Table of Contents
In this article we are going to tell you everything that you need to know to plan a trip to train Street Hanoi in 2026. Train Street Hanoi is fascinating, unique and lots of fun. This is genuinely one of our favorite attractions in Hanoi.
We absolutely love Vietnam and there are many great things to do in Hanoi. However, finding up to date and accurate information about activities can be tricky. Train street Hanoi really is one of our TOP PICK must do activities in Vietnam.
In this article we are going to tell you where train street is located, how to get there, whether you need to pay to enter and what you can do on train street Hanoi. We are even going to recommend some of the BEST places to stay in the Hanoi old quarter. You may also be interested in our epic 3 day Hanoi itinerary – packed with culture, amazing food and fun.
GET ORGANISED & BOOK YOUR TOUR – Train Street & Hanoi Food Tour on KLOOK
What is Train Street Really like?
Find out what it is really like to visit train street with kids in our Hanoi video…
What is Train Street Hanoi?
BEFORE YOU READ ON: Always be super careful near train tracks and listen to the instructions of staff and safety notices. We will share more about the safety of train street soon so read on. Also you may be interested in our genius Vietnam travel tips
Train street is a narrow street with train tracks in the middle. This unique street is lined with old buildings on each side and there is an impressive range of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants. Train street is not open to cars or traffic (although locals do bring motorbikes along the street from time to time). However, train Street is open for visitors to walk along.
The main section of train street is around 200m in length. This main section has the most shops and cafes and it is normally the busiest section. We have marked this section on the map below.
However, it is worth adding that the train line actually runs along several residential streets which are also closed to traffic. So if you want to see a “non-touristy” train street just follow the train line south towards the main station. The next block has a train street that is only lined with houses and is much more local.
Train street was built in 1902 during the French Colonial era. Train street is part of the mainline connection between Hanoi and destinations to the north of Vietnam such as Lao Chai (on the Chinese border). It is possible to ride a train along train street – if you are planning to visit Sapa we recommend taking the sleeper train. This train runs along train street each evening around 9pm.
Traveling with kids? Don’t miss our FULL guide on the best things to do in Hanoi with kids
Where is train Street Hanoi located?
Train Street is located in the historical Hanoi old quarter, around 500m north of the central Hanoi railway station. The exact location of train Street is marked on the map. The main tourist section of train street is around 200m in length. However, there are some “non-touristy” train streets nearby because the trainline needs to pass through inner city residential areas.
How do you get to Train Street Hanoi?
There are different ways to get to Train Street Hanoi. The best way to get to train Street depends on where you are staying, your budget and desire for comfort and convenience.
1 Walk
Another way to get to train Street Hanoi is to walk. If you’re staying in the central area of the Hanoi old quarter (north of Hoan Kiem lake) It is only likely to take around 20 minutes to walk to train Street.
2 Rent a motorbike
In Hanoi some people are brave and rent motorbikes. We only recommend renting a motorbike if you are sufficiently qualified, insured and experienced to ride a bike. Hanoi is a very busy city with a lot of motorbikes and it can be very hard to adapt to the local road systems.
3 Take a taxi
Alternatively, a very convenient way to get to train Street is to take a taxi. The most convenient way to take a taxi in Hanoi is to use the Gojek Taxi app. This will ensure that your taxi comes as quickly as possible and that you are paying a fair reasonable local price for the taxi – no need to barter. The best way to use this app is to get hold of a SIM card with data. Download Gojek from your app store and register using an email address and your local phone number. You do not need to add any debit card or credit card details. When you order a taxi you can request to pay the driver in cash. Most short taxi rides in Hanoi cost 30,000 – 90,000VND.
You can also find many rickshaw taxis around the old town. Always negotiate a price before you jump in. Many rickshaws offer tours of the old quarter.
What is the best time to see trains on Train Street Hanoi?
Trains in Vietnam follow a consistent schedule and are generally reliable. One way to find out train times is to talk to the locals on trainstreet. On weekdays there are normally four trains running along train street each day. These are all night trains which run along Train Street in the evening. The train schedule is more busy at weekends with over 10 trains running along train street per day. The approximate train schedule for Train Street Hanoi is:
Week days (Monday – Friday) 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 9.30pm and 10.00pm
Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) 6.00am, 9.00am, 11.20am, 3.20pm, 5.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm 9.00pm and 11.00pm
How much does it cost to visit Train Street Hanoi?
Train street is FREE to visit. There are no entry tickets required to explore this area. There are several cafes and restaurants that serve a selection of tempting food and drinks. The perfect place to sip your coffee and enjoy the atmosphere of this area.
Is Train street Hanoi safe to visit?
