Ho Chi Minh City metro: Useful information for travelers

Contents

1. Overview of Ho Chi Minh City metro

Ho Chi Minh City metro marks a transformative step in the city’s transportation landscape, addressing the challenges of traffic congestion and environmental pollution while promoting modern urban development.

According to the city’s urban railway master plan, six metro Saigon lines are planned, connecting key areas within the city and beyond. Line 1, the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien route, is the first to become operational, officially launching in December 2024 after 17 years of planning and 12 years of construction.

Stretching from Ben Thanh, a vital transit hub in Ho Chi Minh City center, to Suoi Tien on the outskirts, this line serves important locations such as universities, industrial parks, and entertainment areas. Future expansions aim to extend the route to Binh Duong, Bien Hoa, and Dong Nai Province, further enhancing regional connectivity.

The metro Ho Chi Minh City represents a new era of fast, efficient, and eco-friendly public transit (Source: Collected)

2. Infrastructure of HCMC metro line 1

The Saigon metro line 1 spans 19.7 kilometers, connecting Ben Thanh Station in District 1 to Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City. Traveling the entire line takes approximately 30–32 minutes, with a convenient stop time of 1–2 minutes at each station.

Along the route, there are 14 stations, including 3 underground (Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Ba Son) and 11 elevated stations (such as Van Thanh Park, Thao Dien, and Suoi Tien Bus Station).

The line is powered by 17 modern trains, each with three carriages that can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h on elevated tracks and 80 km/h underground. Each train can accommodate up to 930 passengers, including 147 seated and 783 standing.

This efficient infrastructure ensures a smooth, fast, and spacious travel experience, making it an ideal choice for locals and visitors to explore the city.

Ho Chi Minh City metro map helps travelers navigate the routes easily (Source: Collected)

3. Schedule of Ho Chi Minh City metro line 1

Here is the route of Ho Chi Minh City metro line 1, featuring 14 stations that offer easy access to key areas in the city:

• Ben Thanh
• Opera House
• Ba Son
• Van Thanh Park
• Tan Cang
• Thao Dien
• An Phu
• Rach Chiec
• Phuoc Long
• Binh Thai
• Thu Duc
• High-tech Park
• National University
• Suoi Tien Bus Station

In terms of operation, during the first phase (from December 22, 2024, for the first six months), Ho Chi Minh City metro line 1 will run from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM with 200 trips per day.

Peak hours (6:00 – 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:30 – 6:00 PM) will see a train every 8 minutes with 9 trains in operation. During non-peak hours, the frequency will be 12 minutes with 6 trains.

After the first phase, in the second phase, the hours will be extended from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with a total of 276 trips on weekdays and 226 trips on weekends, holidays, and festivals.

During peak hours, the trains will run every 5 minutes, while non-peak hours will have a 10-minute interval, and off-peak times will see a train every 15 minutes. 

HCMC metro line 1 will run nearly 200 trips daily during its initial phase (Source: Collected)

Read more: Ho Chi Minh City map: A compass for first-time tourists Ho Chi Minh City map

4. Guide to buying Saigon metro tickets and paying fees

4.1. Ticket fees

Ho Chi Minh City metro offers a variety of ticket options, catering to different travel needs.

For single-ride tickets, passengers can expect to pay between VND 7,000 and VND 20,000 for cash payments, depending on the distance. Non-cash payments offer a discount, with fares ranging from VND 6,000 to VND 19,000.

For more frequent travel, monthly tickets are available for VND 300,000, with a 50% discount for students and schoolchildren, reducing the price to VND 150,000.

Additionally, day passes cost VND 40,000, while a three-day pass is priced at VND 90,000, with unlimited trips during the validity period.

People with disabilities and seniors are eligible for free travel in accordance with the city’s policies.

Single-ride tickets cost between VND 7,000 and VND 20,000 when paid in cash (Source: Collected)

4.2. Payment methods

Saigon metro offers various convenient payment options for passengers. One way to pay is by downloading the HCMC metro HURC app on a smartphone, generating a QR code, and scanning it at the station gates before boarding.

Alternatively, passengers can use a Mastercard to tap at the entrance and exit gates equipped with card readers. For those without a Mastercard, passengers can present their citizen ID card or use personal information from the VNEID app, with station staff assisting in issuing a card directly at the station. 

