You can refund Vietnam train tickets online via Vexere or at the station at least 4 hours before departure, with fees typically ranging from 10% to 20% of the ticket price. If you miss this window, the ticket becomes void and non-refundable.
Traveling through Vietnam by rail is one of the most iconic ways to experience the country’s diverse landscape, from the mist-covered mountains of the North to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Central region. However, as any seasoned traveler knows, flexibility is the soul of a great journey. Whether a sudden tropical storm disrupts your route along the Hai Van Pass, an unexpected delay at a local airport ripples through your schedule, or you simply decide that one more sunset in the ancient town of Hoi An is worth a change of plans, knowing how to navigate ticket changes is essential.
In the past, modifying your itinerary meant navigating language barriers and long queues at bustling hubs like Ga Hà Nội (Hanoi Station) or Ga Sài Gòn (Saigon Station), often resulting in lost holiday time and unnecessary stress. In 2025, the process has evolved. With the integration of digital platforms like Vexere, managing your “Reunification Express” journey is no longer a logistical hurdle. This guide provides a deep dive into the rules, fees, and step-by-step procedures to ensure your adventure across Vietnam remains seamless, even when your plans shift.
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Quick Summary: Rules, Deadlines & The “4-Hour” Rule
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The Golden Rule: Act fast. The closer to departure time, the higher the fee.
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The Cut-off: You cannot return or exchange tickets less than 4 hours before departure.
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Online Advantage: If you booked an E-ticket via Vexere, you can process it directly on your phone.
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Station Requirement: If you have a physical paper ticket or paid in cash, you must visit a station counter.
⚠️ Important Note: If your train departs in < 4 hours, your ticket is considered “final.” No refunds or changes are permitted by Vietnam Railways.
How to Change or Refund Your Train Ticket Online (Vexere)
By booking your journey through Vexere, you gain the freedom to manage your itinerary independently without the need to visit a physical ticket counter. The platform provides a streamlined self-service interface where you can proactively handle the following two primary request types directly from your mobile app or computer.
Option A: Returning Your Ticket for a Refund
Whether your plans changed or a flight was delayed, you can process a cancellation directly through the app. The system will display your refund amount and the specific railway fees before you confirm.
- Log In: Open the Vexere App or Website.
- Select Ticket: Go to “My Tickets” and choose the train journey you wish to cancel.
- Calculate: Tap “Cancel Ticket.” The system instantly calculates the refund (Ticket Price minus Cancellation Fee).
- Confirm: Once confirmed, the money is sent to your original payment method.
Note: If you haven’t booked your trip yet, you can easily book train tickets online in Vietnam with a guaranteed refund policy.
Option B: Exchange Your Ticket (The “Cancel & Rebook” Strategy)
Vietnam Railways does not have a traditional “swap” button. To change your date, time, or seat class, the industry standard is the Cancel & Rebook method. This ensures you aren’t left without a seat during a manual exchange process.
- Step 1: Check Vexere for availability on the new train you want.
- Step 2: Cancel your current ticket to trigger the refund process.
- Step 3: Immediately book the new ticket to lock in your seat.
Need to change your trip? Check real-time seat availability and rebook here
Pro-Tip: Use the real-time seat map to verify the new train has enough spots before you cancel your original booking.
How to Process Refunds at the Railway Station
While the digital path is the most convenient for many, there are specific circumstances where a visit to the physical ticket counter is mandatory. Whether you are holding a traditional paper ticket, dealing with a cash transaction, or navigating a significant schedule disruption, the station remains the final authority for ticket validation.
When is a Station Visit Required?
- You hold a physical paper ticket printed at a station kiosk.
- You paid for your booking using cash.
- You are claiming a 100% refund due to a train delay of 3+ hours (as per 2025 policy).
Documents and “The Essentials” to Bring
- Original Passport: Copies are often rejected. The name must match your ticket exactly.
- The Ticket: Either the paper stub or the E-ticket QR code on your phone.
- Patience: During peak hours, queues at major stations like Hanoi or Saigon can be long.
Vietnam Railways Fee Structure & Deadlines (2025 Update)
| Action | Time Before Departure | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RETURN (Cancel) | 24+ Hours | 10% | Min. fee 10,000 VND |
| RETURN (Cancel) | 4 – 24 Hours | 20% | – |
| RETURN (Cancel) | < 4 Hours | No Refund | Ticket is void |
| EXCHANGE | 24+ Hours | 20k VND + diff | Only 1 change allowed |
Peak Holiday Surcharges (Tet/Public Holidays): During the Lunar New Year (Tet), rules are significantly stricter. Expect a 30% deduction for refunds. Always check the specific terms on your Vexere booking during Những periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does the refund take to reach my account?
E-wallets (Momo, ZaloPay) are often instant. International Credit Cards usually take 3-7 business days.
Q: Can I change the passenger name on my ticket?
No. Vietnam Railways does not allow name changes. If you made a typo, you must cancel and rebook.
Q: I missed my train by 5 minutes. What can I do?
Unfortunately, once the train departs, the ticket has zero value. You will need to purchase a new ticket.
Travel plans are rarely set in stone. Whether you are extending your stay in a coastal town or rushing to a new destination, understanding your options for ticket changes ensures you are never left stranded. Remember to stay mindful of the 4-hour cut-off.
Ready to refine your itinerary? Book your Vietnam train ticket online with Vexere today.
