I found it difficult to find clear information on visiting Hanoi Train Street, so after my first clueless visit, I decided to write this mini-guide.
First of all, it’s not a “normal attraction” in the sense of a ticket booth, with an entrance, and staff members. You can literally show up in the vicinity before the scheduled train and watch for free. Second, they’re real trains on a real track. If you’re visiting with kids, you’ll need to hold onto them. I got so close to the train on my first visit that I could nearly touch it with my elbow (I shared the video below).
There are two areas to see the trains. On both train streets, all nearby shop owners know the train schedule. Some even have the schedule on a sign or bulletin board. You can visit spontaneously by showing up and asking when the next train is, or you can show up for a specific one. The North Train Street is closer to the Old Quarter (but more crowded). The South Train Street, which is a little walk away, is worth it for a calmer experience.
I added a map of Hanoi’s attractions (including Train Street) in this guide on where to stay in Hanoi. This one covers more things to do in Hanoi besides Train Street. If you have questions about visiting Train Street, ask them in my free Hanoi travel planning group.
Hanoi Train Street Visitor Info
| Locations (2) | North Train Street: Google Maps South Train Street: Google Maps |
| Hours | Several daily trains |
| Cost | Free (but to sit, buy a coffee or food) |
| Nearby hotels | North: Meritel Hanoi (Agoda / Booking) South: The Legend (Agoda / Booking) |
| How much time | Between 5 minutes and 1 hour |
| When to visit* | I would go in the morning/afternoon |
| Accessibility | Flat, partially accessible by wheelchair |
| Other notes | The nighttime crowd is far more rowdy |
My Experience at Hanoi Train Street
I first went to the North Train Street area to see one of the 7 PM trains. But I found it far too crowded, touristy, and rowdy. Then, when I saw the train go by (you can see it from the street), it was only the locomotive, without any cargo. I thought this was kind of dinky.
On a subsequent morning, after visiting Hoa Lo Prison nearby, I went to South Train Street to see the 11:40 AM train. This was far more up my alley: tons of places to sit and not crowded at all. This train ended up being full, carrying multiple additional cars behind the locomotive.
Here’s the video I filmed, super close to the train. You really do need to be careful. The train crashed into tables and chairs recently.
At both Train Street areas, there are tons of coffee shops and bars. Many serve food, so you can eat lunch here beforehand. Many of the owners will be trying to get you to sit at their shop. You’ll have to wave off multiple people in your pursuit of finding the perfect place to sit.
If you’re planning to eat before, you’ll want to give yourself some time before the train comes. Several minutes before each train, the locals will walk up and down the tracks to put away the tables outside the shops. Then, after the train passes, they’ll put out the tables again. You can sit on either side of the tracks.
I took this photo one or two minutes after the train passed. The locals already put the tables back out for the next groups of people.
