Arriving in Vietnam: Airport Guide to Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, and Da Nang
Your first hour in Vietnam sets the tone for the whole trip. Arriving tired, without local cash or data, and unsure how to get to your hotel is exactly when travelers get overcharged. The good news: Vietnam's main international airports are modern and easy to navigate, and getting into the city is simple once you know your options. This guide walks you through arrival step by step, then covers transfers from the three busiest airports.
Step by Step: Arrival and Immigration
- Have your visa ready. Most visitors use an e-visa — print it or keep a PDF on your phone. Some nationalities are visa-exempt for a set number of days. Check the latest rules in our Vietnam visa guide.
- Head to immigration. Queues for foreign passports can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour at peak times (late evening arrivals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are often busiest).
- Collect your bags and pass through customs. Most travelers walk straight through the green channel.
- Before leaving the terminal, sort out cash and a SIM card or eSIM.
Cash and SIM Cards at the Airport
ATMs are located in the arrivals halls of all major airports. Withdraw a moderate amount of dong for your first few days; exchange counters at the airport usually offer slightly worse rates than banks or gold shops in the city.
Mobile network kiosks (Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone) sell tourist SIM cards with generous data. Airport prices are higher than in town, but the convenience is often worth it. Alternatively, install an eSIM before you fly. See our SIM card and eSIM guide for a full comparison.
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi, HAN)
Noi Bai is about 27 km north of Hanoi's Old Quarter. International flights use Terminal 2; domestic flights use Terminal 1. Allow 45–60 minutes to reach the center, longer at rush hour.
| Option | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 86 (airport express) | ~45,000 VND | Orange bus to the Old Quarter and main train station, roughly every 20–30 minutes from early morning to late evening |
| Public city buses (07, 17) | ~9,000–10,000 VND | Very cheap but slow, with stops away from the Old Quarter |
| Grab / Xanh SM car | ~280,000–380,000 VND | Fixed fare in the app; pick-up area is signposted |
| Airport taxi | ~350,000–450,000 VND | Use the official queue outside arrivals |
| Hotel pick-up | Varies | Convenient for late-night arrivals |
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City, SGN)
Tan Son Nhat sits inside the city, only about 8 km from District 1, though traffic can turn a 20-minute ride into an hour. International flights use Terminal 2; domestic flights use Terminal 1 and the newer Terminal 3.
| Option | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 109 | ~15,000–20,000 VND | Airport bus to Ben Thanh area and the backpacker street |
| Bus 152 | ~5,000 VND + luggage fee | Cheap city bus to District 1 |
| Grab / Xanh SM car | ~180,000–280,000 VND | Fixed fare; use the dedicated ride-hailing pick-up zone |
| Airport taxi | ~170,000–250,000 VND | Use the official queue; Vinasun and Mai Linh are reliable |
Looking ahead: The new Long Thanh International Airport, about 40 km east of Ho Chi Minh City, has been undergoing trial flights in late 2026, with commercial service expected to start from December 2026. International routes are planned to move there gradually over the following years. Always check which airport your flight uses.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Da Nang airport is just 3 km from the city center and the closest major airport to Hoi An (about 30 km). It's one of the easiest arrivals in Asia.
| Option | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grab / taxi to Da Nang city | ~70,000–120,000 VND | 10–15 minutes |
| Grab / taxi to the beach (My Khe) | ~100,000–150,000 VND | 15–20 minutes |
| Grab / private car to Hoi An | ~300,000–450,000 VND | 40–50 minutes |
| Shuttle bus to Hoi An | Varies by operator | Shared shuttles run several times a day |
Avoiding Arrival Scams
- Ignore touts in the arrivals hall offering "official" transport — use the taxi queue, the ride-hailing pick-up zone, or the airport bus.
- Check the license plate of your Grab car before getting in.
- Confirm the meter is running in a taxi, and know the rough fare in advance.
- Count your change carefully when paying in dong. Our scams guide has more tips.
Late-Night Arrivals
Many long-haul flights land after 11 PM. Airport buses stop running in the late evening, so you'll need Grab, a taxi, or a pre-arranged hotel pick-up. If your flight lands very late, consider booking your first night at an airport hotel or arranging a hotel transfer so you're not navigating at 2 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Grab at Vietnamese airports?
Yes. Grab, Be, and Xanh SM all operate at major airports, with signposted pick-up areas. You'll need mobile data or airport Wi-Fi to book.
How long does immigration take in Vietnam?
Typically 15–45 minutes, but it can exceed an hour at peak arrival times in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Should I exchange money before arriving?
It's not necessary. Airport ATMs work with most international cards, and you'll get better rates in the city than at home.
Is there an airport train in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Not yet. Rail links to both cities' airports are planned, but buses, taxis, and ride-hailing are the current options.
With your visa sorted, a SIM card in your phone, and a fair-priced ride booked, you'll be checking into your hotel and heading out for your first bowl of pho in no time.
Information notice: Prices, opening hours, and travel conditions can change. Content on EnViet is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most current situation. Please verify important details with official or local sources before travelling or booking.
EnViet Editorial Team
The EnViet Editorial Team creates practical Vietnam travel and food guides using local knowledge, public sources, and manual editorial review. Content is reviewed before publication and updated periodically.
