and it can also be an opportunity for you to view Vietnam at a slower pace, letting you take in all the beauty and poetic beauty of this wonderful country.

Read More: Top 15 Best Things to Do in Ha Long Bay - Exploring Its Beauty

Advantages And Disadvantage Of The Hanoi-Halong Railway

Hanoi-Halong Bay railway is one of the most common routes that can get you traveling between the two places. Notice that it comes with both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• The cheapest way to travel and safe to experience: Taking the train is a secure option, with a one way trip normally costing around 4 USD per person. Prices for train travel are much less expensive when compared to a private taxi and bus.
• Assurance of safety: The railway provides a safe means of transportation because it follows a unique and independent route, which lowers the likelihood of accidents.
• Beautiful scenery: The train's moderate pace lets you enjoy the stunning scenery along the route. You'll travel through jaw-dropping views of rural landscapes, including tranquil rivers and lovely rice fields, as you travel from Hanoi to visit Halong Bay. 

The train also draws a lot of locals, giving you a chance to talk to them, learn about their life stories and every slice of life. These unusual interactions will imprint memorable experiences.

• Ideal for tourists on a tight budget: Backpackers and travelers looking to stretch their travel dollars will find the railway to be the ideal option. It's a great choice for individuals with a tight budget or a flexible schedule because of the low fares and the opportunity to immerse oneself in local experiences.
• Cultural experience: Traveling by train can give passengers an opportunity to interact with locals, learn about the culture, and observe daily life in different parts of Vietnam.

Find out more: The Comprehensive Guide on How to Take a bus to halong bay

Disadvantages

• A train to Halong Bay takes lots of time: It's best to take various modes of transportation into account when planning a one- or two-day excursion. 

The seven-hour train ride could drain much of your energy, dampening your spirit to enjoy activities and sports in Halong Bay. Still, if you want to experience traveling by rail, think about taking a lengthier vacation that lasts 4 days at least.

• Dated amenities: Local traders are the main passengers on the Halong Bay trip, which is less popular than other forms of transportation. The facilities aboard the train are, therefore, not routinely refurbished or maintained. Hard seats are the only available seating option, which could be uncomfortable after several hours of travel.
• Limited schedule: One train departs from Hanoi for Halong Bay each day, resulting in a constrained range of departure hours. In addition, the train leaves the capital early in the morning, which can be a hassle for certain travelers.
• Require extra cost: The distance between the Hanoi Old Quarter and Yen Vien Station, where the train arrives, is around 11 kilometers. This calls for scheduling cab transfers from your hotel to the Hanoi railway station. The same goes for getting from Halong Station to the cruise ports and back.

Read More: When is the best time to cruise Vietnam Halong bay? Find Out Now!

How To Book A Train From Hanoi To Halong Bay

Booking train tickets from Hanoi to Halong Bay has become hassle-free with the availability of online booking platforms. Whether through train ticket booking applications on your phone or computer, or via agents with quick online payment, the process is now optimized for convenience. The advantage of taking the train lies in its simplicity: just present your ticket, find your seat, enjoy a nap, and disembark at the destination station before heading back home.

The process of booking train tickets is quite simple and involves the following steps:

1. Visit the homepage of Vietnam Railways at https://dsvn.vn/ and select the language at the top right of the page. 

Switch to your language here

Then choose the pickup point, destination, mode of transportation, time

2. Then fill in the appropriate information in the box.

• From: Type the place you want to depart from and select the Vietnamese name that appears in the list (e.g., Hanoi).
•  To: Type the destination and select the Vietnamese name that appears in the list (e.g., Halong).

• Additional information: Choose between one-way and round-trip travel.
• If "Return" is selected, the customer must enter the return date and time information.

3. When you click "Search" the system switches to a screen displaying detailed information about seats on each train for customers to choose from.

4. Choose a place.

Based on the customer's search criteria, the system will give a list of trains departing on the day of the passenger's departure. The system selects by default the train with the closest time compared to the search time. Customers can select other trains available on the screen. The selected train will be changed to green to distinguish it from the remaining trains.

If you click on a car on the train, a map of the seats in the car will be displayed below. You choose the empty seat you want to sit on. Tickets for this seat will be added to your cart and are awaiting payment.

Choose where you want to sit

5. Then click 'Buy Tickets' to go to the next page of booking information.

6. Enter passenger information.

• Enter passenger information, including full name, ID or passport number, date of birth, and customer object.

Note: The information needs to be entered correctly, as this information will be printed on the ticket and can be checked upon boarding.

• Enter booking information: Your full name, ID number/passport, email, and mobile number correctly.

• Enter invoice information (if you need an invoice).

