Ho Chi Minh City metro: A handy guide for first-timers

1. A glance at the Ho Chi Minh City metro

1.1. Development

According to the Ho Chi Minh City urban railway master plan, the city will have 6 metro lines. Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) is the first line, having been in operation just recently (since December 2024). After 17 years of approval and 12 years of construction, it has become a symbol of Vietnam-Japan cooperation. 

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 stretches from Ben Thanh, a key transit hub in the heart of the city, to Suoi Tien, a gateway connecting the city with neighboring provinces like Dong Nai and Binh Duong. The first metro line in Ho Chi Minh City passes through many major tourist attractions, universities, and industrial zones. Future extensions will reach Binh Duong and Bien Hoa, enhancing regional connectivity.

1.2. Infrastructure

Line 1 of the Saigon Metro spans 19.7 kilometers, from Ben Thanh Station (District 1) to Long Binh Depot (Thu Duc City). There is a total of 14 stations, 3 underground (Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Ba Son) and 11 elevated (Van Thanh Park, Tan Cang, Thao Dien, An Phu, Rach Chiec, Phuoc Long, Binh Thai, Thu Duc, Hi-Tech Park, National University, and Suoi Tien Bus Station).

A full journey of Line 1 takes about 30 minutes. It takes only 1-2 minutes to go from one station to the next. The Ho Chi Minh City metro system operates with 17 trains, each capable of carrying up to 930 passengers. The trains run at a maximum speed of 110 km/h on elevated tracks and 80 km/h underground.

1.3. Future expansion

Beyond Line 1 of Metro Ho Chi Minh City, additional metro lines are under development. These urban railway lines are crucial in alleviating traffic congestion and reducing environmental pollution. The integration of the metro system with bus services and other modes of transportation is expected to contribute to the sustainable growth of Ho Chi Minh City.

>>> Discover: Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City: 10+ EPIC places for your bucket list

2. Guide to your first Ho Chi Minh City metro ride

2.1. Checking the metro schedule

Line 1 of the HCMC Metro consists of 14 stations: (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) Hi-Tech Park - (13) National University - (14) Suoi Tien Bus Station.

The schedule of Line 1 of the metro in Ho Chi Minh City is applicable in two phases:

Phase 1 (in 6 months starting December 22, 2024)

• Operating hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Total daily trips: 200
• Train frequency:
  • Rush hours (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Every 8 minutes, 9 trains total.
  • Normal hours: Every 12 minutes, 6 trains total.

Phase 2 of the HCMC Metro (after the initial 6 months)

• Operating hours: 5:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Train frequency on weekdays (Monday - Friday):
  • Rush hours: Every 5 minutes
  • Normal hours: Every 10 minutes
  • Low-demand hours: Every 15 minutes
  • Total daily trips: 276
• Train frequency on weekends & holidays (Saturday, Sunday, public holidays):
  • Rush hours: Every 8 minutes
  • Normal hours: Every 10 minutes
  • Low-demand hours: Every 15 minutes
  • Total daily trips: 226

2.2. Getting to the metro stations

Passengers have multiple transportation options to access the stations along Line 1 of the HCMC Metro conveniently.

2.2.1. By public buses

There are 17 bus routes that connect with Line 1 of Metro Saigon. These bus routes, numbered 153 to 169, run from District 1 to Thu Duc City. The electric buses are recognizable by their signature blue color, yellow wave patterns, and sunflower motifs. Operating daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, these buses align with the metro schedule, with intervals of 8 - 22 minutes between trips. Fares range from 3,000 VND to 5,000 VND per ride.

2.2.2. By public bicycles

Ho Chi Minh City features 43 public bicycle stations, allowing commuters to cycle to the Ho Chi Minh City metro. These bicycles are strategically located along major areas such as Le Duan Street, Ton Duc Thang Street, Le Thanh Ton Street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Market, and Nguyen Hue Street.

2.2.3. By taxis or ride-hailing services

Passengers can easily access the metro stations via taxis or ride-hailing services. Among the popular choices is Xanh SM - an eco-friendly electric ride-hailing service. Xanh SM provides a comfortable, safe, and reasonably priced travel option for both locals and tourists.

2.2.4. By private vehicles

You can also reach the HCMC metro using your vehicles. Using Google Maps, travelers can determine the shortest route to their desired station and park their vehicles at designated parking areas.

2.3. Buying the metro tickets

The metro ticket prices vary:

• Single-ride tickets: 7,000 - 20,000 VND (cash) or 6,000 - 19,000 VND (non-cash payment)
• One-day pass: 40,000 VND (unlimited rides)
• Three-day pass: 90,000 VND (unlimited rides)
• Monthly pass: 300,000 VND (unlimited rides)

2.4. Making payments

Passengers can choose from several payment methods when purchasing tickets of the Saigon Metro:

• Method 1: Contactless bank card payment
  • Tap a contactless MasterCard on the ticket gate scanner.
  • The gate automatically opens after successful verification.
  • The fare is deducted directly from the passenger’s account after each ride.
• Method 2: The HCMC Metro app
  • Download the HCMC Metro app.
  • Access the “Buy Ticket” section.
  • Select the ticket type and proceed with online payments via the Momo e-wallet.
  • Use the generated QR code for station entry and exit.

