Using Ben Thanh, Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi as central reference points, the airport is not particularly far from downtown. Actual travel time, however, depends heavily on your terminal, peak-hour traffic and road conditions. Before booking a ride, check whether your flight arrives at T1, T2 or T3.
Tan Son Nhat Airport Has Three Terminals
T1, Domestic Terminal
Domestic operations at Tan Son Nhat were reorganised after T3 opened. As of September 2026, Vietjet Air domestic flights continue to operate from T1, while most other domestic airlines have moved to T3. Passengers should still check the terminal shown on their ticket or airline application before travelling.
T2, International Terminal
T2 continues to serve international arrivals and departures at Tan Son Nhat Airport. If you are flying to Ho Chi Minh City from Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Europe or another international destination, baggage claim and the arrivals hall will be at T2.
T3, New Domestic Terminal
T3 officially opened in April 2025 and now handles most domestic passenger traffic. Since August 2025, all domestic flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and VASCO have used T3. By early 2026, domestic services operated by Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, Sun PhuQuoc Airways and related carriers had also moved to this terminal, while Vietjet continued to use T1 for domestic flights. If you are flying domestically with an airline other than Vietjet, check carefully whether your flight arrives at T3. This information was updated in September 2026.
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Where to Meet Your Ride at T1, the Domestic Terminal
T1 has a clearly divided lane system in front of the terminal. Lane A is closest to the building and is mainly for dropping off departing passengers; vehicles cannot wait there to collect arriving passengers. Lanes B and C are for private cars collecting passengers. Taxis and other commercial transport services use Lane D near the TCP parking building.
Ride-hailing vehicles were previously directed to the upper levels of the parking building, but Lane D1 on the ground floor was later added to make pickup more convenient. As arrangements may change with passenger traffic, travellers using Grab, Be or similar applications should follow the pickup location shown in the application and the signs inside the terminal.
After collecting your luggage at T1, open your ride-hailing application, confirm the requested pickup location and follow the signs towards the TCP parking building or the ride-hailing lane. Always check the vehicle registration number before getting in.
Where to Meet Your Ride at T2, the International Terminal
T2 is organised differently from T1 and is generally easier for international travellers to navigate. After immigration and baggage claim, enter the arrivals hall and choose between an authorised taxi, a ride-hailing service, a pre-booked transfer or a private car. Pickup areas are usually identified by numbered columns and zones in front of the arrivals hall.
For taxis at T2, follow the Taxi or Transportation signs in the arrivals hall and use only the official counters or taxi areas designated by the airport. Avoid accepting unsolicited ride offers from people approaching you inside or immediately outside the terminal.
Ride-hailing pickup areas may differ from the traditional taxi area. After you book, the application will show the pickup zone, column number or meeting point, along with the vehicle registration and driver details. Go to the location shown before asking the driver to enter the pickup area to avoid unnecessary loops around the terminal.
A pre-booked private transfer is particularly convenient at T2. Drivers usually wait in a designated arrivals area with the passenger's name or booking details. This option suits first-time visitors to Vietnam, international business travellers, families, larger groups and passengers carrying several pieces of luggage.
Where to Meet Your Ride at T3: Go Down to Level 1
Traffic at T3 is organised quite differently from T1 and T2. Arriving passengers who need a taxi, ride-hailing vehicle or bus must go down to Level 1. From the arrivals area, this may require using a lift or escalator to reach the transport pickup level.
Under the current operating arrangement at T3, Level 1 is divided into columns for different transport operators. Columns 04 to 08 may serve traditional taxi companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun, while columns 09 to 15 or 16 may be used by Xanh SM and other transport services. As the layout may change, check the signs at the terminal when you reach Level 1 rather than relying only on fixed column numbers.
The ride-hailing pickup area at T3 is not directly outside the terminal exit. After reaching Level 1, passengers generally turn right and walk towards the parking area before reaching the dedicated pickup zone for Grab, Be and other ride-hailing services. The walk may be approximately 200 to 300 metres, depending on the exit and pickup position.
If you have several suitcases, young children, an elderly passenger or a large group, taking a taxi from the Level 1 taxi area may be more convenient than walking with luggage to the ride-hailing pickup zone.
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Pickup Guide for T1, T2 and T3
| Terminal | Main flight type | Taxi | Ride-hailing service |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Vietjet domestic flights | Taxi lane or area near the TCP parking building | Follow the pickup point shown in the application; use the parking building or designated ride-hailing lane |
| T2 | International flights | Use an official taxi counter or taxi area in the arrivals hall | Follow the column number or pickup point shown in the application |
| T3 | Vietnam Airlines and most other domestic flights | Go to Level 1 and follow signs to the taxi area | Go to Level 1 and walk towards the parking area to reach the dedicated pickup zone |
Should You Choose a Taxi or a Ride-Hailing Service?
