Ultimate Guide To Airport In Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport) in 2025
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh airport, your gateway to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, navigating a bustling international airport can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to airport to help you breeze through Ho Chi Minh airport with ease.
From understanding the airport’s layout and arrival procedures to finding the best transportation options and essential services, Prime Travel has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about Tan Son Nhat International Airport!
Ho Chi Minh Airport: An Overview
- Official name: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- Location: Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Airport Code: SGN
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Ho Chi Minh City’s sole international airport and Vietnam’s largest. Strategically located just 7 kilometers from the city center (district 1), it acts as a crucial gateway, connecting Saigon to the world and serving as a key Southeast Asian hub. Open 24/7, Tan Son Nhat airport handles a wide range of flights, from commercial to private, and is Vietnam’s busiest airport, served by numerous airlines.
Ho Chi Minh Airport features two distinct passenger terminals, spanning a combined 157,518 square meters, serving both domestic and international flights.
- The Domestic Terminal, with its two floors (Arrivals on the ground floor, Departures on the first), covers 41,684 square meters.
- The larger International Terminal, at 115,834 square meters, has four floors dedicated to arrivals (ground and first floor), departures (second floor), and a waiting area (third floor).
Given their size and numerous facilities—check-in counters, baggage belts, customs—familiarizing yourself with the terminal layout beforehand is highly recommended for a smoother journey.
Arrival Guide to Airport: Navigating Ho Chi Minh Airport
Immigration and Customs Procedures (International Arrivals)
Your arrival process will include: visa on arrival (if required), immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs inspection (if needed), and exiting to the arrival hall. Allow approximately 45 minutes, keeping in mind that processing times can fluctuate due to arrival traffic and visa needs.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Currency exchange and ATMs are conveniently located in both the departure and arrival halls of Tan Son Nhat Airport’s terminals. Before exchanging currency, inquire about any service fees, as they can vary.
When using ATMs, be aware that daily withdrawal limits also differ between banks, typically ranging from VND 2,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 per transaction, and sometimes up to VND 10,000,000 per day. Explore our blog for the best places to exchange money in Vietnam.
SIM Card and Wi-Fi Options
Stay connected at Tan Son Nhat Airport with the free Wi-Fi networks, “Free Wi-Fi Tan Son Nhat Airport” or “TSN Free Wifi Express,” available in both terminals of Ho Chi Minh airport.
For a local SIM card, you can find easy access near the terminal exits and on the 2nd floor of Ho Chi Minh airport. Popular telecom providers like Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone have counters in both arrival halls, and SIM cards are also sold at convenience stores like Circle K and Family Mart. Remember to bring your passport for registration.
Viettel offers the best nationwide coverage, while Vinaphone and Mobifone provide reliable service in urban areas. Staff can assist you with activation and data package setup, so ensure your SIM is working before leaving the counter.
Explore our Essential Guide To Vietnam SIM Card For Tourists (Physical And Esim) for costs and tips.
Getting to City Center from Ho Chi Minh Airport
Taxi and Grab
A taxi from Tan Son Nhat Airport to downtown Ho Chi Minh City typically costs around 200,000 VND (9 USD). Taxi scams are prevalent at the airport, regardless of whether drivers offer fixed rates or use meters. For safety and reliability, stick to reputable brands like Mai Linh (green and white cabs), vinasun (white, green and red). Taxis offer a fast and comfortable option, especially for groups.
Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and Xanh operate 24/7 at the airport, with fares varying by destination and time. Pick-up points are located on the 1st floor of both terminals. For motorbike taxis, you need to walk about 500 meters outside the airport gates.
Airport Bus Routes and Schedules
You can easily locate the bus pick-up areas by following the signs to Column 12 (international terminal side) or Column 4 (domestic terminal side). From there, you can choose from four different bus routes to reach downtown Saigon. Note that you need to pay extra for your luggage and it is VND 5000 per piece.
| Bus Route | Bus Color | Working Hours | Frequency | Ticket (one way) |
| No. 152: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ben Thanh Market – Trung Son Residential Area | Green | 5:15 – 19:00 | 12’ – 20’/turn | 10,000 VND (about 0,4 USD) |
| No. 109: Saigon bus station – Tan Son Nhat Airport | Yellow | 5:30 – 22:15.
|
45-50’/turn. This bus route will quickly transport passengers to the city center in just 45 minutes. It is considered a good bus choice from Tan Son Nhat Airport.
|
15,000 VND (0,6 USD)
|
| No. 119: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Western Bus Station | Yellow | 4:00 – 21:00 | 15 – 30’/turn. The bus is new and of high quality, similar to bus 109. It is assembled and designed to accommodate passengers with heavy luggages.
|
12,000 VND (0,5 USD) for distances under 5km, and 20,000 VND (0,8 USD) per passenger for lengths over 5km. |
| Shuttle bus No. 49: Tan Son Nhat airport – City center (District 1, District 2) | Yellow | 5:00 –2:00 the next day | 30’/turn. Unlike regular public buses, Shuttle Bus 49 doesn’t stop at standard bus stops. Instead, it picks up and drops off passengers right at the lobbies of major downtown hotels, and conveniently at popular tourist spots like Notre Dame Cathedral and the City Opera House. | 40,000 VND (about 1,7 USD) |
Private Transfer Services
For a seamless arrival, private airport transfer services offer direct pick-up at the terminal entrance of Ho Chi Minh airport. These services can be arranged through travel agencies like Prime Travel Vietnam or directly with transportation providers.
