Hierarchical tubular structures constructed from rutile TiO2 nanorods are fabricated, using MnO2 nanorods as sacrificial templates. The resultant rutile TiO2 hierarchical nanotubes show unique structural features (hierarchical, hollow) and a large surface area (180m2 g−1), which substantially improve their electrochemical performance. This type of hierarchical structures with high porosity produced by neighboring building blocks, are desirable for the development of sodium ion batteries, because the large amounts of pores can enhance the contact areas between electrode and electrolyte, and faciliate the ion diffusion during the charge/discharge process. As an anode material for sodium ion batteries, these hierarchical nanotubes deliver a high reversible capacity of 221mAhg−1 at 0.3C (100mAg−1), superior rate capability with a stable capacity of 71mAhg−1 at 15C, and good long-term cycling stability with a capacity of 79mAhg−1 after 1000 cycles at 3C. The superior sodium storage performances make this rutile TiO2 hierarchical nanotube a promising anode metarial for sodium ion batteries.