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Should you take a taxi, book a ride-hailing car, or save money by taking the bus from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City? Although the distance is only around 7–8 km, travel times and costs can vary significantly depending on your transportation option, arrival terminal, and time of travel. This guide explains the available options, estimated fares, and essential information to know before leaving the airport.

Where Is Tan Son Nhat Airport?

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is located northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. It is approximately 7–8 km from central areas such as Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Dong Khoi Street.

When traffic is light, the journey from the airport to the city center usually takes around 20–30 minutes by car. During rush hour, rainy weather, or periods of heavy congestion around the airport, the trip may take 40 minutes or longer.

Tan Son Nhat Airport currently has three passenger terminals:

• Terminal T1: Serves Vietjet Air domestic flights.

• Terminal T2: Serves international flights.

• Terminal T3: Serves most Vietnam Airlines domestic flights and selected flights operated by other airlines.

Before traveling to or from the airport, check your terminal information on your flight ticket, boarding pass, or airline app. Confirming the correct terminal is important because the pickup areas for taxis, ride-hailing services, public buses, and pre-booked vehicles may differ between T1, T2, and T3.

4 Ways to Get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center

The four most common transportation options are ride-hailing services, public buses, taxis, and pre-booked private transfers. Each option suits different travel needs and budgets.

Note: The travel times and prices above are provided for reference only. Ride-hailing fares may change depending on demand and booking time, while metered taxis may charge additional airport fees.

Booking a Ride-Hailing Car: Grab, Xanh SM, or Be

Grab, Xanh SM, and Be are among the most convenient and widely used options for traveling from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City. You can enter your hotel address in advance, check the estimated fare before booking, and track the driver directly through the app.

• Travel time: Around 20–40 minutes to central District 1, depending on traffic.

• Cost: Usually around VND 100,000–200,000 per trip, depending on the app, vehicle type, and booking time.

• Best suited for: Solo travelers, couples, or small groups with limited luggage and access to the Internet.

Each terminal has a different ride-hailing pickup area, so check the designated location before confirming your booking.

At T1, ride-hailing cars generally collect passengers from the TCP parking area. At T3, the pickup zone is located on the first floor near the end of the arrivals hall. At T2, once you have exited the international arrivals hall, open the app and follow the directions to the pickup point displayed for your booking.

Taking a Public Bus

If you want to keep transportation costs low, public buses are among the most economical ways to travel from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City. They are particularly suitable for solo travelers with light luggage who are not in a hurry.

Two commonly used routes are buses 152 and 109. If you arrive at T1 or T2, you can take bus 152, which usually reaches the city center in around 55 minutes. If you arrive at T3, bus 109 is generally the more convenient option, with an estimated journey time of around 45 minutes.

• Travel time: Around 45–55 minutes.

• Cost: Usually around VND 5,000–15,000 per trip, depending on the route.

• Best suited for: Solo travelers with light luggage who want an affordable option.

Public buses stop at several locations along the route and will not normally take you directly to your hotel. You may therefore need to walk or use another form of transportation for the final part of your journey.

If you have several suitcases, are traveling with young children, or are staying far from the bus route, a taxi or ride-hailing car will usually be more comfortable and convenient. September 2026 update: Bus route 152 is currently included in Ho Chi Minh City’s free-fare program for subsidized buses until September 30, 2026. This policy may be revised after that date.

Is There a Metro from Tan Son Nhat Airport?

There is currently no metro line operating directly between Tan Son Nhat Airport and central Ho Chi Minh City. Metro Line 2, connecting Ben Thanh and Tham Luong, is under development and is expected to begin operating in the future. Therefore, in 2026, passengers still need to use a public bus, taxi, ride-hailing service, or private transfer to leave the airport.

Taking a Taxi from Tan Son Nhat Airport

A taxi remains a convenient choice if you want a vehicle immediately after leaving the terminal without installing or using a mobile app. Tan Son Nhat Airport has designated taxi pickup areas, where established operators such as Vinasun and Mai Linh are available.

• Travel time: Around 20–40 minutes to central District 1.

• Cost: Usually around VND 160,000–250,000 per trip, excluding certain airport fees.

• Best suited for: Travelers with several pieces of luggage, no Internet connection, or those who want to find a vehicle directly at the airport.

Traditional taxis usually operate using a meter, with the final fare calculated according to the actual distance and travel time. If you choose this option, use the official taxi pickup area and prioritize established operators with clear company branding and identification. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers from drivers who do not provide clear information about the operator or how the fare will be calculated.

Booking a Private Airport Transfer

A private airport transfer is suitable for travelers who prefer to arrange transportation before arrival rather than search for a vehicle after landing. The vehicle is reserved exclusively for your journey, and you can select a suitable category based on the number of passengers, amount of luggage, and specific travel needs.

• Travel time: Around 20–40 minutes to the city center, depending on traffic.

• Cost: Generally higher than a taxi or ride-hailing service, depending on the vehicle category.

• Best suited for: Families, larger groups, business travelers, passengers with considerable luggage, or anyone requiring a particular vehicle type.

This option can also be convenient for international visitors arriving in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, especially those who want their vehicle and pickup arrangements confirmed before departure. When selecting a vehicle, remember to consider your luggage as well as the number of passengers. A car may have enough seats for everyone but insufficient storage space for several large suitcases.

 

Book Tan Son Nhat Airport Transfer

Tan Son Nhat Airport Transfer Price List

Vietnam Sky Service offers several vehicle options, ranging from premium sedans to spacious vehicles for groups. The current estimated rates are as follows:

Note: These prices are based on the current Vietnam Sky Service rate list and are provided for reference only. The final cost may vary depending on the route, destination, and specific booking requirements. Confirm the applicable price before completing your reservation.

Important Tips When Leaving Tan Son Nhat Airport

• Confirm your terminal before booking a vehicle: T1 and T3 both serve domestic flights, but their pickup areas are different. Check your ticket or boarding pass before making a booking.

• Book your ride when you are close to the arrivals exit: For international flights, complete immigration procedures and collect your luggage before requesting a ride-hailing car.

• Verify the vehicle before getting in: When using Grab, Be, or Xanh SM, check the license plate, driver’s name, and vehicle type against the details shown in the app.

• Use only the official taxi area: Avoid unsolicited transportation offers from drivers who do not clearly identify their company or explain how the fare will be calculated.

• Choose a vehicle based on both passengers and luggage: If you have several large suitcases, select a vehicle with sufficient luggage capacity rather than considering the number of seats alone.

• Allow additional time during rush hour: The airport is not far from the city center, but Ho Chi Minh City traffic can significantly extend the journey.

Frequently Asked Question 

Final Thoughts

There are several ways to travel from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City, depending on your budget, luggage, and preferred level of convenience. Ride-hailing services are suitable for most solo travelers and small groups, while public buses offer the lowest-cost option. Taxis are convenient for passengers who want a vehicle immediately after leaving the terminal, whereas a pre-booked private transfer is better suited to families, larger groups, and travelers who prefer to arrange their transportation in advance.