This article contains advertising. Our booking links are routed through a partner that adds commission tracking automatically, so if you book through one we earn a commission from the provider, at no extra cost to you. It never affects what we recommend. Affiliate disclosure

Hanoi’s metro system — the first in northern Vietnam — is now partially operational with 2 lines connecting western suburbs to central districts. Cat Linh-Ha Dong (Line 2A) opened in 2021 and Nhon-Hanoi Railway Station (Line 3) launched its first elevated stretch in 2024. While the network is limited compared to other Asian capitals, it’s clean, modern, air-conditioned, and dirt cheap. This complete Hanoi metro guide for 2026 covers all operating lines, fares, schedules, and where the metro is useful for tourists.

Aerial view of modern metro train in Vietnamese city
Hanoi’s elevated metro lines connect the city center to outer districts.

About Hanoi Metro

Hanoi Metro is a developing mass-transit system whose updated plan covers 18 lines totalling about 979 km. As of 2026, two lines are operational with several others under construction or planned. The system uses fully air-conditioned trains, modern stations, and follows global metro standards.

Operational Lines (2026)

Line 2A: Cat Linh – Ha Dong

Woman in a metro station corridor in Vietnam
Hanoi metro stations are clean, modern, and air-conditioned.
  • Length: 13 km (fully elevated).
  • Stations: 12 stations.
  • Opened: November 2021.
  • Frequency: Weekdays every 6 min at peak times, every 10 min at other daytime hours and every 15 min from 7:30 PM to 10 PM; every 10 min at weekends and on holidays.
  • Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
  • Travel time end-to-end: ~23 min.
  • Useful tourist stations: Cat Linh (the city-end terminus; walk or take a Grab on to the Old Quarter), Van Quan, La Khe.

Line 3: Nhon – Hanoi Railway Station

  • Length elevated: 8.5 km (12.5 km eventually).
  • Stations operational: 8 (elevated section).
  • Status: Elevated section running. Underground extension under construction.
  • Opened: August 2024 (elevated section).
  • Frequency: On weekdays, a train every 6 min in the peaks, every 10 min otherwise and every 15 min after 7:30 PM. Weekends and holidays: every 10 min.
  • Hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
  • Useful tourist stations: Cau Giay (business district), Kim Ma (near Lotte Center, embassies).

Fares

  • Single trip Line 2A: 9,000-19,000 VND ($0.36-0.76) depending on distance.
  • Single trip Line 3: 9,000-15,000 VND.
  • Day pass: 40,000 VND ($1.60) for unlimited rides on one line that day.
  • Monthly card: 280,000 VND ($11.20); 140,000 VND for eligible priority groups.
  • Student/senior discount: eligible students get 50% off monthly passes, and passengers over 60 ride free; the operator’s user guide on metrohanoi.vn sets out who qualifies and what ID to show.

How to Use Hanoi Metro

Passengers on a modern metro train in Vietnam
Hanoi metro lines run from 5:30 AM to 10 PM daily.

Buying Tickets

  1. Enter station and approach ticket machine or counter.
  2. Select destination on touchscreen (English available).
  3. Pay cash (small bills) or card.
  4. Receive contactless card token.
  5. Tap token at entry gate.
  6. Insert/tap card at exit to release gate.

Riding the Train

  • Follow signs to your platform direction.
  • Wait behind safety line.
  • Let passengers exit first.
  • Stand on right of escalators (left side is for walking).
  • Priority seats for elderly, pregnant, disabled.
  • No eating/drinking on trains.

Is the Metro Useful for Tourists?

Tourist Pros

  • Beat traffic: Metro is faster than Grab during rush hour.
  • Very cheap — a single trip costs less than 20,000 VND.
  • Air-conditioned — comfortable in summer heat.
  • Photographic experience for transit enthusiasts.
  • Useful for: Hanoi-Ha Dong day trips, business district access, Lotte Center area.

