Hanoi will roll out nine consecutive days of free metro travel during Vietnam’s busiest holiday season, a move aimed at easing congestion, boosting tourism, and encouraging greater use of public transport.
The Hanoi Metro announced that passengers will enjoy 100% free single-trip tickets from February 14 to February 22, 2026, covering the peak travel period surrounding the Lunar New Year (Tet) — Vietnam’s most important annual holiday when millions travel to visit family and celebrate.
Free Travel Across Two Major Metro Lines
The promotion applies to Hanoi’s two operational urban rail routes:
Passengers can access the free tickets through the official Hanoi Metro mobile app or directly at station counters.
The initiative targets both residents and international visitors, as Hanoi typically experiences a surge in domestic tourism, cultural events, and seasonal travel during Tet.
Extended Hours to Handle Holiday Travel Surge
Alongside the free-ticket policy, metro operators will significantly adjust service schedules to match shifting travel demand throughout the holiday period.
Key operational changes include:
-
February 13 (Pre-Tet peak travel day)
Services run from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, with trains every 6 minutes during peak hours and 10–15 minutes during off-peak periods. -
February 14–15 (Two days before New Year’s Eve)
Operating hours from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with roughly 10-minute intervals. -
February 16 (New Year’s Eve travel surge)
Extended service from 5:30 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. the following day, supporting late-night shopping and family travel. -
Tet Day (February 17)
Reduced schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. -
February 18–19 (Early Tet celebrations)
Operating hours gradually expand from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. -
February 20–22 (Return travel period)
Service runs from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with trains every 10–15 minutes.
Outside the Tet holiday window, metro operations will return to their regular timetable.
Supporting Tourism and Urban Mobility
Hanoi Metro said the free-ride program is designed as a holiday initiative for residents and visitors while reinforcing long-term public transport adoption. Authorities also plan to increase staffing levels across stations and operations centers to maintain safety, assist passengers, and manage higher-than-normal traffic volumes.
The policy reflects Hanoi’s broader push to expand modern urban transit infrastructure, as the capital works to reduce chronic road congestion and improve accessibility for both residents and the growing number of international travelers exploring the city during major cultural festivals.
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Source: Vietnam Insider