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 center, also known as District 1: taxi, private transfer, or bus.
Taking a private Ho Chi Minh Airport transfer or Ho Chi Minh Airport taxi are the best ways to get to your hotel as rides 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.
4 options to go from Ho Chi Minh Airport to city center
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.
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.
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How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city center 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. You can get a Ho Chi Minh Airport taxi 24/7.
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.
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 a very 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.
Useful Tips
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.
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 center by bus 109
A very popular and affordable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city is to take the bus. SATSCO operates 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.
Useful Tips
If you're traveling 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.
If you're not traveling 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 center by bus 152
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 center. 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.
Useful Tips
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.
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.
How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city center 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 Ho Chi Minh Airport 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 traveling 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 traveling with children or heavy luggage.
Useful Tips
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.
At the airport you'll be provided with a meet-and-greet service, just one of the personalized 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 fully customizable which means requests and additions such as a baby seat or wheelchair-accessible vehicle can all be accommodated.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh Airport into the city?
There are three different travel options to get from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to downtown; 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 center?
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 personalized transfers, 24/7 customer support and trained English-speaking drivers.
How far is Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City center?
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.
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. You can get a Ho Chi Minh Airport taxi 24/7.
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.
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 a very 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.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreA very popular and affordable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city is to take the bus. SATSCO operates 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.
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.
Useful Tips
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 center. 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.
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.
Useful Tips
The most popular way to travel from Ho Chi Minh Airport to your Saigon accommodation is to take a private transfer. Private Ho Chi Minh Airport 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 traveling 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.
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 traveling with children or heavy luggage.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh Airport into the city?
There are three different travel options to get from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to downtown; 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 center?
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 personalized transfers, 24/7 customer support and trained English-speaking drivers.
How far is Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City center?
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.
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