Construction began on April 12, 2026 on a high-speed railway linking Hanoi and Quang Ninh Province. A previous article described this as being in the planning stage, but the project has moved to the next phase. According to official announcements, the line will be 120.2 km long with a maximum design speed of 350 km/h, with completion planned for the end of 2028, and is envisioned to cut travel time between Hanoi and Ha Long to approximately 23 minutes.
Plans Confirmed in Official Announcements
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Groundbreaking | April 12, 2026 |
| Extension | 120.2km |
| Via | Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh |
| Maximum design speed | 350 km/h (maximum 120 km/h in the Hanoi section) |
| Scheduled completion | End of 2028 |
| Estimated travel time | Hanoi–Ha Long approx. 23 minutes |
"23 minutes" is not the current travel time
The figure of approximately 23 minutes is an estimate for when the railway is completed and operating as planned. It does not include travel time to the station, waiting time, or time to reach your destination on the Ha Long side. Additionally, with large-scale projects, construction periods and service launch dates are subject to change. It is too early to book flights or accommodation based on the 2028 completion target as a confirmed date.
Current Travel Assumes Road Transport
Travelers heading from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay currently use tour buses, limousine vans, private cars, and similar options. If you are joining a cruise, confirm the departure port and meeting time for your vessel, and choose a transfer that accounts for road traffic. A day trip is possible, but since the round-trip journey and time on board can be lengthy, staying one night on the Ha Long side is also an option if you want to conserve energy.
What to Check Once the Line Opens
Once the line reaches a stage where it can be used for travel planning, confirm the opening date, station locations, fares, first and last departures, baggage rules, and onward transport to the port. Even if the high-speed train is fast, if the connection between the station and the port is poor, the overall time saving for your trip will be limited. It is important to compare total journey time from your starting point to the ship, rather than focusing on the headline speed.
Summary
This line has moved beyond the concept stage and construction has begun, making the possibility of transforming travel in the north one step more concrete. However, it is not a transport option available right now. Until completion, plan on road transport and keep an eye on progress and official service information.
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Source:Vietnam Government E-Newspaper
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