Transport in Vietnam: Reunification train, Grab, sleeper buses and motorbikes

Vietnam is long. 1,650 km north to south — the Madrid-Copenhagen distance. Many tourists underestimate this. To make the most of 2-3 weeks, you have to pick transport carefully for each leg: domestic flight if >500 km, night train medium distance, sleeper bus under 400 km, motorbike for regional stretches. This is a practical 2026-updated guide.

Overview: what to use when

• ✈Domestic flight €30-70, 1-2 h
• 🚂Train SE €8-40, 3-35 h
• 🚌Sleeper bus €8-25, 5-12 h
• 🏍Rental bike €5-10/day

Domestic flights

Airlines:

• Vietnam Airlines: flag carrier, pricier, punctual.
• Vietjet: low-cost, aggressive pricing.
• Bamboo Airways: mid-range, good service.

Key routes:

• Hanoi-Saigon: 2 h, 1.1-2M VND (€40-80).
• Hanoi-Da Nang: 1 h 20, 800K-1.5M VND.
• Saigon-Da Nang: 1 h 20, 800K-1.5M VND.
• Saigon-Phu Quoc: 1 h, 800K-1.2M VND.
• Saigon-Dalat: 50 min, 600K-1.2M VND.
• Hanoi-Hue: 1 h 10, 700K-1.5M VND.

When to fly: if the route is >600 km or time is critical. Always Hanoi↔Saigon (30 h bus vs 2 h flight).

Reunification Express

Reunification Express: 1,650 km Hanoi-Saigon, since 1976 after the country’s reunification. Not high-speed — 30-35 h for the full trip.

Seat categories:

• Hard seat: wooden bench, €7-10 short routes. Local, uncomfortable.
• Soft seat: reclining seat, €12-18 short routes.
• Hard sleeper: 6-berth, €20-30 medium. Typical backpacker.
• Soft sleeper: 4-berth, the recommended. €25-40 medium.
• VIP cabin (Livitrans train): 4 berths, AC, €40-80.

Key train routes:

• Hanoi-Hue: 14 h (overnight).
• Hanoi-Da Nang: 16 h.
• Hue-Da Nang: 2.5 h (the world’s prettiest rail stretch — coastal, Hai Van pass).
• Da Nang-Nha Trang: 9 h (overnight).
• Nha Trang-Saigon: 8 h (overnight).

Booking: official site dsvn.vn (Vietnamese only, frustrating) or agencies like Baolau (€5 commission). Book at least 1 week ahead in high season.

Sleeper bus

Vietnamese sleeper buses are unique: 180° reclining seat in 3 rows at two heights. Fits 40-44 lying passengers. Comfortable if under 1.75 m; torturous over 1.85 m.

Reliable operators:

• Phuong Trang (FUTA): best national, south.
• The Sinh Tourist: backpacker classic, north-centre.
• Hoang Long: north.
• Tan Binh: Mekong regional.

Typical routes:

• Hanoi-Hue: 12 h, 300-500K VND.
• Hue-Hoi An: 4 h, 150K VND.
• Hoi An-Nha Trang: 10 h, 300K VND.
• Nha Trang-Saigon: 8 h, 250K VND.
• Saigon-Dalat: 7 h, 200K VND.
• Saigon-Mui Ne: 4 h, 150K VND.

Trap: many tourist agencies resell with markup. Buy direct at bus station or via 12Go app.

Grab: the Vietnamese Uber

Grab is the dominant app — Uber doesn’t operate. Available in every city. Alternatives: Gojek (Saigon), Be (national).

Grab services:

• GrabBike: motorbike taxi, 20-50% cheaper than car. 1 passenger only. Fast in traffic.
• GrabCar: car.
• GrabFood: food delivery.

Typical Saigon/Hanoi fares:

• GrabBike 5 km: 25-40K VND.
• GrabCar 5 km: 70-100K VND.
• Airport-centre: GrabCar 200-350K VND; GrabBike 100-150K (with small backpack).

Always use Grab, not street taxis — famous meter scams (drivers with rigged meters). If offline: Vinasun and Mai Linh are the reliable companies.

Motorbike: the Vietnam option

Renting a motorbike in Vietnam is half experience, half responsibility. Chaotic city traffic, but spectacular rural roads.

Where to rent: any hotel/guesthouse has 100-200 cc bikes. €5-10/day, manual or semi-automatic. Helmet included (usually bad — buy a better local one for €15).

Classic motorbike routes:

• Ha Giang Loop (see earlier article): 3-4 days, north.
• Ho Chi Minh Trail (central coast): 2-3 days.
• Mekong Delta: 2 days, chill.
• Hai Van Pass (Hue-Hoi An): half day.

Legality: technically you need an international driving permit class A (motorbike >50cc). In practice never asked except after an accident. Your travel insurance does NOT cover motorbike without valid permit — your risk.

Golden rule: if you’ve never ridden a motorbike, DON’T start in Vietnam. Learn at home first.

Cyclo and xe om (relics)

Cyclo: bicycle-rickshaw with passenger up front. Once standard, now tourist residue. Hanoi and Saigon only, 50-100K VND half hour. Romantic, not efficient.

Xe om (traditional motorbike taxi): obsolete thanks to Grab. Still in rural zones.

Premium panoramic trains

Victoria Express Hanoi-Sapa (operated by Victoria Hotels): luxury night train with classic Orient Express-style cabin. €150-250 per leg. High end.

King Express: similar, Hanoi-Sapa.

Vinh-Dong Hoi train: not touristy but crosses attractive landscape south of Hanoi.

The complete Vietnam guide from Far Guides dedicates a section to transport with a 14-day timeline, plane-train-bus comparison by route and motorbike safety protocol.