Transportation Guide from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City

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. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Copyright © Legend Travel Group Since 2008.

A Seamless Start to Your Vietnam Adventure

Long Thanh International Airport, Vietnam's newest gateway, is set to revolutionize air travel in the south, located about 40 km east of Ho Chi Minh City in Đồng Nai Province vietnam.travel. The question "What means of transportation from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City?" is crucial for travelers arriving in Saigon, as the airport's runway testing begins on December 19, 2025, with full operations in early 2026 vietnamnet.vn. Designed to handle 100 million passengers annually, it will ease congestion at Tan Son Nhat, offering modern facilities and direct connections to HCMC's bustling heart vnexpress.net.

For eco-conscious explorers, this guide highlights sustainable options like shuttles and rideshares, integrating with Vietnam Tours for seamless transfers. Whether you're heading to District 1's hotels or exploring HCMC's markets, efficient transport ensures a stress-free arrival legendtravelgroup.com. Self-guided taxis suit independents, while guided Vietnam Travel packages add cultural insights.

Long Thanh is accessible via the Long Thành–Dầu Giây Expressway, linking to HCMC in 45–60 minutes vietnam.travel. This guide covers options, costs, and tips for a smooth journey.

Administrative Note

Airport transfers cost $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND), depending on mode. E-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) are required for most visitors evisa.gov.vn. Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, handled by hotels travel.state.gov. Verify schedules via hcmc-tourism.com or trusted providers like Legend Travel Group.

Experience Options and Highlights

• Standard Taxi or Rideshare Transfer:

  • Details: A 45–60 minute ride via Grab or airport taxis to HCMC center; air-conditioned vehicles; low difficulty vietnam.travel.

  • Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, shared or private) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Highlights: Direct to hotels; app-based tracking; scenic highway views grab.com/vn.

  • Schedule: 24/7; book via app or airport desk vietnam.travel.

• Deluxe Airport Shuttle Bus:

  • Details: A 1-hour shared shuttle to District 1; comfortable seating; low to moderate difficulty culturephamtravel.com.

  • Cost: $10–$20/person (250,000–500,000 VND, fixed route) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Highlights: Eco-friendly (multiple passengers); Wi-Fi onboard; stops at key hotels vna.com.vn.

  • Schedule: Hourly from airport; departs Huế City hotels on request vietnam.travel.

• Eco-Friendly Private Transfer with Vietnam Tours:

  • Details: A 45-minute electric vehicle transfer with Vietnam Tours guide; sustainable option; low difficulty hue-tourism.com.

  • Cost: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes guide) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Highlights: Carbon-neutral ride; cultural briefing; direct to itinerary spots vietnam.travel.

  • Schedule: On-demand; book via tour operator vietnam.travel.

• Private Luxury Transfer:

  • Details: A customizable 45–60 minute limousine or van transfer; VIP service; low difficulty culturephamtravel.com.

  • Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, private) vietnam-visa.com.

  • Highlights: Door-to-door; refreshments; flexible stops hanoi-tourism.com.

  • Schedule: 24/7; pre-booked vietnam.travel.

• Key Booking Information:

  • Where to Book: Providers like Legend Travel Group (legendtravelgroup.com), Local Vietnam (localvietnam.com), or HCMC Ethnic Travel (+84 28 382 0000) hcmc-tourism.com.

  • Contact: WhatsApp (+84 825862222) or email (sales@legendtravelgroup.com) for bookings.

  • Tips: Book 1–2 weeks in advance for groups; confirm inclusions (e.g., luggage); check reviews on tripadvisor.com.

Respecting Vietnam’s Travel Customs

Cultural etiquette enhances your Vietnam Travel experience during transfers culturetrip.com:

• Greetings: Greet drivers or guides with “xin chào” (hello); use both hands when paying for tolls or tips ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND) hcmc-tourism.com.

• Dress: Wear comfortable, modest clothing for highways; light layers for AC vehicles; bring a scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dust vinpearl.com.

• Behaviour: Be polite with traffic; avoid littering; ask permission for photos; tip for good service culturephamtravel.com.

• Customs: Tipping drivers is appreciated; respect road rules; carry printed e-visa for checks travel.state.gov.

• Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); use reusable bottles ($4 or 100,000 VND) for hydration to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; avoid bargaining with rideshares. 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) for basics; English common with apps hcmc-tourism.com.

• Respect: Yield to motorbikes; support local drivers hcmc-tourism.com.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for the 40 km route; most transfers take 45–60 minutes travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Opt for shuttles to reduce emissions; align with Hanoi’s green goals vietnam.travel.

Below is a curated list of options for traveling from Long Thanh to Ho Chi Minh City, based on data from hcmc-tourism.com, vietnam-visa.com, vietnam.travel, tasteatlas.com, culturephamtravel.com, and legendtravelgroup.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.

1. Self-Guided Taxi/Rideshare

• Details: Use Grab or airport taxis for a direct 45-minute ride to HCMC center; suitable for independents; low difficulty hcmc-tourism.com.

• Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND); tolls extra vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: 24/7; book via app.

• Location: Airport stands to District 1.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Share rides to reduce emissions; avoid single-use plastics vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me); a guest from Hanoi noted: “Grab was quick and affordable.” hcmc-tourism.com

2. Legend Travel Group (Standard Shuttle Transfer)

• Details: 1-hour shared shuttle to HCMC hotels; English guide; low difficulty legendtravelgroup.com.

• Cost: $10–$20/person (250,000–500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: Hourly from airport.

