Owais Crawford
Ho Chi Minh City Airport, officially named Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is the busiest airport in Vietnam. It is located 7-8km from the city centre and serves as the primary gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. The airport has a rich history, with its origins in the early 1930s when the French colonial government constructed a small airport with unpaved runways. During the Vietnam War, it served as an important facility for the US Air Force and the Republic of Vietnam Air Force. Today, the airport boasts two terminals, T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights, and offers various amenities and services to ensure a comfortable travel experience for its passengers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ho Chi Minh City Airport (HCMC) Tan Son Nhat International Airport |
| IATA Airport Code | SGN |
| Location | 7-8 km from Ho Chi Minh City centre |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Terminals | T1 (Domestic), T2 (International) |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | 15 million (as of 2023) |
| Notable Airlines | Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, United Airlines, Continental Airlines |
| Facilities | Restaurants, cafes, lounges, shops, ATMs, complimentary Wi-Fi |
| Transport to City Centre | Taxi, bus, shuttle, hired car, ride-hailing apps |
| Transport Price Range | 20,000-180,000 VND |
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What You'll Learn
- Ho Chi Minh City's airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- It is 7-8km from the city centre
- The airport has two terminals: T1 for domestic and T2 for international
- The Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi route is the busiest in Southeast Asia
- Transport options from the airport include taxi, shuttle, bus, and hired car
Ho Chi Minh City's airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport has its origins in the early 1930s when the French colonial government constructed a small airport with unpaved runways, known as Tân Sơn Nhứt Airfield near the village of Tan Son Nhut. By mid-1956, with U.S. aid, a 7,200-foot (2,190 m) runway had been built, and the airfield near Saigon became South Vietnam's principal international gateway. During the Vietnam War, Tan Son Nhut Air Base was an important facility for both the U.S. Air Force and the Republic of Vietnam Air Force.
Today, the airport serves as the primary gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and has been continuously expanded to meet growing demand. In 2006, it served approximately 8.5 million passengers, and in 2023, its handling capacity increased to 15 million passengers per year. The Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi route is the busiest in Southeast Asia and the fourth busiest in the world, serving around 11 million passengers in 2023.
There are various transport options available to get from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City centre, including taxis, ride-hailing apps, shuttle vans, and buses. The journey typically takes around 20-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
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It is 7-8km from the city centre
Ho Chi Minh City's airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), is located just 7-8km from the city centre. It is the busiest airport in Vietnam and serves as the primary gateway to the city. The airport has a rich history, with origins in the early 1930s when the French colonial government constructed a small airport with unpaved runways near the village of Tan Son Nhut. During the Vietnam War, it served as an important airbase for both the US Air Force and the Republic of Vietnam Air Force. Today, it boasts two terminals, T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights, connected by a 500-metre covered walkway.
The airport is easily accessible from the city centre, with multiple transport options available. The most convenient option is to take a taxi, with reputable companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun offering fair pricing and reliable service. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately 70,000-180,000 VND. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and Go Viet offer a cheaper option, but a Vietnamese SIM card is required to use these services.
For a more affordable and scenic option, consider taking one of the two bright yellow airport bus routes into town for just 20,000 VND. These buses have plenty of room for luggage, and the staff speak English to assist travellers. Route 109 ends in the backpacker district, while Route 49 ends at Ben Thanh Station. However, due to subway construction, the Ben Thanh Bus Terminal has been relocated to Ham Nghi Street, affecting some routes.
Additionally, several car rental companies operate at the airport, offering the convenience of booking in advance or upon arrival. For those seeking a more comfortable ride, private airport transfer services can be arranged online before your arrival, often paired with a customised itinerary.
Whether you're arriving or departing from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, it's important to note that the custom procedure time can vary from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on various factors. Presenting your passport is necessary, and for some nationalities, a return ticket or an onward ticket to a third country may be required at immigration.
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The airport has two terminals: T1 for domestic and T2 for international
Ho Chi Minh City Airport, officially named Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is the busiest airport in Vietnam. It is located just 7km from the city centre and serves as the primary gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. The airport has two terminals: T1 for domestic and T2 for international.
The domestic terminal has two separate lobbies for boarding, with one dedicated to Vietjet flights only. The T1 Domestic Terminal has water stations at Gates 5, 10 and 16. The bus stop for the airport shuttle is at Gate 12. The domestic terminal has a ground floor (Domestic Arrival Hall) and a first floor (Domestic Departure Hall).
The T2 International Terminal has water stations at Gates 15, 16 and 18. The bus stop for the airport shuttle is at Gate 18. The international terminal has four floors: a ground floor and first floor for arrivals, and a second floor for departures.
Both terminals are connected by a 500-metre covered walkway. The airport buses are yellow and the bus stops are easy to spot as they have yellow booths at both the international and domestic terminals.
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The Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi route is the busiest in Southeast Asia
Ho Chi Minh City, the most populous city in Vietnam, is served by the Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The airport is located eight kilometres from the city centre, and it takes about 50 minutes to reach the airport by car.
The high demand for this route has led to increased airfares, with ticket prices ranging from VND1.5 million (US$60) to VND3.5 million (US$140). The route's busy nature is further evidenced by the numerous airlines serving it, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Jetstar.
The Tan Son Nhat International Airport has expanded continuously to accommodate the growing demand, which has been increasing at a rate of about 15–20% per year. The airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other for international flights, with a current handling capacity of 15 million passengers annually.
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Transport options from the airport include taxi, shuttle, bus, and hired car
Ho Chi Minh City's airport is called Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), and it is located about 7-8 km from the city centre. It is the busiest airport in Vietnam and serves as the primary gateway to Ho Chi Minh City.
Transport Options from the Airport
Taxi
Several taxi companies operate at the airport, including Mai Linh and Vinasun, which are known for their reliability and fair pricing. You can expect to pay around 70,000-180,000 VND for a ride into the city centre, plus a 10,000 VND airport toll fee.
Shuttle
Many hotels near the airport offer complimentary or paid shuttle services, so it is worth checking with your hotel about availability and schedules. Additionally, the airport shuttle vans run hourly from 5 am to 11 pm from the airport to Da Nang City and Hoi An.
Bus
There are several bus options to get from the airport to the city centre. The public bus Route 152, the airport bus Route 109, and Route 72-1 are all available. The buses are yellow, and the bus stops have yellow booths at both the international and domestic terminals. The fare is 20,000 VND for a one-way trip.
Hired Car
You can book a rental car in advance or upon arrival at the airport. The Song Viet Car desk can arrange a car on the spot or in advance for a fixed price, starting from 180,000 VND.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Ho Chi Minh City is called Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
The airport is located about 7-8 km from the city centre, which is about a 20-minute drive when the traffic is good.
There are several ways to get from the airport to the city centre. You can take a taxi, which will take around 30 minutes and cost about 70,000-180,000 VND. You can also take a bus for 20,000 VND, or use a ride-hailing app such as Grab, Be, or Go Viet, but you will need a Vietnamese SIM card for these services.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport offers various services and amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience. The airport has complimentary Wi-Fi, water stations, and a variety of dining options nearby, including Café Saigon, Tung Garden, and Cay Da Café.