* Note: The HCMC Metro app currently supports only Momo for online payments.

• Method 3: On-site purchase
  • Inform the ticket counter staff of your stations of departure and arrival.
  • Pay via cash or other methods (Visa, Napas, etc.)
  • Receive a paper ticket with a QR code for scanning at the station entry and exit.

* Note: Passengers must keep their tickets throughout the journey for exit scanning.

For passengers purchasing the metro passes, follow these steps:

• Register an account on the HCMC Metro app
• Purchase a 1-day, 3-day, or 30-day pass
• Receive a digital QR code generated directly from the app
• Scan the QR code at the QR code reader to board the train

>>> Check out Ho Chi Minh City travel tips before and during your trip!

3. Attractions along the Ho Chi Minh City metro routes

Line 1 of the HCMC Metro is lined with many tourist attractions:

• Ben Thanh Market: Just 350 meters away from Ben Thanh Station, this market is a vibrant shopping hub where visitors can browse clothes, handicrafts, and local specialties.
• Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: This is a magnificent French colonial-era building constructed in 1898. It hosts major artistic performances.
• Ba Son Bridge: This bridge symbolizes both historical significance and modern development. It stands on the site of the former Ba Son Shipyard in the 18th century.
• Ton Duc Thang Museum: 500 meters away from Ba Son Station of the HCMC Metro, this museum showcases President Ton Duc Thang’s contributions to Vietnam.
• Bach Dang Wharf: This riverside attraction offers scenic views of the Saigon River and opportunities to ride the river bus. Visitors can also enjoy restaurants and cafés along the waterfront.
• Van Thanh Tourist Area: This tranquil "oasis" features lawns, lakes, and trees, providing a relaxing escape for group outings.
• Landmark 81: 1 kilometer away from Tan Cang Station, this is one of Vietnam’s tallest skyscrapers. It offers upscale opportunities for shopping and dining, along with an observation deck for panoramic city views.
• Thao Dien Ward: 500 meters away from Thao Dien Station, this trendy neighborhood is known for its open-concept cafés, boutique stores, art galleries, spas, and diverse dining options.
• Suoi Tien Theme Park: From the National University Station, visitors can walk to this theme park, which blends Vietnamese cultural heritage with modern entertainment.
• Buu Long Pagoda: From Long Binh Station, visitors can easily reach this Buddhist temple. It is renowned for a unique architectural fusion of Vietnamese and Theravada Buddhist elements.

4. Important notes while taking the Ho Chi Minh City metro

To ensure a pleasant journey on Metro Saigon, keep the following regulations in mind:

• Do not bring flammable or hazardous materials.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the trains.
• Skateboarding and rollerblading are not allowed.
• Avoid loud conversations or playing media on mobile devices at high volumes.
• Strong-smelling food items must be properly sealed in plastic bags to prevent odors or spills.
• Balloons are not allowed inside the stations.
• At elevated stations, passengers must not lean over or extend their arms beyond the safety barriers.
• Do not lean on the train doors; always keep your hands away from door gaps.
• Do not attempt to open the train windows or cross the yellow safety lines at the platforms.
• Littering onto the tracks is strictly forbidden.
• Do not board or exit the train while the doors are closing or after the warning signal has sounded.
• Acts of harassment, public disturbances, or any behavior violating social etiquette will not be tolerated.
• Street vending or unauthorized solicitation is prohibited.
• Carrying weapons or self-defense tools is not allowed.
• Fighting, verbal abuse, or using offensive language is not permitted.
• Performances, promotional video recordings, or advertisements require official approval.

>>> Explore: Saigon water bus: A unique way to explore the bustling city

The Ho Chi Minh City metro offers a modern, efficient way to explore the city easily. Whether for commuting or sightseeing, its convenience enhances every journey. As the metro expands, it will further improve urban mobility, making Ho Chi Minh City more accessible for locals and tourists alike.

During your metro journey, you can stop at Grand Park in Thu Duc City for entertainment. Here, you can enjoy thrilling water slides, adrenaline-pumping rides, a serene man-made beach.

Book Grand Park ticket now

Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam boasts other popular tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Ha Long. In these destinations, you can stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which offer all-inclusive services for a luxurious experience. Additionally, don’t miss out on the entertainment complexes of VinWonders for exciting games and spectacular shows!

Discover more about Vinpearl resorts & hotels

Grab the hottest deals at Vinpearl