Vietnam Railways Adds Extra Trains for Tet Binh Ngo 2026: Schedules & Availability

Are you planning to visit Vietnam during the Lunar New Year (Tet Bính Ngọ 2026)? You are in for a vibrant cultural experience, but also a logistical challenge. Tet is the largest migration event of the year, with millions of Vietnamese returning home for family reunions. The good news? Vietnam Railways has just announced a massive expansion of services to cope with the surge in demand.

Whether you are heading to the misty mountains of Sapa, the beaches of Da Nang, or exploring the north-central region, new opportunities have just opened up to secure your seat. This comprehensive guide serves as your trusted resource for navigating the Tet 2026 railway system, brought to you by Vexere.

Vietnam Railways Adds 22 Extra Trains to Ease the Tet Rush

To meet the skyrocketing demand for the Tet holiday (running from February 3 to March 8, 2026), Vietnam Railways has officially launched 22 additional short-haul train journeys in the Northern region. This release supplies approximately 7,300 additional tickets to the market.

This comes on top of an earlier announcement regarding 11 extra trains in the Southern region (connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, Tam Ky, and Da Nang) which added 5,500 seats. In total, Vietnam Railways is deploying 62 trains with 791 passenger carriages, offering a total of 384,000 seats, representing a 7% increase compared to 2025.

Detailed Schedule of Newly Added Trains (Northern Region)

The new schedule specifically targets the busiest travel window from February 14 to February 22, 2026, capturing the critical period immediately following the main Tet celebrations. These “short-haul” routes are strategically designed for both locals returning to work and international tourists eager to explore Northern and Central Vietnam without committing to the grueling 30+ hour North-South journey.

1. Hanoi ↔ Da Nang (The Heritage Route)

This route connects the capital to the stunning central coast, making it a favorite for those visiting the ancient town of Hoi An or the beaches of Da Nang. To support the high volume of travelers moving between these two major hubs just before and after the main holiday, Vietnam Railways has added specific evening departures to maximize your travel days.

• From Hanoi (Train SE17): Departs at 20:25 on Feb 13, 2026.
• From Da Nang (Train SE18): Departs at 18:50 on Feb 14, 2026.

2. Hanoi ↔ Lao Cai (Gateway to Sapa)

For many travelers, the Lunar New Year is the perfect time to escape to the cool, misty mountains of Sapa. This route is the primary gateway for trekking enthusiasts and those wanting to experience the rich culture of ethnic minority villages. Recognizing the spike in tourism demand, extra overnight trains have been scheduled so you can wake up refreshed in the mountains.

• From Hanoi (Train SP1): Departs at 21:35 on Feb 17, 18, and 19, 2026.
• From Lao Cai (Train SP2): Departs at 20:55 on Feb 20, 2026.

3. Hanoi ↔ Vinh (North Central Hub)

The Hanoi-Vinh line sees some of the heaviest traffic during Tet as thousands return to their hometowns in Nghe An province. It offers an authentic glimpse into local life away from the standard tourist trail. To accommodate this massive local migration, the largest number of extra trains has been deployed on this specific sector, offering multiple departure options throughout the day and night.

• Hanoi to Vinh:
  • Train NA3: Departs 22:55 on Feb 14, 15, 17.
  • Train SE35: Departs 13:30 on Feb 15.
• Vinh to Hanoi:
  • Train NA8: Departs 22:55 (Feb 18–21).
  • Train NA6: Departs 22:05 (Feb 19–21).
  • Train NA4: Departs 20:25 (Feb 19, 22).
  • Train SE34 (10:30) & SE36 (13:30): On Feb 19.
  • Train SE38: Departs 08:10 on Feb 20.

Is It Too Late to Buy Tet 2026 Train Tickets?

To find a ticket, you first need to understand how locals travel. The massive migration generally flows from the South (Ho Chi Minh City) to the North (Hanoi) before Tet begins. Once the holiday ends, the crowd rushes back from North to South. As of January 2026, tickets for these main routes are hard to find. The South to North trains are fully booked for the peak days of February 7 to February 14. Return trips from North to South are just as tight between February 21 and February 24. You might need to consider other transport options or hope for a cancellation if you absolutely must travel on these dates.

Smart travelers can still grab seats by going against the flow. Trips from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City before Tet are much easier to book. If you are heading North, look for tickets before February 7 or during the quiet days right before the new year, like February 15 and 16. The rush South cools down after February 24, so you will find plenty of space then. Short beach trips from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet or Nha Trang are also a great option with availability between February 10 and 14.

Important Updates on Pricing & Facilities

Holiday travel is always pricier, but for Tet 2026, the extra cost comes with tangible benefits. Vietnam Railways has overhauled its fleet to ensure your journey is comfortable, not just a necessary commute. Here is the breakdown of the changes.

Price Adjustment

Due to rising fuel/material costs and significant upgrades to over 100 carriages, ticket prices for Tet 2026 have increased by an average of 5–10% compared to regular days.

Quality Upgrade

The price increase comes with better service. Vietnam Railways is utilizing high-quality tourist carriages (like the SE61/62 series) throughout the holiday period, ensuring a more comfortable journey for long-distance travelers.

How to Book Vietnam Train Tickets Safe & Fast

Booking directly at the station during Tet is not recommended due to chaos and language barriers. Official channels include dsvn.vn, banking apps, and e-wallets (Momo, VNPay). However, for international tourists, these often require a Vietnamese phone number or local bank card.

Why Choose Vexere?

Navigating a foreign railway system during its busiest holiday can be overwhelming. Vexere eliminates the stress by providing a user-friendly platform designed specifically for international travelers, bridging the gap between complex local logistics and your travel plans.

• English Interface: Seamless booking experience without translation errors.
• International Payments: We accept major international credit cards.
• Real-time Availability: Data is synchronized directly with Vietnam Railways.
• Support: Our team can assist if issues arise—something hard to get at a crowded station ticket counter.

Pro-Tips for Surviving Tet Travel

With millions of people on the move, travel chaos is inevitable. But don’t worry, you can handle it. A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these expert guidelines to navigate the stations like a pro and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.

1. Arrive Early: Stations like Ga Sai Gon (HCMC) and Ga Ha Noi will be packed. Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure.
2. Verify Your Ticket: Ensure your ticket name matches your Passport. Security checks are strict during Tet.
3. Pack Light: Train overhead compartments fill up fast.
4. Bring Snacks: While food is sold on board, options may be limited or pricier during the holiday.
5. Beware of Scams: Only buy from official sources or trusted partners like Vexere. Do not buy “resold” tickets from individuals outside the station, they are often invalid.

Crowded stations sound scary, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. These 22 extra trains give you a real chance to see Vietnam during its most festive season. Just plan ahead. Book your seat now. Stay flexible with your dates. Most importantly, stick to official ticket sellers to avoid scams. The Lunar New Year atmosphere is incredible. Seeing the peach blossoms in Hanoi or the flower markets in Saigon makes all the effort worth it. Don’t wait until the last minute. Visit Vexere today to check the schedules and grab Vietnam Train ticket before they run out. Safe travels and Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!