The airport in numbers and history
Tan Son Nhat sits in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, just 7 kilometers from District 1. Despite its central location, it is one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia, handling around 40 to 45 million passengers annually across three terminals.
The airport has a longer history than most travelers realize. During the Vietnam War, it functioned as a major military airfield — at its peak, one of the busiest in the world. After 1975, it was handed over to civilian use and gradually rebuilt as a commercial hub. The domestic terminal followed in the 1990s, and the current international terminal opened in 2007, significantly upgrading facilities for foreign arrivals.
The most recent addition is Terminal 3, which opened in April 2025 to relieve pressure on the aging domestic Terminal 1. It is the largest of the three terminals by design, with modern check-in infrastructure and a distinctive curved roof inspired by the Vietnamese ao dai.
Vietnam’s main domestic hub
Domestically, Tan Son Nhat is in a category of its own. It connects Ho Chi Minh City to every major city and island destination in Vietnam, with hundreds of flights operating daily. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and several smaller carriers all use it as a primary base, making it the default starting point for travelers combining a southern Vietnam trip with destinations further north.
Long Thanh International Airport – what is changing
Travelers booking flights to or from Ho Chi Minh City from 2026 onward should be aware of an important development. Long Thanh International Airport, located 40 kilometers east of the city in Dong Nai province, received its first technical flight in December 2025 and is targeting commercial operations in the first half of 2026.
Once operational, Long Thanh is expected to take over international routes of 1,000 kilometers or more — roughly 80 percent of current international traffic at Tan Son Nhat. Tan Son Nhat will shift toward shorter regional routes to Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, while remaining the primary domestic hub.
The practical implication is straightforward: always verify which airport your flight departs from or arrives at. As airlines begin relocating routes to Long Thanh, assuming SGN is your airport could mean heading to the wrong side of the city.
The terminals explained
Tan Son Nhat operates three terminals. Two handle domestic flights, one handles all international traffic. Knowing which terminal your flight uses before you leave for the airport is the single most important step to avoiding unnecessary stress or delays.
Terminal 1 – domestic flights for smaller carriers
Terminal 1 is the original domestic terminal, built in the 1990s. It has two floors: arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the first. At 41,684 square meters, it is the smallest of the three terminals and shows its age. Facilities are functional but basic compared to the newer terminals.
Since May 2025, Terminal 1 serves Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vasco. Vietnam Airlines also uses Terminal 1 for its flights to Con Dao, Ca Mau, and Rach Gia — the only exception to its otherwise full move to Terminal 3.
Terminal 2 – all international flights
Terminal 2 is the international terminal, opened in 2007. It has four floors and covers 115,834 square meters, making it significantly larger than Terminal 1. The design is more open, with large glass walls and better natural light.
All international arrivals and departures use Terminal 2, regardless of airline. If you are flying in from or out to any international destination, this is your terminal.
Terminal 3 – the new domestic terminal
Terminal 3 opened on April 19, 2025, and is the most modern of the three. It has five floors — one underground and four above ground — and covers 112,500 square meters. The roof follows a soft, curved design inspired by the Vietnamese ao dai, and the building is designed to maximize natural light throughout.
The check-in infrastructure is a step up from Terminal 1: 90 traditional counters, 20 automated baggage drop counters, and 42 self-check-in kiosks. From May 2025, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air moved all their domestic operations here, with the exception of the Con Dao, Ca Mau, and Rach Gia routes mentioned above.
In practice, Terminal 3 handles the majority of domestic passengers, since Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air together dominate the domestic market.
Getting between terminals
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by a covered walkway on the ground floor. The walk takes under five minutes.
Terminal 3 is a different situation. It sits approximately 850 meters from Terminal 1 and 2, separated by road. A free shuttle bus connects all three terminals, running every 20 minutes between 04:30 and 00:30. A taxi between Terminal 3 and the main complex costs around 50,000 VND and takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.
If you have a connecting domestic flight and arrive internationally at Terminal 2, check whether your onward flight departs from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 before heading to the shuttle. Getting this wrong can cost 30 minutes or more.
Flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Tan Son Nhat is connected to 88 airports worldwide, served by 52 airlines. It is by far the largest aviation hub in southern Vietnam and one of the best-connected airports in Southeast Asia.
International flights
International routes cover most of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and one direct connection to the United States. The overview below lists key destinations by region, along with the main carriers and approximate flight times.
Southeast Asia — Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, Bali, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, Yangon, and others. Flight times range from 1 to 3 hours. Served by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, AirAsia, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, and several regional carriers.
Northeast Asia — Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and more. Flight times range from 3 to 5 hours. Served by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, ANA, China Eastern, China Southern, and others. This is one of the busiest corridors out of SGN, with multiple daily departures to most major Northeast Asian cities.
