Reunification Express (North-South Railway)

Vietnam Railways (VNR)
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The Journey

Navigate from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) across a span of 1726km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Hai Van Pass (Da Nang–Hue)
  • Lang Co Bay
  • Nha Trang coastal views
  • Red River Delta
  • Mekong Delta approaches
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    34 hours

  • Distance

    1726 km

  • Est. Price

    Budget to Moderate (USD $40–$130 depending on class)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

VNR diesel locomotives (various classes including D19E, General Electric C37-8AMI derivatives)

Track Gauge

1,000mm (metre gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes (westinghouse), manual handbrake on older cars

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Hai Van Pass: 10% gradient sections requiring helper locomotives

  • Multiple river crossings including the Mekong and Saigon River bridges

  • Single-track operations over most of route — scheduled meeting points

  • Coastal salt air corrosion on infrastructure

Track

1,000mm metre gauge, largely single track with passing loops

electrification

None — diesel-hauled throughout

Max Speed

~90km/h on improved sections, 50–60km/h average

Route Age

Original alignment built 1930s–1950s during French colonial period

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    34 hours

  • Distance

    1726 km

  • Est. Price

    Budget to Moderate (USD $40–$130 depending on class)

Official Booking Provider