Line 2A (Cat Linh - Ha Dong)

Vietnam's first metro line. A local press article from August 2025 gives single tickets of 9,000 to 19,000 VND depending on distance, after a fare rise, and a monthly pass of 280,000 VND. The opening hours given at the 2021 launch are 5:30 am to 10:30 pm: they may have changed, so check at the station. It does not pass through the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake.

Line 3: where does it stand?

The elevated section (8 stations, about 8 km) opened in 2024; sources disagree on the exact date (August or November 2024). The 4-station underground section to Hanoi Station is targeted for 2027, and we found no source confirming an opening in 2026. It will eventually link the west of the city to the station, which will help night-train travellers: see the station and night trains.

Bus 86 from the airport

It links Noi Bai to Hanoi Station (about 33 km) via a stop near Hoan Kiem Lake, in 50 minutes to 1 hour. The fare quoted ranges from 30,000 VND (an old launch announcement) to 45,000 VND (recent sources): plan for 45,000 VND. Hours and frequencies vary by source (first departure from the airport around 6:18 to 6:50 am, last around 10:15 to 10:58 pm). The terminal-by-terminal details are in from the airport to the centre.

Other buses

The city network is dense but hard for a visitor to read: Vietnamese numbers, stops sometimes without a name. For the Old Quarter, walking and Grab remain simpler; see taxi scams.

FAQ

Does the Hanoi metro go to the Old Quarter?

No, not in 2026. The future underground section of Line 3 is meant to get close via Hanoi Station.

How much is Bus 86?

About 45,000 VND according to recent sources; an older fare of 30,000 VND is still quoted.

When does the underground Line 3 open?

Target 2027 according to the sources consulted.