Saigon Airport Guide

Saigon Airport Guide

Everything you need to know about Tan Son Nhat International Airport — Grab to the city, transport options, SIM cards, currency tips, and essential arrival advice

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Vietnam's busiest airport and your gateway to Saigon. Located just 8 km north of District 1, the journey to the city centre takes 20-45 minutes depending on traffic. Grab Car is the recommended transport option at 80,000-150,000 VND — cheaper and safer than taxis with transparent app-based pricing.

The airport serves major international carriers including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, and many others. The recently expanded international terminal has modern facilities. This guide covers everything you need for a smooth arrival and departure.

Airport Overview

Arrivals

Arriving at SGN

  • Terminals: International (T2) and Domestic (T1) are separate buildings, walkable between them
  • Visa on arrival: Pre-approved visa letters are processed at the VOA counter before immigration — can take 30-60 minutes
  • E-Visa: If you have an e-visa, proceed directly to immigration — much faster than visa on arrival
  • Baggage claim: Usually 20-40 minutes after landing. The hall can be crowded
  • Arrivals hall: SIM cards, currency exchange, ATMs, and tourist information are available after exiting customs
  • Tip: Connect to the free airport Wi-Fi immediately to book a Grab before heading outside
Key Airlines

Airlines Serving SGN

  • Vietnam Airlines: National flag carrier with extensive domestic and international routes
  • VietJet Air: Budget carrier with domestic and regional routes at low fares
  • Bamboo Airways: Growing Vietnamese carrier with competitive prices and good service
  • Regional carriers: Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines
  • Long-haul: Korean Air, Japan Airlines, EVA Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines
  • Tip: VietJet and Bamboo offer the cheapest domestic flights — book luggage in advance for the best rates

Airport Layout

Tan Son Nhat has two terminals — T2 (international) and T1 (domestic). They are separate buildings but within walking distance. The international terminal was recently expanded with improved check-in, immigration, and departure facilities. For departures, arrive 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights. Saigon traffic is unpredictable — leave extra time for the journey to the airport.

Airport to City Transport

Grab Car

Recommended
Price: 80,000-150,000 VND to District 1
Time: 20-45 minutes

Pros

  • + Best value for convenience — cheaper than taxis
  • + Air-conditioned comfort with fixed pricing
  • + GPS-tracked with driver details visible
  • + Card payment available — no cash needed
  • + Pickup zone is clearly signposted

Cons

  • - Needs data or airport Wi-Fi to book
  • - Wait times can be 5-15 minutes at peak times
  • - Traffic can extend journey to 45+ minutes
  • - Surge pricing during peak demand periods

Grab Bike

Convenient
Price: 60,000-100,000 VND to District 1
Time: 15-25 minutes

Pros

  • + Cheapest motorized option
  • + Fastest in traffic — cuts through jams
  • + App-based with GPS tracking and fixed fare
  • + Great if traveling light with a backpack
  • + Available 24/7

Cons

  • - Not suitable for heavy luggage
  • - Less comfortable than car — exposed to heat/rain
  • - Can feel intimidating after a long flight
  • - Need data or Wi-Fi to book the ride

Bus 109

Budget
Price: 20,000 VND to Ben Thanh Market
Time: 45-60 minutes

Pros

  • + By far the cheapest option — 20,000 VND
  • + Air-conditioned with luggage space
  • + Drops at Ben Thanh Market (central District 1)
  • + Runs every 20-30 minutes from early morning to late evening
  • + No app or data needed

Cons

  • - Slowest option — 45-60 minutes
  • - Fixed route — may not stop near your hotel
  • - Can be confusing for first-time visitors
  • - Crowded during peak hours with luggage

Airport Taxi

Budget
Price: 150,000-200,000 VND to District 1
Time: 20-45 minutes

Pros

  • + No app or data needed
  • + Available at official rank outside arrivals
  • + Good for late-night arrivals when Grab wait times are long
  • + Can negotiate fixed price to your destination
  • + Handles heavy luggage easily

Cons

  • - Most expensive option — 150,000-200,000 VND
  • - Fake taxis exist — use only Vinasun or Mai Linh
  • - Some drivers may attempt to take longer routes
  • - Meter rigging is possible with unofficial taxis

