How to get around Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and busiest city. For first-time travelers, figuring out how to move around can feel overwhelming.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about transportation in HCMC, from getting from the airport to your hotel to navigating the city like a local.

How to get from the airport to your hotel?

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is about 6 - 8 km from the city center, depending on where you stay. You have several ways to get into the city:

Ride-Hailing Apps

Pros:

• Transparent pricing: The fare is displayed in-app before confirming the ride, so you know exactly how much you’ll pay.

• Multiple vehicle options: From budget motorbike rides to standard cars or even electric taxis (Xanh SM), you can choose based on comfort and budget.

Cons:

• Busy-hour delays: During rush hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM), it may take longer to find an available driver.
• Higher fares at peak times: Dynamic pricing applies when demand is high, meaning you may pay more than usual.
• Traffic still affects travel time: Even with ride-hailing, you’ll still face HCMC’s notorious congestion, especially in central districts.
• Internet connection needed: You’ll need a working SIM card or Wi-Fi to book rides.

Below is a reference of estimated fares from some popular ride-hailing apps when traveling from the airport to the city center:

- Grab:

+ Fares from TSN Airport to central districts, such as District 1, range from about 150,000 – 200,000 VND for a 4-seater car.

+ In addition, Grab charges an extra airport access fee of 25,000 VND per trip.

- Xanh SM:

+ Maximum base distance: 30 km

+ Xanh SM Airport Car: the fare is 400.000 VND and 9,500 VND per additional kilometer

+ Xanh SM Airport Premium: the fare is 452.000 VND and 10,700 VND per additional kilometer.

Private Car

Booking a private car is one of the most comfortable ways to get from the airport to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Many visa and travel agencies provide this service, and you can also pre-book online before your trip.

A driver will meet you at the arrival gate with a sign, help with your luggage, and take you directly to your destination without the need to wait in line or negotiate fares.

A private car is suitable for families with children, business travelers, groups with heavy luggage, or anyone who prioritizes comfort and convenience over cost. However, it is expensive than taxis or ride-hailing apps and prices can vary depending on the provider.

The price is about $20 US for/ 7-seat car.

Contact us if you want to book a private car:

Hotline: +84.969.255.515 (Whatsapp/Viber/Wechat)

Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com

Taxi:

The average travel time by taxi from Tan Son Nhat airport to the city center is about 20 minutes in light traffic conditions, to 25 - 45 minutes during peak hours (usually from 7 - 9 am and 4 - 7 pm).

You’ll find taxi stands outside the arrival hall, and most drivers are familiar with common tourist destinations and hotels.

Visitors can refer to the price list of the most popular taxi companies here, including:

Taxi Company	Identification features	Starting Fare (Opening Fare)	Fare per km	Estimated Total Fare to District 1
Mai Linh	Green cars with a white logo	10,000 - 11,000 VND	13,600 - 15,100 VND	120,000 - 150,000 VND
Vinasun	White cars with red & green stripes, round logo	11,000 - 12,000 VND	16,000 - 20,200 VND	130,000 - 170,000 VND
ASV Taxi	Light blue cars	20,000 VND	18,900 - 19,800 VND	130,000 - 170,000 VND

• Pros: Easy to find, available 24/7.
  

• Cons: Always be wary of fake taxis such as taxi fare fraud, arbitrarily high prices, or drivers not wearing uniforms or name tags.

How to get around Ho Chi Minh City?

Bus:

Buses in Ho Chi Minh City are cheap and cover most districts, including routes to famous attractions like Ben Thanh Market, Cho Lon (Chinatown), and the airport. Tickets usually cost less than 10,000 VND (about $0.40).

• Pros: Budget-friendly, eco-friendly.
  

• Best for: Travelers with time to explore slowly.
  

• Tip: Download the “BusMap” app to check real-time bus schedules and routes.

Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Be, Xanh SM)

Ride-hailing services like Grab, Be, and Xanh SM are not only convenient for airport transfers but also extremely useful for moving around the city daily. Unlike traditional taxis, these apps give you the flexibility to choose between motorbikes, cars, or even eco-friendly electric vehicles.

They’re particularly helpful if you want to:

• Explore busy areas like District 1 without worrying about parking.
  

• Save time compared to waiting for buses or finding a reliable taxi.
  

• Travel cash-free, since most apps support card or e-wallet payments.

Ho Chi Minh City Metro

HCMC’s first metro line (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) has been officially operated since 12 December 2024, with a total length of 19,7km, connecting the city center with the eastern districts. Trains are expected to run from around 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, with intervals of 5 - 8 minutes during peak hours.

• Pros: Fast, traffic-free, modern.
  

• Best for: Avoiding rush-hour congestion, traveling quickly between central Ho Chi Minh City and District 9, Thu Duc, or the Suoi Tien Theme Park.

Single-ride fare (calculated based on the passenger’s travel distance):

• For cash payments, the fare ranges from 7,000 VND to 20,000 VND.
  

• For cashless payments, the fare ranges from 6,000 VND to 19,000 VND.
  

Time-based fare (unlimited rides within the valid time period):

• 1-day pass: 40,000 VND/person/day, unlimited rides within one day.
  

• 3-day pass: 90,000 VND/person/3 days, unlimited rides within three days.

Cyclo:

For a more traditional experience, try a cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxi). While no longer common for daily commuting, cyclos are popular among tourists for short sightseeing trips around historical landmarks such as the Central Post Office or Notre Dame Cathedral.

• Pros: Unique, slow-paced, cultural.
  

• Best for: Leisurely city tours and photo opportunities.
  

