Vietnam Railways (VNR) has officially announced a significant expansion of its train services to accommodate the high travel demand during the 2026 Reunification Day and International Workers’ Day holidays. These enhanced operations are scheduled to run from April 24 to May 3, 2026. The railway sector has prepared an extensive plan that includes both additional trains on main routes and special services for popular tourist destinations across the country.
Thong Nhat and Regional Train Schedule Updates
The main North-South railway corridor connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will maintain five regular pairs of Thong Nhat trains daily during this period. To handle the peak passenger rush, the railway has added extra SE11 and SE12 services on specific dates. Beyond the main lines, regional routes will also see high frequency to support local tourism and family travel.
| Route Name | Train Service Details |
|---|---|
| Thong Nhat (Hanoi – HCM) | Daily SE1/2, SE3/4, SE5/6, SE7/8, SE9/10 |
| Additional SE12 | Departs Saigon on April 24, 25, 28, and 29 |
| Additional SE11 | Departs Hanoi on April 26, 27, 30, and May 1 |
| Hanoi – Lao Cai | 3 pairs daily (SP1/SP2, SP3/SP4, SP7/SP8) |
| Tourist Routes | Increased frequency for Saigon-Quay Nhon and Hanoi-Dong Hoi |
The Da Lat to Trai Mat tourist line will also increase its daily frequency to serve visitors. VNR officials have stated that they will remain flexible by adding more carriages to existing trains if passenger numbers continue to rise beyond current expectations.
New Ticket Discount Policies and Booking Information
- Vietnamese Heroic Mothers and revolutionary contributors are eligible for a 90% discount.
- People with severe disabilities and social policy beneficiaries receive a 30% fare reduction.
- Senior citizens aged 60 and above will get a 15% discount on their tickets.
- Children under the age of six can travel for free when accompanied by an adult.
- Digital payment providers like VnPay, MoMo, and ShopeePay are offering promotional deals for bookings.
Reports indicate that by April 7, 2026, more than 44,200 tickets had already been sold for the holiday window. VNR has also collaborated with the Hue Provincial People’s Committee to promote the Central Heritage Connection Journey, further integrating rail travel with cultural tourism during the holiday season.