Bus Station Route Guide for Ho Chi Minh City Tours (2025)

Understanding Tan Son Nhat Airport’s Layout

Location and Key Features

Only 8 kilometers from District 1, Tan Son Nhat Airport is the nation’s busiest international airport. It is divided into two principal terminals:

• International Terminal: Column 12 is where your buses start.
• Domestic Terminal: Column 18 for domestic bus connections.
• Free Wi-Fi Available: Use it to order a ride-hailing pickup or get directions across the city.
• SIM Card Counters: Found at International Arrivals (VNPT, Mobifone, Viettel).

The fact that it’s close to the city center makes it one of the most accessible airports in Southeast Asia. However, traffic jam during rush hours can make the 15-minute ride take 45 minutes. That is why it is important to get the right means of transportation.

Tan Son Nhat Airport (Sours: wikipedia)

Public Bus Options: Affordable and Accessible for Ho Chi Minh bus station

Bus 109: The Tourist’s Choice (Yellow Bus)

A very popular and convenient choice is Bus 109, also referred to as the Airport Express. The easily recognizable bright yellow-colored bus is designed for airport transfers.

• Route: Tan Son Nhat International Terminal – Domestic Terminal – District 1 (Park 23/9).
• Operating Hours: 05:30 AM – 01:00 AM.
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes.
• Ticket Price: 12,000 VND (short distance) or 20,000 VND (long distance).
• Ticket Purchase: Directly on the bus (cash only).
• Who Should Use It: Tourists staying in District 1.
• Why It’s Great: Air-conditioned, with roomy seats and announcements in

Bus 109 (Sours: itourvn)

Bus 152: The Budget-Friendly Local Bus (Green Bus)

For the traveler looking to get about like the locals do, Bus 152 is the most affordable public transport between the airport and city.

• Route: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ben Thanh Market – Trung Son Residential Area.
• Operating Hours: 05:15 AM – 07:00 PM
• Ticket Price: 6,000 VND for each person, plus an extra baggage fee.
• Ticket Purchase: On the bus itself.
• Who Should Use It: Budget travelers and lone backpackers.
• Things to Note: No announcements in English, older buses.

Bus 152 (Sours: tripadvisor)

Bus 119: Ideal for Mekong Delta Travelers

If your destination is the Mekong Delta, Bus 119 is your direct link to the Western Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Tay).

• Route: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ben Xe Mien Tay Bus Station.
• Operating Hours: 04:00 AM to 09:00 PM
• Ticket Price: 12,000 VND (short trip), 20,000 VND (long trip).
• Ticket Purchase: Paying on the bus using cash.
• Who Should Use It: Those who plan to visit the Mekong Delta.

Bus 119 (Sours: vietnamupr)

Bus 72-1: Direct to Vung Tau (Beach City)

For those looking to go directly to the beach, Bus 72-1 can take passengers directly to Vung Tau.

• Route: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Vung Tau.
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 05:30 PM.
• Ticket Price: 80,000 – 160,000 VND.
• Who Should Use It: Beach lovers heading to Vung Tau.

Bus 72-1 (Sours: limousinevungtau)

Bus Routes from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City

The cheapest means of transport from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the city is public buses (from the ho chi minh bus station). These are your best bets:

E-Hailing Services: Fast, Flexible, and Affordable for Ho Chi Minh bus station

E-Hailing Apps: Grab and Be

E-hailing has transformed transportation in Ho Chi Minh City, and the preferred options for people arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport are Grab and Be. The apps make it possible to order a ride with the minimal number of taps on your phone and have the freedom of switching between car and motorbike according to your choice and luggage capacity.

How to Use E-Hailing Services:

• Download the App: Download and install either Grab (green and white icon) or Be (yellow and brown icon) from the App Store or Google Play.
• Connect to Free Airport WiFi: The International Terminal (Column 12) as well as the Domestic Terminal (Column 18) have free WiFi for your convenience to book your ride.
• Set Your Pickup Location: Select the appropriate terminal (International or Domestic) and specify your precise pickup point.
• Select Your Vehicle Type:
  • GrabCar/BeCar: Perfect for travelers who have baggage, spacious, and air-conditioned
  • GrabBike/BeBike: Ideal for single travelers with light bags, efficient and affordable.
• Confirm the Fare: The estimated cost is displayed by the app before you confirm. Fees are calculated according to distance and whether or not there is traffic.
• Payment Options: Select payment via cash, credit card, or e-wallets such as VNPay or MoMo.

Estimated Costs:

• Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1 (City Centre): 100,000 – 200,000 VND.
• Airport to District 3: 80,000 – 150,000 VND.
• Airport to District 5 (Cholon – Chinatown): 120,000 – 250,000 VND.
• Long Distance (Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City): 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 VND via Grab Intercity.

Why Choose E-Hailing Services?

