Transportation

Essential Advice: Consult Your Hotel Reception

All transportation methods and tours mentioned below are provided by local companies. From major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi, you can access nearly every locale in Vietnam using various modes of transportation including motorcycle rentals, car hires (consult your hotel reception), inter-provincial taxis, buses (check websites like Vexere and Futa Bus), trains (visit DSVN or Vexere for train tickets), and flights (use your current travel app or check Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, or Vexere for air travel). Therefore, for the most accurate guidance and assistance, it is crucial to consult the reception at your hotel. They can provide the latest updates, recommendations, and help with bookings to ensure your travel plans are well-organized and suited to your needs.

Comprehensive Transportation Guide for Travelers in Vietnam

This guide provides detailed transportation options to facilitate your journey across Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, from bustling urban centers to serene islands.

From Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi

From the airport to downtown:

Traveling from Vietnam’s major airports—Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai in Hanoi, and Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang—to the respective city centers can be conveniently done using several transport options such as buses, Grab services (car and bike), and taxis.

Buses

• Tan Son Nhat Airport: Buses like the 109 and 152 offer affordable rides to central locations such as 23/9 Park and Ben Thanh Market. They operate from early morning till about 10 PM, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes.
• Noi Bai Airport: The bus lines 07 and 17 connect the airport to the Hanoi city center, offering a very economical travel option. These buses run every 15-20 minutes from early morning until late evening.
• Da Nang Airport: Bus route number 1 takes passengers directly to Da Nang city center. It’s available from the airport every 20 minutes during the day.

At other airports, there will be bus schedules coordinated with the flight arrival and departure times.

Grab Car and Grab Bike

• All airports: Grab Car and Grab Bike are widely available at all three airports, providing a more personal and direct route to your destination in the city. The app-based service allows for easy booking, and you can choose from various car sizes or a motorbike for quicker navigation through city traffic.

Taxi

• Tan Son Nhat Airport: Reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun operate extensively, with taxi stands located outside the arrivals area. The trip to downtown Ho Chi Minh City usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Noi Bai Airport: Similarly, Mai Linh and other local taxi services are available, offering a ride to central Hanoi in about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Da Nang Airport: Taxis are readily available, and the city center is quite close, with the drive typically taking about 15 to 20 minutes.

These transport options provide flexibility depending on your budget, time, and preference for convenience or experience. While buses are the most economical, taxis and Grab services offer more comfort and direct routes, especially useful if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or in a group.

To Nearby Provinces:

1. Regular Buses: Efficient and cost-effective, buses connect these cities to the surrounding provinces, facilitating day trips or longer stays in nearby regions known for their unique landscapes and cultural offerings.
2. Limousine Services: For a more comfortable and premium experience, limousine services are available. These are upscale vans seating between 9 to 12 passengers, ideal for small groups seeking a more private and luxurious travel experience. These services typically operate from central locations within the city, making them easily accessible for travelers looking to explore adjacent areas.
3. Bike or Taxi: For shorter distances, such as trips from a city to a nearby scenic town or heritage site, taxis or even bikes provide flexible and scenic travel options. This allows travelers to enjoy the journey at their own pace, with the freedom to stop and explore along the way.

To Distant Provinces:

• Across the country: Long-distance buses, trains, and flights connect these cities to distant parts of Vietnam, including the northern mountains and the Central Highlands.
• Bus Tickets: Vexere.com, Futa bus offers a convenient way to compare and book bus tickets online.
• Organized Tours: Platforms like Klook, Ivivu and Traveloka are excellent for booking everything from city tours to adventurous excursions.
• The Vietnamese train network, specifically the North-South Railway, traverses through key cities including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Lao Cai, Vinh, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Nha Trang, Tuy Hoa, Phan Thiet, Long Thanh, and Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, it extends to border towns like Dong Dang and Lào Cai which link to China. This comprehensive network connects several major and culturally significant regions across the country, offering travelers a scenic and practical mode of transportation.

Here are the websites for the services mentioned:

• Grab: grab.com – A Southeast Asian platform offering ride-hailing, food delivery, and payment solutions.
• Vinasun Taxi: vinasuntaxi.com – A popular taxi company in Vietnam, known for its reliable and professional service.
• Mai Linh Taxi: mailinh.vn – Another major taxi service in Vietnam, recognized for its green taxis and widespread presence.
• Vexere: vexere.com – Vietnam’s comprehensive online booking platform for buses, airlines, and railways, also offering motorbike rental services.
• Futa Bus: futabus.vn – A popular bus operator in Vietnam, known for its extensive network and frequent services connecting major cities and tourist destinations.
• Klook: klook.com – A travel booking platform offering a wide range of activities and experiences across the globe.
• Vietnam Railways: dsvn.vn – The national railway operator in Vietnam, providing extensive train services across the country for both passenger and freight transport.

Travel to Phu Quoc Island

From Within Vietnam:

• By Air: Phu Quoc International Airport welcomes flights from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City typically takes about 1 hour, while from Hanoi, it takes approximately 2 hours.
• By Sea: You can also travel by ferry or speedboat from mainland cities such as Ha Tien and Rach Gia. The ferry trip can take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the point of departure and the type of ferry (speedboat vs. traditional ferry).

From International Locations:

• Direct Flights: Phu Quoc International Airport accommodates direct flights from select international destinations, including regional hubs like Singapore and Bangkok. This offers a convenient option for international travelers to reach the island directly.
• Connecting Flights: For those coming from countries without direct flights, the most common route is to fly into one of Vietnam’s major international airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang and then take a domestic flight to Phu Quoc.