Starting from January 10, 2025, passengers can also use additional payment cards such as Visa, JCB, American Express, UnionPay, and Napas at the same gates. From January 20, 2025, passengers will be able to scan chip-enabled citizen ID cards or national ID cards at the gates.

Additionally, passengers can use their bank cards or make payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for seamless travel.

Ho Chi Minh City metro rides can be conveniently paid with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay (Source: Collected)

5. How to get to Ho Chi Minh City metro stations?

To access HCMC metro, passengers can reach one of the 17 stations spanning from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien. A variety of transportation options are available, including dedicated bus routes specifically designed to connect with metro stations.

5.1. By private vehicles

The first option is using private vehicles such as motorbikes or bicycles. Passengers can park at designated parking lots at metro stations. Parking fees for motorbikes are expected to range from VND 3,000 to VND 10,000 per entry, offering a convenient option for commuters.

5.2. By public buses

Public buses offer a highly convenient way to access Ho Chi Minh City metro line 1. Starting from December 20, 2024, 17 dedicated bus routes have been operating to connect passengers to the metro stations, running parallel to the metro line’s route from District 1 to Thu Duc City.

These buses pick up passengers from nearby streets and bring them as close as possible to the stations. The bus routes are numbered from 153 to 169 and are easy to recognize with their distinctive blue color, yellow wave patterns, sunflower motifs, and the words “xe buyt dien” (electric bus) on the sides.

They operate daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, matching the metro’s schedule, with intervals of 8 to 22 minutes between rides. Fares are set at VND 3,000 per trip for students and VND 5,000 per trip for regular passengers.

Public bus is an affordable and seamless transit option (Source: Collected)

5.3. By public bicycles

Getting to metro stations by public bicycle is a fun and eco-friendly option. Ho Chi Minh City offers 43 public bicycle stations across central areas, making it easy to pedal your way to the nearest metro stop. Stations are conveniently located along popular streets like Le Duan, Ton Duc Thang, Le Thanh Ton and near landmarks such as Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Ben Thanh Market.

5.4. By taxi or ride-hailing services

Reaching metro stations is made simple with taxis and ride-hailing services, offering door-to-door convenience. For those living or working near the stations, walking is an ideal option—just remember to use overpasses for safe crossing.

For a unique and eco-friendly experience, consider Xanh SM, Vietnam’s first electric taxi service. Operating exclusively with VinFast electric cars, Xanh SM provides a quiet, emission-free ride. Bookings can be made via the hotline 1900 2088 or the Xanh SM app.

The fare structure of Xanh SM varies by vehicle type and distance traveled

6. Important notes for commuters

When using the Ho Chi Minh City metro, passengers are encouraged to follow essential guidelines to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone. These rules help maintain cleanliness, safety, and respect among all commuters.

• Prohibited items: Avoid carrying explosive, hazardous substances, or items banned by law.
• No consumption: Eating, drinking, smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not allowed in elevators, ticketed areas, platforms, or on trains.
• Respect noise levels: Avoid loud conversations or using devices at high volumes that disturb fellow passengers.
• Food restrictions: Strong-smelling food is not allowed. If carrying food, ensure it is sealed in airtight bags and refrain from consumption in stations or trains.
• Safety on elevated platforms: Do not lean over platform barriers or extend hands beyond safety limits.
• Train etiquette: Refrain from leaning on train doors, avoid placing hands near door gaps, and do not cross yellow safety lines. Do not litter or throw objects onto the tracks. Never forcefully board or disembark while doors are closing or signaling closure.

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

Ho Chi Minh City metro is a game-changer for urban transportation, offering convenience, efficiency, and a unique way to explore the city. With its modern infrastructure and accessibility, it is not just a way to get around but also a part of the city’s vibrant experience.

For an exciting outing, hop on metro line 1 to visit Grand Park Amusement Park in Thu Duc City. Open since December 6, 2024, this hotspot features a modern water park, a scenic lake, and a lively shopping street. Don’t miss the Fantasy On Ice festival at Grand Park, where you can enjoy thrilling snow activities, including a two-lane snow slide, all powered by world-class artificial snow technology.

Grand Park offers a year-round lineup of exciting activities and events

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