Do you know that Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is the main and biggest international airport in Vietnam? Not only that, it’s a major transportation hub for Ho Chi Minh City and the entire Southern region. Every year, this airport warmly welcomes over 30 million passengers, which brings in a lot of revenue and economic benefits for Vietnam. If you’re going to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the first time and are worried about what to do, let’s find out all the useful information about Tan Son Nhat Airport for a good trip together!
Airport Code, Location, and Contact Information
Saigon welcomes airborne visitors through Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) about 30 minutes by car from the Hanoi city center on a distance of 8 kilometers.
- Tan Son Nhat Airport is located in Tan Binh District about 8 km north of the center of Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: (84.28) 3848 53833
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://tansonnhatairport.vn/
How to get around Ho Chi Minh airport terminals
Ho Chi Minh’s Tan Son Nhat airport is a friendly and well-organized airport with two main terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. The domestic terminal, T1, has two floors, while the international terminal, T2, has four floors and serves millions of international passengers annually. It takes less than 5 minutes to walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal. Some airlines and travel agencies provide a shuttle service for passengers with connecting flights between MEL/SYD/KUL/SIN and HAN, as well as vice versa.
T1 – Domestic terminal: This terminal handles a significant number of domestic flights daily. Its layout, spread across two floors, is straightforward and easy to navigate.
- Ground floor: Domestic arrival hall and baggage claim
- First floor: Domestic departure hall
T2 – International terminal: The international terminal is newer than the domestic terminal and consists of four floors. It remains busy around the clock.
- Ground floor: International arrival hall, connecting counter, baggage claim, and exit
- First floor: International arrival hall, immigration area, landing visa counter
- Third floor: Departure terminal, check-in counters
- Fourth floor: Cafés, restaurants, and entertainment
Upon arrival, you will go through the following areas: arrival gate – landing visa counter (if required) – immigration area – ground floor – baggage claim – arrival hall. This entire process takes less than 20 minutes without the visa step and up to one hour with the visa step. Make sure to check if you need a Vietnam visa before you arrive to avoid any complications.
If you’re a tourist taking domestic flights from Tan Son Nhat airport, please turn right after exiting to reach the domestic terminal. For those with a connecting flight to Noi Bai airport, visit my article to read the Hanoi Noi Bai International airport guide. {link}
Available services at Tan Son Nhat airport
You have access to a wide range of services at Tan Son Nhat airport, including free internet and airport lounges. Here are some helpful services you should know about:
- Internet (free): Free Wi-Fi is available all over the airport. To access the internet, enter your phone number and receive a verification code via SMS. Alternatively, you can scan a displayed QR code and follow the instructions. If the Wi-Fi is a bit slow, you’ll also come across numerous restaurants and shops that offer their own Wi-Fi networks, which might give you a faster connection. Charging stations are available in various spots in Terminals 1 and 2, and you can usually find them in the airport restaurants too.
- Information desk: If you need assistance or information about your flight, luggage, transportation, or other matters, visit one of the information desks located throughout the terminals. They’re open 24/7 and staffed with friendly, helpful individuals who speak English and other languages fluently.
- SIM cards: Stay connected during your trip in Vietnam by purchasing a SIM card from one of the mobile operators at the airport. Their booths are available in both arrival and departure halls of both terminals. Show your passport, fill out a registration form, and buy a SIM card. Prices vary based on the operator and package, but they’re usually inexpensive compared to other countries. For just 100,000 VND (about 4 USD) per month, you can get unlimited data.
- Where to Eat and Drink: If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, there are numerous options available to satisfy your appetite at the airport. Both terminals house popular fast food chains such as KFC, Burger King, Lotteria, and Pizza Hut. You can also find a variety of local and international cuisines, including Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Western, at various restaurants and cafés. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea from familiar brands like Starbucks, Highlands Coffee, or Phuc Long Coffee. Prices are reasonable, and the quality is decent.
- Sleeping zone: If you have a short layover and are looking for a place for catching a nap or resting, International Terminal is right destination. There are free sleep chairs and 10 paid sleep boxes. These sleep boxes come with a bed, pillows, towels, power outlets, and more. The price is 7 USD per hour.
- Airport lounge: At Noi Bai International Airport, you can access one of the premium airport lounges at both terminals. These lounges offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, newspapers, magazines, TV, and showers. Access is granted with a business class or first class ticket, membership card from selected airlines or credit cards, or by paying a fee. Lounge entry fees range from 15 USD to 30 USD, depending on the lounge and duration of your stay.
Transportation
Ho Chi Minh Airport counts with the following common and convenient transportation options within its facilities:
Airport Bus:
- Bus 109: The bus goes from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1, the city center. It passes through Pham Ngu Lao Street, a popular area for backpackers. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs 20,000 VND (approximately 0.9 USD).
- Bus 49: This bus takes you from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1, the city center, via Dong Khoi Street, renowned for its luxury establishments. It typically takes about 40 minutes and costs 40,000 VND (about 1.7 USD).
- Bus 152: This bus transports passengers from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ben Thanh Market, the main market in the city, following the route of Truong Chinh Street and Le Lai Street. The journey takes around 50 minutes and costs 5,000 VND (about 0.2 USD).
Car booking app
One of the simplest and cheapest ways to book a car is by using a car booking app like Grab or Gojek. These apps, similar to Uber or Lyft in other countries, can be downloaded on your smartphone. You can request a car with a driver who will pick you up at the airport and take you to your destination.
Payment can be made in cash or through the app. The fare is predetermined and shown on the app before you confirm your booking. On average, a car ride from Tan Son Nhat airport to District 1 (the city center) costs around 100,000 VND (approximately 4 USD).
I hope this guide has given you some useful information about Tan Son Nhat airport and how to get around it. I wish you a pleasant and safe journey in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!