Hanoi Train Street Schedule and How to Visit Safely in 2026

Hey friends, we're Liam and Sarah from Two Peas Abroad 👋.

We've lived in Vietnam since 2023, and Hanoi Train Street still gets us every single time. One minute you're sipping egg coffee on a plastic stool, next minute a train is screaming past so close you could high-five the driver (please don't).

Here's the honest version after going most months: there are two stretches worth knowing - Old Quarter around Tran Phu / Phung Hung, and the southern bit near Ngo 224 Le Duan. Southern is the one we send friends to. Sit in a cafe, get there early and make sure you follow all of the official's announcements. Old Quarter can mean barriers and staff walking you into a cafe. And yeah - the train will not stop for anyone hanging around on the tracks.

Who this is for: anyone who wants a good view of the train without the huge stressful tour-group crowds, and friends visiting Hanoi who just want the simple alley + timing answer. Want it built into a day? Our Hanoi day tours. Rest of the city: Hanoi guide.

Is Hanoi Train Street still open in 2026?

Yep. You can still go. What changed is how you get onto the famous Old Quarter stretch - more security, more "please come sit in our cafe" energy. The southern section is usually chill to walk between trains and pick your own spot.

We still visit every month or two, and we just went again on 12th September 2026. Rules can shift, so treat cafe staff as the boss on the day.

Old Quarter or southern Train Street - which should you go to?

Same railway. Totally different vibe. This is the bit that actually matters for your evening.

You'll see Phung Hung, Dien Bien Phu, and Le Duan all mentioned for "Train Street." Geographically fair. For planning your night, just pick Old Quarter or southern and stick with it.

What is the Hanoi Train Street timetable right now?

We photographed the chalkboard at Hanoi 1990s (southern section) on 12 September 2026. That's the list below. Boards can change, trains can run late, so peek at the cafe board when you sit down - and give yourself about 30 minutes if you want a good balcony seat.

Hanoi Train Street timetable chalkboard at Hanoi 1990s - southern section, photo we took on 12 September 2026.

We personally try to arrive around 6:45pm, grab a balcony seat, and stay for the 7pm group of trains that pass together. Either way, don't show up two minutes before and expect front row.

When is the best time to visit Hanoi Train Street?

• Season: October to April is nicer between trains. Rainy evenings are still great if you've got a covered seat and a nice drink.
• Crowds: Weekdays are calmer. Weekends can get loud (usually in a fun way, unless you're turning up late and you're hunting for a seat).
• Day vs night: Daylight is chill for first-timers and photos. Evening is the classic "whoa" moment when all of the lanterns and decorations come alive.
• Our tip: Getting an early seat is always better than trying to time it perfectly. The best spots always go first.

Practical tips

• Bring cash. Most of these cafes do not accept cards and if they do they'll likely add a 3-5% fee.
• Keep your group and your phones/camera well behind the train line. Not on the tracks. Not even for "one quick shot." The train really does get close.
• Highly recommend getting an egg coffee while you wait. You're in Hanoi, it's iconic.
• Be respectful, locals still live next to the tracks, it's their home.

Is Hanoi Train Street safe? Can you walk on the tracks?

It's fine if you're not being silly and following the announcements. The train is not slowing down for your selfies.

• The safety lines and barriers exists for a reason. Make sure you follow the rules.
• Cafe owners will yell before it comes. Listen to them.
• No standing, sitting, or parking bags on the rails.
• Old Quarter: plan on watching from a cafe.
• Southern: you can freely walk between trains, make sure you're behind the line or in a cafe when a train's due.

There's no real ticket booth. Be respectful and buy a drink from a cafe when you sit down.

Where should you sit (best cafes)?

These are our favorite train street cafes we keep going back to:

• Hanoi 1990s - Super friendly staff with a great balcony for that top-down view. This is where we took the timetable chalkboard picture.
• 65 Railway coffee - Tiny plastic stools, proper local energy, good drinks.
• Train track cafe - More seats, and they'll feed you if you're hungry.

How does Train Street fit a full day in Hanoi?

If you're doing it yourselves, we usually wander the Old Quarter or do a food walk during the day, then head south for the evening trains. If you'd rather someone else handle the timing, the incense + Train Street half-day is a solid option, or the full-day city + incense tour that already includes a tracks stop.

Jeep and food tours don't always include Train Street, so we just add our own cafe stop after. You'll find more options in our 7 best Hanoi day tours. If you want to escape the city for a bit, start with our day trips from Hanoi, and for getting between neighbourhoods see How to Get Around Vietnam.

Frequently asked questions

• Is Hanoi Train Street still open? Yes. We're still visiting regularly in 2026. Old Quarter access can sometimes be tighter. Southern is usually the easier night.
• What is the Hanoi Train Street schedule / timetable? Use the chalkboard table above from 12 September 2026, then double-check the board when you sit down.
• Old Quarter or southern / Le Duan? Southern (Ngo 224 Le Duan) is our pick. Old Quarter if you really want that iconic postcard photo and don't mind the extra crowds.
• How do you visit safely? Make sure you arrive early, grab a seat in a cafe or in a balcony, and never hang out on the tracks.
• Is there an entrance fee? There's no entrance fee, ignore anyone trying to charge you a fee to get onto the tracks. Just make sure you buy a drink if you're going to sit at a cafe.
• Can you walk on the tracks? Southern you can freely walk when there are no trains. Old Quarter can often be a lot more strict. You're never allowed to freely walk when a train is coming at either section.
• Do you need a tour? Nope. Tours are handy if you want to pair it with a full day in Hanoi, for example by adding Incense Village + Train Street into a combined tour.
• Map / how to get there? We shared Google Map pins above. Grab or taxi to the alley then walk in to your preferred cafe.

Final thoughts

Train Street is still one of our favourite spots in Hanoi. After 3 years of visiting it never gets boring. The southern stretch is our favorite, especially from a balcony away from the tour group drama below. Make sure you stay off the tracks and stay far back when the train is approaching.

See our Hanoi day tours if you want it built into a day plan.