A-Z Guide to Riding the Ho Chi Minh City Metro | Changes in 2026

Chi tiết các bước đi tàu điện metro số 1 Bến Thành - Suối Tiên

By 2026, Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) has become the top transportation choice for Ho Chi Minh City residents. However, for newcomers or those who have not used the Metro for a long time, understanding the details from parking to new ticket payment methods can be confusing at the station.

This article Galaxy Office will guide you on how to use the Ho Chi Minh City Metro from A to Z and the changes in 2026 so you can travel quickly and save a significant amount of time.

1. Route of 14 stations and travel time for Metro Line 1

Metro Line 1 is 19.7 km long (2.6 km underground, 17.1 km elevated) with 14 stations, including 3 underground stations: Ben Thanh, City Theater, Ba Son, and 11 elevated stations.

Main route: Ben Thanh – City Theater – Ba Son – Van Thanh – Tan Cang – Thao Dien – An Phu – Rach Chiec – Phuoc Long – Binh Thai – Thu Duc – High-Tech Park – Ho Chi Minh City National University – Suoi Tien Bus Station.

The total travel time from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien takes only about 30 minutes, three times faster than riding a motorcycle during rush hour.

Understanding the route of Metro Line 1 makes it easier for businesses to choose office locations for rent in Ho Chi Minh City. Office buildings within a 500-meter radius of these stations are always the top priority.

See more: Latest 2026 Metro Line Map of Ho Chi Minh City

2. Instructions for parking motorcycles and cars at Metro stations

  • Underground stations such as Ben Thanh, City Theater, and Ba Son are major stations located in the center of District 1, so they will have their own parking lots. Alternatively, you can park your car in the parking garage under Quach Thi Trang Square or in the buildings. office rental in Ho Chi Minh City nearby.
  • Elevated stations such as Tan Cang, Thao Dien, An Phu, Rach Chiec, High-Tech Park, Suoi Tien Bus Station, etc., have designated parking lots for motorcycles and cars directly below the station or within a 200-meter radius.
  • Parking fee: Set according to state regulations, with integrated payment via train card or e-wallet. Parking fees range from 20,000 to 30,000 VND per visit.
  • You can choose nearby private parking lots for easier access.
  • If you commute to work daily by Metro, ask about monthly parking packages to save money.

Note: Check the opening hours of your departure station to avoid inconvenience.

See more:

3. Ticket prices – Instructions on how to purchase and pay for tickets when traveling on the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro line.

Fares for Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien

Ticket prices vary depending on distance, day, or month, specifically:

Ticket typePaymentTicket price (VND)Note
One-way ticketCash, QR, App7,000 – 20,000Depending on the distance
One-day ticketCard/App40.000Unlimited travel within 24 hours.
3-day ticketCard/App90.000Unlimited travel for 3 consecutive days.
Monthly passCard/App300.000Unlimited trips within one month.
150.000Discount 50% (student ID required).

Eligible for FREE ticket 100%:

  • Children under 6 years old (with an adult accompanying them).
  • Elderly people (aged 60 or older).
  • People who have contributed to the revolution.
  • People with disabilities.

Note: Use your chip-enabled CCCD card to scan at the ticket gate for automatic free recognition by the system.

Guide to purchasing and paying for tickets when traveling on Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien

This is an important point to note because there have been significant changes to the train travel process to enhance security and convenience:

For those purchasing tickets directly:

  • Step 1: Go to the ticket vending machine (TVM), select your language and destination station on the screen.
  • Step 2: Insert money into the coin slot.
  • Step 3: Receive plastic tokens and change.
  • Step 4: At the ticket gate (Turnstile), you touch Get your ticket to enter the sensor area. When you arrive at your destination station, you must insert the ticket into the return slot then the new gate opens.

For those purchasing tickets and paying online:

You need to download and use HCMC Metro app, Then log in and select the desired ticket type (day pass, monthly pass, or single-use ticket) and make payment.

  • Step 1: Download the HCMC Metro HURC app from the App Store or Google Play. 
  • Step 2: Log in/Register an account.
  • Step 3: Select the ticket type, then click “Buy Now.”
  • Step 4: Payment: Select a payment method (e.g., bank, e-wallet, card, etc.) and complete the payment.
  • Step 5: After payment, the ticket will be stored in the app as a QR code. Simply open the ticket in the app and scan the QR code at the ticket gate. 

4. Operating hours & Frequency of trips

Hours of operation:

  • Opening hours: From 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM (Activities throughout the holiday season).
  • Total number of trips: Oscillating from 350–400 trips per day.

Frequency of trips:

  • Peak hours (6 a.m.–8 a.m. & 4 p.m.–7 p.m.): 4.5–5 minutes per trip.
  • Normal time: 8–10 minutes per trip
  • Off-peak hours (Early morning/Late evening): 12–15 minutes per trip
  • Weekends & Holidays: 8–12 minutes per trip

5. Conclusion

The above is the complete guide to the process from parking your vehicle to boarding the train when traveling by Metro in Ho Chi Minh City. The Metro system is not only a means of transportation but also a symbol of the country's development and the civilization of Ho Chi Minh City in 2026. Understanding the process from parking to payment will help make your journey smoother.

Galaxy Office – Professional office consulting and leasing services in Ho Chi Minh City

If you are looking to rent an office near the Metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, please contact us immediately. Galaxy Office To receive advice and a list of new office buildings – best prices in 2026.

Locating the office headquarters along the train line not only helps employees avoid traffic jams, but also enhances the company's professional image in the eyes of its partners.

Types of offices provided by Galaxy Office:

  • Class A, B, C offices, affordable offices in prime locations with convenient transportation.
  • Traditional office – all-inclusive office – shared office – virtual office, with diverse space sizes and lease terms.
  • Free consulting services, multiple options, and rental price negotiations help businesses save up to 30% in costs compared to searching on their own.
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Galaxy Office provides reliable full-service office rental consulting in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Contact information:

    • Headquarters: 9th Floor, Diamond Plaza Building, 34 Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

    • Branch: 4th Floor, Van Loi Building, 24 Dang Thai Mai Street, Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.

    • Hotline: 0939.663.882

    • Email: info@galaxyoffice.vn

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