Metro Line 1 in Ho Chi Minh City
Part of the Ho Chi Minh City travel guide — see every topic in All Ho Chi Minh City Guides.
Metro Line 1 is the first metro line in Ho Chi Minh City. It opened in December 2024 and runs about 20 km from Ben Thanh in the city centre to Suoi Tien in the east. Trains are clean, cool and fast, and the ride gives great views of the city and the Saigon River. This guide explains the stations, how to buy a ticket and how to use the line as a visitor.
The route and stations
Line 1 has 14 stations. The first three are underground in the city centre: Ben Thanh, Opera House and Ba Son. After Ba Son, the train comes up and runs on an elevated track. The next stations are Van Thanh Park, Tan Cang, Thao Dien, An Phu, Rach Chiec, Phuoc Long, Binh Thai, Thu Duc, High Tech Park, National University and Suoi Tien. The full ride takes about 30 minutes. Ben Thanh station is next to Ben Thanh Market. Opera House station is near Nguyen Hue walking street. Thao Dien and An Phu stations serve the riverside neighbourhood of cafés and restaurants.
Tickets and payment
Fares are low and based on distance. You can buy a single-journey ticket from machines or ticket counters at each station. The line also accepts contactless bank cards, so you can tap a card or phone at the gate. Some QR and app payments work too. Day passes and monthly passes are also sold. Keep your ticket or card until you leave the station, because you need it at the exit gate. Staff at the counters are helpful, and signs are in Vietnamese and English. Check the station screens for the latest payment options, because they are still being expanded.
Hours and how to ride
Trains run from about 5 am to about 10 pm. Trains come about every 8 to 12 minutes, and more often at busy times. Times can change on holidays and special days. Stand on the right on escalators. Let people leave the train before you get on. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the trains. Trains have three cars and can be full at rush hour, so travel outside about 7 to 9 am and 4 to 7 pm if you can. Stations have lifts for people with bags, prams and wheelchairs. Station exits are numbered, so check the map for the exit closest to where you want to go.
Best views and stops
The elevated part of the line has great views. Between Tan Cang and Thao Dien, the train crosses the Saigon River on a high bridge, with views of the skyline and Landmark 81. Sit on the right side going east for the river view. Van Thanh Park station is close to a quiet park. Thao Dien station is the easiest stop for riverside cafés and restaurants. Suoi Tien, at the end of the line, is near a large theme park and the new Eastern bus station. For a simple first ride, go from Ben Thanh to Thao Dien, have lunch, and ride back in the late afternoon light.
Practical tips
The metro is the best way to avoid traffic between the centre and the east of the city. For other trips, use Grab or buses, because Line 1 is the only line open for now. Other lines are planned, but they will take years to build. Feeder buses connect some stations to nearby areas. Stations are air-conditioned, which is a nice break from the heat. Keep bags close at busy stations. Station names may differ from the new ward names after the 2025 reforms, so use station names when you plan your trip.
Metro Line 1 at a glance
| Getting there | Start at Ben Thanh station, beside Ben Thanh Market in the city centre |
|---|---|
| Hours | About 5 am to 10 pm; trains about every 8 to 12 minutes |
| Cost | Low, distance-based fares; contactless bank cards accepted |
| Best time | Outside rush hour; late afternoon for river views |
| Route | 14 stations, about 20 km, Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien in about 30 minutes |