Ho Chi Minh City Airport: Ultimate guide to consider for Newbies

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City Airport) serves as the city’s only airport and stands as the busiest in Vietnam. For travelers heading to Vietnam’s most vibrant tourist hotspot, Tan Son Nhat International Airport is their gateway. With cutting-edge facilities, this airport accommodates millions of passengers each year. Let VietnamDope Travel delve into all the details about the country’s busiest airport to help you plan your visit!

How many airports in Ho Chi Minh City are there?

Saigon’s only international airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the largest in Vietnam. Situated about 7 kilometers from the city center, it occupies a strategic location. This airport serves as a crucial gateway, linking Ho Chi Minh City to the global network and acting as a prime stopover for flights from other continents to Southeast Asia. Operating around the clock, it handles a variety of flights, including regular, irregular, private, charter, commercial, and technical flights.

Here are the key details about Tan Son Nhat International Airport:

• Full name: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
• Address: Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Airport code: SGN
• Country code: +84
• Hotline: 02438485383
• Airport classification: 4E
• Time zone: GMT/UTC +7

The development of Tan Son Nhat Airport

The growth of Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is deeply connected to both the city’s and the nation’s history. Following the reunification of North and South Vietnam on April 30, 1975, the Vietnamese government assumed control of the airport from the previous regime. 

Between May 1 and May 15, 1975, the new administration reinstated the air route between Saigon and Hanoi, as well as other Southern destinations, with 5-6 flights daily. In 1986, post the 6th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the airport saw further investment in equipment and infrastructure, making it the largest airport in the country. On September 7, 2015, Decision No. 3193/QD-BGTVT was issued to update the airport’s detailed planning, including the renovation and expansion of passenger and cargo terminals.

Reviews of Airport in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Tan Son Nhat Airport, the largest in Vietnam, is a key commercial hub for both Ho Chi Minh City and the nation. Its facilities and services are regularly upgraded to boost capacity, enhance passenger satisfaction, and attract more investment.

Facilities

The airport boasts some of the country’s most advanced infrastructure, incorporating state-of-the-art technology:

• Runways: Two runways, measuring 3,048 meters and 3,800 meters respectively, support aircraft up to code E.
• Apron: Includes a network of taxiways, parking stands, and CAT II standard guidance equipment. The parking system offers 82 positions for large aircraft like the A350, B747-400, A330, B777, B767, and A321.
• Domestic Terminal: Capable of handling 13 million passengers annually, this terminal features 111 check-in counters, 1 transfer counter, 1 oversized baggage counter, 19 boarding gates, 4 passenger boarding bridges, 6 arrival baggage conveyors, and 6 departure baggage conveyors.
• International Terminal: Designed for 10 million passengers per year, it includes 80 check-in counters, 1 transfer counter, 12 boarding gates, 8 passenger boarding bridges, 6 arrival baggage conveyors, 4 departure baggage conveyors, 18 emigration counters, 20 immigration counters, 2 departure customs inspection machines, and 6 arrival customs inspection machines.

Services

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City continuously improves its offerings to enhance travelers’ experiences. Here are some of the available services:

• First-Aid Service: Medical rooms are available within the terminals to assist passengers needing medical attention. In emergencies, passengers can call the hotline at (08) 38 485 383 – 3408 for immediate help, and an ambulance will arrive within 5 to 7 minutes for quick rescue and hospital transfer.
• Dining Area: The airport offers a diverse selection of food options, including traditional Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, fast food such as burgers, pizzas, and fried chicken, as well as various beverages.
• Shopping Area: While waiting for flights, travelers can browse through numerous shops at the airport. These stores offer a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, gifts, groceries, toys, and local specialties.
• Lounge: The airport’s lounges for VIPs and CIPs are well-regarded for their comfort and dining services. There are 2 lounges in the domestic terminal and 6 in the international terminal.
• Additional Services: Tan Son Nhat Airport also provides free wifi and water, information desks, and lost & found counters.

Flights to & from Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon has the highest passenger capacity in Vietnam, handling over 30 million passengers each year. The airport manages hundreds of domestic and international flights daily.

• Domestic Flights: Tickets to and from Ho Chi Minh City can be bought from several domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines. The airport provides domestic flights connecting to nearly every other airport in Vietnam, including routes like Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong – Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh – Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City, among others.
• International Flights: There are numerous direct international routes to and from the airport, including Hong Kong – Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul – Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok – Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore – Ho Chi Minh City, Frankfurt – Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur – Ho Chi Minh City, Manila – Ho Chi Minh City, and Shanghai – Ho Chi Minh City. These flights are operated by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Asiana Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, AirAsia, Korean Air, and EVA Air.

Detailed guide to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City

According to Google Maps, the airport is roughly 7 kilometers from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. The journey typically takes between 17 and 30 minutes, depending on the chosen route and mode of transport. Options for getting there include taxis, public buses, and shuttle buses.

Public Bus

Buses are a widely used form of public transport in Ho Chi Minh City, with fares ranging from 6,000 to 40,000 VND per trip. Notable bus routes to and from the airport are:

• Bus 109: Saigon Bus Station – Tan Son Nhat Airport, running from 5:30 AM to 10:15 PM with a frequency of every 45 to 50 minutes.
• Bus 152: Trung Son residential area – Tan Son Nhat Airport, operating from 5:15 AM to 7:00 PM with buses every 12 to 18 minutes.
• Bus 72-1: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Vung Tau Station, available from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with intervals ranging from 10 to 120 minutes.

Taxi

Taxis offer a quick, comfortable, and efficient way to travel, particularly for groups. For an enhanced experience, travelers can use Xanh SM Airport Taxi, which features Vinfast electric vehicles, skilled drivers, and fares starting at 130,000 VND per ride. Xanh SM taxis can be found at designated stands in both terminals: Lane C from columns C3 to C15 at the domestic terminal and Lane A from columns A1 to A3 at the international terminal. Alternatively, rides can be booked via the Xanh SM app or by calling 1900 2088.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Travelers can also use ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Gojek, and Be to book transportation from the airport to the city center. These services are available around the clock at Tan Son Nhat Airport, with prices varying based on destination and booking time. Pickup locations are at the waiting areas on the 1st floor of both terminals. For motorbike taxis, passengers should walk about 500 meters outside the airport gate.

By airport shuttle bus

Airport shuttle buses are also a popular choice for travelers commuting between the airport and downtown Ho Chi Minh City. This service offers a variety of vehicles, including 4-seater and 7-seater cars, ensuring timely pickups, accommodating luggage, and providing comfort for passengers during transit. The cost varies depending on the vehicle and distance, ranging from 190,000 to 550,000 VND per trip.

Conclusion

Navigating Ho Chi Minh City Airport can be straightforward with a bit of preparation. By familiarizing yourself with the airport’s layout, essential services, and local tips, you’ll ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Whether you’re arriving or departing, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make your journey through the airport as efficient and enjoyable as possible. Safe travels!