Tourist Cons

  • Limited coverage — doesn’t reach Old Quarter directly.
  • Only 2 lines currently operational.
  • Last-mile walking or Grab still needed.
  • Most tourist sights reached faster by Grab or walking.

Future Hanoi Metro Lines

  • Line 1: Ngoc Hoi – Yen Vien – Nhu Quynh, on a revised route extending to Noi Bai Airport (contract signed October 2026; operation targeted by the end of 2030).
  • Line 2: Noi Bai Airport – Nam Thang Long – Tran Hung Dao – Thuong Dinh – Thuong Phuc/Hung Vuong sports complex (operation targeted by the end of 2030).
  • Line 4: Me Linh – Sai Dong – Lien Ha (under planning).
  • Line 5: Van Cao – Hoa Lac (under construction).
  • Line 6: Noi Bai Airport – Ngoc Hoi (under planning).
  • Line 8: Hoa Lac – Son Dong – Mai Dich – Ring Road 3 – Linh Nam – Thuan An (part of the 2026 programme; operation targeted by the end of 2030).

The future Line 2 will change things for tourists once it links the airport with central Hanoi, with operation targeted by the end of 2030.

Metro vs Other Hanoi Transport

  • Metro vs Grab Car: Metro fares top out at 19,000 VND, so compare the live quote in the Grab app; the metro only helps on specific routes.
  • Metro vs Bus: subsidised city buses inside Ring Road 1 are free from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, so the metro wins on its own track and fixed stops, not on price.
  • Metro vs Walking: Walking better for Old Quarter; metro better for distant areas.
  • Metro vs Cyclo: Metro is fast transit; cyclo is leisurely experience.

Metro Etiquette

  • No food or drink.
  • No smoking (anywhere in stations or trains).
  • Give priority seats to elderly, disabled, pregnant.
  • Keep voice down.
  • No littering — fines apply.
  • Don’t block doors.
  • Photography OK; selfies on platforms fine.

Metro Tips for Tourists

  • Carry small bills for ticket machines.
  • Try Line 2A at least once for the experience.
  • Off-peak hours (10 AM-4 PM) are most pleasant.
  • Avoid rush hour (weekdays 6:30-9 AM, 4:30-7:30 PM) unless you must.
  • Tap out at your destination — you’ll need the token for exit gates.
  • Stand right, walk left on escalators.
  • Last train: services run until 10 PM, so check the final departure from your station before you set out.

Metro Safety

Hanoi Metro is very safe. Security cameras throughout. Security staff at all stations. Crime rare. Standard precautions:

  • Keep belongings close on crowded trains.
  • Be alert for pickpockets at entry/exit.
  • Don’t put phones in back pockets.
  • Single women safe to ride at any hour.

Hanoi Metro FAQs

How many metro lines does Hanoi have?

2 operational (2A and partial Line 3). Several more under construction or planning.

How much is a metro ride?

9,000-19,000 VND ($0.36-0.76) per trip on Line 2A and 9,000-15,000 VND ($0.36-0.60) on Line 3, depending on distance.

Does the metro reach the airport?

Not yet. Line 2 is planned to link Noi Bai Airport with central Hanoi via Tran Hung Dao, with operation targeted by the end of 2030. For now, use an airport bus or a road transfer.

Does the metro reach Old Quarter?

Not directly. From Cat Linh station (Line 2A) you still need to walk or take a Grab to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, so check a map route for your exact destination.

What hours does it operate?

5:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

Are signs in English?

Yes — bilingual Vietnamese/English throughout.

Can I use a contactless card?

Yes — pay with cash for token or use rechargeable card.

Are the stations accessible?

Yes — elevators and ramps at all stations. Visually-impaired aids available.

Plan Your Hanoi Metro Experience

The Hanoi metro is a fast-growing alternative to traffic-clogged streets. With this guide you have lines, fares, and tourist applications. Pair this guide with our complete Hanoi transportation guide, bus system guide, and Grab guide.