If you are planning to visit Vietnam and wondering how many airports are in Ho Chi Minh City, the biggest metropolis in the country, the answer is Tan Son Nhat Airport is the main gateway to the place. Far from just 6 kilometers to the North of the city center, this is the vital hub for both domestic and international flights, being able to serve 934 flights and 148,000 passengers per day during the peak time, recorded in February 2024. If Vietnam and Saigon are on your travel list, this article is written for you, suggesting what should be remembered when you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, making the beginning of your trip pleasant.
The number of airports in Ho Chi Minh City
Until now, Tan Son Nhat Airport is the only flight hub in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest, most bustling economic area of Vietnam. This airport is the busiest in Vietnam, even compared to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, handling hundreds of domestic and international flights per day during the peak time, such as the Lunar New Year.
Here are some brief information about Tan Son Nhat Airport:
- Official name: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- Address: Truong Sa Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Airport code:
- IATA (International Air Transport Association) code: SGN
- ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) code: VVTS
Things to know about Tan Son Nhat Airport
You may have experience with airports around the world. However, please be noted that any airports have “minor but survival” tips. Here Frontier Travel Viet Nam suggests some of them apply to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh city.
Map of Tan Son Nhat Airport
Tan Son Nhat Airport comprises two main terminals, one for domestic and one for international. All signals, posters, along broadcasting systems are well-designed and arranged to help customers navigate easily. Otherwise, you can ask for support from any friendly staff. If you have international flights, you can utilize your time while waiting to visit and experience duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Passenger services and amenities
Tan Son Nhat Airport is considered the most modern airport in Vietnam, providing various amenities and services for passengers. When having spare time there, you can experience some below:
- Lounges: Offering comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and refreshments, lounges are well-prepared for both domestic and international terminals. Spending some time here to relax, or chit-chatting with others, is an idea.
- Dining: There are a lot of restaurants, serving both Vietnamese and international cuisines; we have seen many people opt for Pho. Also, many cafes are located in this airport, even some famous brands like Highland and Starbucks.
- Shopping: If you have an intention of buying things as gifts, there are multiple duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and boutiques spread throughout all terminals. Vietnamese handicrafts and cuisine products are often preferred by foreign visitors.
- Currency exchange and ATMs: All terminals offer currency exchange counters and ATMs. Although visa cards, mastercards, and cardless payment are now very common, we highly recommend you have some cash for some urgent or particular cases.
- Baggage services: To assist passengers with their baggage demands, the airport provides dedicated luggage storage and lost-and-found services. In case you are having trouble with yours, do not hesitate to ask for the help of staff.
Operated airlines and flights
Being the largest airport in Vietnam, Tan Son Nhat Airport serves as the major hub for all airlines in Vietnam, with some popular names like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Also, it is the apron of international airlines like Qantas and Korean Airlines to pick up passengers and fill with fuel.
Accordingly, Tan Son Nhat Airport is an important factor to connect Ho Chi Minh City to destinations across the nation, like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. In terms of international connection, the airport has been making its way around the world, to Asia, the United States, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Tan Son Nhat Airport?
The airport is just 6 kilometers from the North of the city center, so moving from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City is quite easy and fast. The Frontier Travel Viet Nam team suggests some available transportation options:
Shuttle Buses
You must decide your destination first, then choose the most appropriate bus routes based on their numbers. Let’s take a look and find the name of your desired location.
- Bus routes:
- Yellow Bus 109: Tan Son Nhat Airport international terminal – domestic terminal – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Hoang Van Thu – Nguyen Van Troi – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Duan – Cong Xa Paris – Dong Khoi – Dong Du – Hai Ba Trung – Ton Duc Thang – Ham Nghi – Ben Thanh – Pham Ngu Lao – Nguyen Trai – Le Lai – Nguyen Huu Canh – Cach Mang Thang 8 – Dien Bien Phu – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Van Troi – Phan Dinh Giot – Truong Son – International terminal.
- Red Bus 72-1: Tan Son Nhat International Terminal – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Hoang Van Thu – Nguyen Van Troi – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Dien Bien Phu – Sai Gon Bridge – Ha Noi Highway – Mai Chi Tho – National Highway – 51 Highway – Vo Nguyen Giap – 30/4 Street – Nguyen An Ninh – 2/9 Street – Le Hong Phong – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Vung Tau Bus Station.
- Travel time and cost: The travel must depend on traffic, but typically takes from 25 to 45 minutes. Ticket prices range from 20,000 to 40,000 VND, easier to be paid by VND cash.
- Bus stops: You can easily find one of them shortly after landing, as bus stops and buses are boarded just outside the arrival hall of both terminals. Just stay there and wait for your appropriate numbered bus.
Based on experience, the Frontier Travel Viet Nam team wants you to take note of something if you will try buses.
- If a random guy offers you a ride to the city center, do not accept, as you are likely to be ripped off.
- If some people are telling you there are no more buses in Tan Son Nhat Airport in the evening, just ignore them. The shuttle buses of Tan Son Nhat Airport operate between 5:30 AM – 1 AM daily.
- Prepare some Vietnamese cash to pay for the bus tickets. It is more convenient, as the value is very small, and there are no POS systems to use the card.
- If you have little luggage, taking the bus is alright. Or else, you should consider calling a taxi, as the driver will help you with your bulky pieces of luggage.
Technology Motorbike and/or Taxi
For a quicker and more flexible option, transportation using booking technology is popular among travelers. In Vietnam, apps such as Grab, Be, Xanh SM, etc allow you to book rides directly from your smartphone.
- Cost: These apps provide real-time pricing, so no worry about overcharging. The fare normally ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 VND for a trip from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh city center.
- Travel time: Depending on traffic, the journey usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, faster than shuttle buses.
- You should opt for this choice if you go with your family or friends, or if you have bulky items of luggage. It keeps you and your pieces of luggage safer.
Tan Son Nhat Airport may be the first touch point of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City to you, so we really hope you have a good experience. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding Tan Son Nhat Airport, the Frontier Travel Viet Nam team is always here to listen and support.
