With the heat, the luggage, and the sea of touts, navigating Ho Chi Minh Airport to Vung Tau transport often feels like a puzzle. Between unclear pricing and the 100km distance, many travelers struggle to choose the right mode of transport.
This guide breaks down every option with real travel time, cost, and insider tips—so you can choose the best way to reach Vung Tau quickly and stress-free.
How far is Vung Tau from Ho Chi Minh City?
The distance from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Vung Tau is around 100 km, and travel time ranges from 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City airport to Vung Tau is relatively straightforward, but traffic conditions can significantly affect your journey.
- Distance: 95–110 km
- Main route: Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway + National Highway 51
- Terrain: highway + urban traffic
Most drivers utilize the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway, exiting onto National Highway 51 (QL51).
The distance between Ho Chi Minh Airport and Vung Tau
👉 For detailed guide when arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport, read more: Tan Son Nhat Airport Vietnam – The Complete 2026 Guide for International Travelers
5 Ways to Get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Vung Tau
Option 1: Private Car Transfer (Best Overall)
Renting a private car with a driver is the gold standard for Ho Chi Minh Airport to Vung Tau travel. It provides total privacy, cold air conditioning, and a direct door-to-door service that no other option can match.
This is particularly ideal for families or those carrying heavy luggage who don’t want to navigate bus stations. You can choose from various models like the Toyota Vios (4-seater), Toyota Fortuner (7-seater), or the Ford Transit (16-seater).
Average Price range for Private Transfers for your reference:
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | Price (USD Approx.) |
| 4-seat car | 3 pax / 2 bags | $75 – 80 |
| 7-seat car | 5 pax / 3 bags | $80 – 90 |
| 16-seat car | 12 pax / 10 bags | $90 – $120 |
- Pros: Door-to-door, 24/7 availability, flexible stops.
- Cons: Higher cost for solo travelers.
Option 2: Speedboat and Ferry (The Scenic Route)
If you love the water and want to skip the highway traffic, the high-speed ferry (Greenlines DP) is a fantastic experience. While you must first take a 30-minute taxi from the airport to the Bach Dang Pier in District 1, the boat ride itself is beautiful.
- Travel Time: ~2 hours on the water.
- Cost: ~320,000 VND ($14) on weekdays; ~350,000 VND ($16) on weekends.
Please see the timetable for the speedboat and ferry below:
| Providers | Departure time | Departure port | Price (USD) |
| Pacific Express | 8:00,10:00, 12:00, 14:00, (and 16:00 only on Saturday) | Nha Rong port | $8-10 |
| Greenlines DP | 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, (and 9:00 & 14:00 only on Saturday) | Bach Dang port | $12 – 14 |
| Vina Express | 6:00, 8:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:00 | Bach Dang port | $12 – 14 |
Option 3: Limousine Van (Most Popular)
The Limousine van is not a stretch limo, but a modified Ford Transit with 9 large, plush leather seats. These vans are the most common choice for locals and savvy tourists going from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Vung Tau.
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, USB charging, massage seats (in VIP rows), and water.
- Frequency: Every 30 to 60 minutes.
| Bus providers | Number of seats | Departure time | Pick up location | Drop off location | Price (USD) |
| Hoa Mai limousine | 14 | Every 30 minutes from 4:00 to 18:30 | 82 Nguyen Chanh | Vung Tau | $7 – 8 |
| Vie limousine | 9 | Every 60 minutes from 4:00 to 21:00 | 131 Nguyen Thai Binh | Any places in Vung Tau city | $8 – 10 |
| Thang Toan limousine | 9&18 | Every 15- 30 minutes from 4:00 to 19:00 | 21 Nguyen Thai Binh | Any places in Vung Tau city | $6 – 8 |
Option 4: Shuttle Bus (Budget Choice)
Shuttle bus is a popular way to travel. You can go to Ben Xe Mien Dong, Or Ben Xe Mien Tay to catch the bus to Vung Tau bus station. Travelling time is from 2.5 hours to 3 hours, and the price ticket ranges from $3 to $6 (USD).
Alternatively, you can use the public bus which is much cheaper. However, you need to change the bus twice.
- Bus number 150: Cho Lon station – Tan Van. Price ticket: 6.000 VND
- Bus number 11: Vung Tau intersection station – Tan Thanh station. Price ticket: 17.000
- Bus number 6: Tan Thanh station – Vung Tau station. Price ticket: 20.000 VND
- Total Cost: ~$1.80
Option 5: Motorbike (For Adventurers)
For young backpackers, riding a motorbike to Vung Tau is an unforgettable experience. It takes roughly 3 hours and covers 100km.
