Transfer to/from - Ho Chi Minh airport (SGN)

Ride-hailing apps

The most used ride-hailing apps from the airport are Grab, Be, and Xanh SM (VinFast electric vehicles). All three have designated pickup zones outside the arrivals areas — follow the "App-based Pickup" signs or floor stickers. The price to District 1 ranges from 120,000 to 250,000 VND (~5-10 USD) depending on traffic. Never get into a vehicle with someone who approaches you inside the terminal — it is a common scam. Always check the license plate in the app before boarding.

Buses

Buses depart from column 15 in front of Terminal 2 (international), column 18 in front of Terminal 1 (domestic), and pillars A17-A20 in front of Terminal 3. The journey to downtown (District 1) takes between 45 and 90 minutes depending on traffic — it can extend to 2 hours during peak hours (7:00-9:00 am and 5:00-7:00 pm). Buses are practical for travelers with little luggage; with large suitcases, a transportation app is recommended.

• Line 109 (yellow, air-conditioned) - Airport → Ben Thanh (District 1), with connection to Metro Line 1. Hours: 5:30-22:00, every 20 minutes. Fare: ~15,000-20,000 VND. Large luggage surcharge: ~20,000 VND additional. The most recommended option for tourists.
• Line 152 (green, public bus) - Airport → Trung Son (District 7), via Ben Thanh. Hours: 5:15-19:00, every 10-15 minutes. Fare: ~7,000 VND. Slower and more crowded than 109.
• Line 119 - Airport → southern areas of the city. Fare: ~7,000-15,000 VND.

There is also a private express shuttle (line 49) that takes you directly to hotels in central District 1, with stops at Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Opera House. Fare: 40,000 VND. Approximate journey: 30 minutes. Check availability at the transport counter at Terminal 2.

Taxis

Official taxi stands are located outside the arrivals level of all three terminals. The journey to District 1 takes between 20 and 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions — it can exceed one hour during peak hours. The fare ranges between 200,000 and 300,000 VND (~8-12 USD). Always request the meter; some drivers will try to charge a higher fixed fare. There are reservation counters in the arrivals areas where you can pay in advance and avoid negotiations.

The most reliable operators are Vinasun (white taxis with green and red stripes) and Mai Linh (green taxis). Both have counters in the arrivals areas. Beware of taxis without visible identification or drivers who approach you inside the terminal. There are fake taxis that imitate the colors and logos of Vinasun and Mai Linh — always check the full name on the vehicle. The Vietnamese meter displays amounts without the last three zeros (for example, "64.0" equals 64,000 VND, not 640,000 VND).