Wondering how long it takes from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City? Explore transfer times, transport options, and book seamless Vietnam Tours for your Vietnam Travel adventure. Efficient journeys await!
Smooth 45-minute ride from Long Thanh to Saigon’s heart (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travelers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. Copyright by Legend Travel Group Since 2008. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis, is set to welcome a new era of air travel with Long Thanh International Airport, a state-of-the-art hub designed to alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat Airport vietnam.travel. The question "How long does it take from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City?" is key for travelers planning their arrival, as the airport’s location in Dong Nai Province, about 40 km east of the city center, influences transfer times based on traffic and mode of transport. Expect a journey of 45–90 minutes by car, making it an efficient entry point for exploring Saigon’s vibrant streets, markets, and landmarks hcmc-tourism.com.
Long Thanh, with its test runway operations starting December 19, 2025, and full operations in early 2026, will handle up to 100 million passengers annually, featuring sustainable designs like solar panels and green spaces airport-technology.com. For eco-conscious visitors, this guide highlights low-emission transfers, integrating with Vietnam Tours that emphasize green Vietnam Travel. Whether arriving for business or leisure, understanding the transfer ensures a smooth start to your adventure, from Cu Chi Tunnels to the Mekong Delta culturephamtravel.com.
Ho Chi Minh City is accessible via high-speed trains, buses, and highways, with Long Thanh enhancing connectivity. This guide details transfer options, etiquette, costs, and sustainable Vietnam Travel tips.
Transfers from Long Thanh to Ho Chi Minh City cost $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND), depending on mode. Passports or e-visas (valid 6+ months) are required for checks evisa.gov.vn. Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, typically handled by hotels travel.state.gov. Verify routes via trusted providers like Legend Travel Group.
New gateway to Vietnam’s south—your journey starts here (Source: Internet)Standard Airport Transfer by Taxi or Ride-Hail:
Details: A direct 45–60 minute ride to District 1 via Grab or Vinasun taxi; comfortable AC vehicles; low difficulty hcmc-tourism.com.
Cost: $10–$20/person (250,000–500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Highlights: Quick drop-off at hotels like Rex or Majestic; Wi-Fi available; traffic-dependent tasteatlas.com.
Schedule: 24/7 availability; book via app.
Deluxe Private Transfer with Guide:
Details: A 1-hour VIP van transfer with English-speaking guide discussing Saigon history; includes water; low difficulty culturephamtravel.com.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, group rate) vietnam-visa.com.
Highlights: Insider tips on Ben Thanh Market; customizable stops; AC comfort vietnam.travel.
Schedule: On-demand; pre-book for arrivals.
Eco-Friendly Shuttle Bus and Bike Combo:
Details: A 60–90 minute eco-shuttle to Thu Thiem, then e-bike to city center; sustainable low-emission vehicles; moderate difficulty hanoi-tourism.com.
Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes bike) vietnam-visa.com.
Highlights: Scenic Red River views; carbon offset program; supports local operators vietnam.travel.
Schedule: Hourly shuttles; daily.
Private Vietnam Tours Integration:
Details: A 1–2 hour customized transfer linking to a full-day city tour, including War Remnants Museum; private van; low difficulty culturephamtravel.com.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes tour entry) vietnam-visa.com.
Highlights: Seamless airport-to-sightseeing; historical context; flexible hue-tourism.com.
Schedule: On-demand; align with flights.
Key Booking Information:
Where to Book: Legend Travel Group (legendtravelgroup.com), Local Vietnam (localvietnam.com), or HCMC Ethnic Travel (+84 28 382 0000).
Contact: WhatsApp (+84 825862222) or email (sales@legendtravelgroup.com).
Tips: Book 1–2 weeks ahead for peak arrivals; confirm flight details; opt for group shares to save.
Cultural etiquette enhances your Vietnam Travel experience during transfers culturetrip.com:
Greetings: Greet drivers or guides with “xin chào” (hello); use both hands for payments ($0.50–$5 or 12,500–125,000 VND) hcmc-tourism.com.
Dress: Wear comfortable, modest clothing for traffic; cover shoulders for temples; bring a lightweight scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dust vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Be patient in traffic; ask permission for photos; avoid littering in urban areas culturephamtravel.com.
