Hanoi to Halong Bay by train: unique experience

Ha Long Bay is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site with its majestic scenery. There are many ways to get to this stunning place, one of which is by taking a train from Hanoi. So let’s dive into what you need to know when traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train!

Yen Vien train Station hanoi to halong bay
Yen Vien Station (Hanoi)

There are many ways to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay and one option you can consider is by train. Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train can be said to be the safest and most convenient way to travel, but it will take more time compared to taking the bus or private car.

However, during about 7- hour journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train, you can enjoy stunning views of rice paddies, small villages and green hillsides. Departing from the bustling capital city of Hanoi, the train ride offers a peaceful respite from the chaos of the city. Once in Halong Bay, you can explore the stunning caves, breathtaking limestone cliffs and turquoise water that make this destination a must-visit for any traveler in Vietnam.

How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train

View outside the train to halong bay form yen vien station hanoi
View outside the train to Halong Bay form Hanoi

To travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train, you need to keep in mind the location and timetable to get the train. Up to the current time, the only train that arrives at Halong Bay is train No.51501 and No.51502 for the route from Halong to Hanoi.

The only departure for Hanoi to Halong Bay by train is from Yen Vien Station at 4:55 AM and the arrival station is Ha Long station at 11:55 AM on the same day. During the journey, the train stops at 11 other stations including Tu Son, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Pho Trang, Kep, Bao Son, Lan Mau, Dong Trieu, Mao Khe, Uong Bi, Yen Tu and each stop has about 10 minutes for you to buy things or change your train station if you plan to visit those listed places before coming to Halong.

For the return trip, you can take train No. 51502 from Ha Long station at 1:45 PM and arrive at Yen Vien station at 8:30 PM on the same day. Also, if you planning to go on cruise in Ha Long Bay, make sure you know the Halong Bay cruise routes suitable for you to have a desired journey!

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train cost you around $4.50/per one way and there is only a hard-seat option.

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Things to consider when traveling to Halong Bay by train from Hanoi


  • One thing that you need to consider carefully is the long travel time. Compared to only about 3 hours by bus, traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train takes twice as long. You have to consider your schedule to be reasonable and not lose too much time traveling if it's just a short trip. You can choose a tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay to not worry about time arrangement.
  • There is only one seating option available when you travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train, which is a hard seat, so on such a long journey, you may feel quite tired.
  • You can buy tickets in advance through the website dsvn.vn to avoid the possibility of tickets being sold out at the time you planned departure.
  • Bring with you some food, drinks or even books and board games to enjoy during the times on train.
  • Also, be aware that this is no 5-star service here, just get along with the local experience!

The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by train takes travelers on a scenic route through the Vietnamese countryside. If you are an adventure seeker, traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train is definitely a must-try thing!

Updated: Due to low passenger volume, the train service from Hanoi to Halong Bay is currently suspended. We will update when the train resumes operation.

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