How to get to and from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) by bus?

Looking for a convenient and budget-friendly way to get from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City? Look no further! Inbound Vietnam is here to provide you with a detailed, step-by-step guide for a smooth and comfortable journey.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is Vietnam's largest airport in terms of passenger and cargo capacity. Located approximately 8km north of Ho Chi Minh City center, Tan Son Nhat serves as a crucial air gateway, connecting Ho Chi Minh City with other provinces across Vietnam and the world. With a high volume of travelers, finding convenient and affordable public transportation is a top priority for many, and the bus is an ideal option to easily connect from the airport to the central areas of Ho Chi Minh City and vice versa.

Advantages of Traveling by Bus

• Cost-effective: Compared to taxis or ride-hailing services, bus fares are significantly cheaper, making them suitable for all travelers.

• Convenient: Bus routes are designed to pass through many important destinations, allowing you easy access to central areas, hotels, or popular tourist attractions.

• Safe and comfortable: Buses are generally spacious and air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.

• Environmentally friendly: Using public transport helps reduce emissions, contributing to environmental protection.

Main Bus Routes from Tan Son Nhat Airport 

Currently, there are several high-quality bus routes and regular public bus routes serving passengers from Tan Son Nhat Airport. Below are the most popular routes with updated information:

1. Bus Route 109: Tan Son Nhat Airport - Saigon Bus Station

• Outbound Route (From Tan Son Nhat Airport to Saigon Bus Station): T3 Terminal - T3 Terminal - Lo Hoi Company - Pico Plaza - Ut Tich Junction - Maximart Cong Hoa Supermarket - Hoang Van Thu Park - Eastern Museum - Military Zone 7 Gas Station - Phu Nhuan District Hospital - Railway Gate - Phu Nhuan District Cultural Center - Tran Huy Lieu Intersection - Vinh Nghiem Pagoda - Tran Quoc Toan - Pasteur Institute - Dien Bien Phu - Coop Mart Nguyen Dinh Chieu - Le Quy Don High School - City People's Court - Ong Pagoda - Cao Thang Technical College - Ham Nghi Street Transfer Station - New World Hotel - Nguyen Thi Nghia - Ton That Tung - Saigon Bus Station

• Inbound Route (From Saigon Bus Station to Tan Son Nhat Airport): Saigon Bus Station - Ton That Tung - Nguyen Thi Nghia - Ernst Thälmann School - Ham Nghi Street Transfer Station - Nam Ky Khoi Nghia - Old Market - Indian Temple, Pasteur - Le Thanh Ton - Ly Tu Trong - Le Duan - Nguyen Thi Minh Khai - University of Architecture - Dien Bien Phu - Vo Thi Sau - City Children's House - Pasteur Institute - Tran Quoc Toan - Sacombank Head Office - Ly Chinh Thang - Vinh Nghiem Pagoda - Tran Huy Lieu Intersection - Phu Nhuan District Cultural Center - Railway Gate - Phu Nhuan District Hospital - Military Zone 7 Gas Station - Front Gate of Military Zone 7 Stadium - T3 Terminal.

• Operating hours: 05:30 AM - 10:40 PM daily.

• Frequency: Approximately every 15 - 20 minutes.

• Fare: From 15,000 VND/ride

• Advantages: This is a high-quality bus route with spacious interiors and luggage storage, very convenient for tourists wanting to travel to the city center in former District 1. Notably, the introduction of electric buses offers a more modern and environmentally friendly travel experience.

Popular nearby locations and suitable tourist activities:

• 23 Thang 9 Park: The last stop on the route, a bustling transportation and tourism hub.

  • Suitable activities: Explore the vibrant Bui Vien Walking Street (backpackers' area) at night, enjoy street food, and find bars and pubs. This area also has many budget-friendly guesthouses and hotels, ideal for backpackers.

• Ben Thanh Market: A short walk from 23 Thang 9 Park.

  • Suitable activities: Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and enjoy local cuisine at this famous traditional market.

• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Easily accessible from stops on Ham Nghi Street.

  • Suitable activities: Stroll, take photos with modern and ancient architectural landmarks, enjoy coffee in unique old apartment buildings, and observe Saigon's nightlife.

• Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum: Near Ben Thanh area.

  • Suitable activities: Discover the unique architecture of the building and admire diverse art pieces from traditional to modern.

2. Bus Route 152: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Trung Son 

• Outbound Route (From Tan Son Nhat Airport to Trung Son Residential Area): Tan Son Nhat Airport (International Terminal) – Tan Son Nhat Airport (Domestic Terminal) – Truong Son Street – Tran Quoc Hoan Street – Hoang Van Thu Street – Nguyen Van Troi Street – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street – Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street – Ben Thanh Market – Tran Hung Dao Street – Nguyen Tri Phuong Street – Duong Ba Trac Street – Road 9A – Trung Son Residential Area.

