Vietnam Train Luggage Rules 2026: Latest Update

According to Vexere's summary of the rules from Vietnam National Railway Group (formerly Vietnam Railways Corporation), each passenger with a valid ticket can bring up to 20 kg of carry-on luggage free of charge. Each piece must be no longer than 0.8 m, no wider than 0.5 m and no taller than 0.4 m (maximum volume 0.16 m³). If your luggage is heavier or larger than this, you must buy a luggage ticket or check it in at the station. Each checked piece can weigh up to 75 kg.

Legal basis: what changes in 2026?

From January 1, 2026, Circular 33/2025/TT-BXD issued by the Ministry of Construction on the management and operation of railway transport takes effect, replacing Circular 09/2018/TT-BGTVT. The most notable changes related to luggage are:

• The circular no longer sets specific weight or size limits. Article 88 only states that passengers do not need to buy a ticket for carry-on luggage within the weight, size and type limits set by the railway transport operator. Checked luggage requires a ticket.
• The specific numbers are therefore published by the operator. The current limits of 20 kg and 0.8 × 0.5 × 0.4 m are railway industry rules in effect since February 2024. The Vietnamese press continued to cite these limits as of mid-2026.
• The operator also decides whether live animals can be carried (Article 90).
• From August 11, 2026, Vietnam Railways Corporation became Vietnam National Railway Group. The group inherits all previous rights and obligations, so the existing luggage rules still apply.

Note from Vexere: Because the operator can adjust luggage limits without amending the circular, check with the station if your luggage is close to the limit or if you are carrying special goods. Vexere will update this article when official changes are announced.

How much carry-on luggage can you bring on a Vietnam train?

Each passenger with a valid train ticket can bring up to 20 kg of carry-on luggage free of charge. There is no limit on the number of pieces, only on the total weight and the size of each piece:

How common suitcase sizes compare (for reference):

• 20-inch and 24-inch suitcases are within the size limit, so you can take them on board without any problem.
• 28-inch suitcases usually measure about 75–78 × 50–52 × 30–32 cm, which is right at the 50 cm width limit. Measure your suitcase before going to the station.
• Suitcases of 32 inches or larger usually exceed the 80 cm length limit and may need to be checked in.

Where do you put carry-on luggage on the train?

• Seating cars: on the luggage rack above the seats, or under the seat for small items.
• 4-berth and 6-berth sleeper compartments: under the lower berth and on the luggage rack above the compartment door. If you have a middle or upper berth, board early to get space for your suitcase.
• Do not leave luggage in the aisle, at the doors or near safety equipment. Passengers are responsible for looking after their own carry-on luggage.

When does carry-on luggage need to be checked in?

You must buy a luggage ticket or send your luggage to the baggage car in three cases:

1. The total weight exceeds 20 kg.
2. A piece of luggage exceeds the size limit of 0.8 × 0.5 × 0.4 m.
3. The luggage blocks the aisle or creates a safety risk in the passenger car, even if it is under 20 kg. In this case, the luggage is moved to the baggage car if there is space.

The safest option is to check in your luggage at the departure station before the train leaves. If the ticket inspector finds the problem on board, you lose time and the baggage car may already be full.

Checked luggage rules on Vietnam trains

Limits per checked piece

Packing and labelling requirements

• Luggage must be packed securely so it does not break, spill, leak or damage other goods.
• Each piece must be labelled with the full name, ID or passport number, address and phone number of both the sender and the recipient, along with the luggage ticket number.
• Take photos of your luggage and luggage ticket before checking it in, as evidence in case it gets lost.

Checked luggage fees

Checked luggage fees are based on weight and distance. The rate commonly cited by the Vietnamese press is about VND 1,500 to 5,000 per kg. Bulky items (light but taking up a lot of space) are converted at 1 m³ = 300 kg for fee calculation. The station will tell you the exact fee when you check in.

