🚨 Important Note for Readers:

This page provides a comprehensive overview and essential tips for your airport transfers in Vietnam.

For even more precise planning, check out our “Practical Info” tab, where you’ll find a downloadable PDF. This complementary guide includes direct links to shuttle and booking services, as well as detailed and up-to-date prices for each transportation option mentioned here (Grab, taxis, buses, and private cars).

🌟 Introduction: When the Airport Is (Often) Far from the City Center

International and domestic airports are often located far from city centers for space and noise reasons, with notable exceptions such as Da Nang or Phú Quốc. This distance can quickly turn your arrival into a logistical headache—especially after a long flight.

To help you avoid taxi scams and choose the best transfer option based on your budget and time constraints, we’ve compiled a detailed guide for the 10 most popular destinations in Vietnam. Whether you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option (bus), the fastest (taxi/Grab), or the most comfortable (private car), follow this guide to plan your trip from the airport (A) to the city’s tourist center (C), and back (C → A).

🗺️ The Guide to Vietnam’s Top 10 Destinations

1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – SGN

The Airport

SGN is close to the city center (District 1). Traffic is the main challenge.

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 7 km.

Average Travel Time

30 to 45 minutes.

Estimated Cost

6,000 VND to 300,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab & Xanh SM):
Cost around 150,000 – 250,000 VND (€6 to €10). Ideal option with a fixed price.

Traditional Taxi:
Use Vinasun or Mai Linh. Around 260,000 – 300,000 VND (tolls included).

Public Bus (Budget Option):
Bus No. 152. Cost: 6,000 VND (+ 6,000 VND per piece of luggage).

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: Use Grab (or Xanh SM) for a fair, fixed price. Avoid the first taxi outside the terminal—scams are common despite the short distance.

Private Transfers: For pre-booked service, check local agencies or platforms like Klook (search Ho Chi Minh City Airport Transfer).

2. Hanoi – HAN

The Airport

HAN is the farthest from the city center (Old Quarter ~40 km). The trip is long but straightforward.

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 30–45 km.

Average Travel Time

45 minutes to 1 hour.

Estimated Cost

40,000 VND to 350,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Direct Bus (Fast & Budget-Friendly):
Bus 86 is very popular. Cost: 45,000 VND (~$1.70).

Airport Shuttle (Minibus):
Some airlines offer shuttles for 40,000 – 45,000 VND.

Taxi / Grab / Private Car:
Around 345,000 VND (~$14) via Grab.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: For the best value, take Bus 86 (direct and comfortable). For maximum comfort, pre-book a private car to avoid surprise surcharges.

Private Transfers: Platforms like Booking.com Taxi or Klook allow pre-booking private cars (around $15–$18 per vehicle).

3. Da Nang – DAD

The Airport

DAD is the most central and convenient airport in Vietnam.

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 3–5 km.

Average Travel Time

10 to 15 minutes.

Estimated Cost

60,000 VND to 100,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Taxi / Grab / Xanh SM (Best Option):
Cost: 60,000 – 100,000 VND ($2.50 to $4). Extremely fast.

Public Bus:
Not very practical given the low taxi cost.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: Don’t overthink it—a Grab costs under $5 and drops you at your beach or city hotel in 10 minutes.

Private Transfers: Ask your hotel; many offer quick, inexpensive transfers due to the short distance.

4. Hoi An (via DAD)

The Airport

No airport in Hoi An. Requires a 45-minute to 1.5-hour trip from Da Nang Airport (DAD).

Distance (DAD → Hoi An)

Approximately 28 km.

Average Travel Time

45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Estimated Cost

30,000 VND to 500,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Private Car / Taxi / Grab:
Cost: 420,000 – 520,000 VND ($17–$21) per car.

Shared Shuttle (Balanced Option):
Around $7 (170,000 VND) per person.

Public Bus (Budget):
Bus No. 1 or No. 2 for about 30,000 VND. Slower journey.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: The ideal solution is a pre-booked shared shuttle—it offers a good balance of price and convenience, often dropping you near your accommodation.

Private Transfers / Shuttles: Hoi An Express or Klook services are very popular for DAD–Hoi An transfers.

5. Nha Trang (CXR)

The Airport

CXR is very far (36 km) from Nha Trang’s tourist center. Transport cost matters here.

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 36 km.

Average Travel Time

45 minutes to 1 hour.

Estimated Cost

40,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Airport Shuttle (Minibus – Recommended):
Around 40,000 – 60,000 VND ($1.50–$2.50) per person.

