The Vietnam-China international passenger train service is set to resume operations after a five-year hiatus. – Photo: VNR
The Ministry of Construction has recently issued a document to the Vietnam Railways Corporation regarding the resumption of the Vietnam-China international passenger train service.
The Ministry agreed with the proposal to restore the operation of international passenger trains with the numbers T8701/MR2 and T8702/MR1 on the Gia Lâm (Vietnam) – Nanning (China) route through the Đồng Đăng (Vietnam) – Bằng Tường (China) border gates, as suggested by the Vietnam Railways Corporation.
The operation of these trains will comply with current legal regulations and relevant international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory. It will also ensure the security and safety of the train operations. The Vietnam Railways Corporation is responsible for reporting to its managing authority and proactively informing the Chinese side for implementation.
Direct Train from Gia Lâm to Beijing
According to the Vietnam Railways Corporation, train MR1 will depart from Gia Lâm station at 21:20 and arrive in Nanning at 10:06 the next day. On the return trip, train MR2 will leave Nanning at 18:05 and reach Gia Lâm at 05:30 the following day.
Passengers will complete exit and entry procedures at Đồng Đăng station in Lạng Sơn province, Vietnam, and Bằng Tường in Guangxi, China.
Ticket prices for the Hanoi-Nanning trip are set at VND 1,000,000/ticket/trip, while the Hanoi-Beijing trip costs approximately VND 9,378,000/ticket/trip.
Notably, children under four years old are exempt from ticket fares, while those aged four to twelve enjoy a 50% discount (with each adult allowed to accompany one child). Groups of six or more people are also entitled to a 25% discount on ticket prices.
Starting from May 27, 2025, the railway sectors of the two countries will operate direct trains from Gia Lâm station in Hanoi to Beijing station in China and vice versa.
Specifically, the train will depart from Gia Lâm station at 21:20 on Tuesdays and Fridays, arriving at Beijing West station on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Passengers can purchase tickets to continue their journey to a third country by rail at the international transit stations in China.
In Vietnam, besides selling tickets to the international transit stations in China, the Vietnam Railways Corporation also offers tickets for domestic routes from Gia Lâm to Bắc Giang, Đồng Đăng, and back.
Currently, tickets for the international passenger train service are available for purchase directly at the following stations: Hanoi, Gia Lâm, Bắc Giang, and Đồng Đăng.
The resumption of the international passenger train service is expected to boost tourism and provide more travel options for citizens of both countries. – Photo: VNR
Offering More Travel Options
The resumption of the Vietnam-China international passenger train service aims to strengthen economic cooperation, improve infrastructure utilization, and attract more international tourists to choose railway travel.
It is also expected to promote bilateral trade, develop tourism, facilitate cultural exchanges, and provide additional safe, convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly travel options for the people of Vietnam and China.
Traveling between the two countries by international passenger train has become increasingly convenient and efficient, with exit and entry procedures conducted directly at the international railway stations. Passengers traveling from Vietnam to Nanning, China, can easily continue their journey to other destinations across China thanks to the country’s extensive high-speed rail network.
In preparation for the resumption of the international passenger train service, the Vietnam Railways Corporation has coordinated with relevant agencies such as border guards, customs, and medical authorities. They have also held discussions with the authorities and relevant agencies in Bằng Tường to reach agreements on exit and entry procedures for passengers and to ensure that the necessary facilities and stations are ready to serve passengers in the best and most convenient way possible.
The operation of the Vietnam-China international passenger train service is based on the Vietnam-China Border Railway Agreement signed in 1992.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnam Railways Corporation and China Railway operated daily international passenger trains between Hanoi and Nanning.
With the growing trend of railway travel among citizens of both countries and international tourists, the railway sectors anticipate a significant increase in passenger volume following the resumption of this train service. It is understood that the railway sectors of the two countries will monitor passenger numbers and consider adjusting the train frequency accordingly in the future.
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