Overview of the Ho Chi Minh City Metro System
Ho Chi Minh City Metro system helps Ho Chi Minh City residents have faster transportation, connecting the Eastern area (Thu Duc City) with the city center. It has also become a popular spot for taking photos, with many visitors coming to capture beautiful pictures at this new Ho Chi Minh City landmark.
For tourists, this means easier access to some of the city’s must-visit spots! Whether you’re heading to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, the cultural hub of Saigon Opera House, or planning a fun day at Suoi Tien Theme Park, the metro offers a fast, safe, and affordable way to get around. So, why not hop on and experience Ho Chi Minh City like a local?
First Operational Line: Line 1 – Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien
Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 features 14 stations along its 19.7-kilometer route. It takes about 3 minutes to travel between each station and 45 minutes for an end-to-end journey:
1. Ben Thanh
2. Opera House
3. Ba Son
4. Van Thanh Park
5. Tan Cang
6. Thao Dien
7. An Phu
8. Rach Chiec
9. Phuoc Long
10. Binh Thai
11. Thu Duc
12. High-tech Park
13. National University
14. Suoi Tien Bus Station
Key Stations of Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 for Tourists
1. Ben Thanh Metro Station
The metro system’s central hub is the iconic Ben Thanh Market. This station is the most accessible for tourists staying in District 1.
- Location: 6 gate
Significance:
- Acts as an interchange station for future metro lines.
- Serves as a gateway to major attractions in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
Nearby Attractions:
- Ben Thanh Market: Famous for local goods, souvenirs, and street food.
- Central Post Office: Perfect for a quick photo or sending postcards.
2. Thao Dien Metro Station:
Located in District 2, Thao Dien is a favorite among expatriates. Known for its chic and laid-back vibe, this station connects you to the cosmopolitan side of Saigon.
- Location:
Significance:
- A great stop for exploring trendy cafes, artisan shops, and the Saigon River.
- Close to residential areas, making it convenient for long-term visitors or expats.
Nearby Attractions:
- Thao Dien Night Street: Time Out magazine highlights this area as a popular spot for expatriates, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly streets lined with lush trees, as well as its diverse selection of restaurants, spas, fashion boutiques, and artisan craft stores.
- Thao Dien Coffee Shops: Popular for unique coffee blends and riverside views.
- Boutique Stores: Discover handmade crafts and luxury goods.
3. National University Metro Station
Many people mistakenly assume that Suoi Tien Station is the closest stop to the Suoi Tien Theme Park, but in reality, National University Station is the right one.
- Location:
Significance:
- Serves as a family-friendly destination.
- Convenient for accessing cultural and educational exhibits.
Nearby Attractions:
- Suoi Tien Theme Park: A mix of Vietnamese culture, mythology, and entertainment.
Ho Chi Minh City Metro Ticketing and Operational Tips
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, ensuring convenience for both morning explorers and late-night commuters.
Ticket Options:
- Single-trip ticket: Ranges from 7,000 VND to 20,000 VND per trip, depending on the travel distance.
- Single-trip ticket (cashless payment): Slightly discounted, ranging from 6,000 VND to 19,000 VND per trip.
- Day pass: 40,000 VND/day, allowing unlimited rides within the day.
- 3-day pass: 90,000 VND/3 days, ideal for tourists or those with frequent short-term travel needs.
- Monthly pass: 300,000 VND/month, a great option for regular Metro commuters.
How to Buy Tickets: The ticket vending machines at the station will be out of service at least until May 2025. During this period, you can:
- Queue to purchase tickets directly at the ticket counter with cash.
- Buy tickets at the fare gates using international EMV cards (Mastercard, VISA, JCB, AMEX, UPI), domestic cards (NAPAS), or QR payments via the MoMo e-wallet.
Practical Tips for Tourists
Best Time to Travel: Avoid peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) for a less crowded experience.
Navigating the Metro:
- Look for clear signage in Vietnamese and English.
- Use mobile apps like Google Maps or Ho Chi Minh Metro’s official app for real-time updates.
Accessibility:
- Stations are equipped with elevators and ramps for travelers with mobility needs.
- Dedicated priority seating available.
The Hidden Beauty of Ho Chi Minh City Metro – A Human-Centered Design
From the moment it launched, Line 1 Ho Chi Minh City Metro has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists thanks to its convenience, affordability, and modern design.
First and foremost, Ho Chi Minh City’s MRT system stands out for its security and user-friendly design. Learning from past incidents in MRT systems worldwide, Ho Chi Minh City Metro has installed a protective barrier along the railway at every station to enhance passenger safety, ensuring peace of mind for both families and solo travelers.
Secondly, with a human-centered design, modern features like braille signage, elevators, and accessible restrooms make the Metro inclusive for everyone, especially people with disabilities!
Finally, no more traffic jams! The Metro gets us to the destination faster, especially during rush hours, and at a much lower cost than taxis or ride-hailing apps, making it a budget-friendly way to explore the city.
And the Ho Chi Minh City Metro is just beginning!
Line 2 is under construction, expected to further enhance connectivity to Tan Binh District and Tan Son Nhat International Airport. New stations will continue to highlight Vietnam’s heritage, enriching the travel experience.
The Ho Chi Minh City Metro isn’t just a transport system—it’s a game-changer for the city, combining practicality with cultural flair for a memorable travel experience.
FAQs and Additional Information about HCMC Metro
1. How do I reach Tan Son Nhat Airport by metro?
While the current Line 1 doesn’t connect to the airport, Line 2, under development, will provide a direct route.
>>> Read more: From Tan San Nhat Airport to District 1.
2. Is the metro system tourist-friendly?
Yes! With English-friendly interfaces and proximity to attractions, the metro is highly accessible for international visitors.
The Ho Chi Minh City Metro is more than just a transportation system—it’s a gateway to explore the vibrant culture and landmarks of this dynamic city. Whether you’re a backpacker, a family on vacation, or a solo traveler, the metro offers a seamless, affordable, and enjoyable way to navigate the city!
