Hanoi Train Street Guide 2025 Everything You Need to Know

Discover Hanoi Train Street in 2025 – the world-famous attraction where trains rush just inches from cafes and homes. Find the exact location, train schedule, best cafés, safety tips, and must-know information for foreign visitors.

Hanoi Train Street is one of the most fascinating attractions in Vietnam. Tucked away in the Old Quarter, this narrow street has become world-famous because a real train passes through, just inches from local houses and cafés. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, Hanoi Train Street offers a rare mix of daily local life, thrilling train moments, and cozy coffee shops.

Whether you’re here for photography, culture, or simply a cup of Vietnamese coffee, this guide will show you everything you need to know about Hanoi Train Street in 2025.

1. What is Hanoi Train Street?

Hanoi Train Street is a railway track running through a narrow residential area in central Hanoi. Built during the French colonial era, it originally served as part of Vietnam’s North–South railway line. Over time, locals built their homes and small cafés right along the tracks.

The street gained international fame thanks to travel bloggers and viral Instagram posts, showing trains rushing through while tourists sipped coffee just a few centimeters away. Today, Hanoi Train Street is a top attraction for foreign visitors who want to experience something truly unique.

2. Location & How to Get There

1. Address: The most popular section is located between Lê Duẩn and Khâm Thiên streets, near Hanoi Old Quarter.
2. Google Maps: Just search for Hanoi Train Street.
3. How to go:
   › From Hoan Kiem Lake: 15–20 minutes on foot.
   › Taxi or Grab is convenient and cheap.
   › Motorbike rental is another option if you are adventurous.

Tip: Most visitors combine Train Street with other attractions like St. Joseph’s Cathedral or Hoan Kiem Lake.

3. Best Time to Visit Hanoi Train Street

Train schedules may change, but generally:

1. Around 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM daily.
2. Weekends may have extra train runs.

✨ Recommendation:
› Evening visits offer the best atmosphere with lights, music, and lively cafés.
› Arrive 30–40 minutes earlier to grab a good café seat.
› Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

4. Hanoi Train Street Cafes – Where to Watch the Train

One of the highlights of visiting is enjoying a drink while waiting for the train. Many cafés line the tracks, each with its own charm.

Popular cafés along Hanoi Train Street:

1. Café Ga Đông Dương – cozy and authentic.
2. Railway Café – good view and friendly owners.
3. The Train Track Café – famous for egg coffee.

Try local drinks like egg coffee, iced Vietnamese coffee, or fresh fruit juice. Watching a train rush by while sipping your drink is an unforgettable experience.

5. Safety & Regulations

In recent years, authorities have sometimes restricted access for safety reasons. To ensure your visit is enjoyable and safe:

1. Always follow café staff instructions.
2. Stay behind the marked safety line when the train is coming.
3. Do not stand directly on the track to take photos.
4. Keep children supervised at all times.

⚠️ Note: Access may be closed temporarily. The best way is to enter through a café, as they often have arrangements with authorities to host tourists safely.

6. Tips for First-Time Visitors

› Come early before train times.
› Choose a seat close to the tracks but safe.
› Bring a camera or phone with wide-angle lens for photos.
› Respect locals living here – it’s still their neighborhood.
› Combine with nearby attractions like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, or Hanoi night market.

7. Why Foreign Visitors Love Hanoi Train Street

1. Unique worldwide: Very few places let you see a train passing so close to daily life.
2. Blend of local life and travel excitement: Watch families cook dinner, kids play, while tourists sip coffee waiting for the train.
3. Instagram-worthy moments: The train rushing past at night with glowing lights is unforgettable.

8. Things to Do Near Hanoi Train Street

1. Explore Hanoi Old Quarter with its historic streets.
2. Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral for Gothic architecture.
3. Try local street food: Phở, Bánh mì, Bún chả.
4. Shop at Dong Xuan Market.

9. Practical Information for 2025

1. Opening hours: Cafés are usually open from 8 AM – 11 PM.
2. Train times: Ask café owners for the most updated schedule.
3. Entrance fee: Free, but it’s expected that you buy a drink at a café.
4. Language: Many café owners speak basic English.

10. Conclusion

Hanoi Train Street is more than just a railway line – it’s a cultural symbol of Hanoi where tradition meets modern travel trends. For foreign travelers, this is one of the most memorable experiences in Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Hanoi Train Street open in 2025?
Yes, most cafés along Hanoi Train Street are open in 2025, though access can sometimes be restricted by authorities for safety.

2. What time do trains pass Hanoi Train Street?
Trains usually pass around 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. Times may vary, so check with café staff for updates.

3. Is Hanoi Train Street safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s safe if you follow the rules. Stay inside cafés or behind safety lines when the train is passing.

4. How much does it cost to visit?
There’s no entrance fee, but visitors should order a drink at a café, usually between $2–$4. 

Don’t miss it! Book your Hanoi Train Street guided tour today and experience it safely like a local. Contact us: Hotline/Whatsapp:  +84 988342960 / +84 918 686 665

5. How do I get to Hanoi Train Street from Old Quarter?
It’s a 15–20 minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, or you can take a quick taxi/Grab ride.