Are you looking for detailed information about Metro Line No. 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien, Ho Chi Minh City's first urban railway line? Do you want to know about its route, ticket prices, operating hours, and essential tips for using this metro line?
This article will provide you with all the relevant details to help you easily explore and enjoy a modern and convenient commuting experience. Let’s dive in with Huttons VN!
Overview of Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien
Some features of the urban railway system in Ho Chi Minh City
The urban railway system in Ho Chi Minh City (Ho Chi Minh City Metro – HCMC Metro) is developed to include 8 metro lines with a total length of 169 km, 1 tramway line of 12.8 km and 2 monorail lines of 43.7 km long.
The urban railway system has 175 stations with a total system length of 225.5 km.
Metro Line No. 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien is the first line deployed in the system with a total length of 19.7 km, started construction in 2013 and has been officially put into commercial operation since December 2024.
Introduction to Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien
Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien, also known as Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro Line, is one of the key transportation projects of Ho Chi Minh City. This is the first line in the city’s urban railway system, 19.7 km long, connecting the center of District 1 with the eastern area, specifically Thu Duc City and part of Binh Duong province.
The starting point of metro line 1 is located at Ben Thanh market, going underground from Ben Thanh station through the City Theater station, Ba Son station, crossing the Saigon river then running along Vo Nguyen Giap street and Hanoi highway ending at Long Binh Depot.
The entire line 1 includes 14 stations and 1 Depot, including:
- 3 underground stations (Ben Thanh, City Theater and Ba Son)
- The remaining 11 stations are elevated stations (from Van Thanh Park station to Suoi Tien bus station), the elevated stations all have parking lots below the station.
The depot of Line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien is located in Long Binh ward, Thu Duc city, this is considered the "brain" of the control center and maintenance of train cars of Line 1. Besides, Long Binh depot is also one of the 10 largest depots that have been and are being built according to the urban railway development plan of Ho Chi Minh City.
The designed speed of train line 1 is 110km/h (elevated section), 80km/h (tunnel section), 35km/h at the entrance to the station and 25km/h when arriving at the station with a track gauge of 1,435m.
Future Metro lines connecting to Metro line 1
In the future, line 1 will be extended from Suoi Tien station to Binh Duong new city and to Bien Hoa city, Dong Nai province.
According to the design, in the future, by traveling on metro line 1, it is possible to connect with:
- Metro line 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong), line 3A (Ben Thanh – Tan Kien) and line 4 (Thanh Xuan – Hiep Phuoc) at Ben Thanh station
- Metro line 5 (Tan Cang - Can Giuoc bus station) at Tan Cang station
- Tramway line T1 (Ba Son - Mien Tay Bus Station) at Ba Son station
- Monorail line MR2 (Thanh Da – Nguyen Van Linh) at Thao Dien station
Detailed information about Metro line 1
List of stations on Metro Line 1
| Ab. | Station | Distance between stations (km) | Distance from Ben Thanh station (km) | Station Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1-01 | Ben Thanh | 0,0 | 0,0 | District 1 |
| L1-02 | Ho Chi Minh Opera House | 0,6 | 0,6 | |
| L1-03 | Ba Son | 1,7 | 2,3 | |
| L1-04 | Van Thanh Park | 1,2 | 3,5 | Binh Thanh |
| L1-05 | Tan Cang | 0,9 | 4,4 | |
| L1-06 | Thao Dien | 1,1 | 5,5 | Thu Duc City |
| L1-07 | An Phu | 1,0 | 6,5 | |
| L1-08 | Rach Chiec | 1,7 | 8,2 | |
| L1-09 | Phuoc Long | 1,5 | 9,7 | |
| L1-10 | Binh Thai | 1,3 | 11,0 | |
| L1-11 | Thu Duc | 1,8 | 12,8 | |
| L1-12 | Saigon Hi-tech Park | 2,4 | 15,2 | |
| L1-13 | National University | 1,5 | 16,7 | |
| L1-14 | Suoi Tien Terminal | 3,0 | 19,7 | Di An City |
14 stations of Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien (Photos source: Internet)
Route map
Train schedule
Metro Line 1 schedule when in commercial operation will operate from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day, with each trip about 4 to 10 minutes apart depending on peak or off-peak hours of the day. The train stops to pick up and drop off passengers at the station for 30 seconds.
However, in the first 6 months, Metro Line 1 will operate from 5am and end at 10pm, with regular intervals of 8-12 minutes/trip.
