Ho Chi Minh City Transport Guide for Tourists 2025

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Vietnam—Ho Chi Minh City, where every corner buzzes with life and every street tells a story. But to truly enjoy it, you need more than just a destination—you need the right way to move. In this guide, we’ll break down Ho Chi Minh City transport for tourists in 2025: from airport shuttles to river cruises, from classic cyclos to the upcoming metro. Let’s get you moving like a local—smart, safe, and with confidence.

1. From the Sky to the City: Arriving via Tan Son Nhat Airport

Taxi Services (Vinasun, Mai Linh)

Two of the most reputable names in Vietnam transport service:

• Vinasun Taxis: Easily identified by their white-green branding.
• Mai Linh: Reliable, with green cars and visible meters.

Taxi prices in Vietnam for the airport-city center route range from 100,000–150,000 VND, depending on traffic and luggage. Always confirm the meter is running and insist on using the main taxi queue at the airport.

Grab, Gojek, and Xanh SM (Rideshare in Vietnam)

Using a rideshare app (Rideshare in Vietnam) like Grab or Gojek? Prices range from 80,000–120,000 VND. Choose your pick-up point wisely—rideshare cars are restricted in some terminals, so follow the in-app instructions carefully.

Shuttle Bus Services

If you’re traveling light or watching your budget, these airport public transportation options are a great pick:

• Route 49: Direct shuttle to downtown hotels. Fare: 40,000 VND.
• Route 109: Airport to District 1 (Ben Thanh), only 12,000–20,000 VND.
• Route 119: Goes toward Mien Tay Bus Station, connecting long-distance routes.
• Route 159: East-West line connecting Mien Dong and An Suong, also stops at the airport.

Public Bus

The city bus network is the most budget-friendly, but not the most convenient for first-timers with luggage. However, it gives authentic exposure to transportation in Vietnam.

Tip to avoid scams: Decline unmarked taxis or individuals offering “special price” rides. Use official airport counters or booking apps for legitimate services.

2. Ho Chi Minh City’s Public Bus Network: Affordable and Vast

How to Use the Bus

• Payment: Cash onboard or via ZaloPay for tech-savvy travelers.
• Navigation: Download the BusMap app (available in English).
• Boarding: Most bus stops are clearly marked. Drivers may not speak English—show your destination in writing.

Tourist-Friendly Bus Routes

• Route 1: Connects Ben Thanh Market with Cho Lon (Chinatown)
• Route 3: Passes Saigon Zoo, Nguyen Hue Walking Street
• Route 18: Runs along the Saigon River for scenic views

Caution: Rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM) mean standing room only. Also, petty theft can occur, so safeguard your valuables.

3. Ride-Hailing Services: Grab, Be, Gojek, Xanh SM

Popular Apps

• Grab: The most widely used, offering car and motorbike options.
• Gojek: Competitive pricing, especially for short distances.
• Be: Local app gaining traction in 2025.
• Xanh SM: Premium electric car service promoted by the Vietnamese government for eco-conscious travelers.

How It Works

• Install via App Store or Google Play (English supported)
• Set location and destination, review estimated fare
• Pay with cash, card, or e-wallet (Momo, ZaloPay)

Cost Estimates

• GrabBike (xe ôm) from District 1 to District 3: 25,000–40,000 VND
• GrabCar for same route: 60,000–90,000 VND

Why choose rideshare? Reliable fares, visible driver info, and route transparency make it safer than unmetered taxis.

4. Traditional Taxis in Saigon: Reliable or Risky?

Recommended Providers

• Vinasun Taxis
• Mai Linh Group
• Saigon Taxi Group

Safety Checklist

• Look for company logos and working meters.
• Avoid “fake taxis” with similar branding but no ID numbers.
• Ask for printed receipts.

Taxi prices in Vietnam are generally affordable but can spike in traffic or due to dishonest drivers. For central trips, expect 80,000–120,000 VND. Always compare with rideshare quotes for best value.

5. Motorbike Rentals: Freedom on Two Wheels

Where to Rent

• District 1, District 3, Phu Nhuan: Highest concentration of rental shops
• Many hotels also offer rentals (often at a small premium)

Rental Rates

• Manual bikes: 80,000–100,000 VND/day
• Automatics: 120,000–150,000 VND/day

Requirements

• Valid ID/passport and a small deposit
• Vietnamese or international driving permit strongly recommended

Top Places to Ride

• Along the Saigon River
• To Tan Dinh Church, Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Across historic bridges in Saigon during sunrise

Important Note: Vietnam’s traffic is chaotic. Be alert, avoid night rides, and always wear a helmet. Police checkpoints for licenses are common in 2025.

