Overview
Hanoi Metro is the capital's rapid transit system, owned by Hanoi's People Committee and operated by Hanoi Metro Company (HMC). It is Vietnam's first operational metro system, with both elevated and underground sections. As a visitor, you buy a ticket at a vending machine or ticket counter, pass through the gate, wait behind the safety line on the platform, board your train, and exit by returning your ticket. The system is young and growing: the first line opened in November 2021, making modern rapid transit relatively new to the city.
The network
Hanoi Metro is still in its early phase of development. Two lines are currently operational:
- Line 2A (Cat Linh – Ha Dong): The first operational line, running 13.1 km with 12 elevated stations. It connects Dong Da, Thanh Xuan, and Ha Dong districts. Stations include Cat Linh, La Thanh, Thai Ha, Lang, Thuong Dinh, Vanh Dai 3, Phung Khoang, Van Quan, Ha Dong, La Khe, Van Khe, and Yen Nghia. Trains are 4 carriages long, with a top speed of 80 km/h and an end-to-end journey time of approximately 23 minutes.
- Line 3 (Nhon – Hanoi Station): The second line, opened in part on 8 August 2024. The first section comprises 12 stations, with 8.5 km elevated and 4 km underground (still under construction). It serves districts including Nam Tu Liem, Bac Tu Liem, Cau Giay, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hoan Kiem.
Future expansion is planned. The system is projected to grow to 18 lines totalling 979 kilometres by 2045, with additional lines including Long Biên Line (Line 1) and the Hoan Kiem Line (Line 2) in detailed planning and construction phases.
Public buses also serve the city. Express bus 86 (45,000 dong) runs 06:20–22:00 every 25 minutes from Noi Bai Airport to the city, taking 45 minutes. Public bus 07 (8,000 dong) runs 05:00–22:00 every 15 minutes and takes 60–90 minutes. Long-distance buses arrive at My Dinh bus station and Giap Bat bus station. Ferries operate on Hanoi's waterways, though specific routes are not detailed in current sources.
Tickets & fares
You can purchase tickets at vending machines or ticket counters at metro stations. The ticket system uses modern card-format tickets with high security features, designed for potential integration with other public transport (bus, taxi, etc.). Several ticket types are available:
- Single journey: 8,000–15,000 VND (approximate; prices vary by distance)
- Day pass: 30,000 VND
- Monthly pass: 100,000–200,000 VND
- Weekly pass: available
- Group tickets: available
- Electronic IC cards: available, can be combined with other functions
Free or reduced tickets are available for eligible groups with valid documents (such as children, elderly passengers, or persons with disabilities). Exact current fares and eligibility criteria are subject to change; consult the official operator website or ticket counters for up-to-date pricing. Tourist-specific passes are not mentioned in current sources.
From the airport
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is 35 km north of the city center. At present, there is no direct metro connection to the airport, though a future metro line is planned. Your public-transport options are:
- Express bus 86: 45,000 dong, runs 06:20–22:00 every 25 minutes, takes 45 minutes. Departs from the arrivals level at the International Terminal (pillar 2). The bus runs non-stop on the expressway to Tay Ho area, then continues with limited stops to Long Bien bus station near the Old Quarter, Opera House, and Hanoi railway station. Towards the airport, buses run 05:05–21:40 from a booth at the south end of the main railway station.
- Public bus 07: 8,000 dong, runs 05:00–22:00 every 15 minutes, takes 60–90 minutes. Crosses the Thang Long Bridge and goes to the Daewoo Hotel in west Hanoi. You may need to walk about 1 km west of the airport terminal to catch it.
- Taxi: Official taxis depart from stands just outside arrivals (turn right from Domestic Terminal T1, or left from International Terminal T2). A ride to the Old Quarter should cost around 300,000–350,000 dong. Use reputable companies such as Mai Linh or Taxi Group. Ensure the meter starts shortly after departure. Journey time is 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Grab app: Ride-hailing via the Grab app (local equivalent to Uber) typically costs around 300,000 dong to the city center, depending on demand.
- Hotel transfer: If you have a hotel booked, ask them to arrange a driver.
Etiquette & customs
As Hanoi Metro is a new system, explicit etiquette rules are still developing. However, general expectations for public transport in the region apply:
- Queuing: Queue orderly when boarding. Wait behind the safety line on the platform until the train doors open fully.
- Priority seating: Yield seats to elderly passengers, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and those with children.
- Escalators: Stand on the left or centre; keep the right side clear for those wishing to walk.
- Eating and drinking: Avoid eating and drinking on the train; water is sometimes tolerated but food is generally discouraged.
- Noise: Keep conversations quiet and avoid loud phone calls. The system is relatively quiet and orderly.
- Rush hour: During peak hours (7:00–8:30 AM and 4:30–6:00 PM), trains are frequent but crowded; allow extra time and be prepared for standing room only.
- Ticket return: When exiting, return your card-format ticket at the gate as instructed.
Official links
Survival terms
- Metro / Đường sắt đô thị (duong sat do thi) – subway or metro
- Ticket / Vé (ve) – ticket
- Line / Tuyến (tuyen) – line
- Entrance / Lối vào (loi vao) – entrance
- Exit / Lối ra (loi ra) – exit
- Transfer / Chuyển tuyến (chuyen tuyen) – transfer
- Single fare / Vé đơn (ve don) – single ticket
- Day pass / Vé ngày (ve ngay) – day pass
Download the Grab app before you arrive, as it will help you arrange rides from the airport and around the city if you prefer not to use the metro or buses.