Changing or cancelling checked luggage

You can change the destination station or recipient, or cancel the shipment no later than 4 hours before departure, at a station that accepts luggage. The refund will be reduced by any costs incurred, such as handling and storage fees.

Shipping motorbikes, bicycles and bulky items by train

Vehicles and large household items are converted to a chargeable weight according to the table below:

Tips for shipping a motorbike:

• Bring the original vehicle registration certificate and your ID or passport.
• Drain almost all the fuel from the tank. Many stations require an empty tank because petrol is flammable.
• Remove the mirrors and wrap the body panels and any parts that scratch easily.
• Arrive at the station at least a few hours before departure. During public holidays and Tết (Lunar New Year), ask the station in advance because the baggage car is often full.

Can you bring pets on a Vietnam train?

Yes, but the conditions are strict. According to the rules reported by the Vietnamese press in 2026:

• Permitted pets include dogs, cats, ornamental birds and ornamental fish.
• The pet and cage together must not exceed 7 kg. The cage must be no larger than 35 × 30 × 30 cm, made of rigid material, with a sealed bottom, an absorbent pad and a secure lock.
• Pets must be fully vaccinated, odour-free and quiet. Dogs must wear a muzzle.
• Animals are not allowed in seating cars or passenger sleeper compartments. Pets must be kept in the area designated by train staff.
• Railway staff have the right to refuse pets that do not meet these conditions.

In practice, many SE Reunification Express trains only accept pets as checked items in the baggage car. Pets heavier than 7 kg almost always have to be checked in. Because the decision to carry animals rests with the operator, call the departure station in advance to ask about your specific train.

Items you cannot bring on a Vietnam train

Vietnam Railways refuses to carry the following items, whether as carry-on or checked luggage:

• Dangerous goods: explosives, fireworks, flammable substances (petrol, oil, alcohol, gas canisters), toxic chemicals and radioactive materials.
• Weapons and support tools (such as stun guns or batons) without a licence.
• Goods banned from circulation under Vietnamese law.
• Foul-smelling goods or items that may dirty or damage the train car.
• Human remains (only transported under a separate procedure).
• Bulky items that block the aisle or equipment on the train.

Items passengers often ask about:

Lost or damaged luggage on the train: what to do?

• Carry-on luggage: passengers are responsible for their own belongings. If something goes missing, report it immediately to the car attendant or the train manager so they can file a report, then contact the arrival station or the railway hotline.
• Checked luggage: under Article 91 of Circular 33/2025/TT-BXD, if your luggage is lost, short in weight or damaged due to the operator's fault, the operator must compensate you. Keep your luggage ticket and photos of your luggage taken at check-in as evidence.
• Collect your checked luggage on time. The collection period starts when you are notified that your luggage has arrived at the station. If you collect it late, you may have to pay a storage fee.

Luggage checklist before your train trip

• Weigh your luggage: total carry-on under 20 kg
• Measure your suitcase: no larger than 80 × 50 × 40 cm
• Remove flammables (gas, alcohol, petrol) and sharp objects from your luggage
• Pack strong-smelling items in sealed containers, or check them in
• Oversized luggage: arrive early to check it in before departure
• Keep valuables, documents and power banks in a bag you carry on your body
• Bring an ID or passport that matches the name on your ticket

Book Vietnam train tickets online on Vexere

Vexere is an authorised ticketing agent for Vietnam Railways. On Vexere, you can choose your seat from the car layout, pay online and receive your e-ticket instantly. If you travel with a lot of luggage, choose a lower berth or a 4-berth cabin, because these spots make it easier to store suitcases under the bed.

Checked luggage rules on Vietnam trains

Limits per checked piece

Packing and labelling requirements

• Luggage must be packed securely so it does not break, spill, leak or damage other goods.
• Each piece must be labelled with the full name, ID or passport number, address and phone number of both the sender and the recipient, along with the luggage ticket number.
• Take photos of your luggage and luggage ticket before checking it in, as evidence in case it gets lost.

