Hanoi to Saigon
Complete transport guide covering flights, the legendary Reunification Express train, and buses with prices, journey times, and booking tips
Hanoi to Saigon is Vietnam's most iconic journey — 1,726 kilometres from the cultural capital of the north to the economic powerhouse of the south. Whether you want the speed of a 2-hour flight, the legendary experience of the 33-hour Reunification Express train through stunning coastal scenery, or the budget option of a sleeper bus, here is everything you need to know to choose the right option and book your journey.
Quick Comparison
| Transport | Time | Cost | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 2 hours | 1,000,000 - 3,000,000₫ | High | Most travelers |
| Reunification Express | 33 hours | 800,000 - 1,800,000₫ | Medium-High | Experience seekers |
| Bus | 30+ hours | 500,000 - 800,000₫ | Low-Medium | Budget travelers (short segments) |
3 Ways to Get from Hanoi to Saigon
Flight
2 hours1,000,000 - 3,000,000₫Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways
Flying is the fastest and most practical way to travel between Hanoi and Saigon. All three major Vietnamese carriers operate dozens of daily flights between Noi Bai Airport (HAN) in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Saigon. The flight time is approximately 2 hours. This is by far the most popular option for travelers with limited time, and fares are very competitive thanks to strong airline competition.
Pros
- +Fastest option at just 2 hours — you can have breakfast in Hanoi and lunch in Saigon
- +Dozens of daily flights from early morning to late evening on three major carriers
- +Advance fares start from just 1,000,000₫ ($40 USD) on VietJet and Bamboo Airways
- +Frequent promotional fares and flash sales, especially from VietJet Air
Cons
- -Airport transfers add 45-60 minutes at each end (Grab from city centre to airport)
- -Peak holiday fares (Tet, summer) can reach 3,000,000-5,000,000₫ or more
- -Checked luggage costs extra on budget carriers (200,000-400,000₫ per bag)
- -You miss the spectacular scenery between the two cities — the coast, Hai Van Pass, and countryside
Reunification Express Train
33 hours800,000 - 1,800,000₫Vietnam Railways (DSVN)
The Reunification Express is one of Southeast Asia's legendary rail journeys — 1,726 kilometres along the entire length of Vietnam from Hanoi to Saigon. This is not about speed; it is about the experience. Watch rice paddies, coastal cliffs, and rural villages roll past your window. Share meals with Vietnamese families. Pass through Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. The Hai Van Pass section between Hue and Da Nang is one of the most scenic stretches of railway in the world.
Pros
- +One of Asia's great rail journeys — 33 hours of stunning Vietnamese scenery
- +Soft sleeper berths are comfortable with beds, pillows, blankets, and air conditioning
- +The Hai Van Pass section (Hue to Da Nang) is spectacularly beautiful
- +A genuine cultural experience — share the journey with local families and fellow travelers
Cons
- -Takes 33 hours — a full day and a half of your trip is spent on the train
- -Carriages can be noisy, and sleeper compartments are shared with 3 other passengers
- -Bathrooms are basic and can be dirty on longer stretches between stops
- -Delays of 1-3 hours are common, especially during rainy season
Bus
30+ hours500,000 - 800,000₫The Sinh Tourist, Hoang Long, Phuong Trang (FUTA)
Long-distance buses cover the Hanoi to Saigon route in approximately 30-36 hours with multiple stops along the way. Sleeper buses with reclining bed-seats are the norm for this route. While this is the cheapest option, the journey is extremely long, uncomfortable for most Western travelers, and we generally do not recommend it for the full Hanoi-Saigon distance. The bus is better suited for shorter segments between cities along the route.
