Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): How to get from International to Domestic Terminal?

Tan Son Nhat Airport (IATA Code: SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is considered the biggest airport in Vietnam. Recently, Airports Corporation of Vietnam ACV has adjusted the terminals for carriers. In detail, Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways have relocated all domestic flights to the new T3 Terminal, located farther away from T2 (International Terminal), while T1 (Domestic Terminal) still serves domestic flights for VietJet only. As a result, if you’re landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) T2 in Ho Chi Minh City and need to catch a domestic flight, it’s important to know how to transfer efficiently between terminals. This article provides a practical guide or terminal changes updated in 2025, Tan Son Nhat Airport current terminal allocation, how to transfer from T2 to T3 or T1, and more. 

Terminal Changes at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in 2025

Before May 2025, Tan Son Nhat Airport operated mainly with 02 terminals:

  • T2 (International Terminal): For all international arrivals and departures;
  • T1 (Domestic Terminal): For all domestic flights operated by Vietnamese airlines;

Since August 2025, Tan Son Nhat Airport operated with 03 terminals:

  • T3 (Domestic Terminal): For Domestic flights of Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, Vasco and Vietravel Airlines (located farther away from T2);
  • T2 (International Terminal): For all international arrivals and departures;
  • T1 (Domestic Terminal): For domestic flights for VietJet Air;

Current Terminal Allocation at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)

Terminal Airlines Flight Type
T2 All international airlines International flights
T1 VietJet Domestic flights
T3 Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, Vasco and Vietravel Airlines Domestic flights

Transfer from International Terminal (T2) to Domestic Terminal (T1) at SGN

If your connecting DOMESTIC flight is with VietJet (VJ), you’ll depart from T1, which is conveniently located next to T2.

For transferring from T2 to T1, walking is usually the easiest option as the two terminals are located next to each other.

  • Walking: About 5–7 minutes on foot; follow the pedestrian signs or ask airport staff for directions.
  • Free Airport Shuttle Bus: A free inter-terminal shuttle bus also connects T1, T2 and T3.
  • Luggage Trolleys: Available at both T1 and T2 if you need assistance with your luggage.

When transferring from T2 to T1, remember:

  • Transit time: We recommend allowing at least 2.5–3 hours between your international arrival and domestic departure, especially if you have checked baggage or separate flight tickets.

Transfer from International Terminal (T2) to Domestic Terminal (T3) at SGN

If your connecting DOMESTIC flight is operated by Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, VASCO or Vietravel Airlines, you’ll need to move to Terminal T3, which is located farther away from T2 (about 2km).

Always check the terminal shown on your latest flight ticket or airline booking, as terminal assignments may change.

For transferring from T2 to T3, you can take the free airport shuttle bus or use a taxi / ride-hailing service for convenience.

  • Airport Shuttle Bus (free of charge):
    • Pick-Up Points: Column B16 – B15, Line B, at Terminal 2;
    • Operating Hours: 4:30 AM – 00:30 AM;
    • Frequency: Every 15 – 20 minutes;
    • Contact information: 1900 866663 (for Lost Items on Shuttle Buses);
    • Luggage: You’ll need to manage your own baggage during the transfer, don’t bring the trolley on bus;
  • Taxi or Ride-Hailing App:
    • Taxis (Vinasun, Mai Linh) or Grab are available at the taxi rank outside T2.
    • Cost: Approximately 40,000 – 60,000 VND (approximately US$2 – US$3);
    • Travel time: Around 7 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic at the airport;

Transfer between Domestic Terminal (T3) and Domestic Terminal (T1) at SGN 

For transfering betwwen T3 and T1, at the moment you can choose Transit Shuttle Bus.

  • Transit Shuttle Bus inside the Aircraft Parking Area;
  • Cost: Free of charge;
  • Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 AM (of the next day);
  • Frequency: Every 20 minutes;
  • Route: Transit Hall of Terminal T3 → Aircraft Parking Area → Drop-off at Door A2 of Terminal T1;

Notes: Passengers must complete check-in procedures and hold a boarding pass for the connecting flight;

Tips for smooth transfer at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)

  • Vietnam e-Visa or Visa on arrival: If you are not qualified for Vietnam visa exemption, please make sure your Vietnam visa is ready. Check your Vietnam visa requirements.
  • Customs and Baggage: Vietnam currently does not offer sterile international-to-domestic transfer, so you must clear immigration and collect checked luggage.
  • Time Buffer: Always allow the extra time for the transfer at least 2.5 to 3 hours between International Arrival and Domestic departure if transiting to T3, especially during peak hours or in case of delay in the first flight.
  • Follow boards and announcements at the airport; 
  • Fast Track service: If you are going with small children or senior, have limited connection time and unfamiliar with Vietnam’s airport layout, you can consider to use our Fast Track service. Our staff will meet you at the arrival gate with the name board, escort you through immigration, help you with luggage pickup, and transfer you quickly to domestic terminal, whether it’s T1 or T3 for the next flight.
  • Currency: Get some CASH for taxi fares or snacks.

Depending on your domestic airline and terminal allocation at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you can choose the most suitable way to transfer from the international terminal to your domestic terminal.

In case you need further support, reach out to us via Hotline/ WhatsApp/ Zalo +84 86 517 8972, OR email sales@vmetravel.net

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.

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