How do you get to Ho Chi Minh City?
Getting There6/10Easier to reach than about 55% of cities
- Main airport
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: vietnamairlines.com, thecommonwanderer.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Tan Son Nhat Airport is only 8 km from city center, making it quick to reach downtown.
- Grab ride-hailing is popular and reliable; download the app before arrival for easy booking.
- Peak traffic hours (morning and late afternoon) can significantly increase travel time.
- Tết (Vietnamese New Year, late January-early February) causes congestion; book transfers in advance.
- Taxi meters can sometimes run faster than normal to inflate fares; use reputable companies (Vinasun, Mai Linh) or negotiate fixed price.
- Currency exchange and ATMs available at the airport if you need local cash for buses or taxis.
- Day trips to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta are easily accessible from the city; many tour operators offer package deals.
- For day trips to nearby Mekong Delta destinations, organized tours often cost less than independent travel and include transportation.
- Night travel to some destinations may not be available; plan day trips with morning departures.
Day Trips
Cu Chi Tunnels
- Access
- Public bus, taxi, organized tours, or speedboat via Saigon River
- Distance
- ~60 km north
- Travel Time
- 2-3 hours by car/bus
- Description
- Historic underground tunnel network from Vietnam War
Vung Tau
- Access
- Minivans, public bus, high-speed ferry (Greenlines), taxi
- Distance
- ~100 km southeast
- Travel Time
- 2 hours by bus/minivan or 1.5 hours by high-speed ferry
- Description
- Beach town with Christ the King statue, Front Beach, Back Beach
Mekong Delta (My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho)
- Access
- Organized day tours, private buses, boats
- Distance
- 2-3.5 hours away
- Travel Time
- 2-3.5 hours
- Description
- Floating markets, fruit orchards, boat rides through waterways
Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve
- Access
- Public bus #75, taxi, tour groups, speedboat
- Distance
- ~40 km southeast
- Travel Time
- 2 hours
- Description
- UNESCO-listed wetlands with diverse flora and fauna
Scorpion Island (Bo Cap Vang)
- Access
- Motorbike ferry or organized tours
- Distance
- ~63 km southeast
- Travel Time
- 1-2 hours
- Entrance Fee
- ₫100,000
- Description
- Outdoor recreational area with zipline, fishing, BBQ facilities
Hoc Mon District
- Distance
- ~20 km north
- Travel Time
- 45 minutes
- Description
- Eco-tourism park, local markets, rural atmosphere
Dalat
- Distance
- ~300 km northeast
- Travel Time
- 4+ hours (longer day trip)
- Description
- Cool climate, French-colonial architecture, waterfalls, Zen monastery
Nha Trang
- Distance
- ~400 km
- Travel Time
- 5+ hours
- Description
- Coastal paradise with pristine beaches (very long day trip)
Phu Quoc Island
- Distance
- ~300 km
- Travel Time
- 1 hour by plane
- Description
- Island with water sports, historical sites, theme parks
Airport Transport Options
15-30 minutes
- Cost
- ₫130,000
- Notes
- 24/7 available, cashless payment, prices can surge during peak times
15-30 minutes
- Cost
- ₫150,000
- Notes
- 24/7 service available. Airport surcharge 10,000 VND applies. Recommended to negotiate fixed price in advance (max 400,000 VND). Vinasun (white with red/green logo) and Mai Linh (green) are most reputable.
45 minutes
- Cost
- ₫20,000
- Notes
- Budget-friendly, air-conditioned. Departs every half hour 05:30-01:00. Most popular with backpackers. Reaches September 23 Park and Ben Thanh Market.
50 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Cost
- ₫7,000
- Notes
- Cheapest option but takes longer with more stops. Can be crowded. Less convenient at night.
Faster than #109
- Cost
- ₫40,000
- Notes
- More modern and spacious. Stops at many popular hotels in Pham Ngu Lao area.
15-30 minutes
- Cost
- ₫300,000
- Notes
- Most convenient but requires advance booking. Some hotels offer free service.
Airport
- Name
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
- Distance From Center
- 8 km
- Travel Time To Center
- 15-30 minutes by car (depending on traffic)
Ground Transport
- Within City
- Buses, taxis, Grab ride-hailing, motorbikes widely available throughout Ho Chi Minh City
Rail Connections
- Note
- No specific rail information found. Vietnam has limited rail infrastructure for tourist transport in southern region.
Ferry Connections
- Note
- Limited ferry services. Some day trips to Mekong Delta accessible by speedboat or boat tours.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Ho Chi Minh City
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.