Grab, Be, Xanh SM and similar ride-hailing services suit one or two travellers who are familiar with mobile applications, want to see an estimated fare before travelling and do not mind walking to a pickup point. Remember that pickup arrangements differ between T1, T2 and T3.
A taxi can be more convenient when you have several suitcases, are travelling with family, have young children or elderly passengers, or prefer not to walk to a ride-hailing pickup zone. This difference is especially noticeable at T3 because ride-hailing vehicles do not collect passengers directly outside the terminal exit.
A pre-booked airport transfer suits business travellers, families, larger groups and international visitors who want to reduce the number of steps after landing. Provide your flight number, terminal, arrival time, passenger count, luggage details and accommodation address when booking.
After Booking Your Flight, Which Area Should You Stay In?
Once your flight is confirmed, the next decision is usually where to stay. You do not need to stay near the airport simply because you are arriving by air. Choose an area according to the purpose of your trip and where you will spend most of your time.
For a business trip, first identify your office, partner meeting locations or exhibition centre. If most work is downtown, accommodation in District 1, District 3 or a nearby area can reduce daily travel time. District 7 may be more convenient for events at SECC. If most meetings are in Thao Dien or the east of the city, staying in that area is more practical than travelling across the city every day.
First-time leisure visitors often favour areas with convenient access to Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Bach Dang Wharf, museums and other central attractions.
Families should consider the size and layout of the accommodation, ease of travelling with children, nearby restaurants and convenience stores, distance from attractions and the level of quiet at night.
For a short two- or three-day weekend break, the experience may matter more than the absolute distance from the airport. On a longer stay, location remains important, while the interior space and facilities have a greater effect on the overall experience.
Choose CityHouse Around Your Itinerary
Choose your accommodation around the area you need to reach
Identify where you will spend most of your time, then choose a CityHouse property that fits your flight schedule, work commitments and length of stay.
CityHouse TERA Kim Nguyen
Suited to early flights, short business trips or itineraries requiring frequent travel between the airport and downtown.
BOOK NOWCityHouse NEST LightHouse Saigon
Convenient for District 1, Ben Thanh and Nguyen Hue, with a rooftop pool and sauna for relaxing when you return.
BOOK NOWCityHouse NEST MK Urban Quarter
Suited to travellers whose itinerary is concentrated downtown and who want a private apartment for a stay of several days or longer.
BOOK NOWCityHouse NEST Metro Thao Dien
Suited to travellers working in An Khanh and the east of the city who also need metro connections to downtown.
BOOK NOWCityHouse NEST Bellita
Convenient for work at SECC, Phu My Hung and the south of the city; apartments include a kitchen, washing machine and workspace.
BOOK NOWWhat Should You Prepare Before Travelling from the Airport to CityHouse?
After choosing your accommodation, save its full CityHouse name, exact address, booking confirmation, contact telephone number and map location or ride-hailing destination. When you leave the terminal, select the correct pickup point and enter the address from your booking.
Five Things to Check Before Booking a Ride
- Are you at T1, T2 or T3?
- Where does the application direct you for pickup?
- Do you need to go down to another level?
- Does the vehicle registration match the application?
- Have you entered the correct accommodation address?
At T3, do not book a ride and wait immediately outside the exit. Check the pickup point first, then walk to the designated ride-hailing area.
What Is the Most Convenient Way to Travel from Tan Son Nhat Airport into Ho Chi Minh City?
Choose transport according to how you travel
Choose a ride-hailing service if you value flexibility and an estimated fare in advance. A taxi is usually simpler if you have several pieces of luggage or are travelling with family. Consider a private transfer if you want a driver waiting when you arrive.
Tan Son Nhat Airport has three terminals with different pickup arrangements. T1, T2 and T3 do not share the same pickup points or access routes. Once you identify the correct terminal, follow the right pickup instructions and keep your accommodation address ready, the journey from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City becomes considerably easier.
Once your flight is confirmed, you can complete the rest of your itinerary. On CityHouseBooking.com, explore CityHouse properties across Ho Chi Minh City, compare options and choose accommodation that suits the purpose of your trip.
Airport traffic arrangements may change according to operations and passenger volume. When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat, follow the signs inside the terminal and the pickup point shown in your ride-hailing application.
