Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is around 8 km from Ho Chi Minh City center. You can travel from the airport to the city by taxi for €7 (VND 194,000), Bus 109 for €0.5 (VND 1500) per person, Bus 152 for €0.17 (VND 500) per person, or a Welcome Pickups airport taxi (private transfer) from €16 (VND 443,700). Taxis and private transfers take around 25 minutes in light traffic, while the buses typically take 45 to 60 minutes.
SGN is Vietnam’s busiest airport and can feel overwhelming when you first arrive, particularly if you’re traveling with luggage or landing during a busy period.
What are my options to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city center?
PRICE FOR 
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €16 | 25min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Private transfers are best for travelers who want to avoid walking and waiting, those who want help with luggage, and those who prefer a seamless travel experience. | ||||||
Taxi | €7 | 25min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| These taxis are ideal for travelers who value convenience and safety who have not booked a ride in advance. | ||||||
Airport Bus 109 | €1.00 | 45min | 05:45–23:40 | Convenience | Read more | |
| This bus is an option for travelers on a tight budget with minimal luggage who are able to pay in cash. | ||||||
Bus Line 152 | €0.34 | 60min | 05:15–23:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| This bus is best for those whose accommodation is close to a stop on this route, those who are on a very tight budget and don't have much luggage. | ||||||
Taking a Ho Chi Minh Airport taxi is convenient, costing around €7 (VND 200,000). Most visitors heading into central Ho Chi Minh City stay in District 1, which is around 7–9 km from the airport.
The drive takes approximately 25 minutes in light traffic, although it can take considerably longer during busy periods. There are multiple authorized taxi companies listed at the airport, running on meters.
How much is taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?
A taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city costs around €7 (VND 200,000). The base fare is around €0.40–€0.55 (VND 11,000–15,000), then approximately €0.50–€0.60 (VND 14,000–17,000) per km, plus around €0.35 (VND 10,000) airport toll/parking fee. The final amount can also vary depending on your exact destination and traffic conditions.
Where can I catch a taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport?
Official taxis are available at the designated taxi areas outside the terminals. Follow the airport signs to the official taxi rank rather than accepting a ride from someone approaching you inside the Arrivals area.
Convenience
A taxi is one of the easiest ways to get from SGN to your accommodation because it’s a 24/7 door-to-door service. You don’t have to work out which bus to take or carry your luggage through the airport and city. However, finding the correct taxi after a busy international arrival can be stressful. Some drivers may also have limited English, and you’ll be paying according to the meter.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe 109 airport bus is an affordable option for €0.5 (VND 15,000) to travel from Tan Son Nhat Airport toward central Ho Chi Minh City. The service travels toward District 1 and ends at 23/9 Park, making it useful for travelers staying around the Ben Thanh and Pham Ngu Lao areas.
The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. One important change for 2026 travelers is that Bus 109 now operates from the new Terminal 3 rather than the old Terminals 1 and 2. If you’re arriving on an international flight at Terminal 2, you’ll need to use the airport’s free inter-terminal shuttle to reach Terminal 3 before taking Bus 109.
How much is Bus 109 from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?
The fare listed for Bus 109 is €0.5 (VND 15,000) per person. You can purchase a ticket at the airport or on board, depending on the current ticketing arrangements. It’s best to carry some Vietnamese dong because public buses generally require cash.
The 109 bus operates daily between 05:45 and 23:40.
Where do I catch Bus 109?
The yellow Airport Bus 109 departs from a stop outside the terminals. The bus operates throughout the day, with departures roughly every 40–45 minutes according to the current 2026 timetable information.
Convenience
Bus 109 is a good option if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t have much luggage. The bus also has limited luggage space and can become crowded. If you’re arriving after a long flight, carrying large suitcases, or traveling with children, a taxi or private transfer will be considerably easier.
Timetables
Bus 109 timetable
Useful Tips
Bus 152 is the cheapest way to travel from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City at €0.17 (VND 5,000). It’s a regular local bus connecting the airport with the city center and Ben Thanh Market, making it useful if you’re staying in District 1.
The journey takes approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic, because Bus 152 makes more stops than Bus 109. Unlike Bus 109, Bus 152 continues to serve Terminals 1 and 2, making it particularly useful for international passengers arriving at Terminal 2.
How much is Bus 152 from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?
The listed fare is €0.17 (VND 5,000) per person, making it the cheapest option in this comparison. An additional charge of around the same amount, €0.17 (VND 5,000), may apply if you’re traveling with large luggage.
Tickets are generally purchased directly on the bus, and you’ll need Vietnamese dong in cash.
