Hanoi Metro Guide 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Lines, Fares, Stations & Tips

If you’re coming to Hanoi. And you’ve heard there’s a Hanoi metro now. Yes, Hanoi finally got Metro. And it’s actually pretty decent.

I’ve been on it many times. Sometimes just for fun. Sometimes because traffic in Hanoi is like an endless motorbike parade and you just can’t move.

This guide is everything you need. Lines, fares, how to use, little quirks, safety stuff. I’ll also throw in my personal “oops” moments so you don’t repeat them. Let’s go.

Hanoi Metro Guide 2025 – OVERVIEW

Right now (August 2025), the Hanoi Metro is still small compared to Bangkok or Singapore.
But it’s growing.

Currently, there’s Line 2A – Cát Linh to Hà Đông. And Line 3 – Nhổn to Hà Nội Station (partially open).
More lines are planned. Some delayed. Classic Vietnam infrastructure pace.

Why use it?

• Avoid traffic
• Air-conditioned rides
• Cheap
• Fun experience if you like public transport

Metro Lines in Hanoi (2025)

Line 2A – Cát Linh to Hà Đông

This was the first line to open. Back in late 2021. It’s elevated. So you get some nice views of the city rooftops.

Metro Stations of Line 2A:

• Cát Linh
• La Thành
• Thái Hà
• Láng
• Thượng Đình
• Vành Đai 3
• Phùng Khoang
• Văn Quán
• Hà Đông
• La Khê
• Văn Khê
• Yên Nghĩa

Travel Time: ~23 minutes end to end.
First Train: 5:30 AM
Last Train: ~10:30 PM

Line 3 – Nhổn to Hà Nội Station (Partial)

Still under construction, but parts are running.
This one is partly elevated, partly underground (once complete).

Metro Stations of Line 3 (Open Section):

• Nhổn
• Minh Khai
• Phú Diễn
• Cầu Diễn
• Lê Đức Thọ
• Nguyễn Cơ Thạch
• Hồ Tùng Mậu
• Cầu Giấy

The underground stretch to Hà Nội Station is still…being dug.

Fares – 2025 Rates

Prices are budget-friendly. Seriously. It won’t cost much.

Quick tip: If you’re just here for a few days, the day pass is fun.

I tried it on my second day in Hanoi. Best thing I did.I hopped on at Cát Linh, rode a bit, then… well, three stops later, I got off, grabbed one fresh bánh mì. There was this tiny street cart right outside the station. Couldn’t resist, ate it leaning against the railing. Then, with zero guilt about “wasting” a ticket, I hopped right back on.

How to Use the Hanoi Metro (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you can use an elevator, a coffee machine, or your phone’s unlock button… you can use the Hanoi Metro. But here’s the play-by-play so you don’t end up riding the wrong way to Yên Nghĩa like I did once.

Find the station

• Look for the big green or yellow metro logo.
• For Line 2A, stations are elevated. You’ll see stairs/escalators going up.

Buy a ticket

• Ticket machines have English.
• Or buy at the counter.

Tap in

• Use your ticket/card at the gate.

Wait for the train

• Usually every 6–10 minutes.
• Platforms are clean and air-conditioned.

Board

• Let people exit first. (Some locals don’t. But you should.)

Tap out at your destination.

My First Time on Hanoi Metro

So… my first ride?
I bought a ticket to Hà Đông. Stood at the wrong platform. Watched my train leave.

Then I realised — platforms for each direction are separate. No crossing without exiting. Yep. Had to tap out and tap in again.

Cost me another 8,000 VND. Lesson learned.

Pros & Cons of Using the Hanoi Metro

Pros

• No traffic jams
• Cheap
• Clean and modern
• Nice city views on Line 2A

Cons

• Limited coverage (2025)
• Closes relatively early (~10:30 PM)
• Some stations are far from main tourist areas

Safety & Etiquette Tips

• Pickpocketing risk? Low. But keep your bag in front in crowded times.
• Don’t eat or drink on the train. Rules say no.
• Let people off before boarding. Please.
• Hold the escalator handrail. Vietnamese escalators can be fast.

Connecting Metro with Other Transport

The metro isn’t everywhere yet. So you’ll often combine it with:

• Grab bike/car from the nearest station
• Public buses (cheap, but slower)
• Walking — in cooler months, it’s nice

Example: If you’re staying in the Old Quarter, you’ll probably need a Grab to Cát Linh Station to catch Line 2A.

Future Lines (What’s Coming)

Planned or under construction:

• Line 2 (Nam Thăng Long – Trần Hưng Đạo)
• Line 5 (Văn Cao – Hòa Lạc)
• Line 6 (Nội Bài Airport – Ngọc Hồi)

That last one. If it happens soon, game changer. Airport to city by metro? Yes please.

Common Questions I Get

Q: Is it crowded?
A: Morning/evening rush? Yes. Midday? Usually fine.

Q: Can I take luggage?
A: Small/medium bags are fine. Big suitcase… bit annoying.

Q: Is English used?
A: Yes. Announcements are in Vietnamese & English. Signs too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Hanoi and the metro fits your route — try it.
It’s cheap, smooth, and gives you a different angle of the city.

Don’t expect to explore all of Hanoi on Metro as it has limited service. But it’s a refreshing break from the endless sound of motorbike horns.

I’ll keep updating this guide as more lines open. Hanoi’s metro future looks promising.

Also read: Hanoi Airport to Old Quarter