Peak National Day rail service expansion
Vietnam Railways will operate 37 additional passenger train services during the National Day holiday to accommodate the sharp rise in travel demand across the country. The schedule adjustment aims to provide more options for travelers and reduce congestion on busy routes while maintaining safe, reliable service during a peak period.
The move reflects proactive planning for peak seasons and reinforces rail travel’s accessibility for residents and visitors. By expanding capacity, the railway supports smoother journeys and helps communities celebrate the holiday with confidence. This package includes 37 extra trains and shows the commitment behind Vietnam extra trains National Day 2026.
The additional trains will operate between August 28 and September 2.
Additionally, Vietnam extra trains National Day 2026 will run on several routes, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon and Phan Thiet.
Travelers planning to explore Vietnam during the five-day holiday gain new options to secure train tickets.
Additionally, these routes often become heavily booked.
Quick Answer
Vietnam Railways will operate 37 additional passenger trains for the National Day holiday period.
- 4 additional North-South SE23 and SE24 services
- 33 additional regional train services
- Extra trains added between Hanoi and Da Nang
- More departures for Hanoi–Hai Phong
- Additional trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang and Phan Thiet
- Around 64,000 holiday train tickets had already been sold
If you are traveling during National Day, booking earlier is still recommended because the holiday is one of Vietnam’s busiest travel periods.
37 Extra Trains Will Operate Across Vietnam
The railway operator confirmed that the additional services include both long-distance North-South trains and regional passenger trains.
The biggest increase affects popular domestic travel routes used by both Vietnamese holidaymakers and international tourists traveling between major destinations.
The following routes will receive additional services during the holiday period.
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
The famous North-South railway will receive four additional services.
- SE23 – August 28
- SE24 – August 28
- SE23 – August 31
- SE24 – August 31
These trains provide extra capacity on Vietnam’s longest railway corridor connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
If you are planning a full North-to-South journey, our Reunification Express Train Guide explains ticket classes, sleeper cabins and what to expect during the journey.
Hanoi to Da Nang
Travel between northern and central Vietnam will also become easier during the holiday.
- SE17 – August 29
- SE18 – August 30
This is one of the most popular tourist routes in Vietnam, especially for visitors combining Hanoi with Da Nang and Hoi An. Travelers arriving late can save time by choosing somewhere to stay close to the Da Nang train station rather than crossing the city at night.
After arriving in Da Nang, you can continue your trip using our Da Nang to Hoi An Guide.
Explore train and travel options between Hanoi and Da Nang
Hanoi to Vinh and Dong Hoi
Several additional regional services will also operate from Hanoi toward central Vietnam.
Hanoi–Vinh
- NA3 – August 28
- QB2 – September 1
- QB2 – September 2
Hanoi–Dong Hoi
- QB1 – August 28
- QB2 – August 31
Dong Hoi is the main railway gateway for travelers visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, making these additional trains useful for tourists heading toward central Vietnam during the holiday. Many travelers heading to Phong Nha choose to stay overnight in Dong Hoi before continuing on the next morning.
12 Extra Trains Between Hanoi and Hai Phong
The Hanoi–Hai Phong corridor will receive the largest increase in regional services.
Vietnam Railways will operate 12 additional trains between Hanoi, Hai Duong and Hai Phong.
- LP9 – August 29, 30, 31 and September 1
- LP10 – August 30, 31 and September 1, 2
- HP3 – August 29 and 30
- HP4 – September 1 and 2
This route is particularly important for travelers visiting Hai Phong before continuing toward coastal destinations in northern Vietnam.
Extra Trains From Ho Chi Minh City
Southern Vietnam will also receive additional services during the holiday.
Ho Chi Minh City–Quy Nhon
- SE30 – August 28
- SE29 – September 2
Ho Chi Minh City–Nha Trang
- SNT4 – August 28
- SNT6 – August 28
- SNT8 – August 28
- SNT3 – August 29 and September 2
- SNT5 – September 1 and September 2
Ho Chi Minh City–Phan Thiet
- SPT4 – August 29, August 30 and September 2
- SPT3 – September 1 and September 2
These additional services are especially useful for travelers heading to beach destinations during the long holiday. Some visitors extend their stay in Nha Trang or Phan Thiet by a day or two rather than rushing straight back to Ho Chi Minh City.
If Nha Trang is part of your itinerary, our Nha Trang to Da Lat Guide can help plan the next part of your journey.
Check available train and transport options for southern Vietnam
About 64,000 Tickets Have Already Been Sold
Vietnam Railways reported that approximately 64,000 tickets for the National Day holiday had already been sold as demand continues to increase.
Although additional trains create more capacity, popular departures are still expected to fill quickly, particularly around August 29 and September 2.
Travelers with fixed plans should avoid waiting until the last minute if they need specific departure times or sleeper berths.
Why This Matters for International Travelers
Many international visitors travel between Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City using Vietnam’s railway network because it offers an affordable and scenic alternative to domestic flights.
The National Day holiday usually brings significantly higher domestic travel demand, which means trains can sell out earlier than normal.
The additional services improve availability across several important tourist corridors, making rail travel a more realistic option for visitors planning multi-city itineraries.
For a complete overview of transportation around the country, see our Vietnam Transport Guide.
How to Plan Your Holiday Train Journey
If you are traveling during National Day, try to finalize your transport plans before the busiest departure dates.
- Choose your route before booking accommodation.
- Allow flexibility with departure times.
- Consider daytime and overnight trains if one option is unavailable.
- Leave extra time when connecting trains with flights or buses.
Travelers planning a longer journey across the country can also use our Vietnam 2 Weeks Itinerary to organize destinations in a logical order.
Find transport options before finalizing your Vietnam itinerary
Bottom Line
Vietnam Railways will operate 37 additional passenger trains during the National Day 2026 holiday, creating more travel options on several of the country’s busiest railway routes.
The biggest additions include extra services between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang, Hanoi and Hai Phong, as well as additional trains connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Nha Trang, Quy Nhon and Phan Thiet.
With around 64,000 tickets already sold, travelers visiting Vietnam during the holiday should keep their plans flexible and book transport as early as possible when they find suitable departures.
Sources
- Railway Transport Joint Stock Company announcement
- Vietnam Railways holiday service update
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