Tan Son Nhat International Airport Guide 2025 - The Gateway to Saigon for Every Traveler

2025-11-17

Your First Glimpse of Saigon

The moment you step out of the aircraft and feel the warm, slightly humid Saigon air rushing toward you, you realize you’ve arrived somewhere alive. The gentle roar of motorbikes hums even from outside the glass walls, mingling with the smell of strong Vietnamese coffee drifting from the terminal cafés. Tan Son Nhat International Airport may not be the most massive in Asia, but it’s one of the most spirited, a gateway that perfectly mirrors the energy of the city waiting beyond its gates.

Serving tens of millions of passengers every year, this airport is both the first impression and the last memory most travelers have of southern Vietnam. Whether you’re landing for business, adventure, or a connecting flight, this is your ultimate Insider guide: covering logistics, nearby hotels, good food, and the best hacks to survive (and enjoy) Vietnam’s busiest hub.

Where Is Tan Son Nhat International Airport? (+ Map & Access Points)

If you’ve ever wondered where Tan Son Nhat International Airport is, the answer is surprisingly convenient: right inside Ho Chi Minh City itself. Located in Tân Bình District, about 6 km north of the city center, the airport sits only 20–40 minutes from District 1 depending on traffic.

To visualize it, imagine a triangle:

• District 1: the downtown business and nightlife core, southeast of the airport.
• Phú Nhuận District: sandwiched in between, home to leafy cafés and small hotels.
• Thảo Điền (Thu Duc City): Saigon’s trendy east-side expat area, roughly 45+ minutes away.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport map

The Tan Son Nhat International Airport map shows two main terminals:

• T1 (Domestic): serves domestic flights for Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and Vasco.
• T2 (International): serves all international flights arriving in and departing from Vietnam.
• T3 (Domestic): A newly opened terminal for domestic flights, specifically for Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, designed to relieve congestion at Terminal 1.

T1 and T2 stand side-by-side along Trường Sơn Street, connected by a covered walkway, while T3 is 10 minutes away.

T1 (Domestic) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport map

T1 Domestic Terminal - Arrival Hall

T1 Domestic Terminal - Departure Hall

T2 (International) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport map

T2 International Terminal - Arrival Hall

T2 International Terminal - Departure Hall

Google Maps Pin for T1 and T2

T3 (Domestic) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport map

Second Level Lay Out - T3 Terminal

Third Level Lay Out - T3 Terminal

Fourth Level Lay Out - T3 Terminal

Google Maps Pin for T3

Layout & Facilities of Tan Son Nhat International Airport

All terminals are compact yet functional. T1 (Domestic) has three floors: check-in on the first, boarding gates above, food and shops on the top level. T2 (International) is newer and airier, with large glass walls overlooking the runways. The newest T3 (Domestic) officially opened on April 19, 2025, and consists of 1 underground floor and 4 above-ground floors.

Essentials & Services:

• Lounges: SASCO Business Lounge (T1 & T2), Le Saigonnais Lounge, Lotus Lounge, Orchid Lounge and Apricot Lounge: comfortable seating, showers, snacks. These lounges are usually available for business class or a certain type of credit card holder.
• SIM & Mobile: Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone counters at arrival exits; costing between 7 - 11 USD for a week plus data. Please be advised that you will need your passport to purchase and register a SIM card.
• ATMs & Exchange: There are plenty of ATMs operated by various banks, including Vietcombank, Vietinbank, BIDV, ANZ, CitiBank, and Shinhan Bank. Please check with your bank about withdrawing and conversion fees per transaction as different bank has different rates. For currency exchange, there are counters near baggage claim at the exit of the terminals. 

Pro Tips: The rates might not be as good as the gold shops or exchange counters downtown so only exchange a small amount here and head downtown to other shops to exchange for better rates. For a n extensive guide about money exchange, check out our exclusive article here.

• Wi-Fi: Free wifi is available at both Domestic and International terminals. The connection is reliable for light use. If you get disconnected after a while, simply reconnect. There’s no limit to your usage.
• Duty-Free: The international terminal (T2) features multiple duty-free shops, offering a range of products including perfume, liquor, Vietnamese coffee, and souvenirs. Payment accepted in VND or USD and credit cards.
• Mobile charging stations: there are multiple outlets at the boarding gate of all terminals, however since all the outlets are in public places, pay close attention to your device when charging.
• Special Facilities: Baby care room (T2 Gate 18), medical center (T1 Arrivals Hall), prayer room (near Gate 17).

