Ho Chi Minh airport (SGN)

Tan Son Nhat International Airport, inaugurated on December 28, 1932, as a French colonial airfield and today the busiest in Vietnam, is the main gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the south of the country. In addition to domestic destinations, it concentrates most of the country's international flights to Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East. It is the main hub for Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways, and the fourth busiest airport in Southeast Asia.

In April 2025, Terminal 3 (domestic flights) came into operation, with capacity for 20 million passengers annually, raising the airport's total capacity to approximately 50 million. Since August 2025, Pacific Airlines, VASCO, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines have moved their domestic operations to T3.

About 40 km east of the city, the Long Thanh International Airport (LTH) is under construction and will receive long-haul flights (Europe, North America, India, and the Middle East) when it enters commercial operation, expected for late 2026. Tan Son Nhat will continue operating domestic and short-haul regional flights for at least the next decade. Passengers with long-haul international flights booked from mid-2026 onward should check with their airline from which airport their flight will operate.

Official website: vietnamairport.vn

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Number of terminals: 3 — Terminal 1 (domestic flights), Terminal 2 (international flights), and Terminal 3 (domestic flights, operational since April 2025), open 24 hours and connected by outdoor walkways.

Annual traffic (2025): Over 40 million passengers, with total capacity expanded to ~50 million after the opening of Terminal 3.

Phone: +84 28 3848 5383

Information counters in the check-in area of Terminal 1 (5:00 am to 8:00 pm), in the arrivals and check-in areas of Terminal 2 (7:30 am to 12:00 am), and in Terminal 3.

 Location

The airport is located in the Tan Binh District, 7 km (4 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.

Car rental agencies

Rental vehicles with a driver are the usual mode in Vietnam for transfers and tours. Counters are located in the Terminal 2 arrivals hall. Avis is the international operator with verified presence at the airport (8:00 am to 6:00 pm). There are also local driver-transfer operators whose counters are located in the same area — check availability and prices directly in the arrivals area.

For self-drive rentals, keep in mind that Ho Chi Minh City traffic is one of the busiest in Southeast Asia. An International Driving Permit and a minimum age of 26 are required. For most travelers, hiring a local driver through the operator or the hotel is the most practical and safe option.

Parking services at Ho Chi Minh airport (SGN)

The airport has parking lots for cars and motorcycles in front of all three terminals.

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2: Outdoor parking lots for short and long stays, available 24 hours. Approximate rates are 10,000-20,000 VND per hour for short stays and from 70,000-100,000 VND per day for long stays. Payment is made in cash upon exit, only in Vietnamese dong. The outdoor areas have limited surveillance — it is recommended to park near the terminal entrances or under nighttime lighting.

Terminal 3 — TCP Park: Modern multi-story parking lot inaugurated in May 2025, with capacity for 3,000 vehicles and an additional building for motorcycles. Directly connected to the terminal via pedestrian walkways, escalators, and elevators. Features rain and sun coverage, greater security than the outdoor parking lots at T1/T2, and additional services (restaurants, shops). More information at tcppark.com.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

If you are traveling with any particular need — whether due to reduced mobility, advanced age, visual or hearing impairment, autism spectrum conditions or other non-visible disabilities, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you are an unaccompanied minor — inform your airline as far in advance as possible, ideally at least 48 hours before the flight. For services requiring special medical equipment (oxygen, motorized electric wheelchair, stretcher), the minimum recommended advance notice is 72 hours.

The airport facilities include elevators and ramps in all three terminals, adapted restrooms in strategic areas, and wheelchairs available in the arrivals areas. Trained assistance staff can accompany the passenger from check-in to boarding, including passing through security and immigration controls. The airport's medical clinics operate 24 hours in T1 and T2.

Since SGN is one of the most congested airports in Southeast Asia, passengers with reduced mobility or requiring special assistance can contract the Fast Track service offered by specialized operators at the airport, which includes priority access to immigration and security controls, luggage assistance, and transfer between terminals. This is especially recommended during peak hours and during the Vietnamese Tet high season (January-February).

For non-visible disabilities, such as autism, you can request a distinctive lanyard (Sunflower Lanyard) that allows you to identify yourself to staff without the need for additional explanations.

Unaccompanied minors aged 5 to 11 are required to use the Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service; for those between 12 and 17, the service is optional, although recommended. The exact procedure, costs, and notice periods vary by airline — confirm directly with the airline at the time of booking.