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Airport to District 1.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Group travel minimizes impact vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Da Nang noted: “Comfortable and efficient.” legendtravelgroup.com

3. Local Vietnam (Deluxe Private Car Transfer)

• Details: 45-minute air-conditioned car with Wi-Fi; 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 custom locations.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Hybrid vehicles available vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Hanoi noted: “Luxurious and punctual.” localvietnam.com

4. HCMC Ethnic Travel (Eco-Friendly Bike/Shuttle Combo)

• Details: 1-hour shuttle plus optional e-bike in HCMC; low to moderate difficulty hcmc-tourism.com.

• Cost: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: Multiple daily departures.

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Airport to city center.

• Eco-Friendly Note: E-bikes reduce urban emissions vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via hcmc-tourism.com; a guest from Vientiane noted: “Green and fun.” hcmc-tourism.com

5. Private Luxury Limo Transfer (Legend Travel Group)

• Details: Customizable 45-minute limo with refreshments; low difficulty legendtravelgroup.com.

• Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Schedule: 24/7.

• Pick-up/Drop-off: Airport to luxury hotels.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Electric limos on request vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Saigon noted: “VIP from arrival.” legendtravelgroup.com

• Self-Guided Taxi: Quick and independent for solo travelers.

• Standard Shuttle: Affordable group option with guide insights.

• Deluxe Private Car: Comfortable for families with luggage.

• Eco-Friendly Bike Combo: Sustainable urban extension.

• Private Limo: Luxurious for business or romance.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Shuttles and e-bikes support Vietnam’s green initiatives vietnam.travel.

Key opportunities for smooth transfers include:

• Dry Season: Ideal for highway views; less rain delays hcmc-tourism.com.

• Tet Nguyen Dan: Festive but crowded; book early hcmc-tourism.com.

• HCMC Festival: Vibrant arrivals with cultural events hcmc-tourism.com.

• Mid-Autumn Festival: Lively streets but traffic peaks vietnam.travel.

Morning transfers (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) avoid rush hour; evening (4:00 PM–9:00 PM) offer sunset views. Wet season requires rain gear, but shuttles remain reliable vietnam.travel. Check forecasts via weather.com.

• Booking: Reserve through legendtravelgroup.com, localvietnam.com, or HCMC Ethnic Travel (+84 28 382 0000) hcmc-tourism.com.

• Visa: Ensure a valid passport (6+ months) and e-visa if required; check evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.

• Documentation: Carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm hotel registration travel.state.gov.

• Eco-Tip: Use reusable bottles; opt for shared rides vietnam.travel.

• Tip: Book early for peak seasons; arrive 15 minutes before pickup; carry small VND notes; check reviews on tripadvisor.com.

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 highways; 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); 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 snacks; phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics hcmc-tourism.com.

• Extras: Small VND notes for tips; 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.

Costs for Long Thanh to HCMC Transfer

Transfer Costs

• Standard Taxi: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Deluxe Shuttle: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Eco-Friendly Bike Combo: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Private Limo: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.

• Self-Guided Rideshare: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) hcmc-tourism.com.

• E-Visa Costs (if required): Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 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: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Souvenirs: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Tips: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (rideshare, snacks).

• Mid-range: $20–$35 (shuttle, extras).

• Luxury: $35–$50 (limo, insurance). Tip: Budget $10–$50 for transfer and incidentals; group options save costs.

• Booking: Reserve through legendtravelgroup.com, localvietnam.com, or HCMC Ethnic Travel (+84 28 382 0000) hcmc-tourism.com.

• Visa: Ensure passport (6+ months) and e-visa; check evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.

• Etiquette: Use “xin chào” and “cảm ơn”; be patient in traffic; ask for photos hcmc-tourism.com culturetrip.com.

• Access: Shuttles for groups; taxis for solos; private for luxury hcmc-tourism.com.

• Schedules: 24/7 for taxis; hourly shuttles hcmc-tourism.com.

• Sustainability: Share rides; use e-bikes vietnam.travel.

• Navigation: Offline maps for 40 km route hcmc-tourism.com.

• Weather: Dry season best; wet season rain gear vietnam.travel.

• Safety Note: Money belt ($5 or 125,000 VND); emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115) travel.state.gov.

• What means of transportation from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City are available?Taxis, shuttles, private cars, and e-bikes vietnam-visa.com.

• How long does it take? 45–60 minutes via expressway hcmc-tourism.com.

• Where to book? Via legendtravelgroup.com or apps hcmc-tourism.com.

• Are eco options available? Yes, shared shuttles and e-bikes vietnam.travel.

• What to bring? Passport, e-visa, reusable bottle travel.state.gov.

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 guide.

• HCMC Arrival Trail ($50–$80/person, half-day): Transfer plus city orientation.

• Southern Vietnam Explorer ($100–$150/person, full day): Airport to multi-site adventure. Prices include transport; group discounts available. Explore at Legend Travel Group or WhatsApp (+84 825862222).

Planning "what means of transportation from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City" is your first step to an unforgettable Vietnam adventure. With options from budget taxis to eco-friendly shuttles, and sustainable Vietnam Tours, arrive in style. Book through trusted providers like Legend Travel Group, respect local customs with “xin chào”, and embrace green practices for a seamless Vietnam Travel. Ensure your e-visa via evisa.gov.vn, and let the journey begin. Safe travels!

Copyright © Legend Travel Group Since 2008.

Sources:

• Legendtravelgroup.com