Ho Chi Minh City’s long-awaited metro system has finally become a reality, transforming urban transportation in Vietnam’s largest commercial hub. After officially opening on December 22, 2024, and beginning fare collection on January 21, 2025, the metro represents a significant milestone in Vietnam’s infrastructure development.
Current Metro Line Operations
The inaugural Line 1 spans 12.2 miles from the historic Bến Thành Market in central Ho Chi Minh City to Thủ Đức sub-city in the northeast, featuring 14 strategically located stations. This route connects key areas of the city, making it an essential transportation option for both residents and tourists.
The line features a mixed infrastructure design with the first three stations—Bến Thành, Opera House, and Ba Son—constructed underground, while the remaining stations operate on elevated tracks. The system operates with 17 modern trains, each capable of accommodating up to 930 passengers, with travel times of just 1-2 minutes between consecutive stations.
Metro Fares and Pricing Structure
The Ho Chi Minh City Metro employs a distance-based fare system, with tickets priced at VND12,000 for journeys between 0-5 kilometers and VND18,000 for distances exceeding 15 kilometers. This affordable pricing structure makes the metro accessible to a wide range of users while providing excellent value for money compared to traditional transportation methods.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The metro trains achieve impressive speeds, operating at up to 110 km/h on elevated sections and 80 km/h in underground tunnels. This high-speed operation ensures efficient travel times across the city, significantly reducing commute durations compared to road-based transportation options.
Future Expansion Plans
The metro system is part of an ambitious long-term development strategy. Metro Line 2 is scheduled to begin construction in December 2025, with the city planning to expedite procedures for six additional lines, commencing construction in 2027. The comprehensive expansion plan aims to develop seven metro lines spanning 355 kilometers by 2035, creating a comprehensive urban rail network.
Benefits for Ho Chi Minh City
The metro system promises to significantly ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution in Vietnam’s commercial capital, where the population has nearly doubled in recent years. This modern transportation infrastructure represents a crucial step toward sustainable urban mobility and improved quality of life for millions of residents.
Planning Your Metro Journey
For travelers and residents, the metro offers a reliable, fast, and affordable way to navigate Ho Chi Minh City. The system connects major commercial areas, tourist attractions, and residential districts, making it an ideal transportation choice for exploring the city or commuting to work.
The Ho Chi Minh City Metro marks a new era of modern transportation infrastructure in Vietnam, providing a glimpse into the country’s urban development future while addressing current mobility challenges in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities.
