Airport Transfers in Vietnam from A to Z
Transfers from Vietnam’s Airports
At Vietnamese airports, you have a wide range of transportation options to reach the city center: bus, shuttle, taxi, private car… the options abound.
Since moving to Vietnam in 2011, I’ve met numerous tourists who have been scammed when using transportation, especially with taxis. If you’ve never had an issue with a taxi in Vietnam, you’re missing out!
Unfortunately, I could give even more examples, but these should be enough.
Just take a look at forums like Reddit to see that this happens (too) often. And I’m only talking about Da Nang, but it’s true for all airports.
To avoid scams, bad transportation choices, or unwanted hassles, let me introduce my guide to transfer options and prices from airports across Vietnam.
Hanoi Airport Transfer (from Noi Bai International Airport)
Hanoi Airport (called Noi Bai Airport) is located just 30 km from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. However, among Vietnam’s four major airports, it remains the farthest from the city center, which can make transfers between the airport and the center relatively costly.
Like most other Vietnamese airports, Noi Bai has only two terminals: domestic (Terminal 1/T1) and international (Terminal 2/T2). These terminals are relatively compact and close to each other, making it easy to move between them and find the best mode of transport to reach the city center.
You have four options to reach the Old Quarter from Hanoi Airport: public bus, shuttle, taxi, or private car. Depending on your budget and preferences, you’ll find information below to help you make the best choice.
If you’re looking to save money, you might consider taking the public bus from Noi Bai to the city center. Although this is a viable option, note that buses aren’t allowed deep into the Old Quarter, so you may need to walk or take a taxi to reach your final destination.
| Transportation Option | Duration | Cost |
| Public Bus | 1 hour | 0,4 – 1,5€ |
| Shuttle | 1 hour | 1,7€ |
| Taxi/Private Car | 45 minutes | 15€ – 18€ for a 4-seater car |
Da Nang Airport Transfer (from Da Nang International Airport)
Da Nang Airport is ideally located compared to other major airports in Vietnam. Just 3 km from the city center, 23 km from Ba Na Hills, and 30 km from the ancient town of Hoi An, it offers easy and affordable access to these tourist destinations with plenty of transportation options available.
If you’re staying in Da Nang’s city center, you have several transport options: public bus, taxi, or even walking if you’re up for it. As in Hanoi, the most convenient choice is often a taxi or private car.
To reach Ba Na Hills and Hoi An, a private car is undoubtedly the best option. While some may consider taking a taxi, it can be more expensive and carries a higher risk of scams.
Note that bus number 1 connecting Da Nang to Hoi An and vice versa has been out of service since 2020. It was replaced by bus number 2. A new bus route between Da Nang Airport and the Marble Mountains will be launched soon, and I’ll keep you updated on that.
MY RECOMMENDATION
One of the top references in Hoi An for private car transfers is Hoi An Transport Service. They respond quickly, in English or French, and their rates are among the most competitive. Excellent value for money.
| Transportation Option | Duration | Cost |
| Public Bus | 25 minutes | 0,25€ |
| Taxi/Private Car | 15 minutes | 7€ – 9€ for a 4-seater car |
| En marchant | N / A | N / A |
Ho Chi Minh Airport Transfer (from Tan Son Nhat International Airport)
Ho Chi Minh Airport (also known as Tan Son Nhat International Airport) is located just 8 km from the city center. It’s a relatively small airport for a city of its size and has heavy, sometimes overwhelming, traffic.
You can also save money by choosing the public bus, with two stops inside the airport: one at the international terminal and another at the domestic terminal. Generally, buses will take you to the city center in about 20 minutes. However, traffic congestion is common near the airport, which can make the bus journey tiring, and you may end up taking more than 20 minutes to reach downtown.
| Transportation Option | Duration | Cost |
| Public Bus | 20 minutes | 0,25€ |
| Taxi/Private Car | 20 min – 30 min | 12€ à 15€ for a 4-seater car |
Hue Airport Transfer (from Phu Bai Airport)
Hue Airport (officially known as Phu Bai Airport) is located only 15 km from the city center. To reach Hue from the airport, you have the choice of taxi, shuttle, or public bus. If you’re traveling in a group of three or more with lots of luggage, although a private car is more expensive, it remains the most convenient option.
The public bus is undoubtedly the cheapest option. The bus stop is located right next to the airport, making it easily accessible.
However, the main downside of public transportation from Hue Airport to the city center is the wait time, which generally ranges from 30 to 60 minutes for each bus trip.
If you’re looking to save money while prioritizing comfort, the shuttle is an affordable alternative, costing around 50,000 VND per person. Although you may still need to wait 30 to 60 minutes for the shuttle, it will at least offer a more comfortable experience than public transportation.
| Transportation Option | Duration | Cost |
| Public Bus | 40 minutes | 0,3 € |
| Shuttle | 25 minutes | 2,2 € |
| Taxi/Private Car | 30 minutes | 10 – 12 € |
