Vietnam’s high-speed rail fares set at 75% of flight tickets

High-speed rail tickets are expected to cost 75% of airfares or VND1.7-6.9 million (US$69-280), according to a pre-feasibility study the government has submitted to the National Assembly.

The project, one of the most ambitious transport projects in this decade, is set to begin construction in 2026-2027 to link Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with a 350-kilometer-per-hour rail.

First class fares will be VND6.9 million, and two lower tiers will cost VND2.9 million and VND1.7 million, according to the report.

These are equivalent to 75% of Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet’s fares, and similar to those in other countries, it said, citing fares in Shanghai, Jakarta and Tohoku in Japan.

The 1,500-kilometer high-speed railroad between Hanoi and HCMC is estimated to cost VND1.7 quadrillion (US$69 billion).

At $43.7 million per kilometer, the cost would be in the medium range compared to other high-speed rail projects globally, the report said.

The project comprises four sub-projects that will be developed simultaneously. It is expected to help add 0.97% to GDP annually.

The 350-kph-maximum rail will pass through 20 provinces and have 23 passenger stations and five cargo stations.

But it will mostly serve passengers with the current railroad network switching mainly to cargo transport.