If you don’t have local currency yet, you can withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport before boarding.
Bus 152 departs daily between 05:15 and 19:00.
Convenience
Bus 152 is ideal if your priority is saving money. However, it’s also the least convenient option. The journey takes longer than traveling by car, buses can become crowded, and luggage space is limited. You’ll also need to get off at a suitable stop and make your own way to your accommodation.
Timetables
Bus 152 timetable
Useful Tips
The easiest way to travel is by pre-booking a Ho Chi Minh Airport taxi from the airport to your accommodation, starting from €16 (VND 443,700). With a private Ho Chi Minh Airport transfer, your driver will be waiting for you when you arrive, help with your luggage, and take you directly to your accommodation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
This is particularly useful after a long international flight when you don’t want to deal with crowded buses, taxi queues, unfamiliar currency, or navigating a busy airport.
How much is a private transfer from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?
A Welcome Pickups private transfer from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city costs from €16 (VND 443,700) for up to 4 passengers and from €30 (VND 900,000) for a minivan for 8 passengers. For larger groups, you can choose a minivan or minibus with additional space for passengers and luggage.
Private transfers are available 24/7 from Ho Chi Minh Airport.
Where will my Ho Chi Minh private transfer depart from?
After collecting your luggage, head to the Arrivals Hall. Your driver will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name. Once you’ve met, they’ll help you with your luggage and escort you to your private vehicle.
Convenience
A private transfer is the most convenient way to get from SGN Airport to Ho Chi Minh City. You won’t need to worry about:
It’s also a particularly convenient choice if you’re traveling with children, arriving late at night, carrying lots of luggage, or visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 4 passengers
€16Starting from 4 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 10 passengers
€30Starting from 3 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€30Starting from 2.5 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) from Ho Chi Minh City center, and how long does the journey take?
Tan Son Nhat Airport is about 8 km from Ho Chi Minh City center, and the journey takes around 25–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Although the airport is relatively close to District 1, heavy traffic can significantly increase journey times. Buses generally take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, excluding waiting time.
What are the best options to get from Saigon Airport to District 1?
The best options are a private transfer, taxi, Bus 109, or Bus 152. A private transfer or taxi is best for convenience and takes around 25–45 minutes, while Bus 109 and Bus 152 are cheaper but take longer and have limited luggage space.
If you want to go directly from the airport to your hotel without queues, navigating public transport, or carrying your luggage between stops, Welcome Pickups provides a door-to-door private transfer with an English-speaking driver.
How much does a taxi or private transfer cost from Saigon Airport to downtown Ho Chi Minh?
A standard taxi costs around €7, while a Welcome Pickups private transfer costs €16 for up to four passengers. Taxi fares are metered, and an airport toll is added to the final fare.
A private transfer gives you a fixed price before you travel, so you know the cost in advance. With Welcome Pickups, you also get a personalized meet and greet, flight monitoring, and a trained English-speaking driver.
Is there a train, metro, or rail connection between Ho Chi Minh Airport and the city center?
No, there is currently no direct train or metro connection between Tan Son Nhat Airport and Ho Chi Minh City center. You need to travel by road using a taxi, private transfer, or bus.
Which airport bus routes go to District 1, and how much is the bus ticket?
Airport Bus 109 and Bus 152 both connect Tan Son Nhat Airport with central Ho Chi Minh City, with fares of €0.50 and €0.17, respectively. Bus 109 takes around 45 minutes, while Bus 152 takes around 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Both routes serve the Ben Thanh area.
Are public buses free in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists or travelers with luggage?
No, public buses from Tan Son Nhat Airport are not free for tourists or travelers with luggage. Bus 109 and Bus 152 require passengers to purchase a ticket, and additional charges may apply for large luggage. Bus fares must generally be paid in Vietnamese dong.
What is the safest and most reliable way to travel from Saigon Airport to your hotel late at night?
A pre-booked private transfer or an official airport taxi is the safest and most reliable option late at night. Taxis and private transfers operate 24/7, while the airport buses have limited operating hours.
For late arrivals, Welcome Pickups offers flight monitoring, a personalized meet-and-greet, 24/7 customer support, and a trained English-speaking driver, so you know who is picking you up before you land.
Is it better to book a private airport transfer in advance or take a taxi upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
Booking a private transfer in advance is better if you want a fixed price and a guaranteed driver waiting for you, while a taxi is a good option if you prefer to arrange transport after landing. Official taxis are available 24/7, but you’ll need to find the taxi rank, queue, and pay a metered fare.
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