4 ways to move from Ho Chi Minh airport to city

updated 5 December 2023

Normally, if flying to Tan Son Nhat airport, many passengers will ask friends, relatives to pick up. However, the passengers carrying luggage which is quite cumbersome or self-travel are quite embarrassed how to move from Ho Chi Minh airport to the city center, especially for the first time passengers here. Therefore, Gadt Travel will give you some useful information about transportation there as follows:

Contents

1. Buses in Ho Chi Minh Airport

Buses departing from Ho Chi Minh Airport – Tan Son Nhat International Airport to the city center usually pick up passengers at gate no.4 opposite the domestic terminal, and the gate no.12 opposite the international terminal. You just need to move to these locations, and choose the right bus routes to return to the city center.

Line 152: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ben Thanh – Trung Son residential area

  • Operation time from 5h45 to 18h
  • Frequency: 12 – 17 mins / trip.
  • Ticket price: 6.000VND / trip.

Route: Tan Son Nhat Airport – New International Stations – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Hoang Van Thu – Nguyen Van Troi – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Cach Mang Thang Tam – Pham Hong Thai – Le Lai – Roundabout – Ben Thanh – Tran Hung Dao – Nguyen Van Cu – Nguyen Van Cu Bridge – Duong Ba Trac – 9A Road – Bus stop at the end of road 10 – Trung Son residential area and vice versa.

Bus is the cheapest way to city center from Ho Chi Minh airport
Bus is the cheapest way to city center from Ho Chi Minh airport

Line 109: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ben Thanh – 23/9 Park

  • Operation time from 0h – 2h30 and from 5h45 – 23h45
  • Frequency: 15 – 30 mins/ trip.

Ticket price: 12.000 VND for the route under 5km and 20.000 VND for the route over 5km.

Route: International Terminal – Domestic Terminal (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Hoang Van Thu – Nguyen Van Troi – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Ham Nghi – Ben Thanh Station – Pham Ngu Lao – 23/9 Park and vice versa.

Line 119: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Western Bus Station

  • Operation time from 4h – 21h.
  • Frequency:  15 – 30 mins/ trip.
  • Ticket price: VND 12,000 / trip, over 5km: VND 20,000 / trip.

Route: International Arrival Terminals – Domestic Arrival Terminals – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Cha Cha Mausoleum – Hoang Van Thu – Xuan Dieu – Xuan Hong – Truong Chinh – Ly Thuong Kiet – Bac Hai – Thanh Thai Thai – Nguyen Tri Phuong – Nguyen Chi Thanh – Nguyen Thi Nhỏ – Hong Bang – Kinh Duong Vuong – Western bus station and vice versa.

Line 49: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Hotels and downtown locations.

This bus route will take you straight to places or hotels in the city center in District 1.

  • Operation time from 5h – 1h30 in the morning.
  • Frequency: 15 -30 mins/trip.
  • Ticket price:  40.000VND / pass.

Route: International Arrival Terminals – Domestic Arrival Terminals – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Hoang Van Thu – Nguyen Van Troi – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Duan – Paris – Dong Khoi – East Du – Hai Ba Trung – Ton Duc Thang – Ham Nghi – Ben Thanh – Pham Ngu Lao – Nguyen Trai – Le Lai – Nguyen Thi Nghia – Cach Mang Thang 8 – Dien Bien Phu – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Van Troi – Phan Dinh Giot – Truong Son – Tan Son Nhat international terminal.

The biggest difference of bus route 49 from Tan Son Nhat airport to District 1, District 3 is that the bus will not stop at stops like regular buses and pick up passengers directly from Tan Son Nhat airport to the District. 1, District 3 as well as points in the center of Ho Chi Minh City such as Notre Dame Cathedral, City Theater.

Line 159: Mien Dong Bus Station – Tan Son Nhat Airport – An Duong Bus Station

  • Operating time from 5h30 to 20h25.
  • Frequency between 25 – 30p / trip.
  • Ticket price: Under half route: 7,000 VND / pass, over half route: 10,000 VND / pass.

Route: Eastern bus station – Dinh Bo Linh – Nguyen Xi – Highway 13 – Pham Van Dong – Bach Dang – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Cong Hoa – Truong Chinh – Highway 22 – (Back at Vietnamese company Hung – Highway 22 – An Suong Bus Station and vice versa.

