Ho Chi Minh (SGN) Airport Guide for Tourists

This article provides detailed information about Ho Chi Minh City Airport (Tan Son Nhat International Airport), including entry procedures, accommodation options, transportation, and available amenities. It is designed to help you quickly find everything you need before entering Ho Chi Minh City for your Vietnam Tour and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Airport Quick View

Ho Chi Minh City Airport (IATA: SGN), officially named Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is the busiest airport in Vietnam. Located just 7 km from the city center, it serves as the primary gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. It comprises two main terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights.

Floor	Domestic Terminal (T1)	International Terminal (T2)
Ground Floor (First Floor)	Domestic arrival hall, baggage claim	International arrival hall, connecting counter, baggage claim, exit
Second Floor	First Floor Domestic departure hall	International arrival hall, immigration area, landing visa counter
Third Floor	N/A	Departure terminal, check-in counters
Fourth Floor	N/A	Cafés, restaurants, entertainment

Customs Procedures & Entry Requirements

The procedure upon arrival will be: arrival - landing visa counter (if required) - immigration clearance - baggage claim - customs inspection (if any) - arrival hall. The general estimate for the custom procedure time is 45 - 60 minutes, but this can vary depending on several factors, including the time of the day, the number of arriving flights and whether or not you need a visa. Please check if you need a Vietnam visa before arrival.

Ho Chi Minh Airport

Hotels Near the Airport

If you have an overnight layover at Tan Son Nhat Airport, there are some nearby hotel options for a convenient stay.

Hotel Ibis Saigon Airport

Located within 6 minutes walking distance from the airport, it offers basic comfortable accommodations. There are complimentary shuttle transfers to and from the airport.

Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport

Approximately 1.5 kilometers from the airport, its family-friendly services like "kids eat free" making it an excellent choice for families.

Parkroyal Saigon

Approximately 2 kilometers from the airport, its St. Gregory Spa offering a range of therapeutic treatments and massages.

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

Approximately 2.5 kilometers from the airport, it has multiple dining options including Café Saigon for international buffet, Tung Garden for Chinese cuisine, and Cay Da Café for light snacks and beverages.

Transportation To / From the Airport

The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is about 8 kilometers from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City's central urban area. It takes around a 20-minute drive when traffic is good. Whether you are heading to the airport or traveling from the airport to the city center, you have several options on transportations.

Private Transfer

Odynovo offers private airport transfer services, often paired with customized itinerary cater to your preferences. These services can be arranged online before your arrival, book with us and your Vietnam tour will be worry-free.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies operate at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You can book a rental car in advance or upon arrival.

Taxis

Traditional Taxis

When you exit the main door on the ground floor of T2, you will find the main taxi queue on your left. Once you get in the car, remember to ask the driver to turn the meter on. Be aware that there will be an airport surcharge in addition to the basic fare.

Pre-paid Taxi Counters

There are some counters selling prepaid taxi vouchers within the airport. Additionally, Mai Linh and Vinasun are two reputable taxi companies in Vietnam, known for their reliability and fair pricing. Mai Linh has a counter on your right after clearing customs, you can order and pay for a taxi at the counter, and the staff will lead you to the right queue for your taxi. Alternatively, you can ask or look for their representatives at the airport taxi bays upon arrival.

Ride Hailing Apps

Grab, Be and Go Viet all work well in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. Be sure to have a Vietnamese SIM card ready if you want to use these apps.

Pick-Up Station

Buses

Prepare some cash if you decide to take buses. You can take the public bus Route 152, the airport bus Route 109, or the Route 72-1. The Route 49 used to be a popular option, but it is currently not in operation for some reasons. Bus schedules, fares, and routes can change, so the information below is for reference only. Please check for up-to-date details before you travel.

Public Bus Route 152

Operate time: 05:15 - 19:00
Duration: 50 minutes from the airport to city center

The most economical way, it costs only VND 5,000 (approximately USD 0.25), but you will need to pay extra for your luggage and it is VND 5000 per piece. This green bus is operated by government, runs between the city center and the airport. It has more stops than those privately-owned yellow buses, stopping at Ben Thanh Market and other key locations.

