When it comes to traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a shuttle bus or taxi is often preferred because it is convenient and saves time. However, the train is also an interesting option that you can try for a great sightseeing experience, as long as you don’t mind the long distance. This article will provide basic information about getting from Hanoi to Ha Long by train for you to learn more about this means of transportation and consider traveling by train.
Overview of the train from Hanoi to Ha Long
The only train from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is boat number 50501, which has been operating for many years. The train is a more traditional means of transportation Hanoi-Ha Long than other means of transport such as shuttle buses, cars, motorbikes, etc. It is more popular with locals than foreign tourists. outside.
This train is mainly used by small traders going to the market in Quang Ninh and surrounding areas. By the way, the quality of tourist service may be unprofessional, but it can give tourists a chance to communicate with locals!
The journey of train number 50501 will take passengers to move from Hanoi to Ha Long in more than 7 hours. Departure from Yen Vien station (Northeast of Hanoi) at 16h55; arrive at Ha Long station (east of Bai Chay city) at noon daily. The train departs from Ha Long at 13:45 and arrives in Hanoi at 20:30
Advantages of the Hanoi train to Ha Long Bay
- Minimum cost: A train ticket usually costs passengers about 4 USD / way/person, much cheaper than the price of a shuttle bus or taxi.
- Safest: Compared to roads, railways are safer because they have dedicated and independent routes, free from other vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents. So you can enjoy your excursions without worrying about your safety.
- Good sightseeing experience: Due to the low speed, tourists can enjoy the beautiful view of the two railway stations from the window. On the route from Hanoi to Ha Long, the train passes through rural areas with picturesque rice fields or calm rivers. Also, since there are many locals on board, you can meet and chat with them, listen to their stories, and learn more about daily life here. All these exciting experiences will give you a unique and memorable travel time.
Cons of the train from Hanoi to Ha Long
- Time-consuming: Among the best ways to get from Hanoi to Ha Long, the train takes the longest. If you are planning a short trip (one or two days), you should not choose the train as the 7-hour journey will make it impossible for you to participate and enjoy more activities in Halong Bay. If you want the train experience, consider a longer cruise that lasts at least 4 days.
- The facilities are quite outdated: ships are not as popular as other means of transportation to Ha Long Bay, with only a few passengers, mainly local businessmen. As a result, the facilities of the vehicles are not regularly maintained and upgraded. In addition, there are no modern amenities on board such as air conditioning, free WiFi, LCD screen, etc. Also, only hard seats so sometimes you may feel tired when sitting for a long time.
- Daily departure restriction: There is only one train from Hanoi to Ha Long, so visitors do not have many choices about departure time. Trains also depart early from Hanoi, which can make some passengers feel uncomfortable.
- Additional travel costs: The departure point of the Hanoi – Ha Long train is Yen Vien Station (about 11 km from Hanoi Old Quarter). Therefore, you have to take a taxi from the hotel to the train station and vice versa. Likewise, you will need to transfer yourself from Ha Long Station to the cruise port and vice versa.
Train schedule and price Hanoi Ha Long
Train number 50501 departs from Yen Vien station at 16:55 every day and arrives at Ha Long station at 11:45 on the same day.
Train schedule from Hanoi to Ha Long
Before reaching the final stop in Ha Long, the train passes through 11 other stations, including Tu Son, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Pho Trang, Kep, Bao Son, Lan Mau, Dong Trieu, Mao Khe, Uong Bi, Yen Residential. At each stop (especially Baima or Maoxi), passengers have about 15 to 20 minutes to shop for supplies and food, or go sightseeing and take great photos for their travel photo album.
To return to Hanoi, you can take train number 50502 which departs from Ha Long Station at 13:45 and arrives in Hanoi at 20:30.
Train fares from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
The hard seat option only costs about $4 for an adult one way. If seats are full, additional seats can be booked for $3/adult. However, such seats are generally not recommended due to inconvenience and insecurity.
In addition, all prices listed are exclusive of VAT and passenger insurance; and are subject to change depending on the time of booking. Free for children under 6 years old; 25% discount for groups of 6 to 10 people; 15% discount for seniors aged 60 and over.
| Hard chair | Price/one way |
| Adult | $4 |
| Extra seat | $3 |
| Children under 6 years old | free of charge |
| Children 6-10 years old | $3 (25% off) |
| Elderly people 60 years and older | $3.40 (15% off) |
How to order
Travelers can easily book seats online on the official website of Vietnam Railways: https://dsvn.vn or call the hotline at 19006469.