To ensure a truly hassle-free experience, Prime Travel provides a tour guide who will meet you at the arrival hall with a personalized name card. They will assist with your luggage and escort you to your hotel. While some companies opt for driver-only pick-ups to reduce costs, a tour guide offers invaluable personalized assistance and ensures a smooth start to your journey.
Departure Guide to Airport: Smooth Check-Out from Ho Chi Minh Airport
Check-in Procedures
To ensure a smooth departure, complete your check-in well before your flight. Have your passport and visa (if needed) ready, and follow the signs to your airline’s check-in counters. Note that counters open 3 hours before departure and close 50 minutes prior for international flights. To avoid missing your flight, arrive at the international terminal at least 3 hours in advance.
Security and Immigration Procedures (Departures)
Ho Chi Minh Airport prioritizes passenger safety with thorough security measures. Expect to undergo security screening, including baggage and body checks. Following this, proceed to immigration, where your passport and travel documents will be verified for departure or arrival.
Customs Regulations for Departure
Ensure a smooth journey by understanding Vietnam’s customs regulations. Declare any restricted items, like specific foods, plants, or electronics, and know your duty-free allowances for personal belongings and souvenirs. Discover our blog post for a detailed list of illegal souvenirs in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh Airport Facilities and Services: Enhancing Your Experience
Dining Options: Restaurants and Cafes
Ho Chi Minh Airport caters to diverse palates with a range of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals, featuring both Vietnamese and Western cuisine, including vegetarian choices.
- 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
After security in Terminal 2’s departure hall (airside), you’ll find duty-free shops like DFS and King Power Duty-Free, along with souvenir, handicraft, and convenience stores.
Airport Lounges: Access and Amenities
Both Terminals 1 and 2 at Ho Chi Minh Airport offer lounges catering to diverse needs, including relaxation, business, dining, and refreshments. Even if you’re not flying business class, you can purchase access to any lounge.
In addition to standard amenities like air conditioning, food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and flight monitors, the Apricot Lounge and Lotus Lounge in the international terminal feature modern shower facilities.
Other Services
- Medical Services: 24/7 medical assistance is available at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Medical rooms are located near the D2 entrance in Terminal 1 and by boarding gates 17-18 and the A2 entrance in Terminal 2.
- Family Services: A complimentary children’s play area is provided near gates 21 and 22 in the Terminal 2 departure hall, offering a space for families to relax.
- Luggage Storage: For travelers with layovers who wish to explore the city luggage-free, storage is available at columns 13 and 14 on the Terminal 2 ground floor. The service operates from 7:00 to 23:00.
Essential Tips for Travelers at Ho Chi Minh Airport
Time Management: Arrival and Departure Timing
- Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights, especially during peak travel times.
- Factor in potential traffic delays when traveling to the airport.
- For early morning flights, consider staying at a hotel near the airport.
- Check your airline’s specific check-in deadlines and baggage drop-off times.
- If possible, check in online to save time.
Navigating Peak Travel Periods
- Peak travel periods include Vietnamese holidays like Tet holday and international holiday seasons.
- Expect longer queues and increased crowds during these times.
- Book flights and accommodations well in advance.
- Allow extra time for check-in, security, and immigration.
- Consider traveling during off-peak hours or seasons if possible.
Health and Safety Guidelines
- Stay hydrated, especially in the tropical climate.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
- Use reputable transportation services to and from the airport.
- Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
- Follow any current health and safety guidelines provided by the airport or government.
- Have travel insurance.
Essential Vietnamese Phrases
- “Xin chào” (Sin Chao): Hello
- “Cảm ơn” (Cam Uhn): Thank you
- “Ở đâu?” (Uh Dau?): Where is…?
- “Bao nhiêu?” (Baow Nyew?): How much?
- “Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?” (Nya Veh Sinh Uh Dau?): Where is the restroom?
- “Tôi không hiểu” (Toy Khong Hew): I don’t understand.
- Have these phrases written down or use a translation app.
By taking a few moments to prepare and referring to this comprehensive guide to airport, you’ll find that navigating Ho Chi Minh Airport is a breeze. We hope this information helps you have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
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