Train Street, Hanoi

Historic Site and Street in Hanoi

Train Street, officially located along Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn, is one of the most extraordinary urban sights in the Vietnamese capital. Built by the French in 1902, the railway runs directly between tightly packed houses in the Old Quarter, with trains passing at 3 pm and 7 pm each day. Its striking proximity to everyday life has made it one of the must-see places in Hanoi for adventurous travellers seeking a unique city experience.

Once freely accessible, the alley became so popular that authorities restricted tourist access in 2019 due to overcrowding and safety concerns. Despite the restrictions, travellers can still enjoy a safe and memorable view from designated café seating areas, which are often a highlight of any walking tour of Hanoi.

History and Significance of Train Street
Things to See and Do in Train Street
How to Get to Train Street
Practical Tips on Visiting Train Street
Where to Stay close to Train Street
Is Train Street Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Train Street
Nearby Attractions to Train Street

History and Significance of Train Street

Train Street traces its origins to 1902 when the French constructed the north-south railway line connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For decades, the trains passing through the narrow corridor were simply part of daily life for residents. Locals grew accustomed to the tight space, stepping back into doorways and pulling belongings indoors as the train rumbled through just inches away.

Over time, the street became a striking symbol of Hanoi’s urban density and the adaptability of its residents. Images of locals drinking tea, playing checkers, and socialising directly on the tracks captured the imagination of travellers worldwide. By the late 2010s, the alley had become internationally famous, drawing thousands of tourists eager to photograph the dramatic train pass.

However, rising visitor numbers created unsafe conditions. Crowds blocked the tracks, cafés flourished in every corner, and several near-miss incidents- including a train forced to reroute in October 2019- prompted authorities to close direct access to protect both residents and visitors. Today, the area remains partly restricted, but its story continues to fascinate travellers.

Things to See and Do in Train Street

Although walking directly along the tracks is no longer permitted, you can still experience Train Street from the safety of licensed cafés that line the route. Many cafés provide outdoor seating facing the tracks, giving you a thrilling view as the train approaches. Staff typically usher guests back toward the walls moments before the train passes, creating a memorable but safe experience.

You can also observe daily life along the tracks when trains are not scheduled. Locals often relax on the railway, children play nearby, and residents carry out everyday tasks just as they have for generations. The café owners often display train schedules on chalkboards, helping visitors plan their visit around the two daily pass-throughs at 3 pm and 7 pm.

Photography is a major draw here. The combination of narrow homes, colourful facades, and the dramatic train pass offers countless opportunities for striking images. Just remember that safety is paramount, and photos should always be taken from designated viewing areas only.

How to Get to Train Street

Train Street is located along Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Travellers arriving by air will fly into Noi Bai International Airport, about 30 kilometres from the city centre. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hanoi on Booking.com. Hanoi Railway Station is the nearest major rail hub for those arriving by train and offers easy access to the area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Visitors travelling by car or taxi will find several drop-off points nearby, although navigating Old Quarter traffic can be slow during busy times.

Practical Tips on Visiting Train Street

Suggested tips: Arrive early at your chosen café to secure a good viewing spot, especially before the 3 pm train.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon, when the light is good for photography and the 3 pm train passes.
Train times: The train times for Train Street Hanoi is as follows: Monday to Friday: 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday: 8.30am, 9.30am, 11.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9.00pm, 11.00pm
How long to spend: Around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on whether you stay for one or two train passes.
Accessibility: Narrow pathways and crowds can make access difficult for some visitors.
Facilities: Licensed cafés provide seating, restrooms, drinks, and safety guidance.
Photography tip: Position yourself in a café with a clear line of sight down the tracks for the best photos.
Guided tours: Several local guides offer safe, café-based visits as part of broader city tours.
Nearby food options: Numerous small restaurants and cafés in the surrounding Old Quarter streets.

Where to Stay close to Train Street

The Old Quarter offers many excellent accommodation options within walking distance of Train Street. For a boutique stay with local character, consider La Siesta Classic Hang Thung. Another popular choice is Anise Sapa Hotel & Gallery, offering comfort and style close to major attractions. Travellers looking for a modern international hotel might prefer Melia Hanoi, which provides excellent amenities and easy access to the neighbourhood.

