How to Get to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) from Airport

By Taxi

Tan Son Nhat is Vietnam’s largest international airport. There are 2 terminals – International flights departs from the newer international terminal whereas domestic flights (to Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang, etc) are from domestic terminal (turn left). When you are going to the airport, be specific which terminal you want to go to. Otherwise to make your way to the other terminal, you have to walk with your luggage down the 600m pedestrian link

For arriving passengers, upon exiting the terminal, you will first see taxis from this company called Sasco. They costs slightly more than other taxi companies like Vinasun and Mai Linh, which can be found waiting for passengers some 500m further out into the parking lot. Whichever taxi you choose, make sure the driver uses the meter or you could simply purchase a “Taxi coupon” at one of the counters after the custom declaration & x-ray at international airport terminal, next to the Exchange counter.

As of May 2009, the airport has started using a Taxi queue system (usually at the left end of the terminal). Lookout for the taxi warden standing around the queue line who will radio the taxi for you. (Mai Linh wardens are in green shirt green tie, Vinasun warden are in dark green shirt maroon tie)

Watch out for taxi touts who also dress in white shirt uniforms and holding laminated “fixed prices” cards at $US25.00 per car to the city hotels. With bargaining, they might drop the price to $US15.00 but this is still more expensive than the metered taxis.

Budget Car Rental has recently become the first international car rental company in Vietnam. They offer English speaking drivers and new model vehicles, one trip to the city costs USD80 (fixed price)

By Bus

Airport Bus No.152 is the cheapest way into the city and comes air-conditioned. It will drop you off on the west side of the Pham Ngu Lao area or at the bus terminal on the south side of the Ben Thanh Market roundabout. Upon exiting the airport, turn right and walk towards the domestic airport. There in front of the airport across a small road you will find the bus waiting there. The price was recently increased to 3,000 VND.

Most private tour buses also drop passengers off on Pham Ngu Lao just west of De Tham, which is one stone throw away from the backpacker area.