Airports are often the first thing you experience in Vietnam, and a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you are landing for the first time or catching a domestic connection, this guide covers everything you need to know about Vietnam’s main airports, from terminal layouts to getting into town.

Overview

Most international flights arrive through one of Vietnam’s three main airports in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City. There are also direct international flights into major tourism destinations like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. No matter which airport you land at, you will need a valid visa or be eligible for a visa exemption to enter the country. Within Vietnam, flying is usually the fastest and most convenient way to travel between distant cities. Domestic carriers include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Jetstar. Prices are generally affordable but rise around public holidays, so book early if your trip falls near Tet or national celebrations.

Good to Know Before You Go

A few things apply across all of Vietnam’s international airports.

Taxis: Mai Linh and Vinasun are the two most trusted taxi companies in the country, and their representatives can be found at the airport taxi bays on arrival.

Facilities: All international airports offer free WiFi, drinking water stations, currency exchange counters, duty-free shops, and smoking lounges.

Dining: expect chain options such as Highlands Coffee, Burger King, and Star Cafe in most terminals.

ATMs: available just outside the terminal exits and typically dispense between 2,000,000 VND and 5,000,000 VND per transaction.

One small but important note for domestic travelers: always keep your luggage stub when flying within Vietnam, as airport staff will check it before you leave the terminal.

Noi Bai International Airport Hanoi (HAN)

Terminals

Noi Bai International Airport has two terminals, T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights, located 850 metres apart. A free shuttle bus connects them every 10 to 15 minutes from 6am to 1am, running between the first floor of T2 on the western side and the second floor of T1. In the domestic terminal, check-in counters are divided into three lobbies: A, B, and E (reserved for Vietjet flights). The international terminal is a newer building with an ATM inside the immigration area for those needing to pay visa fees in Vietnamese dong, plus a left luggage room and duty-free stalls.

Getting Into the City

Noi Bai Airport is about 27 kilometres from downtown Hanoi, and the journey typically takes around an hour.

Metered taxis to the city centre cost between 300,000 and 400,000 VND, with an additional 15,000 VND airport toll that some drivers will request separately.

Ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Be, and Go Viet are a cheaper option at around 250,000 VND, though you will need a Vietnamese SIM card to use them.

Minivans from the airport to the Old Quarter (Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air operate) from 4am to 9pm for just 40,000 VND, dropping passengers near 1 Quang Trung.

Bus 86 Express, the most affordable option, runs from the airport through central Hanoi to the train station from 6:30am to 11pm, with tickets at 30,000 VND.

Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

Terminals

Da Nang International Airport has two terminals connected by a short covered walkway: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international. It is one of Vietnam’s most modern and least crowded airports, making it a genuinely pleasant place to arrive. The domestic arrivals hall has hotel lounges, shops, and ATMs just outside the exit. The international terminal is less hectic than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but note there is no ATM inside the immigration area, so arrive prepared with USD or VND if you need to pay any visa fees.

Getting Into the City

Da Nang airport sits just five kilometres from the city centre, 29 kilometres from Hoi An Ancient Town, and 98 kilometres from Hue.

Taxis: to central Da Nang costs between 70,000 and 120,000 VND. For Hoi An, your hotel can arrange a fixed-price car for 250,000 to 350,000 VND, or a metered taxi will cost upwards of 450,000 VND.

Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Go Viet work well for shorter distances.

Shuttle vans: also run hourly from 5am to 11pm to both Da Nang city and Hoi An; look for the Hoi An Express shuttle at gate A4 in the domestic arrivals area.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

Terminals

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is Vietnam’s busiest airport. It has two terminals, T1 for domestic and T2 for international, connected by a 500-metre covered walkway. The domestic terminal has a separate lobby dedicated to Vietjet flights. Security queues here can get congested during peak hours, so allow extra time to reach your gate. Just outside the domestic terminal is a retail strip with Starbucks and McDonald’s. The international terminal is well-equipped with duty-free shops, airline lounges, and restaurants throughout the departure area.

Getting Into the City

The airport is eight kilometres from the city centre, though traffic can push the journey to 50 minutes or more.

Car: A fixed-price car through the Song Viet Car desk starts from 180,000 VND. Vinasun and Mai Linh taxis from the taxi bay charge between 120,000 and 180,000 VND into town, plus a 10,000 VND airport toll.

Ride-hailing apps: Grab, Be, and Go Viet all operate well here with a Vietnamese SIM card.

Bus: Two bright yellow city buses also connect the airport to central Ho Chi Minh City include Route 109 ends in the backpacker district and Route 49 ends at Ben Thanh Station, with tickets between 20,000 and 40,000 VND and the first service starting at 5am.

Getting ready for your trip? Browse our Vietnam travel tips for everything from visa requirements to getting around the country.