Is Train Street Worth Visiting?

Yes, Train Street is worth visiting if you do so safely and responsibly. While walking on the tracks is restricted, enjoying the spectacle from a licensed café still offers a unique and memorable experience. It remains one of Hanoi's most fascinating urban spots and provides a rare look at how the city's residents live alongside its historic railway.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (16,263)

Hanoi Train Street on P. Trưng Phú in Hoàn Kiếm is a narrow railway turned lively local attraction where residents have set up cozy cafés and bars along the tracks; visitors come to sip coffee or beer, take photos, enjoy music and the buzzy atmosphere, and often time their visit to watch a train rumble through just inches away. Cafés are welcoming and friendly, with reasonable prices noted by some, though a few visitors report pushy shopkeepers who expect purchases and that you may be asked to order separately if in a pair. Menus at many venues even list train times, making it easy to plan a viewing, and people mention daytime and nighttime visits are both rewarding; keep a safe distance during the train pass and be prepared for short waits if schedules change.

Mrs Di

4 weeks ago

"Hanoi Train Street offers one of the most memorable experiences in the city. What looks like an ordinary railway becomes a vibrant, photogenic spotthanks to the way local residents have transformed it with charm and creativity. The narrow lane is lined with small cafés, each with its own vibe, where visitors sip drinks, take photos, enjoy music, and soak in the energy of the place. The welcoming attitude of the café owners really adds to the atmosphere and makes you feel at home. If you’re exploring Hanoi, Train Street is absolutely worth a stop. It’s a lively blend of culture, community spirit, and unique local flavor...."

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Nabin Paul

a month ago

"Hanoi Train Street – A Unique and Beautiful Experience Hanoi Train Street is truly one of the most beautiful and fascinating places to visit in thecity. It’s basically a simple railway line, but Vietnamese people know exactly how to turn something ordinary into something amazingly attractive. Both sides of the street are lined with cozy cafés, where people relax with beer, coffee, music, selfies, and the lively atmosphere around them. The café owners are incredibly welcoming and friendly, which makes the whole experience even more special. I visited a café called Coffee Chill 96, and the staff there were extremely warm and kind. The prices are also quite reasonable, which is a plus. The only downside is the train timing — if the train gets delayed, you might end up waiting for quite a long time. But even then, the café owners never pressure you to keep buying anything. You can simply sit, relax, and enjoy the street vibes. Overall, Hanoi Train Street is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the city — a perfect blend of culture, community, and charm...."

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F. M.

3 weeks ago

"Definitely a fun experience! As soon as you get to the tracks you will be invited to quickly get a table at the various bars right in front, allsimilar so the one you pick won't really matter. The trains are obviously the main attraction to the point that all the bar menus will also have the trains schedule! I suggest getting a beer and partake in this peculiar local habit of putting the bottle cap on top of the tracks to fetch them again once one of the trains has flattened it. Prices in the bars are slightly more expensive than other places being nowadays a very well known tourist attraction, but still worth it!..."

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FAQs for Visiting Train Street

No, access to the tracks themselves is restricted for safety reasons.

Licensed cafés along the route provide designated safe viewing areas.

Trains typically pass at 3 pm and 7 pm daily, but café owners often post updated schedules.

Nearby Attractions to Train Street

Hoa Lo Prison: A powerful museum showcasing colonial-era imprisonment and wartime history.
Vietnamese Women's Museum: A thoughtful cultural institution dedicated to women's roles in Vietnam.
Hoan Kiem Lake: A peaceful central lake perfect for walking and photography.
St. Joseph's Cathedral: A striking neo-Gothic church from the French colonial era.
Old Quarter: A lively district filled with food stalls, traditional shops, and historic alleyways.

The Train Street appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hanoi!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

The train times for Train Street Hanoi is as follows:

Monday to Friday: 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm 10.00pm

Saturday and Sunday: 8.30am, 9.30am, 11.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9.00pm, 11.00pm

Address: Train Street, Phố Trần Phú, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi: 1 km