A train passing through a narrow alleyway between houses, cafés and crowds of tourists is one of the most famous sights in Hanoi. Hanoi Train Street is a hugely popular tourist attraction, but I really enjoyed it there.

I’ve been here several times, both during the day and at night.

After dark, the alley has a truly special atmosphere. Everything is lit up and flashing, people are streaming past you, and running through it all is a fully operational railway line between the houses. It’s a unique and unusual place that I’d definitely recommend visiting in Hanoi.

Do bear in mind, however, that it gets very crowded and the cafés and restaurants are overpriced. I’d go elsewhere for a bite to eat or a drink.

Fancy staying right next to Train Street? I stayed at the WECOZY Hanoi – Railway Side apartments. I liked the space, the well-equipped kitchenette and the location between the Old Quarter and the railway station. The view of the tracks from my apartment was only very limited.

You can find more tips and comparisons of different areas in the article ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’.

Where is Hanoi Train Street? Be aware of the two different sections

The name ‘Train Street’ actually refers to two separate locations. You cannot therefore use the timetable for one section for the other.

• The northern section near the Old Quarter: the area around Tran Phu, Phung Hung and Dien Bien Phu streets. This is where most photographs of the famous street are taken. It lies north of the main railway station, and trains heading north and north-east pass through here.
• The southern section near Le Duan and Kham Thien: this lies south of the main station. Long-distance trains to the south of Vietnam run through here, including services to Da Nang.

So, when looking at a map or checking train times, make sure you first check which section you are planning to visit.

The northern section is considerably more touristy, has more restaurants, is significantly longer and, most importantly, is closer to Old Hanoi.

Approximate timetable: when do trains run on this route?

Train Street is not a railway station. The times shown below are estimated passing times based on train arrivals and departures at Hanoi Central Station, not guaranteed times for a specific café.

Please arrive about 20–30 minutes before the start of your chosen time slot. Trains may be delayed and their timetable may vary depending on the day, season or track closures.

Northern section: Tran Phu and Phung Hung

You can use this selection of regular services to plan your visit:

Approximate journey time	Service
6.00–6.15	HP1, departure from Hanoi
8:35–8:55	LP2 arriving in Hanoi
9.25–9.40	LP3, departure from Hanoi
11:40–12:00	LP6 arriving in Hanoi
15:15–15:30	LP5, departure from Hanoi
17:25–17:45	LP8, when running all the way to Hanoi at weekends and on public holidays
18:10–18:25	LP7, when departing from Hanoi at weekends and on public holidays
21:00–21:25	HP2 arriving in Hanoi
22:00–22:15	SP3, night train from Hanoi

What matters is the actual start or end of the service. Some trains on weekdays do not start or end until they reach Long Bien station. Such services do not pass through the northern section of Train Street between the main station and Long Bien.

Before your visit, please therefore check the specific date and whether the train actually serves Hanoi Central Station / Ga Hà Nội, and not just Long Bien or Gia Lam.

Southern section: Le Duan and Kham Thien

Departing long-distance trains pass through the southern platform shortly after leaving the main station. For your reference, here is a selection of departure times:

Approximate transit times	Service
6:00–6:15	SE7
8:00–8:15	SE5
13:00–13:15	SE9
7.00 pm–7.30 pm	SE3
21:45–22:00	SE1

This timetable does not include all arriving trains or special services.

Please check the specific train and its departure or arrival times for your journey on the official website of the Vietnamese Railways, dsvn.vn. You should also check the actual timetable for that day on arrival.

One of the southern routes is the SE3, which I took on an overnight train from Hanoi to Da Nang.

Day or night?

If you can only come once, I’d definitely recommend after dark.

During the day, you can clearly see how close the houses are to the railway tracks. In the evening, however, the whole place takes on a different atmosphere thanks to the illuminated signs, lanterns and lit-up bars and restaurants.

I’ve been here several times, and it was the evening visits that I enjoyed the most. There are plenty of tourists, so don’t expect a peaceful stroll. For me, though, this mix of lights, hustle and bustle, and the railway running between the houses worked a treat.

You can also soak up the atmosphere between train passages, provided that section is accessible. If you want to see a train as well, choose a time first and then plan the rest of your evening around it.

Cafés and restaurants: I’d rather go elsewhere

I wouldn’t have a meal or a drink right on Train Street itself. In my opinion, the places here are overpriced, and you’ll find significantly cheaper and better options away from the famous street.

When sitting by the railway tracks, you’re mainly paying for the location. If you’re primarily after good coffee or food, I’d head to the surrounding streets of the Old Town.

Some establishments require you to order something to sit down. So make sure you check the prices and conditions in advance. Spending money in a café does not constitute an official ticket to Train Street or permission to walk along the tracks.

Admission and opening hours

• 💰 Admission: there is no official tourist ticket for Train Street.
• 💳 Payment: any orders placed in a café or restaurant must be paid for separately.
• 🕒 Opening hours: the site does not have fixed opening hours for visitors; access is subject to current restrictions.

The police may restrict or close off access to individual sections. Please respect barriers and follow on-site instructions. An invitation to a venue does not in itself mean that you are permitted to enter the railway tracks.

This is still an operational railway. Do not wait on the tracks to take photographs, and stay well clear of trains as they pass.

Where to stay near Train Street

The area around the northern section is also convenient for exploring the city centre and travelling from the main station.

• WECOZY Hanoi – Railway Side – my personal experience of a large, clean and modern flat with a kitchenette, microwave and all the necessary facilities. During my stay, I paid 900 czk per night. The location was excellent, but the view of Train Street from my flat was very limited. You should also bear in mind the possibility of noise from the trains.
• Hanoi Marvellous Hotel & Spa – an alternative for those who prefer a traditional hotel. It is situated at 55 Duong Thanh, about a 10–15-minute walk from Train Street, depending on the section you choose and the route you take.

Accommodation with a view of the trains

• Iconic Railway View – 4BR Vietnamese House – An entire house with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a kitchen.
• 4BR Vietnamese House – Train Street View – Food Street – The entire house, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, is available to rent

You’ll find a wider selection to suit your budget in the section ‘Where to stay in Hanoi’.

How to get here and what else to see whilst you’re here

It takes about 15–20 minutes to walk from Hoan Kiem Lake to the northern section. You can combine your visit with a trip to St Joseph’s Cathedral or the Temple of Literature.

If you’re travelling by Grab, enter a specific location, such as the junction of Tran Phu and Phung Hung. We describe other transport options in the section on Transport in Hanoi.

For accommodation near the main railway station, the No. 86 airport bus is also a good option. You can find details in the guide to transport from Hanoi Airport.

If you’re planning further travel by train, you might also like to read about my experience on the Chiang Mai–Bangkok overnight train in Thailand for comparison.

💬 Did you spot a train on Train Street? Please write the date, time and section of the street in the comments. Your first-hand experiences will help other travellers with their planning.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hanoi.