Tags: How-To-Get-To, Tips
The Saigon airport bus operates from 7am to 7pm in both the international terminal and the domestic terminal. While the starting point is at the international terminal, it actually makes a loop to the domestic airport to pick up passengers.
There will be a few exit points at the arrival gates. But whichever gate you come out from, it will lead you to the centre where there will often be a huge crowd greeting you. From here, just make a right turn as indicated by the yellow arrow. The Saigon airport bus is usually parked where the yellow circle is. Note that I took the first picture below from a further distance. This means that the airport bus may not be immediately visible to you. In any case, even if you are taking a taxi, just make a right turn from the crowd.
Saigon Airport Bus
Saigon Airport Bus
The picture below should make a better illustration. Whether you are out from the left or right arrival gate, you will all converge under the big international arrivals panel (circled in yellow). From there, just make a right turn (yellow arrow).
Saigon Airport Bus
Just 10m or 20m after you’ve made your right turn, you should be able to see the Saigon airport bus parked under the flyover.
Saigon Airport Bus
Saigon Airport Bus
Sometimes there may be 2 buses parked there but it will always be of the number 152. If you don’t see anyone on the bus, it’s because the driver is taking a break. The bus usually departs at a 15mins interval during the peak hour and 30mins apart during the off peak.
Saigon Airport Bus
The bus fare is a mere 3000vnd or just about US$0.15. If you have big luggage with you, you’ll need to pay an additional 3000vnd for each.
Saigon Airport Bus
This is how the interior of the Saigon airport bus looks like. They are mostly air conditioned.
Saigon Airport Bus
There used to be a bus conductor but nowadays you put your own fare in and take your own ticket. The bus driver has a small box of loose change but I suggest getting ready the exact fare to be safe. You can try buying a bottle of water outside the airport terminal to break your bigger notes to prepare for the bus fare. Sit near the bus driver and get him to inform you when the bus reaches Pham Ngu Lao Street (pronounces as ‘farm moo lao’) which is Saigon backpackers hostel area.
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Hi Ben,
Thanks for your tip-off. Yup, have to agree that the Ben Thanh Bus Terminal is chaotic and the roundabout is the most difficult crossing in Saigon. No traffic lights but I was very glad that they have staffs in green uniform I think helping stranded tourists to cross the busy junction.
I will be off to Mekong Delta today and be back tomorrow evening. Stay 1 last night in Saigon and be off to Danang and Hoi An on Tuesday morning. If I were to use bus 152 again, I will tip you guys again..
Thanks Ben again.
Roy
Yes Roy, more tips and updates from you
Hi Ben,
How are you? Last trip we met with Song and as usual he put up at Tan Hai Long Hotel.
I had been to Mui Ne about 4 times, this time round can recommand any other sea side resort near HCMC as beach as good as Mui Ne.
Thank you.
Roger Tan
Hey Roger! Good to hear from you!
I’m doing ok. And you?
The nearest beach to HCMC is Vung Tau which is 1.5hrs by fast boat. But the beach and tidal waves are not comparable to Mui Ne. I’m afriad you can’t have the best of both world Roger
Hi Roy,
I don’t arrive into Ho chi minh airport June 2nd until 8.45pm. How do you suggest I get to Pham ng lao street at that time? Will the bus be still running at that time?
Sean
ooops, I mean Hi Ben….:)
Hi SK, take a cab. The bus ends already at that time.
Vietnam720,
Hi this is very helpful. We got and midnight flight and will arrive in HCMC a little past 12MN. We intend to go directly to Cambodia (Phnom Phen and Siem Reap) and a day in HCMC. What would be your suggestion we should do upon our arrival in HCMC. have a very tight vacation 6 six (travel included)?
Is the The Sihn Tourist open and we can just purchase our ticket before the 6:30AM trip?
Hope you can help us, and thanks in advance..
Hi Snakeyes,
1) There are pubs and discos past midnight scatter all around the city. One good idea is to stay at the backpacker’s area as many of them congregate around there.
2) Sinh opens early. I remember seeing them in operation already when I took their Cambodia bus at 6.20am. In most cases the 1st trip to Cambodia is not popular so you should be able to buy tickets there and then
Ben-thanks. I noticed from your virtual that Sinh is closer to the Backpackers area.
Would you recommend also the Phnom Phen Sorya Bus? where can I buy their tickets and how can I get there from the airport?
Are there Bus Ticket solds at the Airport?
Hi Snake, no idea about the other bus company.
There’s no bus company offering services to Cambodia from the airport that I know of. You’ll have to make your way to the backpacker’s area to get tickets.
Hi Ben,
I just returned from HCM. Just wanted to let your readers aware the the bus fare is now 4000 VND per pax
Maybe you wanna update the article.
Cheers
Randy
Hey Randy, thanks for the tip!