Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Ho Chi Minh City, VN · 6 km (4 mi) north of central Ho Chi Minh City
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport–Vung Tau Coach Intercity bus | — | — |
| BeCar Ride-hailing | — | — |
| Bus 109 Airport–District 1 | ~45 minutes | 20,000 VND |
| Bus 152 Airport–Trung Son | — | — |
Insider notes
Use only Vinasun or Mai Linh from the official taxi ranks in the arrivals hall of T2 to avoid scams.
For the cheapest ride to District 1, take bus 109 or 152 – fares range from 10,000 to 40,000 VND.
During peak immigration times, sit near the plane's front and walk quickly to passport control to save 30–45 minutes.
Welcome
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) offers a unique aspect for a major big-city airport: it’s just a swift 20-minute ride from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. A trip into the city on the local bus or via ride-hailing services is remarkably affordable and convenient, especially when you find yourself with ample layover time. Despite its proximity to the city's heart, SGN maintains a distinctly "old school Southeast Asia" vibe, from strong Vietnamese coffee aromas to quirky souvenir shops and slightly chaotic queues. At the same time, T2's modern e-gates and facial-recognition systems exemplify its ultramodern edge.
At a glance
Handling around 40 million passengers annually, SGN consists of three terminals: Domestic Terminals T1 and T3, and International Terminal T2. It serves as a primary hub for Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Located just 6 km or 4 miles north of central Ho Chi Minh City, the airport boasts two runways and competes closely for efficiency among major Southeast Asian airports, provided travelers master the timing of their arrival or departure around peak hours.
Terminals & layout
Tan Son Nhat is comprised of Domestic Terminal 1, which primarily services Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways among others. T2 is reserved for international flights with carriers like Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Air. Domestic Terminal 3 supports additional domestic operations. Each terminal hosts its own spectrum of dining and shopping options alongside essential traveler services like lounges and baggage handling.
Getting to and from the city
SGN’s advantageous location means getting to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City is straightforward. For budget-conscious travelers, bus 109, 152, and 49 are excellent options, ranging from 10,000–40,000 VND. These buses pick up just outside arrivals and are praised for their comfort and efficiency. For those preferring taxis, Vinasun and Mai Linh are the go-to choices recommended by locals and travel insiders; they have official stands and maintain a reputation for reliability. Ride-hailing services like Grab and BeCar are also available, although pickup can be difficult due to traffic police regulations.
Traveller essentials
Immigration at SGN can be time-consuming, particularly during peak hours when multiple international flights land simultaneously. It's advantageous to sit at the plane's front and walk briskly to passport control with your documents prepared. For storing baggage, T2 offers a left-luggage service near columns 13–14 on the ground floor, which is a convenient option if you're planning a brief city trip during a layover.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining at SGN offers a taste of local flavors with spots like Pho24 and Big Bowl in both T1 and T2, but prices often lead frequent travelers to eat in the city first. For a quick caffeine fix, Starbucks and Highlands Coffee are always a popular choice. So consider grabbing a banh mi or coffee in the city before heading to the airport. Duty-free options like SASCO Duty Free in T1 and T2, along with the Viettel and Mobifone shops, provide ample opportunity for last-minute shopping.
Lounges
SGN offers several lounges that suit different preferences and budgets. The Le Saigonnais Business Lounge in both T1 and T2, at $40 for entrance, alongside the Lotus and Apricot lounges in T2, are favorites among travelers. All these lounges offer comfortable seating, reliable Wi-Fi, and some even provide shower facilities — a refreshing option after a long flight.
Insider tips
SGN's insider tips provide tactical advice for making the most of your airport experience despite the hustle and bustle.
- Taxi Wisdom: Always opt for Vinasun or Mai Linh taxis from SGN's official ranks outside the terminal for reliable service.
- Bus Budget: Use buses 109, 152, or 49 for a cheap ride into District 1; fares range from 10,000 to 40,000 VND.
- Immigration Alert: During peak hours, sit near the front of the plane to speed up your time through immigration, potentially saving 30–45 minutes.
- Power Charge: Bring a power bank as power outlets are sparse and often located away from gate seating.
- Rest Zones: For a quieter sleep, locate yourself near far gates in T1 over central seating.
- Lounge Showers: For a hot shower before or after a flight, consider the Apricot or Lotus Lounges in T2.
- VAT Refund. Reclaim tax on purchases at the VAT refund counter in T2 near gates 6–9, and don't leave it to the last minute.