Hanoi Metro: A Complete Guide to the First Urban Railway Line in Vietnam
The Hanoi Metro represents a major step toward modernizing urban public transportation in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing cities. Although the system currently includes only two operational lines (as of 2025), its significance for transport, the environment, and urban development in Hanoi is substantial.
Introduction to the Hanoi Metro
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has long struggled with traffic congestion, mainly due to the vast number of motorbikes and private cars. In order to grow sustainably and improve air quality, the Vietnamese government decided to invest in a metro system that would ease surface traffic and provide greater travel comfort. After years of planning and construction delays, the Line 2A Cát Linh – Yên Nghĩa officially opened in 2021 — becoming the first metro line not only in Hanoi but in all of Vietnam. In 2024, another line was added — from Nhổn to Cau Giay.
1. Cát Linh – Yên Nghĩa Line
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- Official name: Urban Railway Line 2A (Cát Linh – Yên Nghĩa)
- Route length: 13.1 km
- Number of stations: 12
- Rail type: Elevated
- Number of trainsets: 13 (each with a capacity of approx. 1,000 passengers)
- Technology supplier: China (China Railway Sixth Group)
- Maximum speed: 80 km/h
- Typical operating speed: 35–45 km/h
- Travel time across the entire route: approximately 23 minutes
- Stations: Cát Linh (transfer to national railway), La Thành, Thái Hà, Láng, Thượng Đình, Royal City (near the shopping mall), Nguyễn Trãi, Khương Đình, Văn Quán, Phùng Khoang, Văn Phú, Yên Nghĩa (connection to suburban bus lines)
Operating Hours and Timetable
The Hanoi Metro runs daily, including weekends and public holidays.
| Day | Operating Hours | Train Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 6–10 minutes |
| Saturday – Sunday | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 8–12 minutes |
Fares and Payment Options
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- Single ticket: from 8,000 VND to 15,000 VND depending on distance
- Day pass (unlimited rides): 30,000 VND
Monthly passes:
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- Regular: 200,000 VND
- Students, seniors, pensioners: 100,000 VND (ID required)
Payment methods:
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- Paper tickets (available at stations)
- Contactless smart cards (rechargeable online or at stations)
- Hanoi Metro mobile app (currently in trial mode)
- QR payments via Vietnamese banking apps
Stations and Facilities
The Hanoi Metro stations are modern and well-equipped:
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- Escalators and elevators (barrier-free access)
- Real-time train arrival display boards
- Air-conditioned waiting areas
- Toilets
- Vending machines and kiosks
- Passenger services including information counters
Security checks at entry are common, similar to other major Asian cities.
2. Planned Expansion and New Lines
The Hanoi Metro is part of a broader Urban Railway Development Plan through 2030 with a vision to 2050, which envisions the construction of up to 10 metro and suburban train lines.
Upcoming lines:
Line 3 (Nhổn – Hanoi Railway Station):
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- Under construction, the section from Nhổn to Cau Giay is already operational; full opening to Hanoi Railway Station expected by 2027
- Combination of elevated and underground segments
- Will connect the city’s western edge (Nhổn) with the center
Line 2 (Trần Hưng Đạo – Nội Bài): in planning
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- Long-term plan to connect the city center with Nội Bài International Airport
Overall, the system is planned to cover over 300 km of rail, with dozens of interchange stations that will link to BRT bus corridors, railways, and suburban connections. You can also find the Hanoi Metro route map in this article and in our Hanoi city guide, where it is embedded in the map.
Practical Tips for Passengers
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- It’s recommended to arrive at the station about 10 minutes before departure, especially during rush hour
- All passengers must undergo a security check – flammable materials, sharp objects, and large luggage are prohibited
- Photography and filming are allowed, but restricted in certain areas (e.g., technical zones)
- Use the Hanoi Metro mobile app to check timetables and departure times
- Official website of Hanoi Metro: https://metrohanoi.vn/en/
A Symbol of Vietnam’s Modernization
The Hanoi Metro is more than just a transportation project. It represents technological, urban, and environmental progress for the entire country. Despite initial delays, corruption scandals, and construction difficulties, it now serves thousands of residents and visitors.
Investments in the metro signal the direction Vietnam aims to pursue in the coming decades: toward sustainability, efficiency, and higher urban quality of life.