South Asia — Mumbai and Delhi. Around 5 hours. Served by Air India and Vietnam Airlines.
Middle East — Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul. Flight times range from 7 to 9 hours. Served by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Europe — London Heathrow, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, and Copenhagen. Flight times range from 11 to 13 hours. Served by Vietnam Airlines and Air France. These are long-haul routes with limited daily frequency — booking early is advisable.
Australia — Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Flight times range from 8 to 10 hours. Served by Vietnam Airlines, Qantas, Jetstar, and Scoot.
North America — San Francisco is the only direct connection. The flight takes approximately 17 hours and is operated exclusively by Vietnam Airlines. There are no direct flights to Canada or any other US city.
One important note for anyone booking travel from 2026 onward: as Long Thanh International Airport begins commercial operations, long-haul international routes of 1,000 kilometers or more are expected to transfer there. Verify your departure airport at the time of booking.
Domestic flights
Tan Son Nhat is the main domestic hub in Vietnam. It connects Ho Chi Minh City to every significant city and island destination in the country, with frequent daily departures on Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and smaller carriers.
Key routes and approximate flight times:
- Hanoi — 2 hours
- Da Nang — 1 hour 20 minutes
- Phu Quoc — 1 hour
- Nha Trang / Cam Ranh — 1 hour
- Hue — 1 hour 30 minutes
- Dalat — 50 minutes
- Hai Phong — 2 hours
- Vinh — 1 hour 40 minutes
- Can Tho, Con Dao, Rach Gia, and Ca Mau are also served, though with less frequency
For most destinations in central and northern Vietnam, flying is the practical choice over ground transport given the distances involved.
Departing from Tan Son Nhat International Airport
How early to arrive
For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 2 hours is sufficient under normal conditions. During Tet and other major public holidays, add extra time on top of that — both traffic to the airport and queues inside get significantly worse during these periods.
Check-in
Most airlines serving SGN offer online check-in, which is worth using. Terminal 3 in particular has 42 self-check-in kiosks and 20 automated baggage drop counters, making the process noticeably faster for passengers who have already checked in online. Terminal 2 can get congested at peak times, especially in the early morning when multiple long-haul departures overlap.
Security and immigration
For international departures from Terminal 2, the process runs as follows: check in and drop bags, proceed to immigration with passport and boarding pass, clear security screening, then head to your gate. Immigration queues at Terminal 2 can be long during busy morning departure windows. If your flight leaves between 6 and 10 AM, factor in extra time beyond the standard 3-hour recommendation.
Domestic departures from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 involve security screening only — no immigration formalities.
Rush hours and traffic
Ho Chi Minh City’s rush hours run from 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM. From District 1, the airport is only 7 kilometers away but can take 45 to 60 minutes or more during these windows. If your departure falls during rush hour, leave the hotel at least 90 minutes earlier than you otherwise would. Travelers coming from districts further from the airport — District 4, District 7, or areas east of the center — should allow even more time.
Arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
International arrivals
All international flights arrive at Terminal 2. Once off the aircraft, the process runs as follows: visa counter if needed, immigration, baggage claim on the ground floor, customs, then the arrival hall.
If you are entering on a Visa on Arrival, the approval letter counter comes before immigration. The fee is approximately $25 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa, payable in cash only — USD or VND both work. Sorting an eVisa before departure avoids this queue entirely and is the better option for most travelers.
Immigration lines at Terminal 2 can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes depending on how many flights have landed simultaneously. Early morning arrivals, when overnight flights from Europe and the Middle East tend to cluster, are typically the slowest.
Domestic arrivals
Domestic flights arrive at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 depending on the airline. There is no immigration or customs for domestic arrivals — collect your bags at the baggage carousel and exit to the arrival hall. Confirm your arrival terminal before your trip so your pickup or onward transport is waiting at the right building.
SIM cards
SIM card counters are located near the arrival exits in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The main providers are Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone. A tourist SIM with a data package costs between $7 and $13 USD. A passport is required to register.
Getting a SIM before leaving the airport is strongly recommended. Grab — the ride-hailing app used by most travelers — requires mobile data to book rides, and navigating the city without offline maps or data is unnecessarily difficult.
Currency exchange and ATMs
Exchange counters are available in the arrival halls of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Rates at the airport are functional but not the best available in the city. Change a small amount to cover immediate needs — transport, SIM card, water — and get a better rate once you are in the city center.
ATMs are available from Vietcombank, BIDV, Vietinbank, Citibank, and ANZ, among others. International cards are generally accepted without issues.
Getting from the airport to the city
Location and distance
Tan Son Nhat sits 7 kilometers from District 1, which puts it closer to the city center than most major airports in the region. In normal traffic the drive takes 20 to 30 minutes. During rush hour — 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM — that can stretch to 45 minutes or longer. The road immediately outside the terminals gets congested quickly when multiple flights land at the same time, so even outside peak hours there can be short delays getting clear of the airport itself.
Ride-hailing apps
For most travelers, Grab is the best option. Prices are fixed upfront, there is no negotiation, and payment can be made by card through the app or in cash. Be and Xanh SM are local alternatives that work the same way.
Pick-up zones are clearly marked on the ground floor of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The fare to District 1 runs approximately 150,000 to 250,000 VND ($6 to $10 USD) depending on vehicle type and time of day.
One warning worth repeating: avoid any driver who approaches inside the terminal offering a ride. These are not affiliated with any app or licensed company and routinely charge three to five times the going rate.
Metered taxis
Licensed taxis queue outside both terminals. Mai Linh (green cars) and Vinasun (white cars with a green stripe) are the two reputable companies. The fare to District 1 runs approximately 150,000 to 200,000 VND. Always confirm the meter is running before the car moves.
Public buses
The cheapest option, but only practical for travelers with light luggage. Bus 109 is the most useful route, connecting the airport directly to District 1 at Ben Thanh. It runs every 20 minutes and costs 15,000 VND per person, with the journey taking around 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Bus 152 also serves the airport but takes a longer, more indirect route toward District 7.
There is an additional charge for luggage on both routes. Buses can get crowded, and navigating with a large bag is awkward. For anyone carrying more than a small backpack, a ride-hailing app is the more sensible choice.
Private transfer
Hotels and local travel agencies offer pre-booked private transfers with a fixed price and a driver waiting at arrivals. Costs typically run from 200,000 to 350,000 VND depending on vehicle size. This is the most convenient option for late-night arrivals, families, or anyone who prefers not to deal with apps on arrival.
Facilities at Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Food and drinks
Terminal 2 has the best selection. Recognizable options include Starbucks, Highlands Coffee, Burger King, and Domino’s alongside Vietnamese food stalls. It is not an exceptional airport for dining, but there is enough variety to cover most needs before a flight.
Terminal 1 is more limited. The food court on the top floor covers the basics but does not offer much beyond that. Expect standard Vietnamese dishes and coffee — functional rather than impressive.
Terminal 3 opened in April 2025 and its retail and food tenant mix is still developing. Options are available across multiple floors but the selection is not yet as complete as Terminal 2.
For travelers arriving late at night, food options across all terminals become limited after around 10 PM. Grab Food delivery works in the arrival hall area and is a practical workaround for late arrivals who are hungry before heading into the city.
Shops and duty-free
Duty-free shopping is available in Terminal 2 departures, covering the usual range of perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, and local products. Terminal 1 has limited souvenir and convenience options. Terminal 3 retail is still being built out and is not yet comparable to Terminal 2.
Lounges
Terminal 1 has the Le Saigonnais Business Lounge, located airside near Gate 11 in the domestic departures area. It accommodates around 70 guests and offers runway views, basic food and drinks, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi. Single entry costs approximately $15 to $20 USD. Good value for the price, though the food selection is modest.
Terminal 2 has several options: the SASCO Business Lounge, Rose Business Lounge, Jasmine Halal Lounge, Orchid Lounge, and Apricot Business Lounge. All operate 24 hours. The Apricot and Lotus lounges have modern shower facilities. Priority Pass is accepted at select lounges. Single entry is approximately $25 USD for three hours, accessible without a business class ticket. Terminal 2 lounges can get crowded during the busy early morning international departure window.
Terminal 3 has three lounges on the 4th floor of the domestic departures area. The Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is reserved for premium passengers and elite members. The SENS Business Lounge and SH Premium Lounge are both open to walk-up purchases and accept Priority Pass — a good option for anyone departing from T3 who wants to avoid the main waiting areas.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available across all three terminals. It is adequate for messaging and basic browsing. For anything more demanding, mobile data through a local SIM is more reliable.
Charging
Charging points are available in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 has limited options. A portable power bank is worth having as a backup, particularly if you have a long wait in Terminal 1.
Luggage storage and wrapping
Luggo (formerly BoxLok) operates luggage storage at all three terminals. This is useful for travelers arriving early before hotel check-in or with time to spare before a late flight. Luggage wrapping services are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
ATMs and currency exchange
Covered in the arrivals section above, but worth noting that exchange counters and ATMs are also available airside in Terminal 2 for travelers who need cash after clearing security. Airport exchange rates are serviceable but not competitive — change only what you need.
Information desks
Airport information desks are located at the C and D gates in Terminal 1, in the arrival hall, and in the waiting lounge in Terminal 2. Staff speak English. Brochures and city maps are available at no charge.