After 6 months of operating the first phase, the next phase of Metro Line 1 will extend its operating time to 11:30 p.m. daily, with peak hour trip frequency of 5 minutes/trip (from Monday to Friday) and 8 minutes/trip (Saturday and Sunday), compared to the normal time of 10 minutes/trip and off-peak hour of 15 minutes/trip.
Pedestrian bridge system connecting the station
Location of 9 stations of metro line 1 with pedestrian bridgesAlong metro line 1 in the elevated sections, there are a total of 9 pedestrian bridges located at the stations: Tan Cang, Thao Dien, An Phu, Rach Chiec, Phuoc Long, Binh Thai, Thu Duc, high-tech park and National University station. The pedestrian bridges are mainly located on Vo Nguyen Giap Avenue - Hanoi Highway connecting to the station's transit floor. Depending on the location, each bridge is 80-150 m long, about 3.5 m wide, and nearly 5 m high.
Long Binh Depot: The "Brain" of Metro Line No. 1
Long Binh Depot, located in Long Binh ward, Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh city, with an area of about 20.9 hectares, is the control and maintenance center for 17 trains of metro line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien).
Considered the “brain” of metro line 1, this depot includes operational buildings, maintenance workshops, train parking lots with dozens of scientifically arranged rails, along with a roof system to reduce heat for train cabins and maintenance infrastructure for other rail equipment, electrical, signal, and communication systems; train parking lots; train cleaning stations; internal road networks inside and outside the area; and office areas.
In addition to being the place where trains are gathered after each day of operation, Long Binh depot also takes on the role of inspection, repair and maintenance, ensuring that trains are always in the best condition to serve passengers.
Metro Line 1 Ticket Price List
Ticket price summary table
| Ticket Type | Ticket Price | Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket | From 7,000 VND - 20,000 VND/turn | 1,000 VND discount when paying without cash |
| Day ticket | 40.000 VND | Unlimited rides per day |
| 3 days ticket | 90.000 VND | Unlimited rides for 3 days |
| Monthly ticket (students) | 150.000 VND | Unlimited trips per month |
| Monthly ticket | 300.000 VND | Unlimited trips per month |
With the modern ticketing system at Metro, people not only save time but also:
- Insurance and fares: Each train ticket is insured, fares are clearly listed at the stations.
- Excess ticket: If you go past the station, you just need to buy an additional ticket for the difference.
- Ticket Refund: Tickets can be refunded or exchanged if unused.
- Offer: People with revolutionary contributions, people with disabilities, seniors aged 60 and over and children under 6 years old when traveling with an adult will receive free train tickets.
- Buy tickets quickly: Buy bullet train tickets in just a few seconds with the automatic ticket collection system. People can pay by many forms such as bank cards, Visa/Mastercard, citizen identification cards or via mobile applications.
Instructions for using the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro line
Instructions for buying train tickets
To buy tickets for metro line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien, you can do one of the following:
1. Use HCMC Metro HURC application on phone:
Download the HCMC Metro HURC app on Google Play Store (for Android operating system) or App Store (for iOS operating system) then buy tickets right on the app and create a QR code to take the train.
2. Use payment card
Passengers can use Mastercard, Visa, JCB, American Express, Union Pay, Napas cards to scan at gates equipped with readers.
3. Buy tickets directly at the automatic ticket machine
Train cards used on Metro Line 1 use IC cards (Integrated circuit - contactless smart cards) with 2 different versions, including:
- High security cards are used for reload cards (SFC – Stored Fare Card/Day Ticket), day tickets, with red design.
- The medium security card is used for single journey tickets (SJT), which have a blue design.
The steps to buy tickets at the automatic ticket machine are as follows:
Step 1: Select destination -> Select day ticket -> Select appropriate ticket price according to your needs
Step 2: Select the number of tickets you want to buy
Step 3: Insert money into the machine
Steps to top up a recharge card:
Step 1: Place the SFC ticket in the booking tray
Step 2: Select the amount to deposit
Step 3: Insert money into the machine
When going past the stop, passengers need to adjust the ticket price at the adjustment machine to match the ticket purchase step or top up before swiping the card to leave the station.
Instructions for taking Metro Line 1
Step 1: Schedule your trip
Plan your trip accordingly, identify the stop. Find and board the station that is closest to the passenger. Metro Line 1 has two train directions:
- Direction from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien.
- Direction from Suoi Tien to Ben Thanh.
Passengers should take care to find the correct train direction according to the schedule. Information, maps and route directions can be found at all stations.
