Getting from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer - 40+ countries and counting | MSc Wildlife Conservation Biology

September 3, 2024

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s busiest airport. When landing here, you have three different transportation options to get to Ho Chi Minh City centre, also known as District 1; taxi, private transfer or bus.

Taking a Ho Chi Minh Airport taxi or private transfer is a great way to get to your hotel as taxis in Vietnam are very cheap and offer 24/7 door-to-door transportation.

Alternatively, there’s a special airport bus, the 109 bus, which is even more affordable than a taxi and runs regularly, taking around 45 minutes to reach the Ben Thanh Market.

Seats on the 109 bus are fairly limited, however, in which case there is an alternative public bus option, the 152, which is even cheaper and runs just as regularly as the 109 service. The 152 has more stops so the journey takes around an hour but it also stops at the Ben Thanh Market and other popular areas.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Ho Chi Minh at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€7.30	25min	24/7
Private Transfer	€16	25min	24/7
Airport Bus 109	€1.10	45min	05:45–23:40
Bus Line 152	€0.50	60min	05:15–19:00

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre by taxi

Opting for a taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city is a convenient and inexpensive way to travel to your downtown hotel. Most people stay in District 1 when visiting Vietnam’s capital – aptly called the ‘city that never sleeps’ – which takes 25 to 45 minutes to reach, depending on traffic.

The two most reputable taxi companies are Vinasun and Mai Linh. Vinasun taxis are white with a red and green logo and Mai Linh taxis are green. Both charge by the meter and have the option of 4 or 7-seater vehicles.

How much is taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?

Various taxi companies operate from Ho Chi Minh City Airport, and they should all calculate their fares using a taximeter. On average, from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city a taxi should cost €4.70 – €7.30 (VND 130,000–VND 200,000).

Please note that an airport toll fee of €0.40 (VND 10,000) will be added to the final cost of your taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city, along with any road tolls, however, there isn’t a fare difference between night, day and weekend trips.

Cost

€7.30

Trip Duration

25 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at Tan Son Nhat International Airport are available 24/7.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

You can find the official Ho Chi Minh Airport taxi rank on the Ground Floor of the terminal building. As you leave through the main exit of the Arrivals Hall, take a left and you will find the rank, which should be manned by a taxi attendant who can help assign a driver to you.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city is the most convenient way to travel. Not only do taxis provide reliable 24/7 door-to-door transportation, but you can avoid navigating public transport and waiting in line in the often stifling heat.

However, not many taxi drivers in Vietnam speak English, so if you wish to travel with an English-speaking driver at a fixed rate price, then we recommend pre-booking a private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Editor’s Note

You can book and pay for your taxi at the booth inside the Arrivals Hall, however, it's cheaper to just take one from the rank.

Useful Tips

Ho Chi Minh and Saigon are used interchangeably.

It isn't customary to tip in Vietnam and it's perfectly normal to not leave your driver any change.

Be aware that some taxi drivers have meters that run faster than usual to increase their prices, that's why it's best to use a well-known taxi company or pre-book a private transfer.

Make sure your Ho Chi Minh taxi driver resets the taximeter to the base fare before starting your journey.

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre by private transfer

The most popular way to travel from Ho Chi Minh Airport to your Saigon accommodation is to take a private transfer. Private transfers offer ease and comfort in an air-conditioned private vehicle that will drop you right at the curb to your hotel.

Furthermore, you’ll be provided a guaranteed fixed fare rate with 24/7 customer support and an English-speaking driver. Your driver will also kindly point out some sites along the way and share their local tips and tricks for how to best enjoy this bustling city.

How much is a private transfer from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?

One of the advantages of booking a private transfer is receiving an upfront fixed price quote before booking. This provides complete transparency around pricing, unlike a metered taxi which can be affected by traffic, tolls and surcharges.

Nevertheless, the price is still very affordable, with a 4-passenger sedan costing €16 (VND 442,500), or for those travelling in a larger group, a spacious minivan with room for up to 12 passengers and their luggage will cost just €30 (VND 829, 780).

Welcome makes booking easy which can be done in less than a minute either online or via the app. Just pop in your flight details, fill in your personal information, and select a time that suits you best.

Cost

€16

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Private transfer services will be ready to depart immediately upon arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Ho Chi Minh Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

After arriving at Ho Chi Minh Airport, you’ll find your driver waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name. Following a friendly introduction, you’ll be shown to your pre-selected private vehicle and given a hand with any luggage so that your transfer to the city can begin.

Convenience

While a private transfer is the most expensive transfer option from Ho Chi Minh Airport, it’s still a very affordable choice considering all the additional benefits, even more so if the costs are being split amongst a group. Plus, you won’t need to worry about finding your way around the busiest airport in Vietnam, which can be stressful if you’re travelling with children or heavy luggage.

Editor’s Note

Your driver will receive live status updates on your flight so if there are any delays, don't worry, they'll still be there to greet you right on time.

Useful Tips

At the airport you'll be provided with a meet-and-greet service, just one of the personalised touches of a private transfer.

Payments are made at the time of booking with a credit or debit card so that on the day of your trip is as seamless as possible.

Your private transfer is full customisable which means requests and additions such as a baby seat or wheelchair-accessible vehicle can all be accommodated.

