After more than a decade of construction, Ho Chi Minh City’s first urban railway, the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro Line, is set to begin commercial operations at 10 a.m. on December 22. Passengers can enjoy free rides for the first 30 days.

The 20-kilometer line, with an investment of 43.775 trillion VND, connects Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to the Suoi Tien Terminal in Thu Duc City.

The metro line includes 3 underground stations (Ben Thanh, Opera House, Ba Son) and 11 elevated stations, including landmarks such as An Phu, Rach Chiec, and Suoi Tien Bus Terminal.

Operating daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., the line is supported by 17 newly introduced electric bus routes and 44 adjusted or existing bus routes to ensure seamless connectivity for commuters.

All elevated stations, except Suoi Tien Bus Terminal, have bike and motorbike parking facilities. Pedestrian bridges with roofing connect station platforms to sidewalks for easy access.

Once the free trial period ends, passengers can purchase tickets with QR codes at station counters. Fares include:

7,000 VND for a single stop
20,000 VND for a full trip
40,000 VND for a day pass with unlimited rides
90,000 VND for a 3-day pass
300,000 VND for a standard monthly pass, reduced to 150,000 VND for students and eligible groups.

Children under 6, senior citizens above 60, people with disabilities, and veterans ride for free.

The metro’s trains, consisting of three cars with a capacity of 930 passengers, will cover the entire route in 29 minutes, stopping at all 14 stations.

Designed to ease congestion on key routes like Vo Nguyen Giap Street and Rach Chiec Bridge, the metro also contributes to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

It lays the groundwork for an expanded urban railway network, aiming for a green, modern, and sustainable transportation system.

Staff and volunteers are regularly stationed at the stations to guide people in becoming familiar with the new mode of transportation.

The metro operates daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. During the first 30 days, passengers can ride and experience it for free.  

All elevated stations (except Suoi Tien Bus Station) are equipped with parking facilities. Covered pedestrian bridges connect the sidewalks to the stations.

To facilitate convenient travel for residents, 17 electric bus routes have been added to provide direct connections at the metro stations. Additionally, 44 existing bus routes (30 already aligned and 14 adjusted for connection) are integrated with Metro Line 1.

When the fare collection period begins, passengers can purchase single-ride tickets at the counter. They will then receive a QR code ticket, which can be scanned at the gates.

In recent days, relevant units have cleaned and repaired minor damages to prepare for the handover ceremony and welcome passengers aboard the train.

After undergoing theoretical training and simulations in both Vietnam and Japan, along with practical experience, the team of Vietnamese train operators is ready for official operations.

The central control room, located at the depot, is being prepared for the day of operation.

The trains consist of three carriages with a capacity of 930 passengers (147 seated and 783 standing), equipped with modern and comfortable facilities. A trip from the first station to the last, stopping at all 14 stations, takes approximately 29 minutes.

When operational, Metro Line 1 will help alleviate traffic congestion on key arterial roads from the eastern areas into the city center, especially during peak hours (such as Vo Nguyen Giap Street and Rach Chiec Bridge). Additionally, this urban railway will contribute to reducing environmental pollution, saving energy, and improving the quality of life for residents.

This also lays the foundation for the city to expand its urban railway network, building a green, sustainable, and modern transportation system.

Ben Thanh Station glows beautifully at night. As the first station of Metro Line 1, it features a stunning lotus-shaped design as its highlight.

Nguyen Hue - Dao Phuong