Pros
- +Cheapest option starting from just 500,000₫ ($20 USD)
- +Sleeper buses have reclining bed-seats that are more comfortable than standard seats
- +Multiple stops allow you to break the journey in Hue, Hoi An, or Nha Trang
- +Frequent departures from reputable operators like The Sinh Tourist and FUTA
Cons
- -Takes 30-36 hours — the longest and most exhausting option by far
- -Sleeper beds are designed for Vietnamese body sizes and may be cramped for taller travelers
- -Road conditions vary and motion sickness is common on winding mountain sections
- -Multiple rest stops at odd hours disrupt sleep — bring earplugs and an eye mask
Breaking the Journey
Rather than rushing the full distance, consider these popular stops along the way
Hue (20 hrs from Hanoi by train)
Vietnam's former imperial capital with the stunning Citadel, royal tombs along the Perfume River, and incredible local cuisine (bun bo Hue). Spend 1-2 days exploring before continuing south. The train from Hanoi to Hue takes about 13-14 hours overnight — arrive in the morning refreshed and ready to explore.
Da Nang & Hoi An (2.5 hrs from Hue)
The train from Hue to Da Nang crosses the legendary Hai Van Pass — the most scenic section of the entire route. From Da Nang, it is a 30-minute Grab ride to Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most beautiful towns with its lantern-lit Ancient Town, tailor shops, and remarkable food scene. Spend 2-3 days here. Fly to Saigon from Da Nang (1.5 hours).
Nha Trang (12 hrs from Da Nang)
Vietnam's beach resort city with a long crescent bay, island-hopping boat tours, and seafood restaurants. A good rest stop if you are doing the full overland journey. From Nha Trang to Saigon is another 7-8 hours by train or a 1-hour flight. Spend 1-2 days if you want beach time.
Suggested Multi-Stop Route
Hanoi (3-4 days) → overnight train to Hue (1-2 days) → train over Hai Van Pass to Da Nang/Hoi An (2-3 days) → fly to Saigon (3-4 days). Total: 10-14 days. This is the classic Vietnam itinerary that captures the best of the country. Book trains on baolau.com and flights on VietJet or Vietnam Airlines.
What to Do First in Saigon
Just arrived at Tan Son Nhat Airport? Here is how to make the most of your first day.
War Remnants Museum & District 1
Take a Grab from the airport to District 1 (30-40 minutes, 120,000-180,000d). Drop your bags at your hotel and head straight to the War Remnants Museum — one of the most powerful museums in Southeast Asia. Allow 2 hours. Afterwards, walk to the nearby Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office — all within a 10-minute walk of each other.
Ben Thanh Market & Street Food
Walk to Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and the sensory overload of a classic Vietnamese market. When hunger hits, head to the surrounding streets for your first Saigon street food experience — banh mi from a cart (20,000-30,000d), pho at a sidewalk stall (40,000-60,000d), or a full com tam (broken rice) lunch for 35,000-50,000d. Welcome to the street food capital of the world.
Rooftop Bar & Bui Vien
Watch sunset from a District 1 rooftop bar — Chill Skybar or Social Club Saigon offer spectacular views over the city. As night falls, head to Bui Vien Walking Street for Saigon's legendary backpacker nightlife — plastic chairs, cheap beer (10,000-15,000d), and the chaotic, joyful energy that makes this city unforgettable. Alternatively, explore the quieter craft cocktail bars of District 3.
Our Recommendation
Flight
For most travelers, flying is the clear winner. Just 2 hours, competitive fares from 1,000,000d, and dozens of daily flights. This saves you an entire day (or more) of travel time that you can spend exploring Saigon or the Mekong Delta instead. Book on VietJet for the cheapest fares or Vietnam Airlines for included luggage and comfort.
Reunification Express
If you have the time, the Reunification Express is one of Asia's great journeys. Break it into segments: Hanoi to Hue (overnight), Hue to Da Nang (Hai Van Pass), and fly the final stretch to Saigon. This multi-stop approach gives you the train experience without the 33-hour marathon. Book soft sleeper berths on baolau.com.
Full-Distance Bus
The 30+ hour bus journey is exhausting and not worth the savings over a budget flight. However, buses are excellent for shorter segments (Hoi An to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Saigon) where the journey is 5-8 hours. Use The Sinh Tourist or FUTA for reliable sleeper bus services on shorter routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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