A narrow street with an active inter-city train line running along it may not seem like the safest place to visit. However, Train Street Hanoi is not as risky as it may sound. Here are some of the things to be aware of if you visit Train Street:
Firstly, trains follow a predictable schedule and on weekdays there are only trains in the evening. On weekends there are around 5 trains running through the main part of the day. We have included the schedule above to help you plan. So the trains are reliable.
Secondly the trains don’t travel too fast along this urban section of the line. Trains travel around 30-40mph along train street (of course you would want to get out the way!) but the good news is there shouldn’t be any speedy trains hurtling along.
Thirdly, Train Street Hanoi is generally supervised by local staff. Strictly speaking you are not allowed to actually walk on the tracks at any time. But this is not enforced very strongly, the local staff may ask people to move off the tracks from time to time.
And finally, train street is closed to any traffic except trains. So there are no cars along this section of street. Locals do bring their bikes along here from time to time.
So there are always risks associated with any activity. Be very careful to give the trains plenty of room when they pass (the safest place is to stay inside the shops). However, Train Street Hanoi is probably not as scary as it sounds.
What other things are there to do near train street Hanoi?
Located in the bustling old quarter of Hanoi, train street is also very close to plenty of other cultural and historical attractions in Hanoi. Here are a few other things that you can see near Hanoi’s train street:
- Tran Quoc Pagoda: This is one of the prettiest and oldest Pagodas in Hanoi (it dates back to the 6th century!) This unique Pagoda is beautifully situated on a small island in a lake. The main pagoda is a tall multi-level Pagoda with lots of Buddha statues on each level. There are also small statues, artwork and shrines to explore here. The Tran Quoc Pagoda is a few kilometers north of train street. It would take around 30 minute to walk. The Tran Quoc Pagoda is FREE to explore.
- Quan Thanh temple: An ancient Taoist temple with statues, artwork and
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The resting place and memorial to Ho Chi Minh.
- One Pillar Pagoda: Near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the one pillar pagoda is a unique temple built on one pillar in a small pool.
- Ho Chi Minh Museum: A museum dedicated to Vietnamese culture, heritage and history – especially the life and leadership of Ho Chi Minh.
- Enjoy some of the AMAZING street food in the old quarter. It’s cheap, healthy and super tasty – we also have some of the best local recommendations for TOP SPOTS to eat streetfood.
What are the best places to stay in Hanoi?
The Hanoi old quarter has an abundance of stylish, luxurious and charming hotels for very affordable prices. In our humble opinion, hotels in Vietnam are some of the BEST in southeast Asia for quality and value for money. Here is a selection of the best of the best – our TOP PICK hotels for the Hanoi old quarter:
Golden Time Hostel
This is one of the cheapest places to stay in the Hanoi old quarter. Rooms are comfortable, and include Air Conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. This is a great option for families on a budget. They have a family room with two large double beds. This room can sleep up to 4 people. Also, in order to get to the rooms you need to walk up a steep set of stairs. If you struggle with stairs we do not recommend this budget hostel.
Kingdom Hotel Hanoi
We were very impressed with this stylish and excellently located hotel. Rooms are well decorated and offer stylish, comfortable and secure accommodation.They also have a family room with two double beds. This room can sleep up to 4 people.
Hanoi Saga Hotel
The Hanoi Saga hotel is a beautiful and stylish mid-range hotel with well furnished rooms. We are particularly impressed with the triple room at this hotel. They have a large double bed and a sofa bed. There is also a private ensuite bathroom including a bathtub.
Hotel Emerald Waters Classy
Hotel Emerald Waters is a beautiful 4 star hotel excellently located in the Hanoi old town. We love the stylish art and interior design at this hotel. Rooms are spacious and very comfortable. They also have a connecting Family Suite that can sleep up to 4 people. So if you’re traveling with kids and value privacy – this is one of the best options. Keep an eye out for amazing deals and discounts at this awesome Hotel.
Royal Holiday Hanoi Hotel
The Royal Holiday Hanoi hotel is a decadent and regal hotel with grand and comfortable furniture and spacious luxurious suites. It is beautifully situated next to the Hoan Kiem Lake – some rooms offering a lake view. If you’re looking for a hotel with an aristocratic colonial vibe – then this is the choice for you.
The Oriental Jade Hotel
The Oriental Jade hotel in Hanoi is a luxurious 5-star hotel with a rooftop swimming pool (a very unique feature in the Hanoi Old Town). Rooms and suites at the Oriental Jade hotel are spacious, luxurious and well furnished. You can choose your view and select rooms with large outdoor terraces. This is genuinely one of the most impressive hotels in Hanoi – a great option if you are planning to splash out in Hanoi.
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique hotel
If you’re looking for exquisite luxury check out the superlative Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique hotel. This hotel has an elegant fusion of regal, eclectic and classic design. There is also a rooftop swimming pool here. This is one of the most luxurious and decadent hotels around. We are amazed how far your money can go in Vietnam.
