How To Get From Ho Chi Minh To Hanoi? Although Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest city in the country. With Ho Chi Minh City to the south and Hanoi to the north, visiting these two cities allows you to experience Vietnam’s complex history and culture. Although these major cities are nearly 1,000 miles (1,600 km) apart, there are many different ways to make this trip. Vietnam’s rectangular shape makes the road journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi a long one, but fortunately, flights are quite cheap and easily fit both cities into a tight itinerary. However, if you choose to travel by rail or road, you can expect interesting stops along the way such as Nha Trang Beach, the ancient capital of Hue, and the historic trading port city of Hoi An.
| Time | Value | Best fit | |
| Train | 31 hours 35 minutes | Starting from $28 | Scenic railway journey |
| Bus | 35 hours 20 minutes | Starting at $30 | Extremely economical travel |
| Flight | 2 hours 10 minutes | Starting at $20 | Practicality and comfort |
| Car | 31 hours | 994 miles (1,600 km) | an adventurous trip |
Read more: Da-nang-to-ha-noi/
What is the cheapest way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?
Domestic flights in Vietnam are much cheaper than you think. Airlines like VietJet, Bamboo Airways, Jetstar, and even Vietnam Airlines all offer direct flights for as low as $20 and $40 one-way. With many airlines offering daily flights, flying offers travelers flexibility. Plus, when you factor in the time saved (which can actually save you money on food and gas during a road trip), flying is the most cost-effective option.
How to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi fastest?
Direct flights to Hanoi take just over two hours, and even if you book a direct flight with a layover, flying is still probably the fastest way. If you don’t fly, expect the journey to take at least 30 hours. In terms of speed, if your time in Vietnam is short, flying is the most practical option, although it is not as risky as traveling by road or taking an overnight train, allowing you to see more at a slower speed.
How long does it take to drive?
Driving from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi is not recommended for travelers with little experience driving in Vietnam as they may be unfamiliar with road laws and local driving habits. It’s a long journey, taking more than 31 hours of driving but realistically takes at least two days, including overnight stops and side trips. Instead of driving straight, you can extend your trip and have a pleasant trip with many interesting sights and towns along the way, making a worthwhile detour.
Although Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are almost at the same latitude on the map, you need to follow the curve of Vietnam’s western border to get there. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can drive northeast along Highway 14 until turning to AH17 and go straight to Da Nang. From there, you can follow QL1A north until changing to CT01, which will take you all the way to Hanoi. An alternative route is through Cambodia and Laos, requiring just a 26-hour drive. However, with so many border crossings, the trip may take longer and you won’t be able to see any of Vietnam’s beautiful beaches.
How long does the train ride take?
Although the train is still a time-consuming option, it is the best way to see parts of Vietnam’s countryside that most tourists often overlook. If you take the train straight without stopping at any station, it will take at least 31 hours and 30 minutes. However, you will be well-rested and enjoy the countryside in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The train ride takes a long time, but you can buy a meal ticket on the train, which includes a set meal delivered directly on the carriage, or occasionally buy drinks and snacks on the train. There is also free tap water for you to make your own tea, coffee, or instant noodles.
There are two types of sleeper ships: “hard sleeper ships” and “soft sleeper ships”. The soft sleeper car (the cheaper of the two options) has six beds, which means you’ll likely be sandwiched between people sleeping above and below you. Soft bed cars are a bit more expensive but can only carry four people per car. For your safety, you can bring your luggage with you and basic bedding will be provided. The cheapest train tickets are “soft seats”, which are just a recliner in a cramped train car. Although not too luxurious, sleeper trains are the most comfortable choice for a good night’s sleep on long journeys.
While travel and hotel companies can book tickets for a commission, the safest option is to book tickets directly at the train station a few days in advance. Tickets are often snatched by agents because they know tourists will wait until the last minute to book tickets. It is understood that some unscrupulous travel companies sell sleeper train tickets at soft sleeper prices. Once you get on board and find out you’ve been scammed, you won’t be able to face them.
Is there a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi?
There are many bus routes operating long-distance buses between North and South Vietnam. Although traveling by bus is cheap, the chaotic traffic offers less scenery and makes it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Buses are also the slowest travel option. While they offer some conveniences—many tour companies will pick you up at your hotel and booking tickets is easy—you’ll have to wait hours in Vietnam’s terrible traffic conditions to pick up other passengers. and leave the city. Remember to add an hour or two to your estimated arrival time to account for rest stops and traffic congestion.
Night buses have small horizontal bunks that save you the cost of a hotel night, but between the sharp turns and constant honking, you’ll get little rest. Because passengers mostly ride in a horizontal position, it’s easy to get motion sickness, so bring some medicine or ginger candy in case you start to feel nauseous. Only take the bus if you need to save money or want maximum convenience and flexibility. Theft is a problem on night buses, so be alert and don’t expect to sleep too much.
Read more: Top 5 Best Egg Coffee Shops In Hanoi You Must Know
Can I use public transport from the airport?
Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is about 30 km (19 miles) from the city center and the drive from the airport usually takes about 45 minutes. Taxis are not too expensive but if you are on a budget, you can also take the bus from the airport. Bus 86 goes straight to the old town, bus number 7 goes to Kim Ma bus station, and bus number 17 goes to Long Bien bus station. If you have booked a flight ticket with Jetstar Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, or VietJet Air, you can book a private shuttle to the city center when purchasing the ticket.
