Saigon Transport Guide

Saigon Transport Guide

Grab Bike, Grab Car, xe om, city buses, motorbike rental, and the essential street-crossing survival guide for getting around Saigon

Getting around Saigon is a unique experience. The city runs on motorbikes — over 8 million of them — creating a constant stream of two-wheeled traffic that can feel overwhelming at first. The good news? Grab Bike is cheap (15,000-50,000 VND), fast, and available everywhere. Grab Car provides air-conditioned comfort for longer trips. City buses cost just 6,000 VND. And walking, while limited, is the best way to explore District 1's colonial quarter.

The key rule: Grab is your best friend in Saigon. Download the app before arriving, set up card payment, and you will navigate the city with ease. Save walking for District 1 explorations and early morning adventures. Embrace the organised chaos — it is all part of the Saigon experience.

Transport Options

Grab Bike

Recommended15,000-50,000 VND per ride

The most popular transport option in Saigon. Grab Bike is a motorbike taxi service booked through the Grab app. Your driver picks you up, you ride on the back, and the fare is fixed in advance. It is the fastest way to get through Saigon's traffic because motorbikes can weave through gaps that cars cannot. Most rides take 10-20 minutes regardless of distance. A helmet is provided.

Pros

  • + Cheapest motorized transport — 15,000-50,000 VND
  • + Fastest option in traffic — cuts through jams
  • + GPS-tracked with driver details for safety
  • + Available 24/7 across the city
  • + Fare fixed before booking — no surprise charges

Cons

  • - Less comfortable than a car — exposed to heat, rain, and exhaust
  • - Not suitable for heavy luggage
  • - Can feel intimidating for first-time riders
  • - Surge pricing during rush hour and rain

Tip: Download Grab before arriving in Vietnam and set up card payment. Sit upright, hold the grab handles (not the driver), and lean gently with the turns. Wear long trousers to avoid exhaust burns on your legs. Bring a light rain jacket in rainy season.

Grab Car / Taxi

Good Option50,000-200,000 VND across city

Grab Car provides air-conditioned comfort with fixed pricing through the app. For traditional taxis, Vinasun (white with green) and Mai Linh (green) are the only two trusted companies — all others should be avoided. Grab Car is generally cheaper than metered taxis. Use for airport transfers, rainy days, and when you have luggage. Traffic can make journeys slow during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).

Pros

  • + Air-conditioned comfort
  • + Good for luggage and rainy days
  • + GPS-tracked with transparent pricing (Grab)
  • + Safe and reliable
  • + No cash needed — pay via app (Grab)

Cons

  • - Slower than Grab Bike in heavy traffic
  • - More expensive — 3-4x the price of Grab Bike
  • - Can be stuck in traffic for 30-60 minutes at rush hour
  • - Fake taxis exist — only use Vinasun or Mai Linh if hailing on the street

Tip: Always use Grab Car rather than hailing random taxis. If you must use a taxi, only use Vinasun (white/green) or Mai Linh (green) — verify the company branding before entering. Avoid taxis at tourist hotspots that approach you. Rush hour traffic can double journey times.

Xe Om (Traditional Motorbike Taxi)

Available20,000-80,000 VND (negotiate)

Before Grab, xe om (literally "hugging motorbike") drivers were Saigon's original motorbike taxis. You will see them parked at intersections and tourist spots calling "motorbike?" to passing visitors. Unlike Grab, there is no meter or app — you negotiate the price before riding. Xe om drivers are generally friendly and some speak basic English. More of a cultural experience but less safe and predictable than Grab.

Pros

  • + No app or data required
  • + Available everywhere — especially tourist spots
  • + Can negotiate for short trips
  • + Cultural experience and local interaction
  • + Some drivers double as informal guides

Cons

  • - No GPS tracking or safety features
  • - Price must be negotiated — tourists often overpay
  • - No accountability if issues arise
  • - Helmets not always provided
  • - Generally more expensive than Grab Bike

Tip: If using xe om, always agree on the price before getting on. For comparison, a Grab Bike ride of the same distance usually costs 30-50% less. Xe om are useful when you do not have data or phone charge. Keep the ride short and well-within the city.

City Buses

Good Option6,000-7,000 VND per ride

Saigon's bus network is extensive, very cheap, and increasingly air-conditioned. Route 109 connects Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ben Thanh Market. Route 1 runs through District 1 to Cholon. While confusing for first-time visitors, Google Maps shows bus routes and times accurately. Buses are the greenest and cheapest transport option. Most useful for airport transfers and trips to Cholon.

Pros

  • + Extremely cheap — 6,000-7,000 VND per ride
  • + Many routes are now air-conditioned
  • + Route 109 is the cheapest airport transfer (20,000 VND)
  • + Google Maps shows routes and real-time tracking
  • + Environmentally friendly

Cons

  • - Can be confusing — limited English signage
  • - Slow compared to motorbikes due to stops and traffic
  • - Crowded during rush hours
  • - Limited routes to some tourist areas
  • - Not practical for most tourist travel needs

Tip: Bus 109 from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ben Thanh Market costs just 20,000 VND and takes 45-60 minutes — the budget airport transfer option. Use Google Maps for route planning. Pay the conductor on board with cash. Keep valuables secure on crowded buses.

Walking

AvailableFree

Walking in Saigon is only practical in small areas due to the heat, traffic, and blocked sidewalks. The area around Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the French colonial quarter, and parts of District 1 are walkable. Most sidewalks are used for motorbike parking and street vendors, forcing pedestrians onto the road. The tropical heat (30-35C) makes long walks exhausting. Best for short explorations within District 1 or District 3.

