Discover the Convenient and Cost-effective Transportation Modes in Saigon

Modes of Transportation to Saigon

Being the leading economic, cultural, and political center of Vietnam, stepping into Saigon is effortless due to a diverse array of transportation options. You can opt for cars, trains, planes, or even personal vehicles from anywhere in the country.

- Taxi: For passengers carrying a substantial amount of luggage or traveling in large groups, this is the optimal choice. There are numerous taxis lined up outside the airport with prices to the city center ranging from 100,000 - 150,000 VND per trip. Alternatively, you can call a driver through various ride-hailing apps with additional discounts.

- Bus: Currently, there are 4 bus routes from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the city center.

• Shuttle bus route 49: Tan Son Nhat – City center. Price: 40,000 VND per trip.
• Route 109: Tan Son Nhat – Ben Thanh Market – 23/9 Park. Price: 12,000 – 20,000 VND per trip.
• Route 119: Tan Son Nhat – Mien Tay Bus Station. Price: 12,000 – 20,000 VND per trip.
• Route 159: Mien Dong Bus Station – Tan Son Nhat – An Suong Bus Station. Price: 7,000 – 10,000 VND per trip.

Easily navigate through Saigon using buses

Train

While not a top priority, taking a train is an intriguing experience to leisurely gaze at the serene landscapes drifting by and share moments and conversations with friends. There are numerous North-South train routes; tourist trains from Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang all make stops at Saigon Station in District 3, making it convenient for travelers to move to other areas in the city. Train ticket prices vary depending on the seat class, train compartment, and type of train you choose. Generally, prices range from 500,000 to 2,000,000 VND per person for Thong Nhat trains running from Hanoi to Saigon, with a travel time of approximately 30 hours. Some tips to keep in mind when taking a train:

• Pack light
• Wear comfortable clothes during the day and warm attire at night
• Prepare drinks and light snacks
• Bring personal hygiene items and multipurpose tissue
• Keep an eye on your luggage and personal belongings
• Keep valuable items close

Bus

Saigon boasts two main bus terminals - the Eastern Bus Terminal and the Western Bus Terminal situated at the two ends of the city, gathering all bus journeys from provinces. According to the travel experience in Ho Chi Minh City, buses are quite an 'economical' option for tourists from the Central and Southern regions, with affordable fares ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 VND per person and a travel time of about 8-9 hours. Just hop on, sleep through the journey, and you'll arrive. Moreover, you won't have to spend day and night 'hunting' for promotions or booking in advance like flights or trains, making it a safe choice for impromptu trips or those unable to plan ahead. Some reputable and extensive national bus services with good quality include Hoang Long, Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Thanh Buoi, Thesinhtourist,...

Many people opt for buses as their means of transportation in Saigon

Personal Vehicles

The roads and urban infrastructure in Saigon are extremely modern and convenient for exploring the city with personal vehicles. For speed enthusiasts, motorbike trips are an option, while cars are suitable for families, groups, and are also quite safe. You can use your own vehicle to travel to Saigon and use them as a means of transportation in Saigon, saving quite a bit of cost.

For this method, you need to bring personal documents, driver's license, registration papers, fully equipped with accessories, and strictly adhere to traffic laws. Don't forget to preview the travel route and bring a map/smartphone with GPS capabilities to visualize the journey and facilitate easy movement.

Means of Transportation in Saigon

If you haven't booked a comprehensive Ho Chi Minh tour, transportation in the city is also a noteworthy issue, especially for first-time visitors who will be amazed by the bustling and somewhat chaotic crowd on the streets.

Taxi Services

Given the distinctive year-round hot weather in Saigon, taxis are undoubtedly the top choice when exploring this dynamic city. They offer shade from the sun and rain, are quick, relatively safe, and you don't have to worry about getting lost. Beyond traditional taxis, online booking services are gaining popularity, offering cost savings, although finding a driver during peak hours might be challenging. When opting for a taxi companion, choose reputable companies with metered fares, clear signage, and information, such as Mai Linh and Vinasun, to avoid overcharging. If you're only traveling within the central district of District 1, the fare should not exceed 100,000 VND per trip.

The most convenient means of transportation for tourists in Saigon is undoubtedly taxis

Motorbike Rental

Nothing beats the freedom of exploring every nook and cranny of Saigon on a motorbike at your own pace, stopping or venturing into tiny alleys to discover local specialties known only to the natives. This option suits young travelers seeking adventure and transportation flexibility. Motorbike rental prices in Saigon are similar to many other tourist destinations, ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 VND per day for manual bikes and 120,000 to 150,000 VND per day for automatic scooters. Typically, all you need is to present your ID card or driver's license and deposit a certain amount to receive the bike. Just turn on Google Maps and search for Saigon motorbike rental addresses, and you'll find numerous shops, though not all are trustworthy. You can rent a motorbike directly at your Ho Chi Minh hotel or refer to some of the most reliable Saigon motorbike rental addresses that Mytour, a local expert, recommends below:

Reliable Saigon motorbike rental addresses

Bus Services

Considered the most budget-friendly means of transportation for Saigon tourists, buses cover the entire city with relatively low costs, starting from 5,000 VND per route depending on the route. You can visit many famous attractions named after Uncle Ho in the city. Buses are not only suitable for budget-conscious travelers but also provide interesting experiences that personal vehicles cannot offer. However, similar to Hanoi buses, pickpocketing and overcrowding during rush hours are common issues.

Cyclo

Not just Hanoi or Hue, this elegant mode of transportation is also available in bustling Saigon. You can use a cyclo to stroll the streets and admire the scenery. Popular not only among foreign visitors but also loved by domestic tourists, this unique means of transportation in Saigon is truly fascinating. Cyclo rental is charged hourly, with costs ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 VND for 2 people. It's recommended to use a cyclo to explore the central area of District 1, around Notre-Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, and Ben Thanh Market!

Cyclo is a fascinating means of transportation in Saigon

Water Bus Saigon - River Bus

As the brand-new transportation method in Saigon, the Water Bus Saigon is painted in vibrant yellow and white, modern, and clean, with a capacity of up to 75 passengers. The route covers nearly 11km from Bach Dang Wharf (District 1) to Linh Dong Ferry (Thu Duc District) and vice versa. For just 15,000 VND in hand, you can confidently explore all the famous tourist spots along the iconic Saigon River such as Landmark 81 and indulge in photo-worthy moments.

The Water Bus Saigon route includes 9 stops: Central Bach Dang Wharf (District 1) → Saigon Pearl → Binh An → Thao Dien → Tam Vu → Thanh Da → Binh Trieu → Hiep Binh Chanh → Linh Dong.

Tips for using transportation in Saigon

• Book flight, train, and car tickets as early as possible, typically 1-2 months before your planned travel date. Early flight bookings increase your chances of catching unexpected promotions from airlines.
• Carry complete registrations, driver's licenses, and other relevant documents.
• Avoid traveling during peak hours: 7-9 am, 11 am-12 pm, and 5-6 pm daily, as traffic congestion is common during these times.
• Be mindful of one-way streets and restricted traffic areas such as Le Thanh Ton, Ly Tu Trong, Pasteur, Xo Viet Nghe Tinh,...
• Limit motorbike travel during the rainy season, as roads are prone to flooding and pose risks.

Experience the Saigon water bus during your travels

>> Explore more: Best time to visit Saigon and Saigon weather information

Here is the comprehensive compilation of transportation in Saigon for you to follow and reference. With travel and transportation expertise from Mytour, we hope you'll have the perfect and most memorable journey.

Hoai Linh

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