• Tip: Negotiate the price clearly before starting the ride.

Cyclo fares in HCM City are usually charged by the hour or per trip, with common rates ranging from 7 - 10 USD (approximately 175,000 - 250,000 VND) per ride. However, prices may vary depending on the agreement with the driver and the tourist destination.

Motorcycle and bicycle rentals

Vietnam is famous for its motorbike culture, and renting one is a thrilling way to see the city like a local. Many rental shops offer daily or weekly deals. Alternatively, bicycles are great for a slower, eco-friendly exploration of central districts.

• Pros: Freedom, flexibility.
  

• Best for: Experienced drivers comfortable with chaotic traffic.
  

• Tip: Always wear a helmet, carry your international driving permit, and be cautious during rush hours.

Here are some typical prices for motorbike and bicycle rentals in Ho Chi Minh City:

Motorbike Rental

Type / Model	Typical daily rate	Notes
Basic scooter / 110‑cc bikes	~ 80,000 – 150,000 VND/day	e.g. Wave, Sirius, Airblade in many local rental shops.
Mid‑range scooter / automatic	~ 150,000 ‑ 200,000 VND/day	Better condition / newer models, possibly with extras.
Larger / premium/semi-automatic	~ 300,000 ‑ 500,000 VND/day	For more powerful bikes (150‑400 cc), premium features.
High‑end / sports / big cc bikes	~800,000 VND/day	For performance bikes or specialty models.

Hop on - hop off bus

Looking for a convenient and flexible way to explore Ho Chi Minh City’s top attractions? The Hop-on Hop-off bus is an ideal choice for tourists.

Key Features:

- Open-top double-decker buses for sightseeing

- Fixed routes with multiple stops at popular landmarks:

• Bến Thành Market
  

• Independence Palace
  

• Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street
  

- Flexible schedule: great for both casual walkers and those with limited time

- Informative audio commentary onboard about HCMC’s history and landmarks

- Upper deck seating offers panoramic city views in a safe and comfortable environment

Ticket Information:

• Price per adult: 185,000 VND per person for one tour with 1 hour trip, including:

  • Transfers between attractions
    

  • Entry or visits to major tourist destinations
    

• Children under 6 years old: Free ticket

Private or group tours

Another hassle-free option is joining a guided tour - either private or in small groups. Tours often include transportation by bus, car, or motorbike, accompanied by a local guide who shares insights about the culture and history. Popular options include food tours by scooter, city highlights tours, or even day trips to Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.

• Pros: Stress-free, educational, time-saving.
  

• Best for: Travelers who prefer comfort, families, or those short on time.
  

• Tip: Book tours with reputable companies or through your hotel for reliability.

Price varies depending on group size.

Contact us for more details about the tour in HCM City.

Hotline: +84.969.255.515 (Whatsapp/Viber/Wechat)

Email: support@vietnamvisavoa.com

Extra Travel Tips for Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

• Keep an eye on your belongings

  Ho Chi Minh City, especially District 1, is always bustling with activity. While exploring, stay alert as pickpocketing or phone snatching by motorbike riders can happen if you’re distracted. A simple reminder: always secure your valuables and check out our full guide on tourist safety in Vietnam before you go.
  

• Choose the right type of bag

  Instead of handbags, use a fanny pack, crossbody bag, or money belt. These options help you keep your essentials close and reduce the risk of theft while moving through crowded streets.
  

• Consider public transportation, but plan ahead
  City buses in Ho Chi Minh City are budget-friendly, but navigating them can be tricky if you don’t speak Vietnamese. That’s why many travelers prefer ride-hailing apps like Grab—they’re much easier, faster, and more convenient for first-time visitors.
  
• Download the BusMap app if you take the bus

  For those who want to experience the local bus system, the BusMap app will be your best guide. One key hub is the Ben Thanh Bus Station, located just across from Ben Thanh Market. Be cautious when crossing the road here as traffic can be intense.
  

• Start your journey around Ben Thanh Market

  Ben Thanh Market isn’t just a shopping spot—many must-see attractions surround it. It’s also a great place to catch a bus or begin your day exploring Ho Chi Minh City.

FAQs: How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City

What’s the difference between GrabCar, GrabCar Plus, and GrabCar 7?

• GrabCar: Small vehicles like Toyota Yaris, suitable for solo travelers or couples.
  

• GrabCar Plus: Mid-size cars (e.g., Toyota Camry) for more comfort.
  

• GrabCar 7: SUVs like Toyota Fortuner, ideal for groups or families.

Can tourists rent motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City?

Absolutely. Renting a motorbike is a popular option and gives you the freedom to explore. Companies like DC Motorbikes and Tigit Motorbikes are highly recommended. However, traffic can be intense, so ride only if you’re confident and ideally have an international driver’s license.

Is Ho Chi Minh City walkable for tourists?

Yes, especially District 1, where many attractions like the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market are located within walking distance. However, be prepared for heat and humidity, and always watch for motorbikes on sidewalks.

What are some useful bus routes for tourists?

Popular routes include:

• Bus 1: Ben Thanh Market → Binh Tay Market
  

• Bus 152: Ben Thanh Market → Tan Son Nhat Airport
  

• Bus 11: Ben Thanh Market → Dam Sen Water Park

Are motorcycle taxis (Xe Om) safe to use?

Traditional freelance “xe om drivers can be risky and sometimes overcharge. It’s better to book a motorbike taxi through apps like Grab or Gojek, which also provide helmets.

What is the best time to get around the city to avoid traffic jams?

Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM). Midday (1–3 PM) and late evening are usually better time.