• Inbound Route (From Trung Son Residential Area to Tan Son Nhat Airport): Trung Son Residential Area – Road 9A – Duong Ba Trac Street – Nguyen Van Cu Street – Tran Hung Dao Street – Ben Thanh Market – Le Lai Street – Pham Hong Thai Street – Cach Mang Thang Tam Street – Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street – Pasteur Street – Vo Thi Sau Street – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street – Nguyen Van Troi Street – Phan Dinh Giot Street – Truong Son Street – Tan Son Nhat Airport (Domestic Terminal) – Tan Son Nhat Airport (International Terminal).

• Operating hours: 05:15 AM – 07:00 PM daily.

• Frequency: Approximately every 15 – 20 minutes.

• Fare: Approximately 5,000 VND/ride (extra charges may apply for oversized luggage).

• Advantages: This route is suitable for those wishing to travel to District 1, District 3, District 5, and the Trung Son area.

Popular nearby locations and suitable tourist activities:

• Ben Thanh Market: Passes right through the city center, an important transfer point.

  • Suitable Activities: Similar to Route 109, this is an ideal spot for shopping and enjoying local food.

• Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office: Within walking distance from the Ben Thanh area.

  • Suitable Activities: Visit historical architectural landmarks, learn about Saigon's culture and history.

• Nguyen Tri Phuong Food Street: Famous for its many delicious eateries.

  • Suitable Activities: Explore diverse Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, and try Saigon's unique street snacks.

• Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital: Located near Nguyen Tri Phuong Street.

  • Suitable Activities: (Primarily for medical purposes, not tourism)

• Trung Son Residential Area: A newly developed area with many amenities.

  • Suitable Activities: Suitable for those visiting relatives, on business in the southern part of the city, or looking for quieter local restaurants and cafes.

3. Bus Route 49: SGN Airport – former District 1 (Hotel Area)

• Outbound Route (From Tan Son Nhat Airport to former District 1): SGN Airport (International Terminal) – Tan Son Nhat Airport (Domestic Terminal) – Truong Son Street – Tran Quoc Hoan Street – Hoang Van Thu Street – Nguyen Van Troi Street – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street – Le Duan Street – Cong Xa Paris Street – Dong Khoi Street – Ton Duc Thang Street – Ham Nghi Street – Le Lai Street – Nguyen Trai Street – Pham Ngu Lao Street – Yersin Street – Tran Hung Dao Street – Ben Thanh Market.

• Inbound Route (From former District 1 to Tan Son Nhat Airport): Ben Thanh Market – Le Lai Street – Truong Dinh Street – Ly Tu Trong Street – Hai Ba Trung Street – Phan Dinh Phung Street – Hoang Van Thu Street – Phan Dinh Giot Street – Truong Son Street – Hong Ha Street – Yen The Street – Bach Dang Street – SGN Airport (International Terminal).

• Operating Hours: 05:00 AM – 01:30 AM (the next day).

• Frequency: Approximately every 20 – 30 minutes.

• Fare: Approximately 40,000 VND/ride.

• Advantages: This bus route has a higher fare but is specifically designed to transport tourists to major hotels in the central District 1 area. The buses are spacious, comfortable, and often have staff to assist with luggage.

Popular nearby locations and suitable tourist activities:

• Major hotels: Passes by most 4-5 star hotels in central former District 1 such as Caravelle, Rex, Park Hyatt, Sheraton, etc.

  • Suitable Activities: Ideal for tourists staying at high-end hotels who want direct transportation from the airport to their accommodation without transfers.

• City Theatre, Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Directly on the route.

  • Suitable Activities: Enjoy art performances at the City Theatre, stroll along the walking street, explore fashion boutiques and luxury restaurants.

• Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office: Very close to stops on Dong Khoi Street.

  • Suitable Activities: Visit Saigon's iconic French colonial architectural landmarks, send postcards, and take souvenir photos.

• Vincom Center, Union Square Shopping Malls: Convenient for shopping.

  • Suitable Activities: Shop for international brands and enjoy dining at upscale restaurants.

How to find the bus stop at the airport

Upon exiting the arrival gate of either the domestic or international terminal, you can easily spot signs directing you to the bus pick-up area. Bus stops are usually located near the exits, making them very convenient for passengers.

Important notes when traveling by bus

• Check schedule: Always double-check the operating hours and frequency of bus routes, especially if you have an early morning or late-night flight.

• Prepare small bills: It's a good idea to have small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) ready for bus fares, as drivers or ticket sellers may not have change for large bills.

• Guard your luggage: Take good care of your personal belongings, especially during peak hours when buses are crowded.

• Use transportation apps: For added convenience, you can download public transportation apps on your mobile phone to track bus routes and travel times.

Traveling by bus from SGN Airport is a smart and economical choice. We hope this detailed information helps you have a convenient and comfortable journey when you visit Ho Chi Minh City.

If you need further assistance with city tours, tours across Vietnam, or want to design a private tour tailored to your preferences, don't hesitate to contact Inbound Vietnam. We are always ready to accompany you in discovering the best of Vietnam!