Hanoi Train Street schedule: Every amazing thing you need to know

Hanoi train street, in my opinion, is the greatest attraction in Hanoi and number one thing you should experience whilst you’re visiting Vietnam’s Capital City, and one of my top experiences world wide! Here’s everything you need to know about the Hanoi Train Street Schedule to the best cafes you need to visit.

One of my top favourite destinations to travel to; it’s situated right in the heart of the Old Quarter near all the other main attractions; Ho Chi Minh Museum, Street food markets, Hoan Kiem and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

This blog post may contain affiliate links.

Table of Contents

Quick Mini Guide To Hanoi Train Street

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Hanoi Train Street.

Where to stay in Hanoi

– Movenpick Hanoi Centre
– Melia Hanoi

How to get there

You cannot walk down train street on your own. Go to the pedestrian crossing of Train Street. One of the cafe owners will need to come escort you to their cafe so you can watch the train passing.

Which train street cafes to go to

Railway Café, Railway coffee, Coffee 74 train street, Train Track Café. Alternatively, let a local take you around and book onto a train street tour.

Don’t miss...

The incense village outside Hanoi
The Train Street Foodie tour

November-April. It gets very hot from May onwards. To avoid the crowds, explore during the weekdays.

Stay connected

Buy an eSim with Airalo to get mobile data abroad! Life saver. Use code A&M3 for $3 off your first order.

There’s something exceptionally unique about being ushered into someone’s living-room-turned-café, and witness a train thunder past only inches from your knees. But, I would generally like to reassure you that it’s fairly safe; the time tables are very clear and volunteers (staff?) will clear the tracks minutes before the train comes to ensure everyone is safely tucked away to one side. And yes, it is open again after been closed for a short period! Here’s everything you need to know about Hanoi Train street in Vietnam.

You’re going to get some great snaps for social media, trust me!

Girl standing on railway tracks at Hanoi Train Street, Vietnam, Wanderlicious Adriana Neptuna — Vietnam Hanoi Train Street

Girl at cafe on Vietnam Hanoi Train Street Wanderlicious Adriana Neptuna — Vietnam Hanoi Train Street

You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam travel guides:

Hue Imperial City: Things to do

Best Cafes Hanoi

Full guide to Hoi An

Things to do in Da Nang

Where to stay in Da Nang

Ho Chi Minh – Things to do

The Ha Giang Loop

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

For a one day itinerary in Hanoi, have a look here!

Best tours in Hanoi:

Don’t miss some of the best tours in Hanoi, whether you’re after some adventure or a serene escape, there’s something for you.

Ha Long Bay tours – the incredible emerald Gem on Vietnam’s East coast.
Ninh Binh tours – trips to the city of Ninh Binh
Hanoi Foodie tours – this was the best thing I did in Hanoi!
Incense Tour – Quang Phu Cau is the most incredible place!
Motorbike tour – definitely fun and an adventurous way to explore the city.

Why Is Hanoi Train Street Vietnam so famous?

The Hanoi Train Street is a unique place; a narrow section of train tracks that spans about 100 meters, where the train passes incredibly close to the houses. Tourists flock here to sit at one of the many cafes that line the street, and there’s probably less than 1 meter between you and the train that passes.

There’s a safety line about 20 centimetres away from the homes that you shouldn’t cross when the train is coming. It’s an exciting place to visit because locals rush inside their houses before the train arrives to keep their kids, pets, and belongings safe. People who don’t make it inside hug the walls until the train passes. After that, everyone quickly comes out and crosses the tracks, takes photos and has a great time!

Book a tour to Hanoi Train Street:

Hanoi train street tours

Girl standing on railway tracks at Hanoi Train Street, Vietnam — Hanoi Train Street cafes with a coconut!

How to get into one of the Cafes on Train Street

You can’t just walk onto Train Street! There’s a security guard stopping anyone from just walking on the tracks – you have to go to a specific Hanoi train street cafe.

It can be a bit difficult to predict the Hanoi train street schedule so make sure you check before you go!