Step 2: Buy tickets/boarding passes
Buy train tickets/cards according to the instructions in the previous section or as instructed by the ticket machine/station staff.
Step 3: Check tickets
Check your card/ticket at the automatic ticket gate. If the ticket is valid, the machine will beep and open the gate for the passenger to pass through. Follow the signs to the correct train direction according to the schedule and move to the waiting area. Remember to keep your ticket to repeat the ticket checking steps again at the Arrival Station.
Step 4: Wait for the train
Waiting for the train. Passengers move to the platform area and wait to board the next train.
- Line up and wait for the train according to the lines on the platform.
- Do not stand near the train while it is running.
- Let passengers on the train get off first before boarding.
Step 5: On the train
Boarding the train. Passengers need to follow the information of the station they have just passed and the next station on the train's itinerary screen and the train's loudspeaker system.
- Identify transfer stations using the train route map.
- Priority seats are given to the elderly, the disabled, pregnant women and children.
- Maintain cleanliness and order on board.
- Be careful not to lean against train doors, especially when the train is in a station.
Step 6: Get off the train, end of journey
At the arrival station, passengers get off the train to the ticket gate and repeat step 3. Passengers find the appropriate station exit according to the signs inside the station to go to the desired destination.
Bus system to Metro Line 1 station
To help residents access the metro conveniently, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has launched 17 new electric bus routes connecting the stations. These routes are subsidized, run on environmentally friendly electricity, and help reduce emissions and noise...
Bus routes cover many important locations such as residential areas, schools, shopping malls, industrial parks, etc., connecting directly to metro stations, helping people easily move between urban and suburban areas.
List of 17 electric bus routes connecting Metro Line 1 stations:
| No. | Route | Connecting Station |
|---|---|---|
| 153 | Binh An Pier ↔ Lien Phuong Road | An Phu Station |
| 154 | Thanh My Loi Residential Area ↔ Masteri An Phu | Rach Chiec Station, An Phu Station |
| 155 | Saigon Bus Station ↔ HCMC Opera House | Ben Thanh Station, HCMC Opera House Station, Ba Son Station |
| 156 | Sai Gon Bus Station ↔ Hoa Hung Station | Ben Thanh Station |
| 157 | Van Thanh Bus Station ↔ Duc Khai Apartment | Thao Dien Station |
| 158 | Van Thanh Bus Station ↔ Thanh Da Residence | Tan Cang Station |
| 159 | Ngo Tat To Apartment ↔ Hang Xanh Intersection | Van Thanh Park Station |
| 160 | Van Thanh Park Station ↔ Vinhomes Central Park | Van Thanh Park Station |
| 161 | Van Thanh Bus Station ↔ Nga Tu Ga Bus Station | Tan Cang Station |
| 162 | Man Thien Apartment ↔ Hoa Lu Secondary School | Binh Thai Station, Thu Duc Station |
| 163 | College of Industry and Trade ↔ Phuoc Binh Secondary School | Binh Thai Station |
| 164 | University of Agriculture and Forestry ↔ Topaz Apartment | HCMC Hi-Tech Park Station, National University Station |
| 165 | University of Agriculture and Forestry ↔ High-tech Park | HCMC Hi-Tech Park Station |
| 166 | National University ↔ Suoi Tien Park | National University Station |
| 167 | University of Agriculture and Forestry ↔ Linh Trung 1 Export Processing Zone | HCMC Hi-Tech Park Station |
| 168 | University of Technology & Education ↔ Binh Thai Crossroads | Binh Thai Station, Thu Duc Station |
| 169 | Vincom Thu Duc ↔ Tay Hoa Intersection | Binh Thai Station |
Real estate projects along Metro Line 1
Apartment prices along Metro Line 1 have experienced remarkable growth over the past year, averaging a 15-40% increase and nearly doubling in the last five years.
Currently, there are more than 40 major real estate projects being developed along this metro line. Notably, the area from An Phu Station to Thao Dien Station (formerly District 2) has become a hotspot with numerous high-end projects, where the average price exceeds 70 million VND/m². This marks an increase of 20-30% compared to early 2024 and 45-90% compared to the 2019-2020 period.
In the area from Thu Duc Station to Binh Thai Station (in the former Thủ Đức District and District 9), apartment prices have also risen, though at a more modest rate, ranging from 10-15% compared to early 2024 and 25-49% compared to 2020.
Beyond existing projects, a wide range of new developments across various segments are under construction near Metro Line 1, contributing to the establishment of a new price benchmark in the area.
