Cát Linh Station

Visiting Cát Linh Station, Hanoi, Vietnam: Tickets, Hours, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Cát Linh Station, located in the heart of Đống Đa District, is a cornerstone of Hanoi’s urban transformation and the northern terminus of Line 2A (Cát Linh–Hà Đông), the first metro line in Vietnam. Since its inauguration in November 2021, the station has become a symbol of the city’s modernization, aiming to ease traffic congestion and promote sustainable mobility for its over 8.3 million residents. As both a transportation hub and an architectural landmark, Cát Linh Station offers visitors a convenient gateway to Hanoi’s historical districts, cultural attractions, and vibrant daily life (VnExpress; Metro Hanoi).

This guide provides detailed information on Cát Linh Station’s history, architecture, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions, making it an essential resource for travelers and urban explorers. For live updates and ticketing convenience, visitors are encouraged to use the Audiala app (Audiala).

Origins and Significance of Cát Linh Station
Architectural Features and Station Layout
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Amenities
Connectivity and Integration
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Socio-Economic and Cultural Impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Travel Advice
References

Origins and Significance of Cát Linh Station

Cát Linh Station was conceived in the early 2000s as Hanoi’s leaders sought new solutions to the city’s growing traffic and environmental challenges. Construction began in 2008, with the project facing years of delays, funding negotiations, and land clearance issues before its eventual opening in late 2021. The station’s completion marked a turning point in Hanoi’s public transport narrative, providing an alternative to the city’s dense motorbike traffic and laying the groundwork for a broader metro network (VnExpress; Rail Journal; Yale University).

The project was primarily financed through official development assistance loans from China, with China Railway Sixth Group Co Ltd as the main contractor. Despite early controversies and public debate over delays and costs, Cát Linh Station now stands as a testament to Hanoi’s ambitions for sustainable urban mobility (Yale University).

Architectural Features and Station Layout

Elevated and Underground Structures

Cát Linh Station is unique within Hanoi’s transit network, comprising both an elevated structure (serving Line 2A) and the underground S10 Cát Linh station (future Line 3). The two are approximately 200–300 meters apart, with plans underway to build a connecting pedestrian tunnel (Wikipedia; Tunnelbuilder).

Design and Amenities

Three-Level Layout:
- Ground Floor: Entry/exit, ticketing, escalators, elevators.
- Second Floor: Platform area with clear bilingual signage (VNITourist).
- Third Floor: Operations and staff facilities.
Materials and Climate Adaptation:
Reinforced concrete structure designed for Hanoi’s humid, rainy climate, with features for thermal and wind protection (Metro Hanoi).
Accessibility:
Elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and barrier-free movement throughout the station (Wikipedia).
Architectural Aesthetics:
Modern Southeast Asian motifs, distinctive color schemes, and a visual presence at the intersection of Cát Linh, Hào Nam, Giang Võ, and Giang Văn Minh streets (Metro Hanoi).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Amenities

Operating Hours

Daily: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
This schedule accommodates both early commuters and late-night travelers (VnExpress).

Ticketing and Fare Collection

Single Journey: 8,000–15,000 VND, based on distance.
Day Pass: 30,000 VND (unlimited rides for one day).
Monthly Pass: 200,000 VND (regular); 100,000 VND (students/industrial workers) (Vietnam Teaching Jobs).

How to Buy:
Purchase tickets at automated machines (cash only, bills under 100,000 VND), staffed counters, or via the Hanoi Metro app. Free/discounted fares require valid ID at the counter (BDATrip).

Note: Online ticketing is under development.

Amenities

Air conditioning throughout the station (VNITourist)
Shops, kiosks, and convenience stores (Metro Hanoi)
Clean restrooms on all levels
Spacious waiting areas
Customer service staff for assistance (Vietnam Teaching Jobs)
Bilingual signage (Vietnamese/English)

Accessibility

Fully accessible with elevators, ramps, tactile guidance, wheelchair-friendly platforms, and clear emergency procedures (Wikipedia).

Connectivity and Integration

Transport Links

Metro Lines:
- Line 2A (Cát Linh–Hà Đông), fully operational
- Underground S10 station for Line 3 (under construction)
Bus Connections:
- BRT Nui Truc, Kim Ma bus station, and routes 18, 22, 23 (Metro Hanoi)
Parking:
- Motorcycle and bicycle parking available (BDATrip)

Future Integration

Cát Linh is planned as a central interchange in Hanoi’s projected 10-line metro network, with improvements in multimodal and feeder bus connections expected (Hanoi Metro; Infrastructure Asia).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Historical and Cultural Sites

Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first national university, a short walk from the station.
Hanoi Old Quarter: Explore 36 ancient streets, traditional shops, and street food (OneTripWithLocal).
Hanoi Train Street: Unique photo spot with trains passing close to homes.
Creative Hubs: Zone 9, Hanoi Rock City for art, music, and nightlife.

Seasonal and Local Experiences

Festivals: Tet (Lunar New Year) brings vibrant decorations and festivities near the station.
Photography: Elevated platforms offer panoramic city views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Travel Tips

Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM) for more comfort.
Bring cash for ticket machines.
Download the Hanoi Metro or Audiala app for real-time updates.
Use elevators/escalators for ease if carrying luggage or traveling with children.

Socio-Economic and Cultural Impact

Cát Linh Station has dramatically improved urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion, travel times, and vehicle emissions. Ridership averages over 30,000 daily, with commuters reporting shorter, more reliable journeys (Hanoi Times). The metro’s elevated tracks create more space for pedestrians and cyclists and stimulate economic activity and real estate in the surrounding area.

Culturally, the station’s modern design contrasts with Hanoi’s historic streetscapes, symbolizing a city at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. The station is also a popular check-in spot for locals and tourists on social media (The Smart Local).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Cát Linh Station’s opening hours?
A: Daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Single tickets are 8,000–15,000 VND; day passes are 30,000 VND; monthly passes from 100,000–200,000 VND.

Q: Where and how can I buy tickets?
A: At automated machines (cash only), staffed counters, or via the Hanoi Metro app.

Q: Is Cát Linh Station accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and tactile guidance throughout.

Q: What attractions are near Cát Linh Station?
A: The Temple of Literature, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi Train Street, and creative hubs like Zone 9.

Q: Are there restrooms and parking at the station?
A: Yes, on all levels; parking is available for motorbikes and bicycles.

Conclusion and Travel Advice

Cát Linh Station is not just a metro stop—it’s a gateway to Hanoi’s dynamic present and storied past. With easy ticketing, reliable schedules, and seamless access to historical sites and local culture, it is the ideal starting point for any Hanoi adventure. As the city’s metro network expands, Cát Linh’s role as a central interchange and community hub will only grow.

Travel Tips: