From Ben Thanh Station to Opera House Station by HCMC Metro

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

On the Ho Chi Minh City Metro (HCMC Metro) system, 14 stations run from Ben Thanh Market, passing Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Bach Dang Wharf, etc. The selling price of a single-trip ticket ranges from VND6,000 to VND20,000 depending on distance. A one-day pass for unlimited rides within a day costs VND40,000 while a three-day pass costs VND90,000 for unlimited rides within three days. 

Access Dong Khoi Street direct from Opera House Station where the street lies along Hotel Intercontinental Saigon. Cross the street, pass by Opera House, cross another street and turn right to reach Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.

On 2 September 2025, Vietnamese commuters get free rides on HCMC Metro if they scan the QR code on the gate machines to celebrate the 80th Independence Day of Vietnam.

Guide to your first Ho Chi Minh City metro ride

2.1. Checking the metro schedule

Line 1 of the HCMC Metro consists of 14 stations: (1) Ben Thanh - (2) Opera House - (3) Ba Son - (4) Van Thanh Park - (5) Tan Cang - (6) Thao Dien - (7) An Phu - (8) Rach Chiec - (9) Phuoc Long - (10) Binh Thai - (11) Thu Duc - (12) Hi-Tech Park - (13) National University - (14) Suoi Tien Bus Station.

The schedule of Line 1 of the metro in Ho Chi Minh City :

• Operating hours: 5 am - 11.30 pm
• Train frequency on weekdays (Monday - Friday):
• Rush hours: Every 5 minutes
• Normal hours: Every 10 minutes
• Low-demand hours: Every 15 minutes
• Total daily trips: 276
• Train frequency on weekends & holidays (Saturday, Sunday, public holidays):
• Rush hours: Every 8 minutes
• Normal hours: Every 10 minutes
• Low-demand hours: Every 15 minutes
• Total daily trips: 226

2.2. Getting to the metro stations

Passengers have multiple transportation options to access the stations along Line 1 of the HCMC Metro conveniently.

2.2.1. By public buses

There are 17 bus routes that connect with Line 1 of Metro Saigon. These bus routes, numbered 153 to 169, run from District 1 to Thu Duc City. The electric buses are recognizable by their signature blue color, yellow wave patterns, and sunflower motifs. Operating daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, these buses align with the metro schedule, with intervals of 8 - 22 minutes between trips. Fares range from 3,000 VND to 5,000 VND per ride.

2.2.2. By public bicycles

Ho Chi Minh City features 43 public bicycle stations, allowing commuters to cycle to the Ho Chi Minh City metro. These bicycles are strategically located along major areas such as Le Duan Street, Ton Duc Thang Street, Le Thanh Ton Street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Market, and Nguyen Hue Street.

2.2.3. By taxis or ride-hailing services

Passengers can easily access the metro stations via taxis or ride-hailing services. Among the popular choices is Xanh SM - an eco-friendly electric ride-hailing service. Xanh SM provides a comfortable, safe, and reasonably priced travel option for both locals and tourists.

Travel around Ho Chi Minh City with Xanh SM

2.2.4. By private vehicles

You can also reach the HCMC metro using your vehicles. Using Google Maps, travelers can determine the shortest route to their desired station and park their vehicles at designated parking areas.

2.3. Buying the metro tickets

The metro ticket prices vary:

• Single-ride tickets: 7,000 - 20,000 VND (cash) or 6,000 - 19,000 VND (non-cash payment)
• One-day pass: 40,000 VND (unlimited rides)
• Three-day pass: 90,000 VND (unlimited rides)
• Monthly pass: 300,000 VND (unlimited rides)

2.4. Making payments

Passengers can choose from several payment methods when purchasing tickets of the Saigon Metro:

• Method 1: Contactless bank card payment
• Tap a contactless MasterCard on the ticket gate scanner.
• The gate automatically opens after successful verification.
• The fare is deducted directly from the passenger’s account after each ride.
• Method 2: The HCMC Metro app
• Download the HCMC Metro app.
• Access the “Buy Ticket” section.
• Select the ticket type and proceed with online payments via the Momo e-wallet.
• Use the generated QR code for station entry and exit.

* Note: The HCMC Metro app currently supports only Momo for online payments.

• Method 3: On-site purchase
• Inform the ticket counter staff of your stations of departure and arrival.
• Pay via cash or other methods (Visa, Napas, etc.)
• Receive a paper ticket with a QR code for scanning at the station entry and exit.

* Note: Passengers must keep their tickets throughout the journey for exit scanning.

For passengers purchasing the metro passes, follow these steps:

• Register an account on the HCMC Metro app
• Purchase a 1-day, 3-day, or 30-day pass
• Receive a digital QR code generated directly from the app
• Scan the QR code at the QR code reader to board the train

Multiple ticket options are available for Metro Ho Chi Minh City Line 1 (Source: Collected)

>>> Check out Ho Chi Minh City travel tips before and during your trip!

3. Attractions along the Ho Chi Minh City metro routes

Line 1 of the HCMC Metro is lined with many tourist attractions:

• Ben Thanh Market: Just 350 m away from Ben Thanh Station, this market is a vibrant shopping hub where visitors can browse clothes, handicrafts, and local specialties.
• Ho Chi Minh City Opera House: This is a magnificent French colonial-era building constructed in 1898. It hosts major artistic performances.
• Ba Son Bridge: This bridge symbolizes both historical significance and modern development. It stands on the site of the former Ba Son Shipyard in the 18th century.
• Ton Duc Thang Museum: 500 m away from Ba Son Station of the HCMC Metro, this museum showcases President Ton Duc Thang’s contributions to Vietnam.
• Bach Dang Wharf: This riverside attraction offers scenic views of the Saigon River and opportunities to ride the river bus. Visitors can also enjoy restaurants and cafés along the waterfront.
• Van Thanh Tourist Area: This tranquil "oasis" features lawns, lakes, and trees, providing a relaxing escape for group outings.
• Landmark 81: 1 km away from Tan Cang Station, this is one of Vietnam’s tallest skyscrapers. It offers upscale opportunities for shopping and dining, along with an observation deck for panoramic city views.
• Thao Dien Ward: 500 m away from Thao Dien Station, this trendy neighborhood is known for its open-concept cafés, boutique stores, art galleries, spas, and diverse dining options.
• Suoi Tien Theme Park: From the National University Station, visitors can walk to this theme park, which blends Vietnamese cultural heritage with modern entertainment.
• Buu Long Pagoda: From Long Binh Station, visitors can easily reach this Buddhist temple. It is renowned for a unique architectural fusion of Vietnamese and Theravada Buddhist elements.