According to a report by Avison Young, apartment prices along Metro Line 1, particularly on Vo Nguyen Giap Boulevard, have risen by an average of 16-20% annually, significantly outpacing the 8-12% annual growth of other projects in Thu Duc City.
Between 2019 and 2024, data from Batdongsan shows that apartment prices near metro stations have increased by 30-90%. Prices in An Phú and Thảo Điền have surged from 58-65 million VND/m² to 80-120 million VND/m². Other areas, such as Long Bình, Trường Thọ, and Tân Phú, have seen price increases ranging from 30-45%.
Similarly, research by Savills Vietnam and DKRA Group reveals that since the metro line's development, apartment prices along the route have grown by an average of 35-70%, depending on location, with many projects in Thảo Điền and An Phú doubling in value.
Here are some standout real estate projects along Metro Line 1:
The 9 Stellars
- Address: Hoang Huu Nam Street, Long Binh Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: SonKim Land
- Type: Complex project includes villas, townhouses, apartments, commercial - services, offices, community facilities, ...
- Sub-areas that have been and are being developed: Alta Height, Alta Villa, The Alpha Residence
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Suoi Tien Terminal Station (<10 minutes drive)
- Status: Under Construction
>>> Xem chi tiết thông tin phân khu Alta Height – Dự án The 9 Stellars chuẩn bị mở bán
Lancaster Legacy
- Address: 230 Nguyen Trai St., Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Trung Thuy Group
- Type: Luxury apartment project, shophouse, commercial and service podium
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Ben Thanh Station (<10 minutes drive)
- Status: Roofed, finishing
>>> Xem chi tiết thông tin dự án Lancaster Legacy Nguyễn Trãi
Grand Marina Saigon
- Address: 2 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Masterise Homes
- Type: Project of luxury apartments, serviced apartments, shophouses, villas
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Ba Son Station (<5 minutes drive)
- Status: First tower handed over (2023), completing remaining towers.
>>> Xem thông tin chi tiết dự án Grand Marina Saigon
Vinhomes Golden River
- Address: Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Vinhomes
- Type: Luxury apartment project, serviced apartment, shophouse
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Ba Son Station (<10 minutes drive)
- Status: Handed over (2018)
Vinhomes Central Park
- Address: Vinhomes Tan Cang, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Vinhomes
- Type: Project of luxury apartments, serviced apartments, shophouses, villas
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Tan Cang Station (<10 minutes drive)
- Status: Handed over (2016)
Sunwah Pearl
- Address: 90 Nguyen Huu Canh, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Sunwah Group
- Type: Apartment
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Tan Cang Station (<10 minutes drive)
- Status: Handed over (2020)
Masteri An Phu
- Address: 179 Vo Nguyen Giap, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Masterise Homes
- Type: Luxury apartment project, serviced apartment, shophouse
- Get to the nearest Metro station: An Phu Station (<10 minutes drive)
- Status: Handed over (2019)
LUMIÈRE riverside
- Address: 259 Vo Nguyen Giap, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Masterise Homes
- Type: Apartment, serviced apartment, shophouse
- Get to the nearest Metro station: An Phu Station (<15 minutes drive)
- Status: Handed over (2023)
Masteri Thao Dien
- Address: 159 Vo Nguyen Giap, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Masterise Homes
- Type: Apartment, serviced apartment, shophouse
- Get to the nearest Metro station: An Phu Station (<5 minutes drive)
- Status: Handed over (2016)
Estella Heights
- Address: 88 Song Hanh, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Keppel
- Type: Apartment, serviced apartment, shophouse
- Get to the nearest Metro station: An Phu Station (<15 minutes drive)
- Status: Handed over (2019)
Lavita Garden, Lavita Charm
- Address: 17 Street No. 3, Truong Tho Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Hung Thinh Land
- Type: Apartment
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Binh Thai Station (<10 minutes away)
- Status: Handover
Saigon Gateway
- Address: 702 Vo Nguyen Giap, Hiep Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Hiep Phu Real Estate Joint Stock Company
- Type: Apartment
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Thu Duc Station (<10 minutes away)
- Status: Handover
Centum Weath Complex
- Address: Phan Chu Trinh, Hiep Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
- Developer: Bach Phu Thinh Company Limited
- Type: Apartment
- Get to the nearest Metro station: Thu Duc Station (<15 minutes drive)
- Status: Handover
Must-Visit Attractions and Entertainment Spots Along Metro Line 1
Source: Internet
