Getting around Hanoi: motorbikes, the metro and the walking streets

About Getting around Hanoi: motorbikes, the metro and the walking streets

By the ULTIMATE Hanoi Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Hanoi moves on two wheels. The centre is compact enough to walk, as long as you learn to cross the road: step out at a steady pace, keep going, and let the motorbikes flow around you. For longer journeys, the two metro lines link the west and south-west with the centre, and Grab and Xanh SM bring a car to the kerb.

On foot

The Old Quarter, the lake and the French Quarter are best on foot. At weekends the streets around Hoàn Kiếm Lake close to traffic.

The metro

Line 2A runs from Cát Linh to Yên Nghĩa and Line 3 from Nhổn to Ga Hà Nội, both from 5:30am to 10pm, meeting at Cát Linh (metrohanoi.vn).

Cross the road slowly and steadily; never run or stop suddenly.

Cars and bikes

Book cars through Grab or Xanh SM, or ask your hotel to call a metered taxi from one of the large firms (GOV.UK advice). Motorbike taxis are quick but risky; wear the helmet.

Trains

Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội) is the terminus of the line south and of the trains towards Lào Cai for Sa Pa (Vietnam Railways, dsvn.vn).

Our advice: keep a little cash in dong for street food and markets, and use an app for every car.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Getting around Hanoi: motorbikes, the metro and the walking streets before you go.