How to ship a Motorbike by Train in Vietnam ?

One of the most common questions I receive is: “Can I put my motorbike on the train in Vietnam and send it from one destination to another?”

The simple answer is: “Yes, you can.”

However, it’s helpful for travelers to understand exactly how the process works, as this will ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Fortunately, sending your motorbike by train is now a relatively simple, efficient, and reliable service. The following will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to transport your motorbike by train in Vietnam.

Shipping your bike by train is very convenient for road trip lovers in Vietnam. For example, you can use this service to help you get out of major cities like Saigon and Hanoi.

It can save you a huge amount of time and allow you to skip large sections of a route.

For example, many people want to ride the route from Saigon to Hanoi, but don’t have time to do the whole journey — you can put your motorbike on the train to join a route further along the coast, or to end your trip earlier or later, depending on your schedule.

You can send your motorbike to all major coastal cities located between Saigon and Hanoi — including Phan Thiet (Muong Man / Binh Thuan Station), Nha Trang, Quy Nhon (Dieu Tri Station), Da Nang, Hue, Dong Hoi, Vinh, and Haiphong (from south to north) — as well as one inland destination, Lao Cai (for Sapa, from Hanoi only).

Drawbacks of Shipping a Motorbike by Train in Vietnam

There are a few drawbacks to be aware of, but these shouldn’t be a problem as long as you take them into account and plan your road trip accordingly:

1. You won’t travel with your motorbike – it will be sent on a separate freight train. (Two notable exceptions are the Saigon–Phan Thiet Express and the Hanoi–Lao Cai Fanxipan Express [for Sapa], which allow passengers and bikes on the same train.)
2. Your bike will take between 2 and 5 days to reach its destination, depending on how far you send it and the time of year.
3. During peak travel periods — especially around Lunar New Year (Tet) in January/February and the summer high season (June–August) — you may be denied permission to send your bike due to overcrowding.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ship a Motorbike by Train in Vietnam

Step 1: Where to Drop Off Your Motorbike for Train Transport in Vietnam

In general, the opening hours for sending (and picking up) your motorbike are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though it’s quite likely (especially in smaller towns) that staff will take a lunch break between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM.

Note: You must send your motorbike at least two days in advance of when you want to pick it up at the destination.

Step 2: Find the Freight Office (Door to Door Company)

There are at least a few different companies handling freight (including motorbikes) along the main north–south railway line. However, by far the most reliable company I’ve used is Door to Door.

At Saigon and Hanoi stations, ask for the Door to Door office (in Vietnamese: Công Ty Bao Bì Vận Chuyển).

• In Saigon, the office is located to the left of the main station entrance, at 1 Nguyen Thong Street.
• In Hanoi, the office is in a small kiosk to the left of the main station entrance at 120 Le Duan Street.
• At other stations between Saigon and Hanoi, a Door to Door office may or may not be present. If not, look for or ask for the hành lý (freight) office. It’s usually located next to the main ticket counter at major stations.

Step 3: How to Ship Your Motorbike Without Speaking Vietnamese

Even if you don’t speak Vietnamese, the process is usually simple, and some staff speak enough English to assist you. Just state the destination where you want to send your bike.

The staff will show you a laminated sheet listing station names, motorbike types, and prices. It’s very straightforward, and prices are fixed.

Note: A standard handling fee of 50,000 VND (~$2) is paid separately to staff when you pick up your motorbike at the destination station.

Once you’ve confirmed your destination and the cost, it’s a good idea to ask how long the delivery will take. If you don’t speak Vietnamese, you can do this by pointing to today’s date on a calendar, then pointing to a date a few days later and asking “Yes?” – that usually works.

Note: While some larger destinations like Quy Nhon (Dieu Tri) and Dong Hoi may not appear on the list, it is still possible to send your motorbike there — so be persistent, or try using a different shipping company.

Step 4: Required Documents to Ship a Motorbike by Train

In addition to your motorbike and cash, you’ll need three important things to ship your motorbike by train:

1. Your passport
2. Your blue/green motorbike registration card (this is the ownership card with your name and address)
3. A Vietnamese phone number

In some cases, you may also be asked to provide a Vietnamese address – you can simply use the address of your hotel or guesthouse.

Once the staff have recorded all your documents, you’ll pay the total shipping cost (excluding the handling fee, which is paid upon pickup). You’ll receive a receipt with your name, phone number, motorbike model, and destination.

Do not lose this receipt. If you do, it may be very difficult to collect your motorbike at the destination station. Also, make sure to take your blue/green registration card with you – don’t leave it in your bike’s storage compartment!

Step 5: Buying a Passenger Train Ticket (Optional)

Once your bike is on its way, the process should have been quite straightforward.

All you need to do now is travel to your destination to pick it up.

If you’re also taking the train, the Door to Door office at Saigon and Hanoi stations also sells passenger train tickets. This is very convenient, as it saves you the trouble of lining up at the main station hall.

Step 6: Where and How to Pick Up Your Motorbike at the Destination

When your motorbike arrives at the destination, you should receive a call or SMS from the station.

(If you haven’t heard anything after a few days, assume they forgot.)

Go to the station and look for or ask for the hành lý (freight) office. Show the staff your receipt – they’ll check your info in their records, locate your motorbike, roll it out, reattach the mirrors, and hand it over to you.

Then, simply pay the 50,000 VND (~$2) handling fee, check your bike’s condition (brakes, tires, frame, trunk, mirrors), and you’re good to go!