Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1: the short version
Tan Son Nhat (Tân Sơn Nhất) has the code SGN and is the airport most visitors use for Ho Chi Minh City. From the terminals you can ride a public bus, take a metered taxi, order an app car or book a private transfer. Which one fits depends on your luggage, the hour and how much you want to plan.
Travellers still say District 1 (Quận 1) for the old centre around Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue and the cathedral. Since 1 July 2025 that area is split into new wards such as Sài Gòn and Bến Thành. Hotel addresses and maps may still use the older names, so both are fine when you give a destination.
Once you are in town, the best first step is a half-day or full-day plan. Our page on Ho Chi Minh City tours compares the main trip types, and the list below shows current offers.
Our pick: help at the airport
Not a ride into town, only a service that shortens the checks on arrival.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ho Chi Minh City tours and day trips
Cu Chi, Mekong Delta, city walks and river trips, with live prices and availability.
Taxi and transfer from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
The simplest way after a long flight, with some points to keep in mind.
Metered taxi
Expect roughly VND 180,000 to 250,000 on the meter for a ride to the Ben Thanh area. Treat this as a guide only. Surcharges and traffic change the final fare, so ask the driver to use the meter before you set off.
App car
Ride-hailing apps work in the city. Expect roughly VND 150,000 to 250,000 for the same ride. The price in the app before you confirm is the number to trust, not a table on a website. Meet the car at the pickup point shown in the app.
Private transfer with a driver
You can book a car with a driver in advance. This is useful with children, a lot of luggage or a late arrival. If you think about renting a car or scooter yourself, note that you need a valid licence for the vehicle class. An international permit under the 1968 convention is accepted together with your national licence, a 1949 permit is not enough.
The travel time varies with traffic. Plan extra time in the morning and evening rush, when traffic into the centre slows down.
Book a private transfer from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to your hotel at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Public bus from the airport
Cheapest option, with one catch: check the numbers at the stop.
Lines 109, 152, 119 and 49 serve the airport. The two most used are 109 and 152. Fares are low, around VND 5,000 for line 152 and VND 15,000 to 20,000 for line 109 in 2026, but they differ by line and can change, so confirm the price when you board. Have small notes ready and keep your bag in front of you.
The free city bus campaign does not apply here. Until 31 December 2026 many city lines are free of charge, but airport shuttles and long-distance lines are expressly excluded. Do not count on a free ride from the airport.
Metro Line 1 runs between Bến Thành and Suối Tiên and opened on 22 December 2024. It is a city line. For the airport itself use the bus, a taxi or a transfer.
Terminals: check your ticket first
The domestic terminal T3 is separate from the international terminal.
| Terminal | What to know |
|---|---|
| International flights | Do not assume T3. Follow the terminal on your ticket |
| Domestic flights | The terminal depends on the airline, so check your booking |
| T3 | Added domestic terminal. Vietnam Airlines moved all its domestic flights there on 17 May 2025 |
Do not send an international flight to T3 on a guess. Terminal assignments can change, so read your ticket or the airline message before you leave.
Onward travel from Ho Chi Minh City
Flights, buses and what to look at first.
Phu Quoc
The route SGN to PQC is flown by airlines with a flight time of about 1 hour, plus the time to reach the airport and clear check-in. See the island guide: Phu Quoc travel guide.
Da Nang and Hoi An
Airlines fly SGN to DAD for the central coast. Check the current schedule before you plan a day around it. For the road onward, see Da Nang to Hoi An.
Da Lat
Lien Khuong airport reopened in August 2026 after a pause of several months for construction work. Look up the current timetable with your airline.
Phnom Penh by bus
The bus takes about 6 hours, with departures from Ho Chi Minh City at about 8:00, 9:45 and 15:45. That time includes the border at Mộc Bài and Bavet and is not guaranteed. Bring the entry documents you need for Cambodia.
Long Thành, the second major airport planned for the region, is expected to start commercial operation gradually from 1 December 2026. Until your airline confirms that your flight uses it, plan on Tan Son Nhat.
Entry basics for 2026
Short and general. Check the official rules for your passport.
| Passport | Rule in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Germany | Up to 45 days visa-free since 15 March 2025, passport valid at least 6 months |
| United Kingdom | 45 days visa-free (period 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028), BNO passports excluded |
| Switzerland | 45 days visa-free for tourism (period 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028), passport valid at least 6 months |
| Austria | Visa required, e-visa up to 90 days |
| United States | Visa needed in advance |
The e-visa lasts up to 90 days and costs USD 25 for a single entry or USD 50 for multiple entries. For flights, check the current rules on the online arrival declaration before you travel.
Safety on arrival
Common-sense steps for the first hour.
Petty theft and bag snatching from passing motorbikes happen in busy tourist areas. Carry your phone and bag on the side away from the road. Use only the car you ordered or a metered taxi. Hotels register foreign guests with local police and need your passport details at check-in.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go next.
Tan Son Nhat Airport: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1?
By bus, taxi, app car or private transfer. A taxi or app car is the easiest with luggage. For the Ben Thanh area expect roughly VND 150,000 to 250,000, but final fares vary.
Which bus goes to the centre?
Lines 109 and 152 are the usual ones. Confirm the line and the fare at the stop, because fares differ and can change.
Is the airport bus free?
No. The free city bus campaign until 31 December 2026 excludes airport shuttles and long-distance lines.
Which terminal does my flight use?
That depends on the airline and the flight. T3 is a domestic terminal, and Vietnam Airlines moved its domestic flights there in May 2025. Read your ticket and do not guess for international flights.
Is Long Thanh airport open?
Not for regular arrivals at this time. The plan is a gradual commercial start from 1 December 2026. Until your airline says otherwise, go to Tan Son Nhat.