Airport Facilities

SIM Cards & Connectivity

  • Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the airport — connect and book your Grab ride before heading outside
  • SIM cards: Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone counters in arrivals. Tourist SIMs: 150,000-300,000 VND for 15-30 days with data
  • City SIM cards: 50-60% cheaper at Viettel/Mobifone shops in the city (70,000-100,000 VND). Buy at airport only if you need data immediately for Grab
  • Tip: You need a data connection for Grab, Google Maps, and translation apps. Either buy a SIM at the airport or use Wi-Fi to book your first Grab ride

Currency & Money

  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Large denominations — 500,000 VND is the largest note (about $20 USD)
  • Airport exchange: Available but rates are poor — exchange minimum or skip entirely
  • ATMs: Multiple ATMs in arrivals. Vietcombank and BIDV have the lowest fees. Withdraw 3,000,000-5,000,000 VND to start. Always decline dynamic currency conversion
  • Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants. Cash needed for street food, markets, and small shops
  • Tip: Carry cash for your first day — street food, small shops, and some Grab drivers prefer cash. You can withdraw more from city ATMs later

Pro Tips for Arrival

Use Grab — It Is the Best Option

Grab Car is the recommended transport for most travelers. At 80,000-150,000 VND with air conditioning and fixed pricing, it is cheaper than taxis and more comfortable than buses. Connect to airport Wi-Fi, open the Grab app, and book your ride from inside the terminal. The pickup zone is clearly signposted outside arrivals. Match your driver's car and plate number before getting in.

Late Night Arrivals

Saigon Airport operates 24/7 with many late-night international arrivals. Grab is available around the clock, though wait times may be longer after midnight. Airport taxis are also available at the rank. Bus 109 runs until about 1:30 AM. Late-night Grab rides may have surge pricing but are still cheaper than taxis. Book your Grab from inside the terminal using airport Wi-Fi.

Skip the Airport Currency Exchange

Airport exchange offices offer significantly worse rates than city exchange offices or ATMs. If you need cash immediately, withdraw from a Vietcombank or BIDV ATM in arrivals — they have the lowest fees. Withdraw 3,000,000-5,000,000 VND to cover your first day. Always decline "dynamic currency conversion" when prompted — it adds a hidden markup.

Departure Tips

For departures, allow 2.5-3 hours before international flights. Saigon traffic is unpredictable — during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), the 8 km journey can take 45+ minutes. Use Grab Car and book with extra time built in. The check-in and security process at the expanded T2 is more efficient now. Duty-free shops have decent prices on Vietnamese coffee and crafts — good last-minute souvenirs.

Saigon Airport FAQs

The most popular option is Grab (car: 80,000-150,000 VND, bike: 60,000-100,000 VND, 20-45 minutes depending on traffic). Official taxis from the rank cost 150,000-200,000 VND. The cheapest option is Bus 109 to Ben Thanh Market for just 20,000 VND (45-60 minutes). There is no train connection to the airport currently. Grab is recommended as the best balance of cost and convenience.
Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is located about 8 km north of District 1. The journey takes 20-45 minutes depending on traffic — Saigon traffic can be intense, especially during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). At off-peak times, the drive is about 20 minutes. During peak traffic, it can stretch to 45 minutes or longer. Allow extra time for departures during rush hour.
Grab is recommended over taxis. Grab Car costs 80,000-150,000 VND vs 150,000-200,000 VND for airport taxis. Grab has transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and no risk of meter rigging. Download Grab before your flight and set up card payment. The Grab pickup zone is outside the arrivals terminal — follow the signs. If you cannot use Grab, only use Vinasun (white/green) or Mai Linh (green) taxis.
Yes. SIM card counters from Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone are located in the arrivals hall. Tourist SIM cards cost 150,000-300,000 VND for 15-30 days with data. However, these are significantly more expensive than buying in the city (70,000-100,000 VND). If you need data immediately for Grab, buy at the airport. Otherwise, wait and buy from a city shop for half the price.
The airport has currency exchange counters, ATMs, SIM card vendors, a tourist information desk, car rental agencies, cafes and restaurants, duty-free shops (departures), free Wi-Fi, and business lounges. The international terminal was recently expanded with improved facilities. The domestic terminal is separate but within walking distance. Allow minimal time to navigate between terminals.

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