Hanoi , the heart of Vietnam, is not only famous for its Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, but is also a pioneer in developing modern public transport. The two urban railway lines Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station and Cat Linh - Ha Dong have become new symbols, helping people and tourists to travel quickly, conveniently, and environmentally friendly.
By 2025, with the Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station elevated section completed and the Cat Linh - Ha Dong line operating stably, planning your metro travel has never been easier. This article provides detailed schedules, fares, routes, and practical tips to help you optimize your experience.
Why is Hanoi's metro the ideal choice in 2025?
Hanoi's urban railway not only helps reduce traffic congestion but also offers a modern experience, saving time and money. The Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station line connects the suburbs with the city center, while the Cat Linh - Ha Dong line serves the inner city area.
With a frequency of 6-10 minutes/trip, modern technology from France (Nhon) and China (Cat Linh), these two routes have changed the way people travel. Passengers can save 30-50% of time compared to buses or motorbikes, while enjoying a clean and safe space. Notably, in the first 15 days of operation of the Nhon - Cau Giay elevated section (August 8, 2024), passengers are exempted from tickets, attracting thousands of people to experience.
How to use the train effectively? Discover schedules, fares, and travel tips to optimize your journey!
Prepare before traveling by Hanoi train
To make your trip go smoothly, you need to prepare carefully. Here are the specific steps:
- Operating hours: Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station line runs from 5:30 to 22:00 (elevated section, expected to run until 23:00 when underground section is completed in 2027). Cat Linh - Ha Dong line operates from 5:30 to 22:00 daily. Check the schedule on the official Hanoi Metro website.
- Connecting means: Use bus (36 routes connecting Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station, 9 routes connecting to Cat Linh - Ha Dong) or motorbike (parked at points near the station, 10,000-20,000 VND/trip). Green SM application supports booking a car to Nhon station.
- Cost: Estimate 50,000-100,000 VND/day (train ticket, parking, food). Bring a bank card or cash (one-way ticket 8,000-19,000 VND). Monthly pass (100,000-200,000 VND) is suitable for frequent travelers.
- Supported applications: Download Hanoi Metro App, Google Maps, or Vietmap to look up routes and train times.
- Equipment: Wear comfortable shoes, a phone with a spare battery (10,000mAh), and an electronic ticket card (IC Card) to save time checking tickets.
Tip: Arrive at the station 10 minutes early to buy tickets and check in your belongings. Avoid rush hours (7:00-8:30, 16:30-18:00) to get a comfortable seat.
Schedule and route of Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station metro line
The Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station Line (Metro No. 3) is 12.5km long, including 8 elevated stations (Nhon to Cau Giay) and 4 underground stations (Kim Ma to Hanoi Railway Station, expected to be completed in 2027). The elevated section has been in commercial operation since August 8, 2024, serving 9,440 passengers/hour/direction.
Train schedule Nhon - Hanoi Station
- Time: 5:30-22:00 (8/2024-2/2025), expected 5:00-23:00 when underground section is completed.
- Frequency: 10 minutes/trip (first 3 months), 6 minutes/trip during peak hours after 3 months.
- Ticket price: 8,935 VND (2nd station, cashless payment), 14,290 VND (to Cau Giay). Cash: 9,000 VND (2nd station), 14,000 VND (Cau Giay). Daily ticket 24,000 VND, monthly ticket 200,000 VND (100,000 VND for students).
Detailed itinerary
Elevated section (8.5km): Nhon → Minh Khai → Phu Dien → Cau Dien → Le Duc Tho → Hanoi National University → Ha Pagoda → Cau Giay. Underground section (4km, expected 2027): Cau Giay → Kim Ma → Cat Linh → Temple of Literature → Hanoi Railway Station.
Tip: Use IC Card e-ticket at automatic ticket machines to save time. Check the schedule on Hanoi Metro before going.
Schedule and route of Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro line
The Cat Linh - Ha Dong line (Metro No. 2A) is 13km long, with 12 elevated stations, and will be in commercial operation from November 6, 2021. This line will serve 3.23 million passengers in the first quarter of 2025, with revenue of VND 20.2 billion.
Cat Linh - Ha Dong train schedule
- Time: 5:30 am - 10:00 pm daily.
- Frequency: 6 minutes/trip during peak hours, 10 minutes/trip during off-peak hours.
- Ticket price: 8,595 VND (2nd station, no cash), 18,625 VND (to Yen Nghia). Cash: 9,000 VND (2nd station), 19,000 VND (Yen Nghia). Daily ticket 30,000 VND, monthly ticket 200,000 VND (100,000 VND for students).
Detailed itinerary
Cat Linh → La Thanh → Thai Ha → Lang → Thuong Dinh → Ring Road 3 → Phung Khoang → Van Quan → Ha Dong → La Khe → Van Khe → Yen Nghia.
Tip: Buy a monthly pass if you commute to work or school every day to save 30-50%. Show your student ID when purchasing priority tickets.