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre by bus

A very popular and affordable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city is to take the bus. SATSCO operate the 109 special airport service which travels into District 1 where most tourists base themselves during their visit to Saigon. The service takes 45 minutes and terminates at Saigon Bus Station (23/9 Park), with stops at Ben Thanh Bus Station and near Ben Thanh Market.

How much is the bus from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?

A one-way fare for the 109 bus from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City costs €0.55 (VND 15,000) per person. Tickets can be purchased on board with cash or from the dedicated airport bus ticket booth in the Arrivals area. The same fare price will be applied on the return from Ho Chi Minh City to the airport.

Cost

€0.55

Trip Duration

45 Min.

The 109 airport service departs every 15 to 20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The 109 bus operates daily between 05:45 and 23:40.

Where does the airport bus depart from?

The bus stop at both Ho Chi Minh terminals is clearly signposted with a blue ‘Bus Station’ sign. At Terminal 1, the international terminal, the stop is in front of the Arrivals Hall, and at Terminal 2, the domestic terminal, the bus stop is located in Lane B on the Arrivals level.

Convenience

Opting for a bus transfer from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city is a great option for those on a small budget. However, luggage space is limited and services can get overcrowded. Also, the driver likely won’t speak English so unless you have access to WiFi and can follow your journey on a map or use Google Translate, the bus might be overwhelming.

To put your mind at ease you can travel directly to your hotel with a pre-booked private transfer instead. Drivers are local and English-speaking so you won’t have to worry about the language barrier.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling with lots of luggage a taxi or private transfer may be a better option. Otherwise, if your bag is more than 10 kg, you will need to purchase an additional seat to place your baggage on.

Useful Tips

If you're not travelling all the way into the city you'll only be charged €0.30 (VND 8,000). Just make sure you let the driver know where you need to get off.

The 109 service used to be a yellow bus, however, it is now a red minivan with limited seats and space for luggage.

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre by bus

Alternatively, you can catch Bus 152, which is a public bus operating a similar route to the 109 service from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre. This service can take up to 60 minutes, depending on traffic, as it has more stops. The final stop is at a roundabout opposite Ben Thanh Market. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to Pham Ngu Lao Street (Backpacker Street).

How much is the bus from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?

Public bus tickets are extremely cheap, costing just €0.25 (VND 6,000) per person. You can purchase your tickets at the airport’s ticket booths or directly on board the bus. Please note that payments can only be in the local currency of Vietnamese dong.

Cost

€0.25

Trip Duration

60 Min.

Bus 152 departs every 15-20 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus 152 departs daily between 05:15 and 17:00.

Where do I catch bus 152 from?

For Bus 152, the bus stop is located out the front of the International terminal, one row over from the taxi rank or in Lane B of the Domestic Terminal. Just follow the signs and look for a blue or green bus.

Convenience

While taking the 152 bus from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City is the most budget-friendly choice, it’s also the least convenient. The service isn’t offered at night, plus it takes longer than any other transport mode, so unless you need to get off at a specific stop or the 109 bus is full, it’s best to consider another way to your hotel.

Alternatively, you can secure a competitive fixed fare and a direct door-to-door transfer when you book a private transfer in advance.

Editor’s Note

If you don’t have cash in the local currency, you can withdraw some Vietnamese Dong from one of the airport's ATMs or exchange foreign currency at the airport in order to purchase your bus tickets.

Useful Tips

The 152 bus is government operated and the buses aren't always in the best condition.

Try to sit at the front of the bus so the driver can tell you where to get off.

You’ll have to pay an additional €0.25 (VND 6,000) per piece of big luggage.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Ho chi minh. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to downtown?

There are three different travel options to get from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the city centre; you can take a taxi or private transfer, which takes 25 to 45 minutes, or a bus, which takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, excluding wait and transfer times.

How much does a taxi cost from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre?

Many taxi companies operate from SGN Airport, and all use a taximeter to calculate their fares. For a taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city the price shouldn’t be more than €7.30 (VND 200,000). Please note that an airport toll fee of €0.40 (VND 10,000) will be added to the end fare and there is no rate difference between night, day and weekend trips.

For a competitive fixed fare with no hidden fees, you can book an airport taxi or private transfer in advance with Welcome and unlock fully personalised transfers, 24/7 customer support and trained English-speaking drivers.

How far is Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City centre?

From Ho Chi Minh City to the airport the distance is 8 km; it takes between 25 and 45 minutes to reach by car or by taxi, depending on traffic conditions.

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Ho Chi Minh

High-end transfer service at the same price as a regular taxi. Available in 42 destinations.

Learn more

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre by taxi

How much is taxi from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?

Cost

€7.30

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis at Tan Son Nhat International Airport are available 24/7.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?

Cost

€16

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Ho Chi Minh Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre by bus

How much is the bus from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?

Cost

€0.55

Trip Duration

45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The 109 bus operates daily between 05:45 and 23:40.

Where does the airport bus depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre by bus

How much is the bus from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city?

Cost

€0.25

Trip Duration

60 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus 152 departs daily between 05:15 and 17:00.

Where do I catch bus 152 from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to downtown?

How much does a taxi cost from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city centre?

How far is Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City centre?

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in Ho Chi Minh

Save the article for later or share it with friends

The link is copied

Transfer Options in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City Airport Taxi: Compare All Taxi Options & Prices

FromHo Chi Minh City

ToVung Tau

293 Destinations Worldwide

Pre-book online→