Customs: Tipping drivers is appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect motorbike culture; carry e-visa for checks travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); use reusable bottles ($3 or 75,000 VND) for sustainable Vietnam Tours; avoid jaywalking. A guest from Hanoi noted: “Polite interactions made our transfer smooth and memorable.” hcmc-tourism.com
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND); English common in taxis hcmc-tourism.com.
Respect: Yield to motorbikes; support local drivers hcmc-tourism.com.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for District 1 routes; 40 km from Long Thanh travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for electric shuttles to cut emissions; align with green Vietnam Travel vietnam.travel.
Comfortable AC transfer with guide insights (Source: Internet)Below is a curated list of transfer options, based on data from hcmc-tourism.com, vietnam-visa.com, vietnam.travel, tasteatlas.com, culturephamtravel.com, and legendtravelgroup.com. Confirm prices before booking.
Details: 45–60 minute ride to District 1; book via Grab app; suitable for solo travelers; low difficulty hcmc-tourism.com.
Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); tolls extra vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: 24/7.
Location: Airport to Ben Thanh Market, 40 km.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose hybrid taxis; walk short distances vietnam.travel.
Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me); a guest from Da Nang noted: “Grab made our transfer quick and affordable.” hcmc-tourism.com
Details: 1-hour AC van with guide to Old Quarter; includes water; low difficulty legendtravelgroup.com.
Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: On-demand.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Airport to hotels.
Eco-Friendly Note: Fuel-efficient vans; supports local vietnam.travel.
Tip: Book via Legend; a guest from Hanoi noted: “The guide’s stories made the ride engaging.” legendtravelgroup.com
Details: 1-hour private car with orientation stop at Notre Dame Cathedral; includes map; low difficulty localvietnam.com.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: On-demand.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Airport to District 1.
Eco-Friendly Note: Hybrid vehicles; local sourcing vietnam.travel.
Tip: Book via Local; a guest from Saigon noted: “The intro stop was a perfect welcome.” localvietnam.com
Details: 60–90 minute shared shuttle to Thu Thiem; includes e-bike option; moderate difficulty hcmc-tourism.com.
Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Hourly.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Airport to Binh Thanh District.
Eco-Friendly Note: Electric shuttles; bike rentals vietnam.travel.
Tip: Book via HCMC Ethnic; a guest from Vientiane noted: “The shuttle was green and scenic.” hcmc-tourism.com
Details: 1-hour luxury transfer with Vietnam Tours integration to a Mekong day trip; private SUV; low difficulty legendtravelgroup.com.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: On-demand.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Airport to tour sites.
Eco-Friendly Note: Low-emission SUVs; tour offsets vietnam.travel.
Tip: Book via Legend; a guest from Saigon noted: “Seamless from airport to adventure.” legendtravelgroup.com
Self-Guided Taxi: Budget-friendly for independents.
Standard Transfer Tour: Affordable with narration.
Deluxe Transfer: Insightful with stops.
Eco-Friendly Shuttle: Sustainable and scenic.
Private Vietnam Tours: Integrated for efficiency.
Eco-Friendly Note: Electric options support green Vietnam Travel vietnam.travel.
Navigating HCMC’s dynamic streets (Source: Internet)Key considerations for transfers include:
Dry Season: Ideal for smooth roads; less rain delays hcmc-tourism.com.
Tet Nguyen Dan: Festive but crowded; book early hcmc-tourism.com.
Hue Festival: Increased traffic; opt for shuttles hcmc-tourism.com.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Vibrant but busy evenings vietnam.travel.
Morning transfers (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) avoid peak traffic; evening (4:00 PM–9:00 PM) suit sunset views. Wet season requires rain gear, but AC vehicles remain comfortable vietnam.travel. Check forecasts via weather.com.
Booking: Reserve through Legend Travel Group, Local Vietnam, or HCMC Ethnic Travel; book early for groups hcmc-tourism.com.
Visa: Ensure a valid passport (6+ months) and e-visa if required ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND); check evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm hotel registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Choose e-bikes for short legs; use reusable bottles vietnam.travel.
