• Name: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
• Code: SGN
• Terminals: Two (Terminal 1, Domestic; Terminal 2, International)
• Airlines: 30+
• Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, VIP lounges, restaurants, shopping, taxi service

Ho Chi Minh Airport is approximately 8 km (5 miles) northwest of the city center. The distance may vary based on your specific destination within the city.

Travel time by car from the airport to the city center can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Public transit options, such as buses, are also available. The travel time can vary depending on the route and traffic conditions. It is advisable to check the schedules and routes of public transportation in advance.

Ho Chi Minh Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (Domestic) and Terminal 2 (International). The terminals are within walking distance of each other, and signs are posted to guide passengers. The distance between the terminals is relatively short, making transfers easy and convenient.

The airport offers several convenient ways to get into the city center.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport. Major taxi companies, such as Mai Linh and Vinasun, operate from the airport and offer fixed-rate taxis. Taxi drivers and would-be passengers alike queue up at the taxi stands outside the arrival hall.

The cost of a taxi from the airport to the city center varies depending on factors such as the time of day, traffic conditions, and your specific destination. It is advisable to have some Vietnamese dong (₫; VND) ready to pay for your taxi fare. On average, the taxi fare from the airport to the city center can range from ₫150,000 to ₫250,000 (Vietnamese dong; VND).

Rideshares

Uber is not available in Vietnam, but there are local rideshare apps, such as Grab and Gojek, that provide convenient transportation options.

Grab is a widely used rideshare app in Ho Chi Minh City. You can download the Grab app on your smartphone and book an airport pickup or a ride anywhere in the city. Grab offers various services, including taxis, motorbike taxis (known as GrabBike), and private cars (GrabCar). The app provides estimated fares and convenient cashless payment options.

Private Transfers

Though it won’t necessarily let you avoid traffic, prearranging a private transfer with a trusted company can be a comfortable, reliable service, and a hassle-free option. This type of transfer service typically involves a driver meeting you at the arrival hall and taking you directly to your destination.

Public Transportation

You can take one of two airport buses to get to the city center from the airport. There are yellow booths at both terminals, and you can pay cash for the tickets at a booth or on the airport bus. The staff speaks English, and the buses run from 5:30 am to 1:00 am. The bus fare depends on where you want to go, ranging from ₫20,000 to ₫40,000.

Bus no. 49 is faster and more expensive than bus no. 109. It costs ₫40,000 for any destination. You can find it at Column 12 in the international terminal or Column 18 in the domestic terminal. It goes to Dien Bien Phu and passes by Pham Ngu Lao (Backpacker Street) and Ben Thanh (Bus Station). It takes about 45 minutes to reach the city center and leaves every 15 to 20 minutes.

Bus no. 109 is cheaper and slower than bus no. 49. It costs ₫20,000 to go to District 1 or Pham Ngu Lao (Backpacker Street), though you can tell the driver where you are going and he will tell you the price. You can find it at Column 12 in the international terminal or Column 18 in the domestic terminal. It goes to Park 23/9 and passes by Pham Ngu Lao (Backpacker Street) and Ben Thanh (Bus Station). It takes about 45 minutes to reach the city center and leaves every 15 to 20 minutes.

When it comes to airport transfers to and from your hotel, the best option depends on your preferences and budget.

Driving

If you prefer privacy, convenience, and have a lot of luggage, hiring a private car or driving yourself can be a good choice. Many hotels in Ho Chi Minh City offer airport transfer services for their guests.

Taxi

Taxis are a popular and widely available option for hotel transfers. It is recommended to use reputable taxi companies and ensure that the driver turns on the meter to avoid any disputes.

Public Transit

Depending on the location of your hotel and your comfort level with public transportation, you may consider using buses or other forms of public transit to reach your accommodations.

Parking and Car Rentals

Ho Chi Minh Airport provides parking facilities for both short-term and long-term parking. The airport offers multilevel parking garages and open-air parking areas. Parking rates vary depending on the duration of parking and the chosen parking area.