Development of Railways in Ho Chi Minh City

The city’s railway history began in the late 19th century during the French colonial period, with Saigon as the southern terminus of Vietnam’s first railway, the Saigon–My Tho Line, completed in 1885. Although this line is no longer operational, it marked the start of rail transport in southern Vietnam. The Reunification Express, connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, remains the backbone of Vietnam’s north-south railway corridor.

Over the years, the city’s rapid urbanization and population growth have driven the development of modern transit systems to address traffic congestion and improve mobility.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Modern Transit System

Ho Chi Minh City is making strides toward a more comprehensive and modern public transportation network, focusing on metro and bus systems.

Metro System

The Ho Chi Minh City Metro is a major urban rail project under construction to address the city’s traffic issues:

• Line 1 (Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien): The first metro line, connecting the city center with eastern suburbs, has opened in December 2024.

• Future Metro Lines: Plans include a total of 8 lines to serve key areas across the city.

Traditional Railways

The city’s central railway station, Saigon Railway Station (Ga Sài Gòn), serves as the southern terminus for Vietnam’s railway network, including:

• Reunification Express: A 1,730-kilometer route linking Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

• Ho Chi Minh City–Phan Thiet Line: Connecting travelers to coastal destinations.

Key Railway and Transit Highlights

• Saigon Railway Station (Ga Sài Gòn):
  The main hub for intercity and regional rail services, blending historical significance with modern functionality.

• Ben Thanh Market Area:
  A central landmark and future interchange point for several metro lines, symbolizing the city’s transition to modern urban transit.

• Line 1 Metro:
  Spanning 19.7 kilometers, this metro line will connect major landmarks like Ben Thanh Market, the Saigon Opera House, and the eastern suburbs.

Regional Connectivity

Ho Chi Minh City serves as a gateway to southern Vietnam and beyond, with key rail links and planned high-speed rail projects:

• Mekong Delta: Although lacking direct rail links, the region is easily accessible by road and water.

• Proposed North-South High-Speed Rail: A planned high-speed rail line will connect Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi in less than 10 hours, significantly reducing travel time.