Tan Son Nhat Airport to the city center
On this page (6)
Tan Son Nhat (Tân Sơn Nhất) Airport is about 7 km from District 1. Without traffic it's a 25-minute drive. In evening rush hour it can take 45 minutes or more.
Check your terminal first
- International terminal (T2): all international arrivals.
- Domestic T1
- Domestic T3: opened in April 2025, separate from T1 and T2.
If you're connecting to a domestic flight, check which terminal it leaves from.
Grab: the easy option
With luggage or a late arrival, Grab is the simplest choice.
- Fare: roughly 100,000–180,000 VND to District 1, depending on time and demand.
- Look for the green Grab pick-up zone signs outside international arrivals and set your pickup point to the matching number in the app.
- An airport parking entry fee may be added to the fare.
You can book on airport Wi-Fi, but you'll lose signal outside and the driver won't be able to reach you. Get a SIM or eSIM working first.
Taxi
If Grab isn't an option, go to the official taxi rank and take a Vinasun (white) or Mai Linh (green) taxi. They're metered, about 120,000–180,000 VND to District 1.
Ignore anyone inside the arrivals hall who walks up offering "Taxi?". Their prices can be several times higher.
Bus: cheapest, but check the terminal
- Route 109: since April 2025 it only serves T3, not the international terminal. It runs to Saigon Bus Station near Ben Thanh Market, every 15–25 minutes, roughly 5:30 am to 10:30 pm.
- Route 152: runs from T1 and T2 toward Ben Thanh Market, until 7 pm only.
Fares are around 10,000 VND. Not great with big suitcases.
Pre-booked transfer
For a group or a very late arrival, a pre-booked transfer means a driver waiting with your name on a sign.
Comparison
| Option | Fare to District 1 | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | 100,000–180,000 VND | Most travelers |
| Taxi (Vinasun, Mai Linh) | 120,000–180,000 VND | When Grab isn't working |
| Bus 109 / 152 | Around 10,000 VND | Light luggage, daytime arrival |
| Pre-booked transfer | Varies | Groups, late arrivals |
Sources: Saigon Giai Phong (April 28, 2025), Trip.com guide (March 2026)
This post may contain affiliate links.