HCMC – Vietnam and China have resumed international rail services between Hanoi and Beijing, with direct trains scheduled to run twice a week starting May 27, according to the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR).
The move follows the arrival of the first group of passengers into Vietnam late on May 25 via the Vietnam–China cross-border rail line, after a five-year suspension. Immigration procedures were carried out at Dong Dang station in Vietnam’s Lang Son Province and at Pingxiang station in China’s Guangxi region.
According to VNR, the resumption of international passenger trains aims to strengthen economic ties, improve the efficiency of railway infrastructure, and attract international tourists through eco-friendly and affordable transport options. It is also expected to boost bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
From May 27, trains will depart Hanoi’s Gia Lam station at 9:20 p.m. (local time) every Tuesday and Friday, arriving at Beijing West station on Thursdays and Sundays, respectively.
In addition to the direct Hanoi–Beijing route, daily services will continue, with two trains, MR1 and MR2. Train MR1 departs Gia Lam at 9:20 p.m. and arrives in Nanning at 10:06 a.m. the next day. In the opposite direction, MR2 departs Nanning at 6:05 p.m. and arrives in Gia Lam at 5:30 a.m. the following day. Immigration procedures for these routes are conducted at Dong Dang and Pingxiang stations.
Ticket prices are set at VND1 million (approximately US$39) for the Hanoi–Nanning route and VND9.378 million (approximately $368) for the Hanoi–Beijing journey. Children under four years old travel free, while those aged four to 12 receive a 50% discount (one child per accompanying adult). Groups of six or more passengers are eligible for a 25% discount.
