Hanoi Train Street – Train Schedule, When to Visit and Guide

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Hey friends 👋, it's Liam & Sarah from Two Peas Abroad!

We've been living in Vietnam since 2023, and visiting Hanoi Train Street is a monthly ritual for us. It's one of those places that still makes us go 'Wow! 😲' every time the train rushes past just inches away from where we’re sipping our egg coffee.

If you’re in Hanoi, you need to experience this for yourself!

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What is Hanoi Train Street?

If you haven’t heard of it before, Train Street is an alley in the heart of Hanoi where a train speeds through just inches from doorsteps, cafes, and people. Locals have lived alongside these tracks for decades, turning it into a fascinating blend of everyday life and thrilling spectacle.

Where is Hanoi Train Street?

Hanoi Train Street runs through the Old Quarter and has two main sections: (We've shared Google Maps links below for both locations!)

Old Quarter Section: The famous part with lively cafes, shops, and plenty of seats to watch the trains pass. You'll see two main viewing areas on either side of Tran Phu main road. There is often "security" here and you may not be allowed to walk along the tracks and explore. You will have to be escorted to a coffee shop.
Southern Section: Much more local, but still gets very busy around the train timings. You can freely walk the train tracks and pick out your own coffee shop with no security. This is always our preferred option.

Hanoi Train Street Schedule

Timing is everything! Here’s when the trains roll through every day:

10:10am
11:30am
3:30pm
7:12pm
7:20pm
7:45pm
8:55pm
9:20pm
9:50pm

Hanoi Train Street Timetable

Want the best experience? Our personal favorite time to go is around 6:30pm on a weekend. You get a great balcony view, and within the next hour or so, you’ll see multiple trains pass by!

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit Hanoi Train Street is during the dry season (October to April). The weather is much cooler, and you won’t be dodging rain showers between trains. If you want to avoid crowds, aim for a weekday evening.

Our Top Tips

Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot – the best seats fill up fast!

Bring cash, most coffee shops don't accept cards.

Bring your camera, but keep it behind the yellow safety line!

Try an egg coffee while you wait – it’s a Hanoi specialty.

Respect the locals – this is their home!

Is Hanoi Train Street Safe?

Yes, but only if you follow the rules. The train will not stop for you, so stick to these safety tips:

Stay behind the yellow line when the train is coming.
Listen to the locals and café owners – they’ll warn you before the train arrives.
Never stand, sit, or place items on the tracks.

Best Cafés for Watching the Train

There are tons of cafés along Train Street, but these are our favorites for the Southern section:

Hanoi 1990s – Super friendly staff and they have a great balcony to get a top-down view of the trains
65 Railway coffee – Very local vibes with the tiny plastic stools, nice drinks
Train track cafe – Much more seating and they even offer small bites if you're hungry

Train Street Southern Section Entrance

Train Street Old Quarter Section Entrance

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