Pros

  • + Free
  • + Best way to discover hidden alleys and street food
  • + Nguyen Hue Walking Street is car-free
  • + Good for short explorations in District 1
  • + Morning walks are pleasant before the heat

Cons

  • - Sidewalks blocked by motorbikes — forced onto the road
  • - Intense heat and humidity make long walks exhausting
  • - Traffic makes crossing streets challenging
  • - Not practical for distances beyond 1-2 km
  • - Rain can be sudden and heavy in rainy season

Tip: Walk in the early morning (6-8 AM) or evening (5-7 PM) when temperatures are lower. Carry water always. Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. When sidewalks are blocked, walk on the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see what is coming.

Motorbike Rental

Available150,000-200,000 VND/day

For experienced riders ONLY, renting a motorbike gives incredible freedom to explore Saigon. Automatic scooters (Honda Wave, Honda Lead) are available from rental shops throughout District 1 and the backpacker area. An International Driving Permit with motorcycle endorsement is technically required. Saigon traffic is the most intense in Vietnam — start in quieter areas before attempting main roads.

Pros

  • + Maximum freedom to explore at your own pace
  • + Very affordable — 150,000-200,000 VND per day
  • + Excellent for photography and spontaneous discoveries
  • + Covers more ground than walking or buses
  • + The authentic Saigon experience

Cons

  • - Saigon traffic is extremely intense and dangerous for inexperienced riders
  • - Accidents involving tourists are common
  • - Insurance rarely covers motorbike injuries
  • - Parking can be challenging
  • - Police may fine foreign riders without proper license

Tip: Experienced riders only. Rent automatic scooters (not manual). Always wear a helmet (required by law). Check brakes and lights before riding. Carry your passport and IDP. Practice in quiet streets first. Never ride after drinking. Consider guided motorbike tours if you want the experience without the risk.

Price Comparison Table (VND)

RouteGrab BikeGrab CarBusTaxi
Airport to District 160,000-100,000100,000-200,00020,000150,000-200,000
D1 to District 315,000-25,00030,000-60,0006,00040,000-70,000
D1 to Cholon (D5)25,000-40,00050,000-100,0006,00060,000-120,000
D1 to D7 (Phu My Hung)40,000-60,00080,000-150,0006,000100,000-180,000
D1 to D2 (Thao Dien)30,000-50,00060,000-120,000N/A80,000-150,000

All prices in VND, approximate. Grab prices vary with demand, time of day, and traffic conditions. Taxi prices based on Vinasun/Mai Linh meters.

Street Crossing Survival Guide

How to Cross the Street in Saigon

Crossing the street in Saigon is the single most intimidating experience for first-time visitors. The constant stream of motorbikes never seems to stop. But there is a technique that works — and once you learn it, you will feel like a local.

  • Step 1: Wait for a small gap in traffic — it does not need to be clear, just a slight break
  • Step 2: Begin walking at a slow, steady pace — like a confident stroll
  • Step 3: Do NOT stop, run, speed up, or make sudden movements
  • Step 4: Trust that motorbikes will flow around you — they are watching and adjusting
  • Step 5: Maintain eye contact with approaching riders when possible
  • Step 6: Cars and buses do NOT stop — wait for them to pass before stepping forward

Key principle: You are a rock in a stream. The water (motorbikes) flows around you as long as you are predictable. The moment you stop, run, or change direction suddenly, riders cannot predict your path and that is when accidents happen. Start with small streets to build confidence before attempting big intersections.

Saigon Transport FAQs

Grab Bike is the best transport option for most visitors — it is fast, cheap (15,000-50,000 VND), safe, and cuts through traffic that would take cars much longer. For air-conditioned comfort, use Grab Car (50,000-200,000 VND). Walking is only practical in small areas of District 1 due to the heat and traffic. City buses are very cheap (6,000 VND) but confusing for first-timers. The combination of Grab Bike for short trips and Grab Car for longer journeys works perfectly.
This is the number one question from first-time visitors. The key rule: walk slowly and steadily at a consistent pace. Do NOT stop, run, or make sudden movements. The traffic — mostly motorbikes — will flow around you like water around a rock. Start crossing when there is a small gap, maintain a steady pace, and trust that riders will adjust. It feels terrifying at first but becomes natural quickly. Start with smaller streets to build confidence.
Grab is very safe and the recommended transport option in Saigon. All rides are GPS-tracked, you see the driver's name and license plate before pickup, and fares are fixed in advance. Both Grab Bike and Grab Car are reliable. Always confirm your driver matches the app details. Grab accepts card payment (set it up in the app) or cash. Tip: download Grab before arriving in Vietnam.
Only if you are an experienced motorbike rider. Saigon's traffic is among the most intense in the world with millions of motorbikes. Accidents involving tourists are common. If confident, rentals cost 150,000-200,000 VND per day for automatic scooters. Always wear a helmet (required by law). An International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement is technically required. If unsure, use Grab Bike instead — cheaper and safer.
Saigon transport is very affordable. Grab Bike: 15,000-50,000 VND for most trips. Grab Car: 50,000-200,000 VND across the city. City bus: 6,000-7,000 VND per ride. Motorbike rental: 150,000-200,000 VND per day. Xe om (traditional motorbike taxi): negotiate, typically 20,000-80,000 VND. Airport to city: 80,000-200,000 VND depending on method. Budget 50,000-150,000 VND per day for transport.

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