E-hailing offers several advantages over traditional taxis:

• Convenience: Even without a local SIM card, simply book and go via the Vivaldi TravelSIM App.
• Transparent Pricing: No haggling with drivers. The advertised fare is what appears before you commit.
• Safety: You have the driver’s profile, car info, and his ratings at your disposal before accepting the ride.

Insider Tips for E-Hailing Services:

• Verify Your Driver: Always look at a car’s license plate and a driver’s picture before entering.
• Prepare Small Change for Cash Payments: It is fine to pay with cards, but the driver may appreciate cash.
• Stay Connected: Make sure your driver isn’t steered off course.
• Avoid Rush Hours: The busiest times are 7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM.

E-Hailing Apps: Be (Sours: saigoneer)

Reliable Taxis: Safe and Convenient but Choose Wisely

Taxis are another choice for tourists at Tan Son Nhat Airport, but you will need to know which ones are trustworthy. Good taxi companies offer clear pricing and professional services, while the unlicensed alternatives can often scam or overcharge.

Recommended Taxi Brands

• Vinasun (Green and White): Reliable and widely recognized.
  • Contact: +84 28 38 27 27 27
• Mai Linh (Green): A long-established brand with a large fleet.
  • Contact: +84 28 38 29 8888
• Airport Taxi (White with Yellow Stripes): Official airport service with transparent pricing.
• Taxi Group (White with Blue Stripes): Another reputable brand.

How to Identify Safe Taxis:

• Official Branding: Do not take unbranded taxis; take only branded taxis with the company logo and phone number.
• Metered Taxis Only: By the time your journey begins, the meter should be running.
• Taxi Stand Location: In the arrivals area at the domestic and international terminals.

Expected Fares for Metered Taxis:

• Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1 (City Centre): 100,000 – 150,000 VND.
• Airport to District 3: 90,000 – 140,000 VND.
• Airport to District 5: 120,000 – 180,000 VND.

Safety Tips for Using Taxis:

• Insist on Using the Meter: If the driver refuses, find another taxi.
• Avoid Fixed Price Rides: Some drivers may try to negotiate a high fixed fare.
• Have Your Destination Written in Vietnamese: This avoids language barriers.
• Track Your Route with Google Maps: Ensure the driver follows the shortest path.

Taxis (Sours: muabanbrvt)

Premium Transportation: Comfort and Privacy for Ho Chi Minh bus station

If relaxation and privacy is what you seek, then deluxe travel is ideally suited for you. These are hotel-organized airport transfers as well as private car hires that take you from airport to destination direct.

Hotel Airport Transfer Services

Direct airport pickup service is available in most big hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. This option is great for travelers who would like to have everything sorted out in advance.

• How It Works: Book directly through your hotel by phone, email, or on its website.
• Cost Range: 250,000 – 500,000 VND, depending on the hotel and vehicle type.
• Vehicle Types: Standard sedans, SUVs, luxury cars.
• Benefits:
  • Straightforward and dependable, with professional drivers.
  • No waiting for a ride, no haggling over fare.
  • 24/7 for late arrivals.

Private Car Rentals

Full flexibility and never lose time waiting for a taxi. You book and get a private car immediately, or weeks in advance, through our online service.

• Recommended Providers:
  • Dichungtaxi.com: Flat-rate airport transfers serviced by professional drivers.
  • Saigon Airport Transfer: Provides airport pickup and travel between cities.
• How to Book: Online reservation with instant confirmation.
• Cost Estimate: 300,000 – 600,000 VND within Ho Chi Minh City.
• Benefits:
  • Closed-door, without delay service.
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.
  • We have paid an all-in price with no hidden costs.

Expert Tips to Save Money and Avoid Hassles for Ho Chi Minh bus station

Your ride to the city from Tan Son Nhat Airport should be easy and with no hassle. Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid common mistakes:

Avoiding Scams at the Ho Chi Minh bus station

• Ignore Unlicensed Drivers: Make use of the approved taxis or e-hailing services.
• Use Designated Taxi Stands: These are situated immediately outside each of the arrival areas.
• Watch Out for “Taxi Brokers”: Those who attempt to steer you to unlicensed cars.

Timing Your Trip Wisely for Ho Chi Minh bus station

• Avoid Rush Hours: Traffic is horrible between 7:00 and 9:00 AM and 5:00 and 7:00 PM.
• For Early Flights: Stay at a hotel near the airport for a stress-free morning.

Prepare for Cash Payments in Ho Chi Minh bus station

• Carry Small Bills: Buses and some taxis are cash-only.
• SIM Cards and Free WiFi: When you arrive at the International Terminal, buy a local SIM card to stay connected.

Conclusion

If you choose the right service, there is the possibility for you to travel from Tan Son Nhat Airport to your final destination in Ho Chi Minh City without a single hassle. So if you like to travel quickly and e-hail your way from place to place, trust the good old metered taxi or prefer a private transfer, your ideal mode of transport is just a few clicks away.

Ready to meet Ho Chi Minh City? Simply travel in your preferred mode and begin your journey stress-free.