Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line officially began charging fares on January 21, 2024, following a successful month of free service that saw overwhelming public support.
Affordable Ticket Prices and Flexible Options
Ticket prices range from VND6,000 to VND20,000 (US$0.24–0.79) per trip, with multiple payment methods available, including bank cards and the HCMC Metro app. Passengers can choose single-journey tickets or unlimited-ride passes valid for one day, three days, or one month.
The monthly pass costs VND300,000, with a generous 50% discount for students. One-day and three-day passes are priced at VND40,000 and VND90,000, respectively. Specific groups such as war heroes, people with disabilities, seniors, and children under six are entitled to free rides with proper identification or special cards.
Seamless Payment Methods
Passengers have several payment options for ticketing:
- Cash Payments: Single-journey tickets can be purchased at ticket booths and scanned at entry gates.
- Cashless Options: Riders can use MasterCard at the gate’s card readers, with Napas support starting January 24. Visa, JCB, Amex, and UPI cards will also be integrated in the near future.
- HCMC Metro App: The app allows passengers to select routes, pay for tickets, and receive QR codes for gate access. It also supports MoMo e-wallet payments. For one-day, three-day, or monthly passes, passengers must register an account on the app, which generates a QR code for gate access. From February 15, monthly passes can be linked to ID cards for added convenience.
Integration with Electric Buses
In addition to the metro, 17 electric bus routes connecting metro stations also began charging fares on the same day. Single-journey tickets are priced at VND5,000–6,000, with discounted fares for students at VND3,000. Free bus rides are available for seniors, children, and people with disabilities. A 30-ticket bundle is offered for VND112,500.
Resident Feedback: “A Game Changer for Saigon”
The metro’s launch has been widely praised by residents. Phuong Duong, a resident in Saigon, shared her excitement: “This metro line is a game changer for the city. It’s fast, clean, and affordable—perfect for commuting and reducing traffic congestion. The integration with electric buses also makes it incredibly convenient. I hope more lines will open soon!”
During its free trial, which began on December 22, 2024, the metro recorded nearly 2.8 million passenger trips—exceeding initial projections by 247%. The busiest day was New Year’s Day, with over 275,000 trips.
Expanding Operations for Lunar New Year
Nine trains currently operate daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., completing the journey between Suoi Tien Theme Park and Ben Thanh Market in approximately 30 minutes. For the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, operating hours will be extended, with trains running past midnight on New Year’s Eve to accommodate revelers and fireworks viewers.
The Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro marks a significant milestone in Ho Chi Minh City’s urban transport development, promising to enhance mobility and contribute to a more sustainable future for the city.
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