I ride 18 km on HCMC's first metro line in just 26 minutes

The Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line officially opened to service on Sunday, marking a milestone in the city's transportation history.

Excited to try the metro, I planned an early test ride to familiarize myself with the system and prepare for daily commuting. However, after seeing images of overcrowded stations on the opening day, I decided to take my trip the next day.

After navigating some minor issues, I entered the waiting area at 6:15 a.m. The train arrived three minutes later, and a helpful staff member guided me aboard. The carriages were fairly empty early in the morning, creating a comfortable environment.

As someone prone to motion sickness, I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the metro ride felt compared to buses or long-distance coaches.

Onboard, I noticed two elderly men who said they worked as motorbike taxi drivers in District 1. They had been riding the line since 5 a.m., curious to "see how the metro runs."

 

 

I ride 18 km on HCMC's first metro line in just 26 minutes

Tôi đi làm bằng metro 18 km trong 26 phút

I traveled from Vietnam National University Station to Ben Thanh Station, covering a distance of 18 km in exactly 26 minutes and 7 seconds, as timed on my watch. By motorbike, this same route would take over 40 minutes—without accounting for potential traffic jams.

While the train stops at every station, frequently alternating between acceleration and halting, the metro was spacious, comfortable, and ran smoothly on schedule.

There were a few minor drawbacks. Many passengers, eager to capture the novelty of the metro’s first days, were busy recording videos and chatting loudly, which could disrupt other riders.

The Vietnam National University station of HCMC's first metro line is quite empty early in the morning on Dec. 23, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Phong

Another point worth noting is the station names, which could confuse first-time passengers. For instance, the station near Suoi Tien theme park is called Vietnam National University Station, while the station at the new Eastern Bus Station is named Suoi Tien Station. These naming choices might need clarification for newcomers.

Despite these small hiccups, the metro feels like a promising step forward. Its speed significantly shortens travel time, and its smooth ride offers a more comfortable commute.

I hope the metro network continues to expand, encouraging more residents to leave their personal vehicles at home. Such a shift could ease congestion, reduce pollution, and bring a more modern rhythm to life in HCMC.

For now, I'd rate the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line a solid 8 out of 10.

Have you tried the HCMC's first metro line? What do you think?