Can You Still Experience Hanoi Train Street in 2025?

Or Is It Completely Shut Down? Here’s the Ultimate Guide.

If you’re wondering whether you can still visit the famous Hanoi Train Street in 2025 — the answer is yes… but it’s complicated.

The local government has shut down Train Street multiple times over the years due to safety concerns, especially after incidents involving tourists who got too close to passing trains. As of 2025, the street is officially closed to the public, and barricades have been put in place at the main entrances.

But here’s the real story: if you show up, especially near train times, some café owners will quietly invite you in through side alleys or back doors. These small, family-run cafés rely on tourism to survive, and many still offer a seat just inches from the tracks — with a view like no other.

If you decide to go, be respectful, follow instructions, and always prioritize safety. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit:

What Is Hanoi Train Street?

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Hanoi’s Train Street is a narrow railway track that cuts straight through a residential neighborhood. With homes and cafés on either side, visitors can sip egg coffee just steps from where a massive train thunders past — an experience both thrilling and surreal.

There are actually two main Train Street locations in Hanoi:

Train Street #1 – The Famous Spot (Near Hoàn Kiếm)

• Address: 5 Trần Phú, Hàng Bông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
• Google Maps Label: “Hanoi Train Street”
• Walking Distance:
  – 15 minutes from the Old Quarter (1.1 km)
  – 20 minutes from Hoàn Kiếm Lake (1.7 km)

This is the iconic version of Train Street that most people know. It’s packed with cafés and always buzzing with tourists (despite the restrictions). The authorities often patrol this area, and access may be limited. However, shop owners usually have quiet ways to let visitors in.

Train Schedule (Train Street #1)

Monday – Friday

• Morning: 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:50 AM
• Afternoon: 3:15 PM
• Evening: 7:50 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM

Saturday – Sunday

• Morning: 6:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:50 AM
• Afternoon: 3:30 PM
• Evening: 5:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 7:50 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM

Train Street #2 – Southern Train Street (Lê Duẩn, Less Touristy)

• Address: Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn, Khâm Thiên, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
• Distance: About 2.6 km from the Old Quarter
• Getting There: Best by taxi or motorbike

This hidden gem offers the same incredible train experience but with fewer crowds and no heavy police presence. It’s more relaxed, less commercialized, and arguably more picturesque. The train seems to get even closer here, and the vibe is local and laid-back.

Train Schedule (Train Street #2)

Monday – Friday

• Morning: 6:10 AM, 8:25 AM, 11:30 AM
• Afternoon: 3:30 PM
• Evening: 7:10 PM, 7:50 PM, 9:10 PM, 9:50 PM

Is It Safe to Visit Hanoi Train Street in 2025?

It can be — if you’re cautious. Here are some essential safety tips:

• Stand behind the yellow line when a train is coming
• Do not sit or pose on the tracks for photos
• Never try to touch the train — it passes very close
• Listen to the café owners — they’re responsible for your safety
• Always stay alert — the train doesn’t always blow its horn far in advance

Despite the risks, café owners do their best to keep guests safe. Still, this is a working railway, so don’t treat it like a theme park.

Final Thoughts: Is Train Street Worth Visiting?

If you’re after a unique, pulse-racing travel experience, yes — Hanoi Train Street is still worth visiting in 2025. But go with the right mindset: this isn’t just a photo op. It’s a place where people live and work, and your safety depends on cooperation.

Support the local cafés, tip generously, and always follow the rules. With the right attitude, this could be one of the most unforgettable moments of your Vietnam trip.