Remember to fill in the information correctly and completely

7. Choose the appropriate payment method (prepaid or postpaid).

 If the transaction is successful, you will receive an email notification saying "successful ticket purchase". After some time, as prescribed by Vietnam Railways, you can bring your ID card to the station and provide a reservation code to print tickets and get train tickets.

8. After booking, you can check by accessing the Reservation Information section.

To look up information, please enter exactly 3 details below.

After all, you can double-check your ticket if you want

Please note !

According to the regulations of the Vietnam Railways Corporation, passengers whose identity documents match the information on their e-tickets are eligible to enter the boarding station. To ensure the interests of passengers and avoid buying fake tickets or tickets that are not compliant with regulations, you can check your e-ticket by filling out the information below.

If you need more information, please visit here for more details.

1. Instructions for implementing regulations on ticket purchase and online payment on the website are available here; see details here.

2. Video tutorials

Instructions to buy tickets and pay online

Instructions for buying tickets and paying postpaid

Instructions for queueing registration

Instructions on the ticket payment process

Customer Support Call Center of Vietnam Railways

• Phone: 19006469
• Email: support1@dsvn.vn
•  support2@dsvn.vn

Take A Shuttle Bus From Hai Phong To Halong Bay

Choose a shuttle bus or a luxury bus as your means of transportation to effortlessly travel between Halong Bay and Hai Phong. The contemporary Expressway's normal travel time from Hai Phong to Halong Bay is between 45 and 60 minutes, covering a distance of around 40 kilometers.

Shuttle buses are a great way to travel back and forth. They come in a variety of sizes, from opulent 9-seaters to roomy 40-seater coaches. We strongly advise using luxury buses for an effortless door-to-door journey. Modern conveniences like air conditioning, plush couches with massage chairs, bottled water, free WiFi, air conditioner, and charging connections for mobile devices are available.

Reputable shuttle bus companies make it simple for you to purchase a Hai Phong to Halong Bay bus ticket. Buses leave hourly from 5 AM - 8 PM every day, allowing you flexibility in the travel itinerary. An individual ticket costs roughly 10 USD for a one-way day trip.

Usually, the drop off points of shuttle buses are near the Halong City Center. However, if you intend to board a cruise from the Tuan Chau International Port or the Halong International Port, you might need to make transportation arrangements for a taxi to take you there.

Read More: Experience the Ultimate in Halong Bay Cruise Luxury

What Other Modes Of Transportation Are Available From Hanoi To Halong Bay

There are a number of different ways to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay besides the train.

• Bus: There are numerous bus companies that operate between Hanoi and Halong Bay. Buses are often more affordable than other options, but they might not offer the same level of comfort as different modes of transportation.
• Private Car: You can also hire a private car or taxi to take you from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This option provides greater flexibility in terms of departure time and stops along the way.
• Seaplane: For a more unique and scenic experience, you can opt for a seaplane ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This offers a breathtaking aerial view of the landscape.
• Motorbike or Scooter: If you're an experienced rider, you could consider renting a motorbike or scooter to make the journey. However, keep in mind that traffic conditions in Vietnam can be chaotic, and this option might not be suitable for everyone.
• Cruise: While not a direct mode of transportation, many foreign visitors choose to take a Hanoi to Halong Bay cruise. Many cruise companies often provide a scenic and relaxing journey through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of the bay.

FAQs about Hanoi to Halong Bay by train

Should I book train tickets in advance?

• While you can purchase tickets at the train station, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance to save time and avoid the risk of sold-out tickets!

What other modes of transportation are available from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

• In addition to the train, there are several other transportation options available from Hanoi to Halong Bay. These include shuttle buses, private cars, private taxis, luxury buses, and even seaplanes or helicopters for a more luxurious and scenic journey.

What are the must-not-miss experiences when traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

• One of the unmissable experiences when traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay is taking a Halong Bay cruise. It offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of the bay, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and pristine turquoise waters. On a Halong Bay cruise, you can engage in various activities such as kayaking, swimming, visiting stunning caves, and enjoying stunning sunsets. The cruise provides a comfortable and luxurious way to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Halong Bay and create unforgettable memories.

If you want to have the best experience, we recommend you choose the Paradise Vietnam cruise package. Being one of the main cruise lines, Paradise Vietnam provides most Halong bay cruises, including day tours, overnight cruises, boat cruises, and cruise packages.

Paradise Vietnam is widely regarded as the greatest option for seeing Halong Bay due to its superior services, affordable costs, and favorable ratings from numerous travelers. Use the following information to learn more about the various Halong Bay cruises the website provides and select the one that best suits your trip.

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