The inauguration of Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) marks a transformative era for urban transit in Vietnam’s largest economic hub. Spanning nearly 20 kilometers from the historical heart of District 1 to the vibrant innovation district of Thu Duc City, the metro offers international tourists, business travelers, and expats an efficient, air-conditioned, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to navigate the city.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about using the Ho Chi Minh City Metro—from ticket purchases, payment methods, and station highlights to a step-by-step 1-Day and 2-Day self-guided metro sightseeing itinerary.

• Line Name: Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh ↔ Suoi Tien) | Distance: 19.7 km (12.2 miles).
• Stations: 14 total (3 Underground: Ben Thanh, Opera House, Ba Son; 11 Elevated).
• Operating Hours: 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Friday - Sunday: 05:00 AM –11:00 PM).
• Fares: Single ticket: 7,000 – 20,000 VND ($0.30 – $0.80 USD); 1-Day Unlimited Pass: 40,000 VND ($1.60 USD); 3-Day Unlimited Pass: 90,000 VND ($3.60 USD).
• Payment Options: Contactless credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB), Cash (Vending machines), or HCMC Metro App.
• Language Support: All station signage, announcements, map displays, and ticket kiosks feature full English options.

1. Overview of HCMC Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien)

Metro Line 1 connects the historic city center of Saigon with the rapidly growing eastern districts, bridging cultural landmarks with ultramodern commercial hubs.

2. Fares, Pass Types & Payment Methods

The HCMC Metro ticketing system is designed for ease of use, accepting both conventional physical tickets and modern cashless methods.

Ticket Types & Pricing Matrix

How to Purchase Tickets

Method 1: Contactless Credit/Debit Card (Tap & Go at Turnstile)

The easiest option for international visitors. Simply tap your Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card (with contactless wave symbol) directly at the automatic turnstile gate when entering and exiting.

Method 2: Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)

1. Select Language: Tap the screen and select the English flag icon.
2. Select Ticket Type: Choose "Single Journey" or "Day Pass".
3. Select Destination: Touch your target station on the interactive map.
4. Select Quantity: Adjust the number of tickets required.
5. Payment: Insert Vietnamese Dong banknotes (10,000 to 100,000 VND notes accepted) or scan the QR code via mobile app/card terminal.
6. Collect Ticket: Retrieve your smart card/token and change from the tray below.

Method 3: HCMC Metro App

• Download the official HCMC Metro app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
• Switch language to English, link your credit card, purchase a digital ticket, and scan the generated QR code at the turnstile reader.
  

Step-by-Step Riding Guide

Step 1 — Enter Station: Follow English signage to the concourse level via escalators or elevators.

Step 2 — Tap In at Turnstile: Tap your contactless card, day pass, or smart token on the blue reader circle at the gate. Wait for the green arrow and gate open signal. Keep your token/pass safe throughout the journey.

Step 3 — Wait on the Platform: Proceed to the platform level. Stand behind the yellow tactile safety line. Check overhead electronic screens for real-time train arrival countdowns.

Step 4 — Boarding: Allow arriving passengers to exit first. Step carefully across the gap onto the train.

Step 5 — Tap Out at Destination: At your exit station, tap your contactless card or pass at the turnstile gate. If using a single-ride token, insert the token into the designated slot on the turnstile to exit.

The Ultimate 1-Day HCMC Metro Sightseeing Itinerary

This carefully curated 1-day itinerary allows international tourists to experience Saigon's history, culture, modern architecture, and culinary delights using Metro Line 1.

Passenger Etiquette, Rules & Accessibility

To ensure a smooth, polite, and safe journey, visitors should follow these metro guidelines:

Key Rules & Etiquette

• Escalator Etiquette: Stand on the right side of the escalator; leave the left side clear for passengers who are walking/rushing.
• Platform Waiting: Always wait behind the yellow line. Stand on the sides of the doors to allow exiting passengers space to step off first.
• Priority Seating: Reserve marked priority seats for elderly passengers, pregnant women, passengers with disabilities, and parents traveling with infants.
• Prohibited Items: Eating, drinking, smoking, vaping, and carrying strong-smelling items (such as durian fruit) inside stations or on trains are strictly prohibited.
• Noise Levels: Keep mobile devices on silent or use headphones when listening to audio or watching videos.

Accessibility Features

All 14 stations on Metro Line 1 are built to international accessibility standards:

• Elevators & Ramps: Available at every entrance for wheelchair users and strollers.
• Tactile Paving: Yellow braille blocks guide visually impaired passengers from entrances to platform screen doors.
• Bilingual Audio & Visual Displays: Clear announcements in both Vietnamese and English, supported by overhead LED maps.
  

Last-Mile Transportation & Connections

Navigating beyond the metro stations is seamless thanks to integrated urban transport options:

• Electric Feeder Buses (Feeder Bus Network): A system of 17 electric feeder bus routes (numbered 153 through 169) connects metro stations directly to nearby residential neighborhoods, universities, and shopping centers. Fares range between 3,000 and 7,000 VND.
• Ride-Hailing Pick-Up Points: Popular apps such as Grab, Green SM (electric taxis/bikes) have designated pick-up/drop-off bays at all elevated metro station entrances.
• Airport Connection (SGN): While Metro Line 1 does not connect directly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you can easily take a 15-minute taxi or Bus #152 from Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station directly to the airport terminals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)