If you choose to take bus 159 then you walk down Truong Son Road and stand at the same side with Tan Son Nhat Airport to go to An Suong bus station.

  • Pros: Cost-effective, suitable for passengers with ample time and familiarity with routes. 
  • Cons: During rush hours, it can be excessively crowded with potential lack of seating, resulting in extended travel times. There’s also a risk of pickpocketing. Additionally, the lack of control over travel times and routes might lead to confusion and impact on your trip. It’s advisable to be aware of the route from Ho Chi Minh airport to your hotel. 

 

2. Traditional taxis in Ho Chi Minh Airport

Currently, there are 9 taxi companies having license to operate in Tan Son Nhat International Airport, including big brands such as VinaSun, Mai Linh or Savico, etc. You can easily find a taxi company. Just outside the arrival station of both domestic and international terminals.

Many taxis park outside terminal
Many taxis park outside terminal

This is also one of the fast and convenient transportation from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the center. Passengers can take taxi in the parking area taxi stand at airport. With a distance of only a few kilometers, the taxi ride takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic conditions. However, the vehicle also has the disadvantage that passengers do not know the cost in advance, many taxi drivers go round to get more money or cheat meter kilometers.

Therefore, when choosing a taxi to move, you should note the choice of taxi brands such as Mai Linh, Airport Taxi, Saigon Taxi, Vinataxi… On the car has a meter showing the km and amount of money, very convenient for you to follow. Also, to avoid dishonest taxi drivers, you can pay a premium for the destination. The average price falls between VND 150,000 – 250,000.

  • Pros: Ensures direct drop-off to the specified destination. 
  • Cons: Risk of getting into the wrong or unlicensed taxi, leading to potential higher-than-usual costs. 

3. Technology taxis as Grab, Gojek, Be in Ho Chi Minh Airport

Grab, Gojek, Be car drivers will usually stand outside Tan Son Nhat Airport on Truong Son Road. After booking the car through these above applications, you move outside the airport, right in front of the Truong Son roadside to catch the car.

Grab pick up customers

However, parking time is not more than 3 minutes, so before you book your car, you should wait outside the station to not miss the bus. Popular prices range from 200,000 VND – 300,000 VND for car from Tan Son Nhat – City Center, depending on the type of car you are driving and the distance you travel.

  • Pros: Seamless process for booking technology taxis, ensuring a direct and efficient arrival at the specified destination. 
  • Cons: It may be inconvenient as the prices are subject to change dynamically, especially during peak hours. Additionally, there might be instances where Grab drivers decline passengers due to high demand or limited availability of vehicles, leading to potential wait times. 

4. Private Transfer in Ho Chi Minh Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport transfer service is very popular with the same or a little higher price as normal taxi, but if there is a promotion price may be cheaper than taxi. This car is very convenient for passengers as they can book before arrival. The car is new and comfortable. The driver is polite and helpful all the time. They will wait you in airport in advance so you don’t need to wait. You can ask for private and special request for them when booking. But sometimes if you change your flight hours, you may need to report back.

Private car bring the comfortable and convenient feeling for passengers
Private car with good quality bring the comfortable and convenient feeling for passengers

Today, with this service, Gadt Travel is one of the most prestigious airport shuttle services you can choose from. We have 24/7 support team so passengers will be served in anytime. It is much more convenient and safe if you have night flights.

  • Pros: Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, eliminates waiting time. Ideal for families with children and luggage, offering the utmost convenience. 
  • Cons: The cost is slightly higher compared to other transportation options. 

Private airport transfer from Ho Chi Minh city to Tan Son Nhat Airport from 20usd/car

It can be seen that moving from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City has many ways. Therefore, before choosing to travel in any form, you should consider in advance what type of transportation to choose that is most appropriate for you. However, if you are a foreigner visiting Vietnam for the first time, it’s advisable to opt for a safer and more reliable option. Let’s consider using a reputable private car transfer service. While it may involve some extra cost, you’ll have peace of mind, ensuring punctuality and well-being, and avoiding unforeseen issues in an unfamiliar place. Many local tour operators in Vietnam, including Gadt Travel, offer Ho Chi Minh airport transfer services alongside sightseeing tours. Gadt Travel also provides 2 convenient options: you can either directly book a private car transfer service, or let our Vietnam local experts assist you in booking a comprehensive service that includes airport transfer and convenient day tours.

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