Checked luggage fees

Checked luggage fees are based on weight and distance. The rate commonly cited by the Vietnamese press is about VND 1,500 to 5,000 per kg. Bulky items (light but taking up a lot of space) are converted at 1 m³ = 300 kg for fee calculation. The station will tell you the exact fee when you check in.

Changing or cancelling checked luggage

You can change the destination station or recipient, or cancel the shipment no later than 4 hours before departure, at a station that accepts luggage. The refund will be reduced by any costs incurred, such as handling and storage fees.

Shipping motorbikes, bicycles and bulky items by train

Vehicles and large household items are converted to a chargeable weight according to the table below:

Tips for shipping a motorbike:

• Bring the original vehicle registration certificate and your ID or passport.
• Drain almost all the fuel from the tank. Many stations require an empty tank because petrol is flammable.
• Remove the mirrors and wrap the body panels and any parts that scratch easily.
• Arrive at the station at least a few hours before departure. During public holidays and Tết (Lunar New Year), ask the station in advance because the baggage car is often full.

Can you bring pets on a Vietnam train?

Yes, but the conditions are strict. According to the rules reported by the Vietnamese press in 2026:

• Permitted pets include dogs, cats, ornamental birds and ornamental fish.
• The pet and cage together must not exceed 7 kg. The cage must be no larger than 35 × 30 × 30 cm, made of rigid material, with a sealed bottom, an absorbent pad and a secure lock.
• Pets must be fully vaccinated, odour-free and quiet. Dogs must wear a muzzle.
• Animals are not allowed in seating cars or passenger sleeper compartments. Pets must be kept in the area designated by train staff.
• Railway staff have the right to refuse pets that do not meet these conditions.

In practice, many SE Reunification Express trains only accept pets as checked items in the baggage car. Pets heavier than 7 kg almost always have to be checked in. Because the decision to carry animals rests with the operator, call the departure station in advance to ask about your specific train.

Items you cannot bring on a Vietnam train

Vietnam Railways refuses to carry the following items, whether as carry-on or checked luggage:

• Dangerous goods: explosives, fireworks, flammable substances (petrol, oil, alcohol, gas canisters), toxic chemicals and radioactive materials.
• Weapons and support tools (such as stun guns or batons) without a licence.
• Goods banned from circulation under Vietnamese law.
• Foul-smelling goods or items that may dirty or damage the train car.
• Human remains (only transported under a separate procedure).
• Bulky items that block the aisle or equipment on the train.

Items passengers often ask about:

Lost or damaged luggage on the train: what to do?

• Carry-on luggage: passengers are responsible for their own belongings. If something goes missing, report it immediately to the car attendant or the train manager so they can file a report, then contact the arrival station or the railway hotline.
• Checked luggage: under Article 91 of Circular 33/2025/TT-BXD, if your luggage is lost, short in weight or damaged due to the operator's fault, the operator must compensate you. Keep your luggage ticket and photos of your luggage taken at check-in as evidence.
• Collect your checked luggage on time. The collection period starts when you are notified that your luggage has arrived at the station. If you collect it late, you may have to pay a storage fee.

Luggage checklist before your train trip

• Weigh your luggage: total carry-on under 20 kg
• Measure your suitcase: no larger than 80 × 50 × 40 cm
• Remove flammables (gas, alcohol, petrol) and sharp objects from your luggage
• Pack strong-smelling items in sealed containers, or check them in
• Oversized luggage: arrive early to check it in before departure
• Keep valuables, documents and power banks in a bag you carry on your body
• Bring an ID or passport that matches the name on your ticket

Book Vietnam train tickets online on Vexere

Vexere is an official ticketing partner of Vietnam Railways. On Vexere, you can choose your seat from the car layout, pay online and receive your e-ticket instantly. If you travel with a lot of luggage, choose a lower berth or a 4-berth cabin, because these spots make it easier to store suitcases under the bed.

Vietnam Train Luggage FAQs