6. Cyclo Tours & Xích Lô Experiences: Old-School City Charm

Where to Find Them

• Popular around District 1, especially near:
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
  • Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập)
  • Ben Thanh Market

Pricing

• Typically 50,000–80,000 VND/hour for two passengers

Tips for Tourists

• Negotiate before you ride
• Stick to short-distance sightseeing
• Avoid booking on the street—ask your hotel for trusted contacts

This mode of transport is especially recommended for elderly travelers, photography enthusiasts, or couples looking to explore at a relaxed pace.

7. Water Bus & River Transport: Saigon from a New Angle

Water Bus Routes and Stations

The main line runs from Bạch Đằng Station (District 1) to Linh Đông Station (Thu Duc City), stopping at 9 scenic stations:

• Sài Gòn Pearl
• Bình An
• Thảo Điền
• Tầm Vu
• Thanh Đa
• Bình Triệu
• Hiệp Bình Chánh
• Linh Đông

It’s an excellent option not only for daily commuting but also for sightseeing. The journey takes you along the Saigon River, offering rare panoramic views of the skyline and hidden riverside neighborhoods.

Timetable & Cost

• Ticket price: ~15,000 VND (less than $1)
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak times
• Operation hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Booking Tips & What to Bring

• Tickets can be bought directly at the station or reserved online through the official Waterbus site or mobile app.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and camera—you’ll want to capture the golden sunset behind the city’s ever-growing skyline.
• Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early for the best view.

Sightseeing Comparison: Water Bus vs Cyclo vs Taxi

• Water Bus: Most scenic and tranquil, perfect for longer leisure rides.
• Cyclo: Historic charm, ideal for short distances in District 1.
• Taxi or Grab: Efficient for direct routes, but you’ll miss the views.

Among the many modes of transport available, the Water Bus is by far the most Instagram-worthy and a welcome break from the city's fast pace. It’s a side of transportation in Saigon that most tourists still miss—and we highly recommend it!

8. Getting In and Out: Intercity Options from Saigon

. Intercity Buses: From Mien Dong & Mien Tay Stations

• Mien Dong Bus Station: Ideal for trips to Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Phan Thiet.
• Mien Tay Bus Station: Primary hub for the Mekong Delta, including Can Tho, Ben Tre, Chau Doc.
• Bus fares: 100,000 – 300,000 VND, depending on the destination and bus class.
• Trusted companies: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus Lines), Mai Linh Express, and Thanh Buoi.

These companies offer modern, air-conditioned Vietnam transport service with sleeper options for overnight journeys.

Train Travel from Saigon Railway Station

If you’re headed to Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, or even Nha Trang, you’ll enjoy the country’s growing rail transport in Vietnam network, operated by Vietnam Railways.

• Saigon Railway Station (District 3) is your starting point.
• Ticket prices range from 400,000 – 1,500,000 VND depending on the seat class.
• Routes:
  • Ho Chi Minh – Da Nang: ~17 hours
  • Ho Chi Minh – Hanoi: ~30–32 hours
     
• Book online through dsvn.vn or at the station.

Traveling by train offers a rare chance to observe Vietnam’s countryside and connect with locals in a more relaxed setting than air travel.

Private Transfers & Group Transport Service

If you're planning to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels or explore the Mekong Delta with flexibility and comfort, private cars or minivans are your best option.

• Prices: From 800,000 – 1,500,000 VND for day-use with driver.
• Services offered by hotels or agencies with multilingual drivers.
• Great for groups, families, and travelers who value privacy and convenience.

10. Navigating the Metro System: What’s New in 2025

After years of anticipation, Metro Line 1—Vietnam’s first urban railway—is nearing completion and expected to launch by late 2025, transforming the future of Ho Chi Minh City transport.

Metro Line 1: Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien

• Length: 19.7 km
• Stations: 14, including key stops at Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Zoo, and Suoi Tien Theme Park
• Fully elevated and connected to the city bus network
• Estimated ticket price: 15,000–40,000 VND, depending on distance

Integration with Other Transport Modes

• Park & ride facilities for motorbikes
• Feeder bus routes coordinated with station exits
• Real-time tracking and QR-code ticketing planned for full rollout

11. Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City transport isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s part of the experience. Whether you're gliding along the river, hopping on a city bus, or zipping through alleys on a GrabBike, the way you move shapes your journey. Mix it up, travel smart, and let Saigon surprise you. Save this guide, share it with your travel crew, and let the adventure begin.