Moving from Long Thanh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center

Whether you’re arriving after a long international flight or transferring to your hotel, knowing your transport options and costs will make your journey smooth and stress-free. This guide covers distance, travel time, transport choices, price ranges, and practical tips for travelers moving from Vietnam’s newest major airport – Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City (Sai Gon) center.

Table of Contents

Distance & Travel Time from Long Thanh Airport to HCM City Center

The distance from Long Thanh International Airport (LTH) to Ho Chi Minh City center (District 1) is approximately 40 – 45 kilometers, depending on your final destination and traffic conditions.

Distance: ~40 – 45 km from Long Thanh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center;
Normal travel time: ~50 – 70 minutes by car or taxi;
Rush hour: Could take up to 90+ minutes;

Therefore, in case you are in a tight schedule to reach your hotel or connecting transport, plan extra time carefully.

Transport Options Long Thanh Airport to HCM City Center

Private Airport Transfer – Best Overall Choice

If you want comfort, convenience, and reliability, a pre-booked Airport VIP Fast Track and private airport transfer is highly recommended.

Why VIP Fast Track & Private Airport Transfer?

No queue at the Immigrations and Customs;
Door-to-door service to your hotel or address;
Fixed price with no surge fees;
Assistance with luggage;
Most suitable for: First-time visitors, families, business travelers, VIP guests, anyone with luggage;

Estimated Prices

4-seater sedan: ~500,000 – 800,000 VND (~USD 20 – 35);
7-seater SUV/MPV: ~600,000 – 900,000 VND (~USD 25 – 40);
16-seater minibus / limousine (VIP): ~1,000,000 – 1,900,000 VND (~USD 40 – 80);

Notes:

This fee is for car only. For VIP Fast Track and Combo, check here;
The fee is estimated and for references only;

Travel Time: ~50 – 70 minutes (depending on traffic)

Taxi & Ride-Hailing – Convenient & On-Demand

Taxis and app-based ride-hail services like Grab, Xanh SM and Be are available at the airport and suitable for travelers who didn’t pre-book.

Estimated Prices:

~600,000 – 900,000 VND (~USD 25 – 35) (one-way, normal time);
Prices can fluctuate during peak hours, rainy weather, or special events;

Travel Time: ~50 – 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Tips:

Use the official APP from your phone instead of hailing drivers directly;
Confirm total price before departure to avoid misunderstandings;

Shuttle & Public Bus – Cheapest Option

At the moment, shuttle bus services from Long Thanh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City are limited or in development. Therefore, bus frequency or official routes aren’t widely available yet.

Lately, HCMC authorities have announced plans to introduce 07 new bus routes connecting Long Thanh Airport with major transport hubs in and around Ho Chi Minh City. These proposals include services starting from Tan Son Nhat Airport, the Eastern Bus Station, and Saigon Bus Station, as well as additional routes from surrounding economic zones. However, the estimated travel time can be up to ~90 – 120 minutes, and it may not be practical with those who have heavy luggage or on a tight schedule.

Metro & Railway – Planned Projects

In the longer term, urban rail links are expected to further transform travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Long Thanh Airport. The City is planning integrated metro connections that would link its existing network with a future urban railway to Long Thanh Airport, aiming to complete these routes by around 2030. Moreover, additional metro extensions and even a dedicated railway line connecting the Thu Thiem area with Long Thanh Airport are also proposed, designed to deliver high-capacity transit options by the early 2030s.

Which Transfer Option Should Travelers Choose?

At the moment, the most practical choice for many visitors arriving at Long Thanh Airport remains private transfers or taxis due to their predictability and convenience. However, the launch of planned bus routes will offer an affordable alternative for budget travelers.

Here is the quick summary for you:

VIP Fast Track & Private transfer: the best balance of comfort and simplicity;
Taxis and Grab: flexible convenience without booking in advance;
Shuttle/public buses: cheapest but less reliable for tight schedules;

Quick Tips for Travelers

For a smooth traveling from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City center, check out some quick tips below.

Book services in advance: Pre-booked transfers guarantee a driver and fixed, best rate;
Avoid rush hours (around 7:00 – 9:00 AM and 4:30 – 7:00 PM) to reduce travel time;
Add buffer time for weather, traffic, or flight delays;
Prepare local cash (VND) for small fares or tips;

Any wonderful trip all start with a good preparation. Hope this guide provides you ultimate information for the trip to Vietnam. In case you need further support regarding Vietnam evisa, Vietnam eSIM, Tours, or anything, fee free to reach out to us at Hotline/ WhatsApp/ Viber/ Zalo +84 86 517 8972 or sales@vmetravel.net.

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Disclaimer: While we put an effort to ensure that the provided information is correct and up-to-date, there are probably changes which we are unaware of.