Train from Hanoi to Hai Phong
In addition to traveling directly from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by train, visitors also have another option to take the Hanoi-Hai Phong train, then take a shuttle bus to Ha Long Bay.
Distance and travel time from Hanoi to Hai Phong by train
The distance between Hanoi and Hai Phong is about 100 km and takes 2.5-3 hours by train.
The two main stations where trains depart from Hanoi include Hanoi Station and Long Bien Station. Both points are located near the old town, making it easy for visitors to get there from the hotel. The train’s destination is Hai Phong Station, 1 km from the city center.
Hanoi – Haitian Fire train prices and schedules
Train price:
The following is the price list of train tickets from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Rates include passenger insurance and are subject to change depending on the time of booking, the location on board, or the age of the passenger.
| Type of chair | Price/way/person |
| Extra seat | $2.5 |
| Hard seats (no air conditioning) | $4.2 |
| Hard seat (air-conditioner) | 4.4 dollars |
| soft chair | 4.4 dollars |
Train timetable
Train Hanoi – Hai Phong has 4 different itineraries for you to choose from, very flexible for your travel:
| train | Ha Noi station | Hai Phong Station | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP1 | 06:00 | 08:25 | 2 hours 25 minutes |
| LP3 | 09:17 | 12:00 | 2 hours 43 minutes |
| LP5 | 15:20 | 18:00 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| LP7 | 18:15 | 20:55 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
special offer:
- 10% off round-trip airfare
- 10% discount for students
- 25% off for children aged 5-10 years
- Children under 5 years old are free
- 15% off for seniors aged 60 and over
How to set :
Travelers can easily book seats online on the official website of Vietnam Railways: https://dsvn.vn or call the hotline at 19006469.
In addition, train tickets can also be purchased on other online platforms such as 12Go and Baolau. Prices on these websites are 10-20% higher than prices on the Vietnam Railways website.
Take the shuttle bus from Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay
Distance and travel time
The distance between Hai Phong and Ha Long is about 40 km, and it will take passengers about 45-60 minutes to cross the new highway.
Shuttle bus Hai Phong – Ha Long
Shuttle buses are considered the best way to transfer between the two cities. There are many modes of transportation to choose from: from a 9-seat luxury shuttle bus to a 40-seat coach. If door-to-door service is your thing, the luxury shuttle bus is highly recommended. These vehicles will pick up and drop off passengers, equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, massage chairs, free WiFi, mineral water, mobile phone charging ports, etc.
You can book a shuttle bus ticket from Hai Phong to Ha Long through several reputable carriers such as Hoang Phu Limousine, VIP Anh Huy Limousine, etc. The tour schedule is very flexible, departing every hour from 5:00 pm. morning to 8:00 pm. The ticket price is about 10 USD/time/person.
Shuttle bus Hai Phong – Ha Long Bay usually goes to Ha Long city center. If you are taking a cruise at Ha Long International Port or Tuan Chau International Port, you may have to take a taxi yourself.
Useful tips for traveling by train from Hanoi to Ha Long
Buy tickets in advance
Although train tickets are sold at the station, travelers should book in advance on English-language ticketing websites. This can save you time getting to the train station. Get ready and wait for your train!
Prepare food and drinks
Food and drinks are not sold on the Hanoi to Ha Long train, so travelers need to bring enough snacks for the 7-hour journey. Suggested options include snacks, sandwiches/sandwiches, bottled water, etc. Although there are small shops selling food and drinks at several stops along the route, there isn’t much to it. Product selection and quality may not be guaranteed. So it is better if you buy your favorite things in advance and enjoy them on board.
Arrive at the train station on time
Trains usually leave on time; If you are late, you may miss it. You should be at the station at least 10 minutes before departure time.
Stare your luggage
When sitting on the train, it is necessary to pay close attention to luggage, especially valuables to avoid pickpockets.
Moving on a train
Sitting for long periods can make you tired, so it’s a good idea to get up and move around on the train now and then. In addition, when you arrive at the station, you can take a few minutes to get off the bus to visit and breathe in the fresh air.
Enjoy the view while traveling by train to Ha Long Bay
All in all, if you are looking for an economical yet enjoyable way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, then the train is a great option. Despite the long distances and limited facilities, this inexpensive form of transportation is relatively safe and offers a breathtaking sightseeing experience.
There are two options for traveling between two cities by train. You can take a direct train from Hanoi to Ha Long or take a train from Hanoi to Hai and then take a shuttle bus to Ha Long Bay. With our detailed guide, it’s easier for first-time travelers to book train tickets and travel like a local.
See more: Hanoi laundry shop
