How to Get from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center in 2025

How to get from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Ho Chi Minh City center (District 1, 2, Binh Thanh…) quickly and easily?

Whether you’re arriving as a backpacker or for a business trip, here are your best options.

This article is aimed at travelers arriving at or going to the international terminal, see below the article about Saigon’s brand new domestic terminal 3.

Table of contents

Table Of Contents

1. 1. Grab / Xanh SM / Be Taxis (Fastest & Easiest)
2. 2. Airport Buses (#49 & #109)
   • Bus #49 – Direct and Tourist-Friendly
   • Bus #109 – Cheaper but Still Central
3. 3. Public Bus #152 – Cheapest Option
4. Getting Back to the Airport
5. Time2book Travel Tips

1. Grab / Xanh SM / Be Taxis (Fastest & Easiest)

Best for: Comfort, speed, and convenience
Cost: 80,000 – 150,000 VND (around $3–6), depending on traffic and destination
Where: Exit the international terminal and walk across the road to the ride-hailing pick-up zone (straight forward the exit, at the parking lot).

📱 Either buy a local SIM card at the airport (after customs), or connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi to book a ride via the Grab, Xanh SM (electric taxis), or Be apps.

You must have mobile internet access to use ride-hailing apps.

Once you’ve booked, note the license plate number—this is how you\’ll identify your driver in the crowd.

Motorbike Option:
If you’re traveling light, consider a motorbike taxi (xe ôm) through Grab or Be.
You’ll need to walk around 5 minutes to the domestic terminal’s parking area to meet your driver there.

2. Airport Buses (#49 & #109)

Bus #49 – Direct and Tourist-Friendly

Best for: Travelers with luggage
Cost: 40,000 VND (~$1.50)
Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes, from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Pick-up Point: Column 12 (International Terminal) or Column 18 (Domestic Terminal)

This air-conditioned bus stops at major central areas like Ben Thanh Market, Pham Ngu Lao (Backpacker Street), and Dien Bien Phu.

Payment: Cash only, either on the bus or at the yellow ticket booth.

Bus #109 – Cheaper but Still Central

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
Cost: 20,000 VND (~$0.80)
Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes, from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Pick-up Point: Same as Bus #49 (Column 12 or 18)

Stops include Ben Thanh, 23/9 Park, and the backpacker area. Let the driver know where you’re heading—they’ll usually help guide you.

3. Public Bus #152 – Cheapest Option

Best for: Ultra-budget travelers
Cost: 6,000 VND (~$0.25) + small luggage fee
Frequency: Until 6:00 PM only
Pick-up Point: Just outside the international arrivals gate

You’ll need cash—no cards or mobile payments. You can withdraw VND from ATMs right after customs if needed.

Getting Back to the Airport

For Buses:

• Go to Ben Thanh Bus Station (Ham Nghi Street) for Bus #152
• Or to Saigon Bus Station (next to September 23 Park) for yellow Airport Buses #49 and #109

For Taxis:

• Use Grab, Xanh SM, or Be again, preferably booked ahead
• If hailing a taxi (Green Taxi) on the street, confirm the meter is running or agree on a fare before entering

Time2book Travel Tips

• Grab or Xanh SM are the fastest and most comfortable options
• Bus #49 is ideal if you have luggage
• Bus #109 is cheap but still drops you centrally
• Public Bus #152 is unbeatable for value, but only runs during the day
• Buy a SIM card or use Wi-Fi to book your taxi
• Always take note of your taxi’s license plate number

Whether you’re heading to the buzzing Backpacker District, a riverside hotel, or a quiet corner of the city—you now know exactly how to Get from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center !

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. Let the adventure begin.