To airport: Go to Ben Thanh bus station, which is a group of bus stops on Ham Nghi.
To city: You can find the bus stop on the right outside the airport arrival hall.

Follow the Instructions

Airport Bus Route 109

Operate time: 05:30 - 22:15
Duration: 45 minutes from airport to city center

Air-conditioned and English-speaking staff, it costs VND 20,000 (approximately USD 0.85) for one-way trip, tell the driver if you are not going to city center and you will be told the accurate fare. The airport buses are yellow colored, the bus stops are easy to spot as they have yellow booths at both the international terminal and the domestic terminal.

To airport: Go to Saigon bus station.
To city: The bus departs from Gate 12 in the T2 or Gate 18 in the T1.

Please note: An application named BusMap is recommended to check the contemporary operating status of all buses in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels near the airport offer complimentary or paid shuttle services, you can confirm with your hotel about availability and schedule.

Services Available at the Airport

The Tan Son Nhat International Airport offers various services to ensure a comfortable travel experience.

Free Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

SIM Cards

Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone are most popular providers in Vietnam, their official counters are available in the arrival hall of both the international terminal and domestic terminal. Some convenience stores within the airport, such as Circle K and Family Mart, also sell SIM cards.

Tips

• Have your passport ready as it is usually required for purchasing and registering a SIM card.

• Viettel generally offers the best nationwide coverage, Vinaphone and Mobifone also provide good service in most urban areas.

• Staff can help activating your SIM card and set up data packages, ensure it is working before you leave the counter.

Currency Exchange and Banking

Vietnam Currency exchanges and ATMs are available at departure hall and arrival hall of both terminals.

Tips

• Some providers may charge a service fee for currency exchange, so inquire about any additional costs.

• Be aware of daily withdrawal limits, which can vary between banks. Typically, the limit ranges from VND 2,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 per transaction, and sometimes up to VND 10,000,000 per day.

Dining and Shopping

Tan Son Nhat International Airport offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences, ranging from quick snacks to full meals, serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals in Vietnamese and Western styles. Below are some examples for your reference.

T2 Departure Hall: Burger King, Highlands Coffee, Starbucks, Big Bowl, Pho 24, Cuisine de Saigon, Aviation Lounge Bar
T2 Airside Area: Fresh2Go, Trung Nguyen Coffee
T1 Public Area: KFC, Pizza Hut, Highlands Coffee, Big Bowl
T1 Departure Hall: Highlands Coffee, Star Café, Pho Ong Hung, Fresh2Go, Saigon Cafe

You will find duty-free shops such as DFS and King Power Duty-Free in departure hall (airside) of T2 after security check. There are also some souvenirs and handicrafts shops, convenience shops.

Lounge Information

Lounges are available in both the T1 and T2 and cater to various needs, from relaxation and business to dining and refreshments. If you are not flying business class, you can pay to enter any lounge. Besides air conditioning, food and beverage, a conference facility, disabled access, flight information monitors, newspapers, television, and Wi-Fi, Apricot Lounge and Lotus Lounge in the international terminal provide facilities for modern showers.

Other Services

Medical Services

Medical services at the airport are available 24/7. You can find the medical room near the D2 entrance at T1, and by boarding gates 17-18 and the A2 entrance gate in T2.

Family Services

The kid's play area is located near gate 21 and 22 in the departure hall of T2, it is free for kids and families.

Luggage Storage

If you want to visit the city without luggage as a layover plan, you can find the counter at column 13 and 14 on the ground floor in T2 for luggage deposit, it opens from 7:00 to 23:00.

Contact Odynovo to Plan Your Vietnam Tour

Start to plan your Vietnam tour? Contact us at [email protected] and let our experienced travel experts guide you through every step of the process. From creating a customized itinerary to arranging accommodations and transportation, we ensure a seamless and memorable journey tailored to your preferences.