Transportation Guide: How to Get To and From Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Updated Nov 2025)

Getting out of the airport can be either a breeze or a battle with Saigon traffic, depending on timing. Here’s how to navigate it smartly.

1. Taxi & Grab

• Airport Taxi: Official queues outside T1 and T2; Mai Linh and Vinasun are trusted brands. Fare to District 1: 200,000 - 250,000 VND (~US$ 7 - 10), and never more than 300,000 VND ($12). Always insist the drivers to use the meter when you first enter the vehicle. If the driver refuses, just walk away.
• Ride Hailing Apps: The most popular apps here are Grab, Be and Xanh SM. The apps arae available on both iOS and Android. You can easily download and book via your smartphone and pay by either cash or cards (via the app). Fees are well calculated and fixed, and much safer compared to booking a taxi. For an extensive guide to traveling in Vietnam, check out this article. A ride from the airport to the city center (district 1 is between 150,000 - 250,000 VND (7 - 10 USD)

→ Insider warning: Avoid unsolicited drivers offering rides inside the terminal. They often charge triple, refuse to use the meter or take a long way to charge you extra. 100% scam!

2. Public Buses & Shuttles

• Bus 109: Airport → District 1 (Bến Thành Bus Station). Every 20 minutes, the fare is 15,000 VND/person.
• Bus 152: Airport → Trung Sơn (District 7). Every 10 - 15 minutes. The fare is 7,000 VND/person.
• Airport Shuttle 49: Express to some of the city hotels (center in district 1). Fare 40,000 VND.

3. Private Transfers

• Private pick-up/drop-off services and hotel transfers are usually available at the hotel you book with. You should contact your hotel directly for these types of services. 

Average Transport Comparison:

• Bus # 109/152 Estimated waiting time: 45 min - 1 hour to the city center (district 1), 15,000 VND/ticket - cheapest option.
• Shuttle 49: 30 min, 40,000 VND/ticket, direct hotel drop-off at some hotel lobbies, and stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Opera House for passengers to visit.
• Private Transfer (grab car, taxis, private pickup…): 25 - 30 min to the city center (district 1), 200,000 - 300,000 VND+/ride. This is the most comfortable but also expensive option.

Where to Stay: Best Tan Son Nhat International Airport Hotels for Every Budget

1. Ibis Saigon Airport Hotel - Closest and Most Convenient

• Address: 2 Hồng Hà, Tân Bình District
• Facilities: Rooftop pool, buffet breakfast, gym
• Opening Hours: 24 h

2. Parkroyal Saigon - Business Comfort & Spa

• Address: 309B Nguyễn Văn Trỗi, Tân Bình
• Facilities: Spa, airport shuttle, large rooms
• Opening Hours: 24 h

3. The Airport Hotel Saigon - Budget Traveler Choice

• Address: 11 Cửu Long, Tân Bình
• Facilities: Basic, clean, Wi-Fi, friendly staff
• Opening Hours: 24 h

4. First Hotel - Local Classic Near the Airport

• Address: 18 Hoàng Viet, Tan Bình
• Facilities: Tennis courts, free breakfast, local charm
• Opening Hours: 24 h

5. Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport - Modern Luxury

• Address: 18E Cộng Hòa, Tân Bình
• Facilities: Rooftop bar, pool, international restaurant
• Opening Hours: 24 h

Eat & Drink Near Tan Son Nhat International Airport

1. Pho Phu Vuong: Authentic Pho Right by the Runway

• Address: 339 Lê Văn Sỹ, Tân Bình
• Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
• Note: One of Saigon’s renowned brands of phở, Phu Vuong is known for its Saigon-style phở with exceptional broths in the city.

2. Com Tam Ba Ghien: The Legend of Broken Rice

• Address: 84 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Phú Nhuận
• Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM
• Note: Called the best broken rice in Saigon, this Michelin-awarded broken rice stall is famous for grilled pork chops and charcoal flavor.

