Top 05 airport transfers in Vietnam for safe & budget travel

Airport transfer in Vietnam includes taxis, private cars, shuttle buses, and public transport. Rates start at $1 to suit every traveler’s budget and needs.

When I came to Vietnam, I was quite surprised because the airport shuttle service system here is very diverse and easy to use. From cheap public buses to luxury private cars that take you door to door, I can always easily find a plan that suits my budget and travel needs on each trip.

Top 05 popular airport shuttle services in Vietnam

Frequently traveling for business and travel Vietnam, I have experienced almost all forms of airport transfers here. Each service has its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for each need in terms of cost, convenience, or privacy.

#1. Taxis and private cars pick you up and drop you off

This is the form of airport transfer in Vietnam that I use the most, especially when working or carrying a lot of luggage. The car picked me up directly at the airport and took me to the hotel, so plan your time accordingly.

Taxis and private cars pick you up and drop you off
Taxis and private cars pick you up and drop you off

I often book in advance through apps like Goshare, Viptrip, and Green Future to avoid being overcharged at the airport. For the Noi Bai – Hanoi center route, the price of a 4-seat car is usually from 175,000 – 300,000 VND (~6.65 – 11.40 USD), while a 7-seat car for more people is around 220,000 VND – 350,000 VND (~8.36 – 13.30 USD).

These services often allow you to track flights and support waiting time from 60 to 120 minutes
These services support waiting time from 60 to 120 minutes

These services often allow you to track flights and support waiting time from 60 to 120 minutes, so you can rest assured, especially when the plane is delayed. However, the downside is that the Hanoi airport transfer cost or the Ho Chi Minh airport transfer cost will be higher if you go alone.

#2. Car sharing is economical for solo travelers

When traveling alone with little luggage, I quite like the shared car service in Vietnam because it helps me save money. With this option, I share a car with people on similar routes, and the fare is divided equally among the passengers.

Car sharing is economical for solo travelers
Car sharing is economical for solo travelers

I once shared a car from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter for only about 58,000 VND (about 2.2 USD). Airport shuttle Ho Chi Minh City is also very popular, especially the route from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1 or District 3.

airport shuttle Vietnam is that it is economical, but more comfortable than the bus
Airport shuttle Vietnam is economical and more comfortable than the bus

The biggest advantage of this type of airport shuttle Vietnam is that it is economical, but more comfortable than the bus. However, you may have to wait another 15 – 30 minutes for the driver to gather enough passengers to depart. Therefore, it is not suitable for people with busy schedules.

#3. Public buses at low cost

If you want to save maximum money, the bus is an airport transfer in Vietnam that you should not miss. I once experienced taking bus number 86 from Noi Bai to Hanoi center and bus number 109 from Tan Son Nhat to Ben Thanh market for only 45,000 VND. The bus runs from 5:15 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. every day, with a trip every 50 – 55 minutes.

Airport transfers in Vietnam - public buses at low cost
Airport transfers in Vietnam – affordable public buses

What I like most about the Hanoi airport transfer price, as well as Ho Chi Minh, is that the cost is extremely cheap; the car is clean, suitable for those who are backpackers or those with little luggage.

Arrivals waiting for the bus to reach their desired location in Vietnam
Arrivals waiting for the bus to reach their desired location in Vietnam

However, the bus is public transportation, so it is often crowded during peak hours and does not drop off at the hotel, so if you bring a lot of things, it will be a bit inconvenient. In addition, many buses also limit operations at night, so you need to check flight times before choosing one.

#4. The airline’s minibus follows the flight schedule

Another interesting option is the minibus of Vietnam Airlines or VietJet Air. These vehicles are usually parked right in front of the arrival terminal and run according to the flight’s landing schedule.

Use airline's minibus according to the flight schedule
The airline’s minibus follows the flight schedule

I used to use the Saigon airport shuttle bus for about 40,000 VND (~1.52 USD). Vehicle quality is generally better than that of public buses, with air conditioning and more comfortable seats.

Saigon airport shuttle bus for about 40,000 VND
Saigon airport shuttle bus for about 40,000 VND (~1.52 USD)

However, the car only drops passengers at fixed locations in the city, so sometimes I still have to take a taxi to get back to the hotel.

#5. Luxury car service for a private experience

When I need to welcome partners or want a more comfortable experience after a long flight, I often choose an airport transfer in Vietnam by limousine or luxury electric car.

Luxury VIP car service for a private experience
Luxury VIP car service for a private experience

I experienced Green Future GF VIP with VinFast VF 9 for Tan Son Nhat airport, hotel in District 1, with prices from 449,000 VND (~17.06 USD). The car is spacious, extremely quiet, and the driver provides very professional luggage assistance.

Although it has the highest price among all forms of airport transportation in Vietnam, this is still a very worthy choice for business people, families, or international guests who need privacy and comfort.

05 Experience choosing airport shuttle service

After traveling many times between major airports in Vietnam such as Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, or Da Nang, I realized that choosing the right airport shuttle Vietnam will make the trip much more comfortable and economical. Below are 5 practical experiences I often apply to avoid wasting time or incurring unnecessary costs.

Choosing the right airport shuttle will make the trip much more comfortable
Choosing the right airport shuttle will make your trip much more comfortable.
  • Book a car in advance if landing at night: I always book a taxi or private car in advance through the Vietnam Electric Taxi app when arriving late to avoid being overcharged or having difficulty finding a car at the airport late at night.
  • Prioritize services with clearly listed prices: platforms like Di Chung or Green Future often quote prices in advance, so it’s easier to control costs than calling taxis directly outside the station.
  • Choose a car based on the amount of luggage: if traveling with a family or carrying many suitcases, I often choose a 7-seat car instead of trying to use a small car to avoid being cramped after a long flight.
  • If traveling alone, you should consider a shared car: a shared shuttle usually costs only 58,000 – 110,000 VND (~2.20 – 4.18 USD), much more economical than a private taxi.
  • Check the drop-off point before booking: some minibuses or shuttle buses only stop at fixed points in the city center and do not take guests to the hotel.

Conclusion

Airport transfer in Vietnam are currently quite diverse, from cheap buses to high-end limousine services, suitable for most travelers’ travel needs. Just choose the right form that suits your budget and schedule, and you can start your trip in Vietnam more comfortably and safely.

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