Ho Chi Minh City Airport
ICAO code: SGN
IATA code: VVTS
Number of passengers: ~ 35 million
The largest airport in Vietnam is Tan Son Nhat International Airport, popularly known simply as Ho Chi Minh City Airport. As its name suggests, this largest Vietnamese airport serves the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area.
SGN has two terminals; Terminal 1 for domestic and Terminal 2 for international flights. It is somewhat infamous for its long queues for both inbound and outbound flights, and the airport authorities strictly require that all passengers boarding outbound flights arrive no later than 2 hours before their scheduled departure time.
In 2022, the airport reached its record-breaking number of 35 million passengers in both domestic and international traffic. Also, SGN is a hub for Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines and VASCO.
If travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, the following guide will provide you with all the useful and necessary information to make your trip easier.
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Getting from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Airport is roughly 7.5 kilometers from the city center. So, it is an approximately half an hour drive by car or taxi, or a 50-minute ride by public transport in Ho Chi Minh.
Since SGN is so large, and the airport is one of the busiest in the world, there is no need to fret when it comes to transportation around the city.
Learn more about the ways to get around Tan Son Nhat Airport in the text below!
Bus
Undoubtedly, the most well-known route from the airport is Route 109. Up until recently, the yellow buses departing from Domestic Terminal were the operational vehicle for this route, and their yellow color was the characteristic that made them stand out.
In the fall of 2022, however, orange minibuses replaced yellow buses. However, there is no need to fret; the minibuses depart from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City Central Bus Station every 15 minutes.
Route 109 bus stops:
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (International Station)
- Pick up at Lan B Domestic Railway Station
- Tan Son Nhat Airport (Domestic Station)
- Truong Son Street
- Tran Quoc Hoan Street
- Hoang Van Thu Street
- Road Nguyen Van Troi
- Nam Ky Khoi Nghia
- Ham Nghi Street
- Le Lai Street
- Saigon Bus Station
Alternatively, there is another bus line you can take bus line 152. This bus line, which you can recognize by its distinct green colour, also goes to District 1 of Ho Chi Minh. Specifically, it goes to Trung Son and the average ticket price is around 5,000 VND (approximately 0.20 €).
Additionally, do keep in mind that, if travelling with larger luggage, you will have to pay an additional fee when boarding public transport. The luggage fee equals the price of a single adult ticket.
Taxi
When travelling to a new country, or a city, it is always necessary to be aware of taxi transport. Naturally, Tan Son Nhat Airport has its official taxi companies that passengers can be booked either at the taxi booth or outside, at the taxi rank.
The official metered taxi companies are Mai Linh and Viansun. However, there are many scammers that imitate the names and official colours of both companies in order to confuse passengers. So, always double-check if you are booking a ride with a fair, legitimate taxi company.
When booking at the airport taxi booths, you will pay the total amount for the ride upfront – a great option for those who wish to be extra safe.
Furthermore, Uber’s rideshare service has since its initial introduction to the Ho Chi Minh City public transport system become one of the most used services. Those coming from areas where Uber is also available may feel more comfortable taking it instead.
Car rental
If you want to avoid using public transport and taxi services or just want to feel freer during your visit to the city, car rental services may be your best option.
Some of the biggest car rental companies in Vietnam, so naturally in Ho Chi Minh City as well, are Avis, Hertz and Alamo.
But, if you wish to avoid long queues at the airport and head straight to your car once you arrive, we advise that you book your car online in advance.
Transfer
Last but not least, if you want a completely hassle-free experience upon your arrival, the best option is to book a private transfer. With door-to-door transfers, a professional driver will welcome you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation.
Ho Chi Minh City Airport airlines
As previously mentioned, both international and domestic flights operate at Ho Chi Minh Airport. The most frequent flights are those from and to the capital of Vietnam – Hanoi, and the coastal city of Da Nang.
Moreover, the most frequent flights are those connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok Airport, Seoul Airport, Singapore Airport and Tokyo Airport. As for the flights outside of Asia, the most frequent are those to Australia – specifically, Sydney and Melbourne.
The carriers that operate at SGN most frequently are:
- VietJet Air
- Vietnam Airlines
- Bamboo Airways
- Pacific Airlines
Ho Chi Minh City Airport facilities
While most don’t enjoy spending time at airports, long layovers or arriving early can leave you stranded there for hours. Because of this, many airports offer amenities for passengers to pass their time, and Ho Chi Minh is no different.
When it comes to restaurants, passengers can choose between Vietnamese restaurants and Western fast-food restaurants that typically serve burgers and pizzas. Or, if one just wishes to enjoy a cup of coffee, one can go to one of the several coffee shops at SGN.
Services at SGN are the following:
- restaurants and cafes
- toilets
- free WiFi
- luggage storage (at the international terminal)
- lounge
- duty-free shops
- currency exchange
Ho Chi Minh City Airport accommodation
Unfortunately, the airport has no hotels within its facilities. But, there are several hotels within 1 kilometer radius of the airport, many of which offer transfers from and to the airport. However, it is important to remember that, should you wish to spend the night at one of these hotels, a visa may be required to leave SGN.
Ho Chi Minh City Airport FAQs
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the only airport in the city.
SGN has two terminals – a domestic terminal and an international terminal. The international terminal is newer, and it opened to the public in 2007.
Yes, luggage storage services are available at arrivals in the international terminal of the airport.
Yes, you can access the free, unlimited WiFi at the airport. Also, several cafes and restaurants, as well as a lounge offer their own WiFi services.
Unfortunately, there are no sleep facilities at the airport. However, passengers can consider the option of booking a room at one of the nearby hotels.
Yes, Uber is available at the airport. In fact, it is one of the most popular ways to get around the city from the airport.
There are several ways to get to District 1 from the airport. Travellers can choose to take one of the local buses, which is the cheapest option, or opt for a more comfortable means of transportation. Such are taxis (which can be booked at the airport, but beware of scammers), Uber or private door-to-door transfers.
There is no need to fret if arriving late at the airport. The last local buses depart from the airport several minutes before midnight, while taxi and private transfer services are available 24/7.