- Route 1 (National Highway 51): The most direct but full of large trucks.
- Route 2 (Cat Lai Ferry): Shorter distance (~90km) and more scenic, passing through rubber forests.
- Route 3 (Long Son): The “scenic” turn-off that leads you past floating oyster farms.
Safety First: Ensure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a high-quality helmet. Vietnamese traffic is unpredictable.
Which Option is Best for You?
Choosing your transfer depends on your priorities. Below is a quick decision guide to help you choose the best Ho Chi Minh Airport to Vung Tau transport.
| Option | Price | Time | Comfort | Best For |
| Private Car | $$$ | Fast | High | Families / Large Groups |
| Speedboat | $$ | Fast | Medium | Sightseers / No traffic |
| Limousine Van | $ | Medium | High | Solo / Couples / Daily trips |
| Shuttle Bus | $ | Slow | Low | Budget backpackers |
| Motorbike | $ | Variable | Low | Adventurous solo travelers |
If you want the fastest and most private experience, the Private Car is unbeatable. If you have a lot of luggage, the Limousine Van is the best value as they often offer door-to-door drop-off in Vung Tau. For those who want to avoid the “highway slog,” the Speedboat provides the best views.
Local Tips for a Smooth Journey
Navigating Ho Chi Minh Airport to Vung Tau involves more than just picking a vehicle; it’s about timing and local knowledge. To ensure your trip is as breezy as the Vung Tau coast, keep these expert tips in mind.
Smart Planning Tips
- Book Before Arrival: Especially in 2026, limousine seats sell out hours in advance on weekends (Friday–Sunday). Use apps like Vexere or book through your hotel.
- The Golden Rule of Timing: If you land at Tan Son Nhat on a Friday after 3:00 PM, expect the journey to take 4 hours instead of 2. Conversely, coming back to the airport on a Sunday evening is equally congested.
- Weather Awareness: Vung Tau has a distinct rainy season (May to October).() While the rain is often short-lived, it can cause flash flooding on National Highway 51, slowing down buses and taxis significantly.
Connectivity & Navigation
- Use an eSIM: Stay connected and ensure you have Google Maps and translation tools active the moment you land. If you need a Vietnam eSIM, please contact AVIA via WhatsApp/ Hotline: (VN) +84 989 383 767 for instant setup and reliable connection before you travel.
- Track Your Route: Even in a private car, keep your GPS on. It ensures your driver is taking the Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway rather than the slower local roads.
Vung Tau Travel Guide
- Best Time to Visit: December to April is the dry season with perfect beach weather.
- Must-Do: Climb the 800+ steps to the Christ the King Statue for a panoramic view of the peninsula.
- Foodie Tip: You haven’t visited Vung Tau until you’ve tried Banh Khot (mini savory pancakes) at Goc Vu Sua
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 95–125 km depending on the exact route, primarily via expressway and coastal highway. Private car journey time is typically 2–2.5 hours in normal traffic.
Drivers frequently decline or cancel long-distance inter-provincial bookings from Ho Chi Minh City, including this route. Pre-booking a private transfer is more reliable for a planned trip with a fixed schedule.
AVIA currently provides two services at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN):
- Arrival Fast Track: Our staff meets you at the arrival gate and whisks you through a priority lane at immigration. No waiting, no confusion.
- Departure Fast Track: Breeze through check-in and security for your flight out of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Connecting Fast Track: Avoid missing your next connecting flight with a dedicated guide
- Airport Transfer: We provide professional, English-speaking drivers with modern vehicles. We track your flight, so even if you are delayed, your ride is waiting.
- Vietnam eSIM: Get connected the moment you land without searching for a SIM card stall.
👉 Want a faster, stress-free airport experience? Explore our services at Tan Son Nhat International Airport here.
Plan Your Trip to Vung Tau
Whether you choose a luxury van or an adventurous motorbike ride, getting from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Vung Tau is easy with a little preparation. For most travelers, the balance of comfort and price makes the private car or limousine van the top choices for 2026.
Planning ahead saves you from the heat and the stress of airport touts. To ensure a seamless start to your holiday, consider using AVIA’s dedicated services:
- Arrival Fast Track: Skip the long immigration lines.
- Airport Private Transfer: Your professional driver waiting at the gate.
- Vietnam eSIM: Stay connected from the moment you land.
👉 Explore Your Tan Son Nhat International Airport Services: https://avia.vn/airports/tan-son-nhat-ho-chi-minh/
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