Head to train street and wait by the barriers. There are usually many locals offering to take you to their café on train street. The security guard will then allow this. The local café staff will take you to their café through a back alleyway (usually – but sometimes they walk you down the tracks). The café is usually people’s homes which they have converted for this incredible tourist attraction. It’s also a great way to spread the wealth of tourism; locals will earn a little bit of cash for their services and it is a nice way of giving back, and super eco friendly.

The cafes here are decorated fairly well, with vibrant lanterns, Vietnamese art and you might even see a cute dog or two, begging to be petted. Choose to sit right at the front by the yellow line, or if you prefer a bit of space between you and the train, you can pick a seat further back in the café OR head upstairs for a view from above. The perfect place – head direct to Hanoi railway station.

Have a look at the Hanoi train street schedule below!

Book a tour to Hanoi Train Street:

Hanoi train street tours

Hanoi Train Street Schedule

My biggest piece of advice is to always check the Hanoi Train Street Schedule otherwise you could be waiting for hours.

It’s best to visit Hanoi Train street at the weekend, as multiple trains run past throughout the day.

During the weekdays, the Hanoi Train Street Schedule varies a bit more, the trains only run in the evenings, meaning it might be harder to get pictures with good lighting. As the train street times run more frequently at the weekends, you might have better luck. I went during the weekend both times, and although it gets a little busy, it’s really not too bad. Make sure you arrive a little early at Train Street Hanoi to bagsy a good seat and you’ll be fine.

Hanoi train street timings:

Here is the Hanoi Train Street Schedule on weekdays:

Weekdays, Monday – Friday: 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; and 10:00 PM.

Hanoi Train Street Schedule for the Weekend:

Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 AM; 9:00 AM; 11:20 AM; 3:20 PM; 5:30 PM; 6:00 PM; 7:00 PM; 7:45 PM; 8:30 PM; 9:00 PM; 11:00 PM.

Train Street Hanoi Schedule

I found that the above Hanoi Train Street Schedule tended to be a little more accurate than the ones listed in the below picture. For reference, here is the Hanoi Train Street. Book a tour to Hanoi Train Street below:

Hanoi train street tours

Hanoi Train Street Schedule - Vietnam Adriana Neptuna Wanderlicious — ZHanoi Train Street Schedule

Train Street Map

Head straight to Hanoi Train Street, save the location below to your google maps for ease.

How much does it cost to go to Train Street?

Technically, Hanoi Train Street is free, but you will need to go to one of the cafes and buy some sort of food or beverage there! Coffees & teas usually cost £1-2 ($1-3 USD).

Fairly cheap for an incredible attraction.

Is Train Street Hanoi dangerous?

I would say not at all; as long as you follow the guide and the rules. Yes, it is a narrow street, but really, it’s ok, just don’t get near the rail line! Sit behind the yellow line, listen to when the guides call out and tell you to move back. If you have pets or small children, make sure they’re tucked safely away so you don’t need to worry about anyone getting too close.

Don’t do anything silly like stick your hands out as you will get hit!

Book a tour, do not forget to check the Hanoi Train Street schedule so you know the best timings:

Hanoi train street tours

Is Hanoi Train Street open to tourists?

Yes it is! It was closed for a period of time due to safety concerns but there seems to be some extra safety measures now. With caution signs on the street, all the check-in spots and cafes along the train street were closed due to the huge concern created by the safety of this place for the local authorities.

Now there’s a guide who signals the alarm before the train comes and ensures every single person is off the tracks and tucked neatly away. Locals and café owners are also very strict about making sure you’re well behind the yellow line and not in any danger. This is, after all, their livelihood and it is important to keep this attraction open to the public. Help keep it that way by staying safe!

Hanoi train street Vietnam: girl on tracks — Hanoi train street

Hanoi train street Vietnam: man on tracks — Hanoi train street

How long do I need to stay at Hanoi Train Street?

