HCMC Transportation Guide

1. Air & Interprovincial Transportation

1.1. Air Travel (Flight)

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is located about 7 km from the city center and serves as the main gateway for both domestic and international flights. Travelers can book tickets via travel agencies or directly through the official websites of the following airlines:

• Vietnam Airlines: 15 Bis Dinh Tien Hoang, District 1 | Tel: +8424 3832 0320

• Vietjet Air: 08 Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, District 3 | Tel: +8428 3547 4174 or +84 1900 1886

• Bamboo Airways: 6 Tan Son, Phu Nhuan District | Tel: +84 963 840 549 (Ticket office available at Gate D3, Domestic Terminal, Tan Son Nhat Airport)

• Pacific Airlines: 112 Hong Ha, Tan Binh District | Tel: +8428 7100 1550 or +8428 7101 1550 (Ticket counter available at the Domestic Terminal, Tan Son Nhat Airport | Tel: +8428 3848 7176)

1.2. Major Bus Stations (Interprovincial)

• An Suong Bus Station: National Highway 22, Ba Diem Commune, Hoc Mon District | Tel: +8428 3883 2517

• Mien Dong (New) Bus Station: 501 Hoang Huu Nam, Thu Duc City | Tel: +8428 1900 571 292

• Mien Tay Bus Station: 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, Binh Tan District

2. Intra-City Transport & Tourism Experiences

2.1. Motorbikes & Ride-Hailing Apps (Xe máy & Xe ôm công nghệ)

• Features: This is the most iconic and flexible way to weave through narrow alleys or navigate the bustling streets of Saigon.

• How to Use: Travelers can rent a motorbike at local shops or hotels (prices range from 150.000 VNĐ to 300.000 VNĐ per day depending on the model). For greater convenience, download ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM to book safe rides with upfront pricing and routes.

• Safety Tips: Wearing a helmet is strictly mandatory. When riding, securely hold your phone and bag against your chest to prevent drive-by snatches, and try to minimize traveling during peak rush hours to avoid gridlock.

2.2. Cars & Taxis (Ô tô & Taxi)

• Features: A comfortable, air-conditioned option to escape the heat or sudden rain showers, ideally suited for groups, families with children, or long-distance trips to the suburbs.

• How to Use: Hail reputable traditional taxi brands (like Vinasun or Mai Linh) directly on the street or use ride-hailing apps (GrabCar, BeCar, Xanh SM) to track your journey in detail.

• Safety Tips: If taking a traditional taxi, ensure the driver turns on the meter immediately upon boarding. For ride-hailing apps, double-check that the license plate matches and confirm the fare displayed on the app before setting off.

2.3. Local City Buses (Xe buýt nội thành)

• Features: The most popular and budget-friendly mode of public transit, featuring a dense network of over 150 routes covering the entire city.

• How to Use: To optimize your commute, download the MultiGo app on your smartphone. This app helps track real-time schedules, waiting times, and suggests the most optimal routes.

• Note: Always prepare small change (cash) before boarding for quick ticket purchases.

2.4. Metro Train (Line 1: Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien)

The city’s first urban railway completely changes HCMC’s traffic landscape, offering rapid transits from the center (Ben Thanh) to the eastern gateway (Suoi Tien / New Mien Dong Bus Station), providing a modern way to bypass traffic jams.

• Specifications: The line spans 19.7 km with 14 stations (3 underground, 11 elevated). The massive Ben Thanh underground station covers 32,000 m², offering seamless connections to iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, and the Saigon waterfront. Each train consists of 3 carriages with a total capacity of up to 930 passengers.

• How to Buy Tickets: Download the HCMC Metro app to easily purchase e-tickets, look up station maps, and update train schedules, or buy them directly at automatic ticket vending machines or ticket counters at the stations. Payment methods supported include cash, contactless bank cards (Mastercard, Napas…), or e-wallets (MoMo).

• Operating Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

• Pricing:

  • Single-trip ticket: 7.000 – 20.000 VNĐ, with a 1.000 VNĐ discount for cashless payments.

  • Combo tickets: 1-Day Pass (40.000 VNĐ), 3-Day Pass (90.000 VNĐ), Monthly Pass (300.000 VNĐ—only 150.000 VNĐ for pupils and students).

  • Exemptions: Free admission for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children under 6 years old.

2.5. Public Bicycles (Xe đạp công cộng)

• Features: Ideal for exploring downtown landmarks, cruising around pedestrian streets, and slowly discovering the city’s hidden gems while remaining eco-friendly.

• Station Network: 43 docking stations are strategically placed on sidewalks across District 1, located near bus stops, public parks, and popular tourist attractions. Each station holds 10–20 bicycles.

• How to Use: Download the TNGo app, register an account, and top up your balance (supports local ATM cards, Visa/MasterCard, domestic cards, and e-wallets like ZaloPay and MoMo). Scan the QR code to easily lock/unlock the bike.

• Pricing: 30-Minute Package (5.000 VNĐ/ block); Daily Pass (50.000 VNĐ/ 15 blocks); Monthly Pass (300.000 VNĐ / 120 blocks).

2.6. Walking (Đi bộ)

• Features: Downtown District 1 areas (such as Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Dong Khoi Street, and the tree-shaded areas around Notre-Dame Cathedral) feature wide sidewalks, making them perfect for sightseeing, strolling, and cafe-hopping.

💡 Special Note on Crossing the Street: Saigon traffic is famously dense and non-stop. When walking across a lane of vehicles, the golden rule is to keep a slow, steady, and confident pace forward. Do not step back suddenly or rush ahead; oncoming drivers (especially motorbikes) will expertly judge your trajectory and weave around you beautifully.

2.7. Double-Decker Bus (Xe buýt hai tầng)

• Capacity & Route: The 2-story bus accommodates up to 60 passengers, traveling across 24 streets and passing by 30 prominent attractions throughout the city.

• Amenities: Equipped with an integrated GPS system that automatically plays multi-lingual audio tour guides at each stop. Buses depart continuously every 30 minutes.

• Departure Points:

  • Stop 1 (9:00 AM – 3:30 PM): Central Post Office (No. 2 Paris Square).

  • Stop 2 (4:00 PM – 10:00 PM): No. 92-96 Nguyen Hue Street.

• Ticket Price: From 149.000 VNĐ.

2.8. Water Bus (Saigon Waterbus)

• Wharf System:

  • Central Wharf: Bach Dang Wharf (District 1).

  • Middle Wharves: Binh An Wharf, Thanh Da Wharf, Binh Chanh Wharf.

  • Terminal: Binh Dong Wharf.

• Operating Hours:

  • Weekdays: From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (17:00 – 21:00).

  • Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays: From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM (16:00 – 22:00).