Tip: Download Grab app; arrive 15 minutes early; carry small VND notes ($0.50–$5); check reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Seamless arrival at your Saigon stay (Source: Internet)Pack for a comfortable, sustainable Vietnam Travel experience:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, bookings, wallet ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND) hcmc-tourism.com.
Clothing: Comfortable attire for traffic; lightweight scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($10 or 250,000 VND) for wet season; comfortable shoes ($15 or 375,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND) hcmc-tourism.com.
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 100,000 VND); reusable bag ($3 or 75,000 VND) for snacks; small backpack ($5 or 125,000 VND); hand sanitizer ($2 or 50,000 VND); napkins ($1 or 25,000 VND) hcmc-tourism.com.
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND); local SIM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); camera ($50 or 1,250,000 VND) for photos hcmc-tourism.com.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 75,000 VND) for market; phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics hcmc-tourism.com.
Extras: Small VND notes for tips; small first aid kit ($5 or 125,000 VND); umbrella ($5 or 125,000 VND) for rain; money belt ($5 or 125,000 VND) for valuables hcmc-tourism.com. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Transfer and Tour Costs
Standard Taxi: $10–$20/person (250,000–500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Deluxe Private: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Eco-Shuttle: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Private Vietnam Tours: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); snacks $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND) hcmc-tourism.com.
E-Visa Costs (if required): Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn. Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $5 (125,000 VND).
Local SIM: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).
Travel Insurance: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Snacks (e.g., pho, banh mi): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Souvenirs at Long Bien Market: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Tips for Drivers: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Transfer Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$20 (taxi, self-guided).
Mid-range: $15–$35 (shuttle or standard tour).
Luxury: $35–$50 (private with tours). Tip: Budget $10–$50 for transfers; $0.50–$5 for extras; group options save costs.
Booking: Reserve through Legend Travel Group, Local Vietnam, or HCMC Ethnic Travel; confirm flight times hcmc-tourism.com.
Visa: Ensure valid passport (6+ months) and e-visa; check evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” and “cảm ơn”; patient in traffic; ask for photos hcmc-tourism.com culturetrip.com.
Access: Taxis for first-timers; shuttles for eco; private for groups hcmc-tourism.com.
Schedules: 24/7 taxis; hourly shuttles; on-demand private hcmc-tourism.com.
Sustainability: E-bikes; reusable bags; support local vietnam.travel.
Navigation: Offline maps for District 1; 40 km route hcmc-tourism.com.
Weather: Dry for smooth rides; rain gear for wet vietnam.travel.
Safety Note: Money belt ($5 or 125,000 VND); pickpocket awareness; emergencies (Police: 113, Medical: 115) travel.state.gov.
Evening transfer with city lights ahead (Source: Internet)How long does it take from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City? 45–90 minutes by car, depending on traffic hcmc-tourism.com.
What’s the best transfer option? Taxi for speed, shuttle for eco, private for comfort vietnam-visa.com.
Where to book? Legend Travel Group, Local Vietnam, or HCMC Ethnic Travel hcmc-tourism.com.
Rainy season tips? AC vehicles unaffected; rain gear for shuttles vietnam.travel.
What to bring? Passport, e-visa, reusable bottle, comfortable shoes travel.state.gov.
Eco options? E-shuttles and bikes support sustainability hcmc-tourism.com.
Enhance your Vietnam Travel with eco-conscious Vietnam Tours from Legend Travel Group:
Long Thanh Eco-Transfer ($15–$25/person, 1 hour): Sustainable shuttle with green tips.
HCMC Heritage Trail ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Bridge to city tours with low-emission transport.
Southern Vietnam Explorer ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Airport-integrated adventure with eco-practices. Prices include guides, transport; group discounts available. Explore at Legend Travel Group or WhatsApp (+84 825862222).
Understanding how long it takes from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City—typically 45–90 minutes—sets the stage for an unforgettable Vietnam Travel adventure. With options from budget taxis to eco-shuttles, and integrated Vietnam Tours, your journey is efficient and enriching. Book through trusted providers like Legend Travel Group, respect local customs with polite greetings like “xin chào” and sustainable practices, and use reusable items for green travels. Ensure a valid passport and e-visa via evisa.gov.vn, and dive into Saigon’s energy. Safe travels!
Sources:
Legendtravelgroup.com
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
