Discover the latest updates on train ticket regulations, implemented to ensure transparency, security, and passenger safety during travel.
New Policies for 2025 Lunar New Year Train Tickets
Starting October 1, 2024, Vietnam Railways will enforce new rules for purchasing and refunding train tickets, especially during the Lunar New Year. Notably, the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature will be temporarily suspended. Passengers who successfully book tickets online must pay immediately instead of holding reservations for 12 hours as before. Ticket prices will rise due to upgrades from seating cars to sleeper cabins, with the highest fare for the Saigon–Hanoi route reaching up to 6.4 million VND for VIP cabins with only two beds. Trains during this year’s Lunar New Year will not sell extra seats to improve service quality.

From January 21, 2025, to February 9, 2025, the deduction rate for ticket refunds or changes will be 30% of the ticket price. Outside peak periods, the change fee is 20,000 VND per individual ticket and does not apply to group tickets. Refund fees range from 20% of the ticket price if canceled 4 to 24 hours before departure, and 10% if canceled 24 hours or more in advance. Customers who purchase tickets online can refund them via the railway’s website or app. Those who buy tickets at stations must visit in person with identification to change or refund tickets.
General Regulations on Identification Requirements for Train Ticket Purchases
According to the new train ticket regulations, passengers must present valid identification. This rule ensures accurate verification of ticket purchasers and service users, safeguarding their rights and minimizing risks during travel.

For Vietnamese citizens: Passengers aged 14 and above must carry valid identification. Acceptable documents include passports, citizen identification cards (CCCD), national ID cards (CMND), or photo-bearing documents issued by authorized agencies. Other valid documents include driver’s licenses, press cards, and party member cards. In case of lost documents, passengers must provide a personal identification certificate with a photo and a local police stamp.

For foreign nationals: Passengers must present a passport or a document verified by diplomatic authorities. If a passport is lost, a statement from the local police at the place of residence is required.
Regulations for Online and Offline Train Ticket Purchases
With technological advancements, passengers can easily purchase train tickets online via websites or smartphone apps. According to the new train ticket regulations, when buying tickets online, passengers must accurately declare personal information that matches their identification documents. This ensures ticket ownership confirmation and facilitates the issuance of electronic invoices if needed.

When purchasing tickets in person at ticket counters or agencies, passengers must provide similar personal details, including their full name and photo ID number. For children’s tickets, the buyer must provide the child’s information and details of the accompanying adult.

When purchasing tickets on behalf of others, the buyer must provide complete information for all passengers. This step is essential to accurately identify passengers during boarding and prevent invalid ticket scenarios.
Regulations on Train Ticket Usage and Passenger Responsibilities
Passengers must carry identification when boarding, and the ticket information must match the declared details. According to the new train ticket regulations, invalid tickets will be deemed unusable. This includes tickets with mismatched identification details, signs of tampering or alterations, non-existent or mismatched information in the electronic ticketing system, or incorrect train numbers or dates.

If an invalid ticket is detected, passengers must purchase a new ticket to continue their journey. These rules ensure transparency and accountability for passengers traveling by train while protecting the rights of all passengers on board.

With the changes in the new train ticket regulations, passengers must prepare all necessary documents. This ensures a smooth and safe travel experience while safeguarding their rights during the journey. Book your 2025 Lunar New Year train tickets now at Mytour.vn for a peaceful spring celebration!
Source: Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnNovember 5, 2024