Using the Ben Thanh, Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi area as a reference point, the distance from the airport to the center isn't especially far. That said, actual travel time depends quite a bit on which terminal, the time of day, and traffic conditions. Before booking a ride, check whether your flight lands at T1, T2, or T3.
Tan Son Nhat Now Has 3 Terminals
T1, the Domestic Terminal
Since T3 came into operation, domestic traffic at Tan Son Nhat has been reorganized. As of September 2026, Vietjet Air's domestic flights are still handled at T1, while most other domestic carriers have moved to T3. Even so, passengers should double-check their terminal on their ticket or the airline's app before traveling.
T2, the International Terminal
T2 continues to handle international arrivals and departures at Tan Son Nhat. If you're flying in from Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Europe, or other international destinations, baggage claim and the arrivals hall will be at T2.
T3, the New Domestic Terminal
T3 officially opened in April 2025 and now handles the bulk of the airport's domestic traffic. From August 2025, all domestic flights operated by Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO moved to T3. By early 2026, the airport had also completed the move of domestic flights for Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, and related carriers to this terminal, with Vietjet remaining at T1 for domestic flights. So if you're flying domestically but not with Vietjet, it's worth checking specifically whether your flight arrives at T3. This information is current as of September 2026.
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Getting a Ride at T1, the Domestic Terminal
T1 has a fairly clear lane system set up in front of the terminal. Lane A sits right by the terminal and is mainly for vehicles dropping passengers off; it can't be used to wait for arriving passengers. Lanes B and C are for private cars picking up passengers. Taxis and other for-hire vehicles are set up at Lane D, near the TCP parking structure.
Ride-hailing vehicles used to have to go up to the upper floors of the parking structure, but the airport has since added Lane D1 on the ground floor to make pickup more convenient. Since the operating setup can be adjusted based on actual traffic, anyone using Grab, Be, or similar apps should follow the pickup point shown directly in the app along with the signage at the terminal.
If you're taking Grab or a ride-hailing app from T1, collect your luggage, open the app, check the exact pickup point, follow the signs to the TCP parking area or ride-hailing lane, and double-check the license plate before getting in.
Getting a Ride at T2, the International Terminal
T2 is organized differently from T1 and is usually easier for international visitors to navigate. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, passengers head to the arrivals hall and can choose an official taxi, a ride-hailing app, a pre-booked transfer, or a private car. Pickup points are typically organized by column number and area in front of the hall.
For taxis at T2, follow the Taxi or Transportation signs in the arrivals hall and only use the counters or taxi areas the airport has set up. Avoid accepting offers from people approaching you directly inside or right outside the hall.
For ride-hailing apps, the pickup point may differ from traditional taxis. After booking, the app will show the pickup area, a column number or meeting point, the license plate, and driver information. Head to the exact point the app specifies before asking the driver to come pick you up.
T2 works particularly well for private airport transfers for international travelers, where drivers typically wait in a designated area in the arrivals hall holding a name sign or booking information. This is a convenient option for first-time visitors to Vietnam, international business travelers, families, larger groups, or anyone carrying a lot of luggage.
Getting a Ride at T3: You'll Need to Go Down to Level 1
The traffic setup at T3 is considerably different from T1 and T2. Passengers arriving at T3 who want a taxi, ride-hailing car, or bus need to head down to level 1 — worth noting, since passengers coming from the arrivals area may need to take an elevator or escalator down to the pickup level.
Based on the current setup at T3, level 1 is divided into columns for different transport providers. For example, columns roughly 04 to 08 are for traditional taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun, while columns roughly 09 to 15/16 are set aside for Xanh SM and a few other transport services. Since the actual layout may be adjusted, check the signage at the terminal once you're on level 1 rather than relying solely on fixed column numbers.
The ride-hailing pickup area at T3 isn't right next to the terminal exit. After going down to level 1, passengers typically need to turn right, head toward the parking structure, and then reach the pickup area for Grab, Be, and other ride-hailing apps. The walk can be roughly 200 to 300 meters, depending on the exit and pickup location.
If you have several suitcases, young children, older travelers, or a large group, taxis on level 1 can be more convenient than carrying luggage to the ride-hailing pickup point.
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Pickup at T1, T2, and T3 at a Glance
| Terminal | Main flight type | Taxi | Ride-hailing |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Domestic, Vietjet | Taxi lane/area near the TCP parking structure | Follow the app's pickup point, near the parking structure/ride-hailing lane |
| T2 | International | Follow the taxi counters and area in the arrivals hall | Follow the column/pickup point in the app |
| T3 | Vietnam Airlines and most other domestic flights | Go down to level 1, follow the taxi area | Go down to level 1, head toward the parking structure to the dedicated pickup area |
Should You Choose a Taxi or a Ride-Hailing App?
Ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, Xanh SM, and similar services suit you if you're traveling alone or with one other person, are comfortable using apps, want to see the price up front, and don't mind walking to the pickup point. Just remember the pickup point differs between T1, T2, and T3.
Taxis are more convenient if you have several suitcases, are traveling with family, have young children or older travelers, or don't want to walk far to a ride-hailing pickup point. At T3, this difference is fairly significant since the ride-hailing area isn't right by the exit.
A pre-booked airport transfer suits business travelers, families, larger groups, or international travelers who'd rather skip the steps of finding transport after landing. When booking one, provide your flight number, terminal, arrival time, number of passengers, luggage, and accommodation address.
Flight Booked, What's Next When It Comes to Choosing Where to Stay?
Once a flight is confirmed, most travelers' next step is finding accommodation that fits the trip. You don't need to stay near the airport just because you're arriving by plane. The right area should be based on the main purpose of the trip and where you'll actually spend most of your time.
If you're coming to Ho Chi Minh City for business, check the location of your office, where you'll meet partners, or the exhibition center in advance. If your schedule is centered downtown, staying in District 1, District 3, or a nearby area can cut down daily travel time. If you're attending an event at SECC, District 7 may be more convenient. If most of your work is in Thao Dien or the eastern part of the city, staying right in that area makes more sense than crossing the city every day.
If you're visiting for leisure, first-time visitors to the city usually prioritize an area with easy access to Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Bach Dang Wharf, and the central museums and attractions.
If you're traveling with family, location isn't the only factor to weigh. Consider the size of the space, the room layout, how easy it is to get around with young kids, nearby restaurants and convenience stores, distance to attractions, and how quiet it is in the evening.
For a short 2 to 3 day weekend trip, you might prioritize experience over absolute distance from the airport. For longer stays, location still matters, but the space itself starts to affect the experience more, so it's worth considering the workspace, living area, desk, kitchen or dining area, in-stay services, and nearby amenities.
Choose a CityHouse Based on Your Itinerary
CityHouse has properties across many parts of Ho Chi Minh City, from the center, District 3, and Phu Nhuan, to the airport area, Thao Dien, and District 7. Instead of starting with “which CityHouse is closest to the airport,” start with: where will I actually spend most of my time on this trip?
If your schedule is centered downtown, CityHouse NEST LightHouse Saigon or CityHouse NEST MK Urban Quarter in District 1 are worth considering. If your trip involves SECC or the southern part of the city, CityHouse NEST Bellita in District 7 will be more convenient.
For anyone working in or wanting to stay in Thao Dien, CityHouse NEST Metro Thao Dien is a good fit thanks to its warm, cozy space and Metro access to the center. And if quick access to the airport matters most for a short business trip, CityHouse TERA Kim Nguyen in the Phu Nhuan area is a sensible option. See TERA by CityHouse: Serviced Apartments Near Tan Son Nhat Airport for more options around the airport area.
From there, you can choose a property that fits your area, trip purpose, length of stay, preferred design style, and budget. Each CityHouse line has its own feel, so once you've settled on an area, you can compare properties and room types that match your taste at the CityHouse accommodation system.
What to Prepare for the Trip from the Airport to Your CityHouse
Once you've chosen where to stay, save the full name of the CityHouse property, its exact address, your booking confirmation, a contact phone number if needed, and its location on a map or ride-hailing app. Once you leave the terminal, all you need to do is select the correct pickup point and enter the saved address.
5 Things to Check Before Booking a Ride
- Confirm whether you're at T1, T2, or T3.
- Check the exact pickup point shown in the app.
- See whether you need to go down to another level.
- Make sure the vehicle license plate matches the app.
- Confirm that you've entered the correct accommodation address.
At T3 in particular, don't book a ride and then wait right at the exit — check the pickup point first, then head to the designated ride-hailing area.
From Tan Son Nhat to Ho Chi Minh City, Which Option Works Best?
The best option depends on how you travel
If flexibility and knowing the price upfront matter most, a ride-hailing app is a good fit. If you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family, a taxi is usually simpler. If you'd rather have full control with a driver waiting for you, a private transfer is worth considering.
Most importantly, remember that Tan Son Nhat now has three terminals, each organized differently for pickup. Once you've confirmed the right terminal, the right pickup point, and have your accommodation address ready, the trip from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City becomes considerably more convenient.
If your flight is already booked, this is a good time to finish the rest of the trip planning. At CityHouseBooking.com, you can explore the CityHouse system across many areas of Ho Chi Minh City, compare properties, and choose a place to stay that fits your trip's purpose.
Traffic arrangements at the airport may be adjusted based on operations and passenger volume. When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat, prioritize the signage at the terminal and the pickup point shown in your ride-hailing app.
