Metro in Hanoi: Everything you need to know before riding

Hanoi Metro, now operating on Lines 2A and 3, is a simple and affordable way to explore the city. Riding the metro gives you a fresh perspective, away from the usual noise and traffic. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to use it smoothly: ticket prices and routes to nearby attractions and practical tips.

Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert) Updated on 31-07-2025

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Table of contents

1. Overview of the Hanoi metro network
2.1 Line 2A: Cat Linh – Yen Nghia
2.2 Line 3: Nhon – Hà Nội Station (Partially Opened)
3. Ticket prices & How to buy tickets
3.1 Single ride tickets
3.2 Day pass
3.3 How to buy tickets
5. Tourist places you can visit using the metro?
Line 2A: Cat Linh – Yen Nghia
Line 3 (Nhon – Cau Giay)
6. Metro vs. Other transport options in Hanoi
7. Recommended one-day tourist itinerary
Morning
Afternoon
8. Our practical tips
Before You Go
While Riding

1. Overview of the Hanoi metro network

Hanoi’s metro system may not yet be as developed as those in Europe or even neighboring countries like Thailand, but it's still very much worth trying, especially for those curious to see the city from a new perspective. While the network is limited for now, the trains themselves are impressively modern: clean, air-conditioned, and sound-insulated.

Once aboard, you’ll be surprised by the quiet, calm experience. No traffic noise, no horns, and no air pollution, just smooth movement and peaceful views of Hanoi’s cityscape from above.

metro hanoi — *The view from the metro in Hanoi*

2.1 Line 2A: Cat Linh – Yen Nghia

Vietnam’s first-ever metro line, Line 2A runs on elevated tracks across 13.1 km from downtown Cat Linh to Yen Nghia in the southwest. It officially opened in 2021 and now operates reliably with clean, quiet cabins and scenic views along the way. While it mainly serves local commuters, it’s a fun and low-cost experience for tourists too.

2.2 Line 3: Nhon – Hà Nội Station (Partially Opened)

Still under construction, Line 3 is the city's pilot metro project and a key part of its long-term urban transport plan. The first elevated section (Nhổn to Cầu Giấy) is already operational, connecting suburban neighborhoods to central Hanoi. It’s designed to reduce emissions, ease congestion, and link smoothly with other public transport options in the future.

This is the Hanoi Metro network map to help you navigate the city’s metro lines, stations, and connections easily.

3. Ticket prices & How to buy tickets

3.1 Single ride tickets

Line 2A (Cat Linh – Yen Nghia)

From 8,000 VND (~$0.32) for short distances
Up to 15,000 VND (~$0.60) for the full route

Line 3 (Nhon – Cau Giay)

From 8,000 VND ($0.32) to 12,000 VND ($0.48) depending on distance

3.2 Day pass

Line 2A: 30,000 VND (~$1.20)
Line 3: 24,000 VND (~$0.96)

Good to know: Buy a day pass if you plan to explore multiple stops - it’s cheap and convenient. Keep your ticket/card until the end of your trip. You’ll need it to exit the gate.

metro hanoi ticket

3.3 How to buy tickets

Option 1: At the Station

Ticket machines: Touchscreen, available in English, accepts cash (VND)
Ticket counters: Staff can help you choose the right ticket
Payment: Cash or card (Visa, Napas, etc.)
You’ll receive a paper ticket with a QR code

metro hanoi ticket — *Metro Hanoi's ticket counter*

Option 2: Contactless Bank Card

Tap your contactless Mastercard on the metro gate
The gate will open automatically
Fare is deducted after your trip - no need to buy a separate ticket

Option 3: Mobile App (for Vietnamese phone numbers only)

If you have a Vietnamese phone number and a mobile banking app, you can use digital tickets.

Download the app: “The ve giao thong HN” on App Store or CH Play
Register with your phone number and OTP
Choose your ticket type (day or week), select Metro
Pay using your banking app via QR code
Show the e-ticket in the app to station staff to enter

hanoi ticket

Valid e-ticket shows:

A dynamic QR code that refreshes every 30 seconds
Your name, date of birth, ticket type, and validity

If the QR code doesn’t move, the ticket won’t be accepted.

metro hanoi

5. Tourist places you can visit using the metro?

Line 2A: Cat Linh – Yen Nghia

Although this line doesn’t run through the Old Quarter, you can still use it to explore areas west and southwest of the city center.

Cat Linh Station

A short Grab or walk from the Temple of Literature and Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Great starting point for exploring Ba Đình and Đong Đa districts.

hanoi temple of literature — *The Khue Van Pavilion, one of the symbols of the capital Hanoi*

La Thanh Station

Not far from the Giang Vo area - full of local eateries and cafes. A nice stop for street food lovers.

Van Quan Station

Near Van Quan lake - a quiet, local hangout with cafés, walking paths, and a lakeside vibe that’s great for a mid-afternoon break.

Yen Nghia Station

This terminal station connects easily with buses and is sometimes used as a jumping-off point for trips toward Mai Chau or Mai Hich.

Line 3 (Nhon – Cau Giay)

This line connects outer residential areas with more urban districts.

Nhổn Station

A suburban area - not touristy, but interesting for those who want to see real local neighborhoods.

Cầu Giấy Station

Close to Thu Le Park, which has a small zoo and is one of the nicest parks in Hanoi. You can also visit the nearby Voi Phuc Temple.

6. Metro vs. Other transport options in Hanoi

Feature	Metro	Bus	Taxi/Grab	Motorbike
Cost	Very low	Low	Medium-high	Medium
Language barrier	Low (some English)	Medium-high	Low	High
Navigation	Simple, linear	Complex network	GPS-based	Often confusing
Air conditioning	Yes	Sometimes	Yes	No
Safety	High	Medium	Medium	Low

7. Recommended one-day tourist itinerary

Morning

Start at Cat Linh Station (Line 2A)
Visit the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (they're within walking distance of each other)
Take the metro to Cau Giay Station for lunch, there are plenty of local eateries and cafes nearby.

Afternoon

From Cau Giay Station, walk to Thu Le Park, one of Hanoi’s nicest green spaces with a small zoo
Visit Voi Phuc Temple, located inside the park
Enjoy a relaxing coffee at a lakeside or nearby café
End your day by taking the metro back or grabbing a ride to your hotel.

8. Our practical tips

Before You Go

Carry small cash (VND) if you're buying single tickets at vending machines.
Plan your route: Check which metro station is closest to your destination. You may still need to walk or take a Grab for the “last mile.”

While Riding

Sit on the right side for the best views of the city and lakes, especially going south on Line 2A.
Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM & 5:00–6:30 PM) if you prefer a quieter ride.
Use the metro as a window into local life - you'll see students, workers, families, and retirees going about their day.

Conclusion

Hanoi’s metro may still be in its early stages, but it already offers a simple, affordable, and comfortable way to move around the city. With clean trains, clear signage, and peaceful views, it's a great option for travelers looking to explore Hanoi beyond the typical tourist zones, without the stress of traffic or confusion.

Of course, the metro is just one part of the city’s growing transport network. Apps like Grab, Xanh SM, and Be offer convenient door-to-door service, especially useful for places not yet connected by metro. For longer journeys across Vietnam, you can choose between planes, trains, or buses depending on your route and budget. For more information, please read: How To Get Around Vietnam: Detailed Transport Options.

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