Comparison of Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station and Cat Linh - Ha Dong lines
To choose the right train route, here is a detailed comparison table:
Criteria | Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station | Cat Linh - Ha Dong |
---|---|---|
Length | 12.5km (8.5km above ground, 4km underground) | 13km (all above ground) |
Number of stations | 12 (8 above ground, 4 underground) | 12 (all above) |
Time of operation | 5:30-22:00 (expected 5:00-23:00) | 5:30-22:00 |
Frequency | 10 minutes/trip (6 minutes during rush hour) | 6-10 minutes/trip |
One way ticket price | 8,935-14,290 VND | 8,595-18,625 VND |
Technology | Alstom (France), European standards | CRRC (China) |
Capacity | 944 passengers (10% seats) | 960 passengers (15% seating capacity) |
Service area | Suburbs (Nhon) to center (Hanoi Railway Station) | Inner city (Cat Linh to Ha Dong) |
Tips: Choose Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station if traveling from the suburbs (Bac Tu Liem) to the city center. Choose Cat Linh - Ha Dong if traveling within the city or to major universities. Combine both routes at Cat Linh Station (the pedestrian tunnel is expected to be completed in 2027) for flexible travel.
How to take the Hanoi train for beginners
Taking the train for the first time can be a bit confusing, but with the following detailed instructions, you will be more confident:
- Check the route: Identify the departure and arrival stations on the map at Hanoi Metro. For example: From Nhon to Cau Giay takes 20 minutes, from Cat Linh to Yen Nghia takes 25 minutes.
- Buy tickets: Buy single tickets (8,000-19,000 VND) at the counter or automatic ticket machine. Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station tickets are in coin form, swipe to enter the station, insert into the machine when exiting. Cat Linh - Ha Dong tickets are in paper card form.
- Ticket Check: Scan ticket/card at the automatic gate (beep confirms validity). Follow signs to the train waiting area.
- Boarding: Wait at the yellow line, board when the doors open (25-35 seconds stop). Priority seats for the elderly and children.
- Get off the train: Check your belongings, follow the signs to the gate. Insert your ticket into the ticket machine (Nhon) or keep it as a souvenir (Cat Linh).
Tip: Bring headphones to relax on the train. Avoid eating or littering to keep it civilized.
Tips to optimize travel by Hanoi metro 2025
To save time and money, apply the following tips:
- Buy a monthly pass: Monthly passes (100,000-200,000 VND) save 40-50% for workers, students, and pupils. Bring your ID when buying priority tickets.
- Choose off-peak hours: Travel before 7:00 a.m. or after 6:30 p.m. to avoid crowds and get a seat.
- Bus connection: Use 36 bus routes connecting Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station (16 stops each way) or 9 routes connecting Cat Linh - Ha Dong.
- Parking near the station: Choose a parking spot near Nhon, Cau Giay, or Cat Linh station (10,000-20,000 VND/turn) to save time.
- Use the app: Download Hanoi Metro App or Xanh SM to look up schedules and book a ride to the station.
Note: Check Hanoi Metro for notices of incidents (such as power outage on 5/23/2025) or suspension (typhoon Yagi on 9/7/2024) to avoid disruptions.
Experience virtual life and travel with Hanoi tram
The train is not only a means of transportation but also a unique check-in spot. Stations such as Cat Linh, Nhon, Cau Giay have modern spaces, ideal for taking photos. Sitting on the train in the early morning, watching the sunrise through the window on the Cat Linh - Ha Dong line is an interesting experience.
Suggestion: Take the train to Cau Giay station, then visit Thu Le park (ticket 10,000 VND) or go to Thai Ha station to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter (2km away).
Frequently asked questions when taking the Hanoi train
1. What time does Hanoi train operate?
Both routes run from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a frequency of 6-10 minutes/trip. Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station may be extended to 11:00 p.m. when the underground section is completed.
2. How much is the train ticket?
One-way ticket Nhon: 8,935-14,290 VND, Cat Linh: 8,595-18,625 VND. Monthly ticket 100,000-200,000 VND, priority for students.
3. How to connect two lines?
Currently, connecting at Cat Linh station by bus (route 29, 49, 57). Cat Linh - S10 pedestrian tunnel is expected to be completed in 2027.
4. Is there anything to note when taking the train?
Check schedules, bring valid tickets, avoid rush hour, and obey the no-eating-on-train rule.
5. Is the train safe?
Both lines use modern technology (Alstom, CRRC), have cameras, automatic speed control systems, and fast incident handling (e.g. power failure on 5/23/2025 resolved within 1 hour).
The Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station and Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro lines are a modern, economical, and environmentally friendly transportation solution. With clear timetables, reasonable fares, and practical tips for 2025, you can easily explore Hanoi, from the suburbs to the Old Quarter. Download the Hanoi Metro app, prepare your tickets, and start your journey today!
Source: https://baonghean.vn/lich-hoat-dong-tuyen-tau-dien-nhon-ga-ha-noi-va-cat-linh-10303155.html
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