If you’re wondering how long you need to spend at Hanoi Train street, then it definitely depends on your schedule. If you only wish to have a quick look at Hanoi’s train street, 30 minutes would be enough time, although the train is often a bit late, usually running 15 minutes past the running time, so make sure you double check the Hanoi train street schedule below so you’re not waiting hours.

However, if you want to while away the hours and see multiple trains pass by and enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or beer during your visit, plan for 1 – 2 hours. I went twice and stayed 30 minutes the first time and about 1h 15 the second time. Remember to head to Hanoi Street train a little early to grab a good seat!

Book a tour to Hanoi Train Street dont forget to check the Hanoi Train Street Schedule:

Hanoi train street tours

What are the best Hanoi Train Street cafes?

To be perfectly honest… any of them. All the cafes lining train street are great, just check with them the Hanoi Train Street Schedule. I walked up and down, and they all have a certain charm. The ones on the east side tend to be a little more decorated and there generally seem to be more cafes; I spotted fairy lights and lanterns. The cafes on the west side seemed to have a few more plants and interesting characters; we spotted a local smoking out of the largest pipe I’ve ever seen, it was half the size of his body and looked like a bazooka. Either way, you’ll have a great time.

You’ll find plenty of reviews for Railway Café, Railway coffee, Hao Hao Coffee, Coffee 74 train street, Train Track Café… there’s loads to choose from at Hanoi Railway Street! Double check the Hanoi train street schedule before you go.

Things not to do at Hanoi Train Street

First up, don’t just walk onto the tracks, you’ll need to go to a cafe if you want to enjoy the views of Train Street Hanoi.
Don’t just turn up: check the Hanoi Train Street Schedule or you could be waiting for hours
Listen to the guards – they will advise you on safety measures
Don’t sit on the railway tracks – the guards will tell you off. But everyone kinda seems to do it anyway, when his back is turned. The locals will probably tell you off too.
Don’t pose on the tracks – They will also tell you off if you pose on the tracks too, you are only allowed to cross from one side to the other.
Scoot your coffee tables and chairs inwards when the train comes. It’s not worth the risk
Don’t stick your arms or legs out – the train is really that close, maybe 20cm after the yellow line and it’s really not worth the risk
Keep any pets or small children close by – make sure no one gets injured!

Book a tour to Hanoi Train Street:

Hanoi train street tours

Weather in Hanoi year round

Here’s the weather in Hanoi year round, so you know what to expect. Remember that it can get very hot in the summer, so take some water and refreshments with you!

Weather in Hanoi in January

Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 11 hours
Rainy Days: About 16 days

Weather in Hanoi in February

Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 11 hours
Rainy Days: Around 15 days

Weather in Hanoi in March

Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 12 hours
Rainy Days: About 17 days

Weather in Hanoi in April

Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 13 hours
Rainy Days: Around 13 days

Weather in Hanoi in May

Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 13 hours
Rainy Days: About 13 days

Weather in Hanoi in June

Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 14 hours
Rainy Days: Around 16 days

Weather in Hanoi in July

Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 13 hours
Rainy Days: About 14 days

Weather in Hanoi in August

Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 13 hours
Rainy Days: Around 13 days

Weather in Hanoi in September

Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 12 hours
Rainy Days: About 9 days

Weather in Hanoi in October

Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 11 hours
Rainy Days: Around 6 days

Weather in Hanoi in November

Average Temperature: 22°C (72°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 11 hours
Rainy Days: About 7 days

Weather in Hanoi in December

Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Daylight Hours: Approx. 10 hours
Rainy Days: Around 11 days

That’s it! I hope you enjoy your trip to Vietnam, and it is everything you hope it to be!

You might be interested in some of my other Vietnam guides:

Best Cafes Hanoi

Hue City: Things to do

The incredible Hanoi Train Street

Hoi An Lanterns

Things to do in Da Nang Vietnam

Best Area to stay in Da Nang

Ho Chi Minh City – Things to do

Ha Giang Loop

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village in Hanoi

Quick links

Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad:
Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide
Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia.
E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card!
Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it!
Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank!

Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate disclaimer here.