Many passengers choose to buy Tet train tickets for safe travel

To meet the rising travel demand of people during the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), the railway sector officially opens Tet train ticket sales from September 20, 2025, 16 days earlier than for the Lunar New Year 2025 (Year of the Snake).

People buy Tet train tickets at Bien Hoa Railway Station in Dong Nai Province. Photo: AN NHON

Although Tet 2026 train ticket prices increase by about 5–10% compared to Tet 2025 (depending on ticket type, train type, route, and travel time during the peak period), many passengers still prioritize trains as the means of transportation to return home for family reunions.

Passenger volume rises but not overloaded

At Bien Hoa Railway Station (Dong Nai Province), during the initial days of Tet ticket sales, the number of people purchasing tickets was higher than usual. However, passengers arrived at the station gradually to register for tickets rather than in large crowds, so there was no overload as in previous years.

According to a report by Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, this year, many passengers are showing a preference for trains due to their safety, lower risk, their ability to avoid traffic congestion, and greater comfort throughout the journey.

Nguyen Van Hung (from Thanh Hoa province) shares: “My family works far away and tries to return home once a year during Tet. My wife and I have two small children, so choosing the train is both safe and comfortable for them, without worrying about traffic jams like traveling long distances by bus.”

In addition to safety, many passengers say train services have been significantly improved in terms of seating, amenities, and overall experience, making the journey home for Tet more comfortable. Moreover, trains are not just a means of transportation, but also an integral part of the Tet experience, as passengers can enjoy the passing scenery and spend time chatting with family and friends along the way.

Le Thi Hoa (from Nghe An province) says: “I have traveled by train for many years. Although there are many buses now, I still choose the train because I feel more secure. Besides, the railway service has improved a lot, especially with staff enthusiastically guiding passengers to buy tickets conveniently and quickly, without long waits like before.”

Nguyen Xuan Canh, Head of the Business Center for railway transport and general services in Bien Hoa (Bien Hoa Station), says: “It is expected that the first days of Tet ticket sales will see many passengers coming directly to the station, so Bien Hoa Station has proactively prepared suitable measures. Specifically, 4 ticket counters are staffed to serve passengers, with 3 staff members assigned to support, guide, and answer questions. In addition, security forces are deployed to maintain order inside and outside the ticketing area. Thanks to this, Tet ticket sales have gone smoothly, and security and order have been well ensured in recent days.”

Within 9 days (from September 20 to 29), Bien Hoa Railway Station sold 1,659 Tet 2026 train tickets to passengers in Dong Nai, generating revenue of more than 3.7 billion VND. Currently, many Tet tickets are still available for passengers to choose from, offering options suitable for their budget, routes, and travel schedules.

Many preferential policies

For Tet 2026, the railway sector will operate 55 daily trains with more than 800 carriages, providing about 330,000 train tickets. The schedule runs from February 3 to March 8, 2026 (from the 16^th day of the 12^th lunar month, Year of the Snake, to the 20^th day of the 1^st lunar month, Year of the Horse).

The railway sector will regularly operate 7 pairs of Thong Nhat trains (Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi and vice versa), including SE1/SE2, SE3/SE4, SE5/SE6, SE7/SE8, SE9/SE10, SE11/SE12, and SE23/SE24, along with 2 additional pairs of trains (TN3/4 and TN5/6). More trains will also be added for the Hanoi – Vinh, Dong Hoi, and Da Nang routes, as well as Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Da Nang (and vice versa). In particular, during the Tet holiday from February 16 to 19, 2026 (from the 29^th day of the 12^th lunar month, Year of the Snake, to the 3^rd day of the 1^st lunar month, Year of the Horse), the railway sector will operate extra pairs of trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, Tam Ky, Dieu Tri, and Nha Trang to serve passengers traveling for spring festivals.

Ticket prices for Tet 2026 have slightly increased compared to Tet 2025. However, during the Tet train service period, the railway sector continues to apply many preferential policies for passengers. Specifically, a 5–15% discount is offered for passengers buying tickets at least 10 days in advance with travel distances over 900km; a 3% discount for tickets on trains departing from Saigon Station on February 15, 2026 (the 28^th day of the 12^th lunar month) with travel distances over 1,000km; a 2–12% discount for group bookings of 11 passengers or more (depending on group size, booking time, and itinerary); a 5% discount on return tickets for round-trip passengers; and a 10–20% discount for students at universities, academies, colleges, and vocational schools.

The railway sector also offers regular discount programs for social policy beneficiaries, including Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, war invalids, people affected by toxic chemicals, people with severe disabilities, elderly seniors, and children aged 6 to under 10.

By Thanh Nhan - Translated by Quynh Giao, Minho