Private Car / Pre-Booking:
Around $10–$12 (250,000 – 300,000 VND) per car.

Taxi (Avoid):
Unbooked meter taxis are very expensive.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: The airport shuttle (minibus) is the best option—cheap and reliable. Avoid waiting meter taxis.

Private Transfers / Shuttles: Airline shuttle buses or pre-booked transfer services are the safest options.

6. Huế (HUI)

The Airport

HUI is at a medium distance (15 km) from the Imperial City center.

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 15 km.

Average Travel Time

20 to 40 minutes.

Estimated Cost

7,000 VND to 250,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Private Car / Taxi / Grab:
190,000 – 250,000 VND ($7–$10).

Airport Shuttle:
Around 70,000 VND ($2.70) per person.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: Taxis (Grab/Mai Linh/Vinasun) or airport shuttles are the two best options. Use Grab for instant, fair pricing.

Private Transfers: Online pre-booked transfers via local Huế agencies often guarantee the best fixed price.

7. Can Tho (VCA)

The Airport

VCA is close (10 km) to Ninh Kieu Wharf, the main tourist area.

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 10 km.

Average Travel Time

15 to 20 minutes.

Estimated Cost

150,000 VND to 250,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Taxi / Grab (Recommended):
150,000 – 250,000 VND ($6–$10).

Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm):
Cheaper, but only if traveling light.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: Grab is the simplest and fastest way to reach the hotel area.

Apps: Grab is the dominant ride-hailing service here.

8. Da Lat (DLI)

The Airport

DLI is far (30 km) from the mountain city of flowers.

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 30 km.

Average Travel Time

30 to 40 minutes.

Estimated Cost

40,000 VND to 200,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Airport Shuttle (Minibus – Recommended):
Around 40,000 VND ($1.50) per person.

Taxi / Grab:
Up to 200,000 VND ($8) using Grab.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: The DLI–City Center shuttle is unanimously recommended—ultra-cheap and drops you right at the central market. One of the best deals in Vietnam.

Shuttle: Look for the Dalat Airport Shuttle Bus outside the terminal.

9. Phu Quoc (PQC)

The Airport

PQC is the closest airport to its tourist center (Duong Dong).

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 2 km.

Average Travel Time

5 to 10 minutes.

Estimated Cost

30,000 VND to 50,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Taxi / Grab (Best Option):
Only 30,000 – 50,000 VND ($1.20–$2).

Motorbike Taxi (Xe Ôm):
Extremely cheap.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: Take any taxi or Grab—the distance is so short the price is negligible. This is the easiest transfer in the country.

Apps: Grab is very active on the island.

10. Hai Phong (HPH)

The Airport

HPH is very close (5 km) to the city center and port.

Distance (A → C)

Approximately 5 km.

Average Travel Time

15 to 20 minutes.

Estimated Cost

70,000 VND to 100,000 VND.

🚕 Transfer Options

Taxi / Grab (Recommended):
Around 70,000 VND ($2.70) using Grab.

🔗 Links & Tips

Quick Tip: Use Grab or a local taxi. If your goal is Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island, it’s better to pre-book a long-distance transfer including ferry or tolls rather than taking a local taxi.

Apps: Grab.

📱 Essential Practical Tips

Ride-Hailing Apps:
Install Grab and Xanh SM (VinFast electric taxis). They guarantee transparent, fair pricing and eliminate negotiation.

SIM Cards & Wi-Fi:
Buy a local SIM card (Viettel, Mobifone) at the airport or use free Wi-Fi to book your ride upon arrival.

Cash:
Always carry Vietnamese Dong (VND) in small bills for buses or taxi tolls.

Hotel Transfers:
If staying in a high-end hotel or remote resort, check if they offer a shuttle—it’s often the easiest option.

🇻🇳 Logistics Details: Drivers, Flights & Baggage Handling

When flying to Vietnam—whether arriving at Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)—organizing your transfer is crucial. Passenger baggage handling is a key factor, making the choice of service important. Private drivers or airport shuttles are often preferable to public transport to ensure optimal travel time from arrivals. Rather than risking overpaying for a taxi, hiring a car with a driver for a one-way or round trip between the terminal and city center offers maximum comfort. Ride-hailing services like Grab or Xanh SM, popular for short trips, are a modern alternative to traditional car rental services.

