HCMC – The Vietnam-China cross-border train service has served nearly 4,000 passengers, mostly tourists, business travelers, and people from both countries visiting relatives, after more than two months back in operation.
Vietnam Railways Corporation said that the cross-border train service resumed in late May, departing from Gia Lam Station in Hanoi, following a five-year suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The journey now takes around 11 hours, compared to 14 hours before the suspension. Border procedures have also been simplified, making travel more convenient for passengers.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, the service extends to major stations including Guilin North, Hengyang, Changsha, Zhengzhou, and Beijingxi, the final stop on China’s north-south rail line.
The extended route is designed to serve not only tourists but also those traveling to China to visit relatives, study, or work in cities along the rail line.
In Vietnam, the railway sector has expanded international ticket sales for the Gia Lam-Nanning route to all stations nationwide, rather than limiting them to a few select locations as before.
Additionally, passengers can now purchase tickets using a photo of their valid passport and visa, along with a signed commitment form. Children aged four to under 12 receive a 50% discount on fares.