3. Highlands Coffee: Reliable Vietnamese Coffee Stop

• Location: Inside both terminals
• Hours: 5 AM – Midnight
• Note: Highlands Coffee is Saigon’s most popular coffee brand. You can literally find a Highlands Coffee shop on every corner in the city, and inside the airport as well. Their coffee is tasty and the price is affordable.

4. Lang Nuong Nam Bo - Casual BBQ for Long Layovers

• Address: 302A Tô Hiến Thành, District 10
• Hours: 4 PM - Midnight
• Note: If you have an over-24-hour layover in Ho Chi Minh City, why not venture out a little bit and try the locals’ favorite BBQ? This place is where the locals love to hang out with their friends, family and colleagues after work for food and drinks. 

Insider Tip: For arrivals after midnight, there are multiple 24h restaurants open for delivery on the app “Grab”. Similar to ordering a car, just go into the food section, choose 

Traveler Essentials & Airport Survival Tips (Insider Edition)

• Check-in time: Recommended a minimum of 2 hours before domestic, and 3 hours before international flights.
• Traffic jams: usually from 7 - 9 AM and 5 - 7 PM. If your flight is during these times, it’s advised to leave the hotel at least 90 minutes earlier (from the city center/district 1. Other districts might require a longer travel time to the airport (district 4, district 7, district 2…).
• Information center: at the C, D gate (Terminal T1), arrival hall, counter opposite C, D gate, and waiting lounge (Terminal T2). Brochures and city maps are complimentary.
• Rest zones: There’s a sleep zone near gate 21 on the 2nd floor of the international departure terminal with sleeping boxes. The sleeping box is suitable for a single adult to lie down and rest while waiting for their flight. The service costs 7 USD/hour with a minimum usage time of 3 hours, and a surcharge of 4 USD for each additional 30 minutes.
• Common scams: Do not accept any unlicensed rides or “special tour” offers from ANY of the operators or drivers within the airport, even if they look like they’re from an official company. Either arrange a pickup service with your hotel/travel agent or book a car through the Grab app.
• Top mistakes to avoid:
  • Going to the wrong terminal: There’s only 1 international terminal at the moment (T2), but there are 2 domestic terminals (T1 & T3), and they’re at different locations that require at least 15 minutes of transportation, so it's best to double-check your flight booking and arrive at the correct terminal to save you the hassles.
  • Forgetting a visa letter for on-arrival processing or applying for an e-visa before boarding your flight: a quick google search about nationalities that receive visa exemption for Vietnam before booking your trip will tell you whether you need a visa to enter Vietnam or not. If you need to apply for an e-visa before, check out this article for a thorough guide. (yes although the title said Australian but the process the the same for every nationality)
  • Leaving liquids in carry-on: The limit for carrying liquids with you on a carry-on is 100ml. However, for domestic flights, you’re allowed to carry up to 1L of liquid, spray or gel. 

Fun & Interesting Facts About Tan Son Nhat International Airport

• Built in the 1930s as a French airbase, the oldest airport in Vietnam.
• Serves over 45 million passengers yearly (expected 55 million by 2026).
• Only 6 km from downtown, among Asia’s closest city airports.
• Local plane spotters gather on Trường Sơn Bridge and nearby rooftop cafes around the area for sunset takeoffs.
• Once used by American bombers during the Vietnam War.
• Frequently appears in Vietnamese films and travel shows.

Conclusion: Your Smooth Takeoff from Saigon

Traveling through Tan Son Nhat International Airport is not just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about understanding Saigon’s rhythm before you even hit the streets. It’s compact, chaotic, and charming all at once, echoing the pulse of the city it serves.

With this guide, you now know where it is, how to move through it, where to sleep, eat, and relax, and how to dodge the infamous traffic. Whether you’re landing for the first time or catching a late-night connection, you’ll navigate the airport like a seasoned local.

And once you’re ready to explore, why not continue your journey beyond the terminal? Join our vintage vespa tour and ride through Saigon’s maze of alleys, taste its street food, and see the same skyline you glimpsed from the plane window.

Because in Saigon, even a layover can turn into a story worth telling.

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