Vietnam–China passenger trains resume after five-year suspension

Two international trains MR1 and MR2 will operate daily between Gia Lam Station in Hanoi and Nanning Station in China. 

An additional route between Gia Lam and Beijing will launch on May 27.

Train MR1 is scheduled to depart Gia Lam at 9:20 pm and arrive in Nanning at 10:06 am the following day. 

In the reverse direction, MR2 will depart Nanning at 6:05 pm and arrive in Gia Lam at 5:30 am.

Immigration procedures will be completed at Dong Dang Station in Lang Son Province, northern Vietnam and Pingxiang Station in Guangxi, China.

Starting May 27, a new route will connect Gia Lam and Beijing West Station, with trains departing Hanoi at 9:20 pm every Tuesday and Friday. 

Passengers will transfer in Nanning to a connecting train bound for Beijing, arriving on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.

Travelers can also purchase rail tickets for destinations in third countries at international train stations within China.

In Vietnam, international tickets are available at stations including Hanoi, Gia Lam, Bac Giang, and Dong Dang.

Ticket prices are set at around VND1 million (US$38.50) for the Hanoi–Nanning route and VND9.378 million ($361.30) for Hanoi–Beijing. 

Children under four travel free, while those between ages four and twelve receive a 50-percent discount. 

Each adult is allowed to accompany one child. 

Groups of six or more are eligible for a 25-percent discount.

Vietnam Railways said the service resumption is intended to strengthen economic ties with China, optimize the use of cross-border rail infrastructure, and offer new travel options to international tourists arriving by train.

To ensure smooth operations, the corporation has worked with Chinese authorities to streamline immigration checks for passengers. 

Both sides will monitor demand in the coming months and consider adjusting service frequency as needed.