🇻🇳 Logistics Details: Shuttles, Passengers & Low-Cost Flights

When planning your departure from or arrival at a Vietnamese airport, choosing the right shuttle service is key. Low-cost carriers move millions of passengers each year, making major hubs like SGN and HAN particularly busy. Frequent departures require careful planning of travel time for boarding. Rather than relying solely on public transport, an airport shuttle or chauffeur-driven car provides greater comfort for passengers and their luggage. Even without the complexity of TGV or RER stations, it’s essential to allow enough buffer time, as rush hour heavily impacts travel times for all air journeys in Vietnam.

✨ Conclusion: Travel Smart and Stress-Free

Organizing your airport transfer can make all the difference to starting your Vietnam journey on the right foot. Whether you land in the hustle and bustle of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or head to more remote destinations like Nha Trang or Da Lat, preparation is key.

By choosing ride-hailing apps like Grab and Xanh SM for transparent pricing, or dedicated shuttles for long distances (HAN, CXR, DLI), you ensure a comfortable, safe, and fairly priced journey. Remember: if the airport is close (DAD, PQC), a simple taxi will do. If it’s far, planning ahead (shuttle or pre-booked private transfer) will be your best ally!

Have a great trip and enjoy discovering the wonders of Vietnam!

📍 ASIA ON THE WAY – Practical travel guide to Asia
🌐 Website: https://asiaontheway.com
📧 Email: contact@asiaontheway.com

💬 Personalized advice, tailor-made itineraries, and local tips to travel differently in Asia—all year round, even off-season.

🚐 Airport Transfers & Ground Transportation: Complete Door-to-Door Travel Solutions

When you arrive at an international airport, finding efficient ground transportation to and from the airport terminal is key to starting or ending your trip smoothly. After you exit baggage claim, you’ll see signs directing you to airport transportation services, including bus service, airport shuttle service, car service, limo or limousine options, and even vans for larger groups. If you’re departing later, plan your transportation to the airport in advance through transportation services such as Go Airport Shuttle, SuperShuttle, or Airport Express—many of which offer door to door pickup right where you stay. Taxi service, Lyft, and rental-car counters are also available, with convenient bus stop locations and Amtrak connections nearby at some hubs. For travelers requiring extra assistance, wheelchair-accessible options are provided. Whether you need someone to pick you up curbside, arrange airport parking, or book a car service for your check-in time, there are transportation options to suit every schedule and budget. Even major airports like LAX or Gatwick offer extensive shuttle and limo services that depart regularly to help you travel to your next destination without stress.

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Airport Transfers in Vietnam

What is Grab and how do you use it for airport transfers in Vietnam?

Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia—the equivalent of Uber—and is essential in Vietnam. To use it at the airport:

1. Download the app and create an account.

2. Make sure you have a Vietnamese SIM card or Wi-Fi connection.

3. Enter your destination and the app will show a fixed price.

4. Go to the designated Grab pick-up point (usually well marked).
   It’s the most reliable and transparent way to avoid price scams.

What are the cheapest ways to get from Hanoi Airport (HAN) to the Old Quarter?

The cheapest and fastest way to reach central Hanoi (Old Quarter) is Bus 86 (Express Bus). It costs about 45,000 VND (under $2), is air-conditioned, and has luggage storage. Travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
An alternative is the minibus shuttle (40,000 – 45,000 VND) offered by some airlines.

Is it better to book a shared shuttle or a taxi/Grab between Da Nang (DAD) and Hoi An?

It depends on your budget and priorities:

Shared Shuttle (Best for Budget):
More cost-effective if traveling solo or as a couple. Around $7 USD (170,000 VND) per person, often with hotel drop-off.

Taxi / Grab (Best for Speed):
More cost-effective for groups of 3–4 people. The total cost (420,000 – 520,000 VND) divided among passengers becomes competitive, and you save time by not waiting for other shuttle passengers.

Do Vietnamese airports offer specific services for passengers with reduced mobility?

Yes. Major international airports like Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), and Da Nang (DAD) are equipped with ramps, elevators, and assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility. It’s recommended to contact your airline (Air France, Vietnam Airlines, etc.) or the airport at least 48 hours in advance. For ground transfers, booking a private car or using Grab XL is often preferable to local public transport.

What is the average cost of a transfer from a distant airport (such as Nha Trang CXR or Da Lat DLI) to the city center?

For distant airports (over 30 km from the city center) such as Cam Ranh (Nha Trang – CXR) or Lien Khuong (Da Lat – DLI), the cost is significantly higher than for centrally located airports: