Ticket prices and routes for Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien
The Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line 1 has fares ranging from 6,000-20,000 VND per trip, monthly passes costing 300,000 VND, and daily passes from 40,000-90,000 VND with unlimited rides.
Introducing Metro Line 1
The Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro Line 1 officially commenced operations on December 22, 2024, marking a major milestone in Ho Chi Minh City's public transportation system.
With a length of nearly 20 km, 14 modern stations, and a travel time of only about 30 minutes, this metro line is not only a fast way to get around but also an opportunity to explore the city in a completely new way.
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Now, with Metro Line 1, you only need 30 minutes to travel from Suoi Tien Station to Ben Thanh Station, without worrying about smog or traffic jams. This is Ho Chi Minh City's first urban railway line, connecting the eastern area with the city center, reducing road traffic congestion and providing a modern, environmentally friendly experience.
For locals, the metro is a time-saving solution. For tourists, it's an opportunity to easily explore famous destinations like Ben Thanh Market, Landmark 81, or Thao Dien area. Moreover, elevated stations like Thao Dien or An Phu are also great spots for taking photos with panoramic city views, especially at sunset.
Metro Line 1 Route
Metro Line 1 has a total length of 19.7 km, including 2.6 km underground and 17.1 km elevated, with 14 modern stations. Below is the detailed route:
- Ben Thanh Station(District 1, underground): Starting point, near Ben Thanh Market and the City Theatre.
- City Theatre Station(District 1, underground): Near Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, Rex Hotel.
- Ba Son Station(District 1, underground): Near Vinhomes Golden River urban area.
- Van Thanh Park Station(Binh Thanh District, elevated): Near Saigon Bridge, Pearl Plaza.
- Tan Cang Station(Binh Thanh District, high-rise): Near Vinhomes Central Park urban area and Landmark 81.
- Thao Dien Station(Thu Duc, elevated): A bustling area with restaurants and cafes.
- An Phu Station(Thu Duc, elevated): Near Estella Place shopping mall.
- Rach Chiec Station(Thu Duc, elevated): Connecting to the new residential area.
- Phuoc Long Station(Thu Duc, elevated): Close to residential areas and schools.
- Binh Thai Station(Thu Duc, elevated): Connecting bus routes.
- Thu Duc Station(Thu Duc, elevated): Near the administrative center of Thu Duc City.
- High-Tech Park Station(Thu Duc, elevated): Near the high-tech industrial park.
- National University Station(Thu Duc, elevated): Near Thu Duc University Village.
- Suoi Tien Bus Station(Thu Duc, elevated): Final stop, near Suoi Tien Park, new Eastern Bus Station.
The entire journey takes only about 30-32 minutes, with trains running every 8-12 minutes, operating from 5 am to 10 pm.
Metro Line 1 ticket prices
The fares for Metro Line 1 are designed to be flexible and affordable for a wide range of people. Below is a detailed price list:
| Ticket type | Ticket price (VND) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket (cash only) | 7,000 - 20,000 | Depending on the distance |
| Single-trip tickets (non-cash) | 6,000 - 19,000 | Discount of 1,000 VND per visit. |
| Day ticket | 40,000 | No limit on the number of trips per day. |
| 3-day ticket | 90,000 | Unlimited trips within 3 days. |
| Monthly pass (standard) | 300,000 | Unlimited trips per month |
| Monthly pass (for students) | 150,000 | 50% discount for students. |
Free ticketsFor: People who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution, people with disabilities, the elderly (60 years and older), and children under 6 years old accompanied by an adult.
How to buy tickets:
- Purchase tickets at an automated ticket vending machine (POS):Available at all stations, accepting cash, bank cards, or QR code payments. After purchase, you will receive a QR code to scan at the ticket gate.
- Contactless payments:Use your bank card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Napas), chip-embedded citizen ID card, or the HCMC Metro HURC app to scan at the gate.
- Download the BusMap or HCMC Metro HURC app:Check routes, buy tickets, and pay online.
Note:If you go past your stop, you will need to purchase an additional ticket. Unused tickets can be exchanged or refunded according to regulations.
Guide to traveling by Metro Line 1
Are you a first-time metro user? Don't worry, here's a detailed guide:
- Select your departure station:Identify the nearest station to you. For example, if you are in District 1, Ben Thanh station is the ideal choice. If you are in Thu Duc, National University or Suoi Tien station would be more convenient.
- Look up the route:Use the BusMap app or the station map to find your destination station and the number of stations you need to pass through.
- Buy tickets:Go to an automatic ticket vending machine or use a contactless payment card/device. Remember to check the destination station on your ticket.
- Passing through the ticket gate:Scan the QR code or tap the card on the reader. The gate will open automatically.
- Board the ship:Check the signs and maps on the train to ensure you're going in the right direction. For example, if you're going from Thao Dien station to Ben Thanh station, choose the train heading towards Ben Thanh station.
- Get off at the destination station:Listen to announcements over the loudspeaker or monitor the screens on the train. Upon arrival at the station, exit through the ticket gate by scanning the QR code or card again.
Tip:If you want to take check-in photos, choose elevated stations like Thao Dien or An Phu, which offer views of the Saigon River and high-rise buildings.
Connecting with buses: Increased flexibility
To facilitate travel to metro stations, Ho Chi Minh City has launched 17 new electric bus routes, operating from 5 am to 10 pm, with a fare of only 5,000 VND per trip (3,000 VND per trip for students). Some notable routes include:
- Route 158:Van Thanh Bus Station - Thanh Da Residential Area (connecting to Tan Cang Station).
- Route 166:National University - Suoi Tien (connected to National University station).
- Route 168:Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education - Binh Thai Crossroads (connecting to Binh Thai Station, Thu Duc).
These buses are easily recognizable by their green and yellow colors. You can check the schedule through the Go!Bus app.
Comparing Metro Line 1 with other modes of transportation.
To help you understand the advantages of the metro, here is a comparison table with motorcycles and buses:
| Criteria | Metro Line 1 | Motorbike | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time (Suoi Tien - Ben Thanh) | 30 minutes | 45-60 minutes | 60-90 minutes |
| Expense | 6,000-20,000 VND | ~10,000 VND (gasoline) | 5,000-7,000 VND |
| Comfortable | Air conditioning, no traffic jams. | Smoke and dust, weather-dependent. | It might be crowded. |
| Environmentally friendly | High | Short | Medium |
Clearly, Metro Line 1 excels in speed and comfort, making it particularly suitable for those who frequently commute between Thu Duc and the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions about Metro Line 1
1. Can I bring my bicycle on the train?
Currently, bringing bicycles onto Metro Line 1 is not permitted. However, some stations have bicycle parking areas where you can leave your bike before boarding the train.
2. What should I do if I accidentally go past the station?
You simply need to purchase an additional ticket at your destination station to continue your journey or return.
3. Is the Metro safe?
The metro line is equipped with a modern security system, surveillance cameras, and support staff at every station. Trains are also inspected regularly to ensure safety.
4. Is there Wi-Fi on the train?
Currently, free Wi-Fi is not available on board, but you can use 4G/5G normally.
