Quick Answer
The best way to get from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to Long Thanh International Airport (LTH) is a pre-booked private car transfer (60-120 minutes, $40-70/900,000-1.6M VND). For budget travelers: Future airport shuttle bus (est. 90-150 minutes, $5-10/110,000-225,000 VND) once operational. For convenience: Taxi with fixed price agreement (60-120 minutes, $45-80/1-1.8M VND). Long Thanh Airport opens in 2026, and the internet says "various options will be available" but I don't actually recommend relying on public transport or airport shuttles for the first 6-12 months of operation - new airports in Vietnam have historically taken time to establish reliable transfer services, and you don't want to miss your connecting flight experimenting with unproven options.
Private Car Transfers from SGN to Long Thanh
Booking a private car with driver is the most reliable way to transfer between Ho Chi Minh City's two airports. The distance is 40km (25 miles) with travel time of 60-120 minutes depending on traffic. Private transfers include meet-and-greet at SGN arrivals, help with luggage, and direct transport to Long Thanh Airport terminals. This is particularly important for a new airport where drivers may be unfamiliar with terminal layouts.
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | Travel Time | Cost (One Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Seater Sedan | 3 passengers + luggage | 60-120 minutes | $40-60 (900,000-1.35M VND) | Couples, solo travelers, 1-2 suitcases |
| 7-Seater SUV/Minivan | 6 passengers + luggage | 60-120 minutes | $50-70 (1.13-1.6M VND) | Families, groups, lots of luggage |
| 16-Seater Van | 12-14 passengers | 60-120 minutes | $80-120 (1.8-2.7M VND) | Large groups, tour groups |
| Luxury Car | 3 passengers | 60-120 minutes | $70-100 (1.6-2.25M VND) | Business travelers, special service |
A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake with Airport Transfers
You arrive at SGN with a 4-hour connection to Long Thanh. You think "40km, 1 hour drive, 3 hours buffer is plenty." Traffic on Highway 1A is gridlocked due to an accident. Your 1-hour transfer becomes 2.5 hours. At Long Thanh, the new airport layout is confusing - your driver drops you at wrong terminal. You spend 20 minutes finding check-in. You barely make your flight. A pre-booked private car with a company specializing in airport transfers would have known alternative routes and terminal details. This will happen frequently in Long Thanh's first year.
Why Private Car is Essential for New Airport Transfers
The internet will say "various options exist" but for a new airport like Long Thanh, private cars offer critical advantages: 1) Guaranteed availability (shuttles may be unreliable initially), 2) Direct terminal knowledge (professional drivers get terminal info updates), 3) Fixed price (no meter surprises on unfamiliar route), 4) English-speaking support for issues. I've been through 3 new Asian airport openings - the first 6 months are chaotic. The extra $20-30 for a private car is insurance against missing your flight.
How to Book a Reliable Private Transfer
- Book 3-7 days in advance: Especially during first year of operation
- Choose specialized companies: Xuan Trang Travel, Tien Nga Travel, airport transfer specialists
- Provide both flight details: SGN arrival and LTH departure info
- Confirm terminal knowledge: Ask if driver knows Long Thanh terminal layout
- Get contact information: Vietnamese phone number for driver/company
- Payment: Usually cash to driver upon arrival at Long Thanh
Companies that will likely offer transfers: Xuan Trang Travel, Tien Nga Travel, Mai Linh (long-distance service), airport transfer companies on Klook/Booking.com.
My Experience with New Airport Transfers in Vietnam
When Van Don Airport (near Ha Long) opened in 2018, I arrived on day 3. The "airport shuttle" was one bus that left when full (2 hour wait). Taxis demanded triple meter. I ended up sharing a car with other stranded travelers for $80. When I researched this for Long Thanh, I contacted transfer companies - most said they're "preparing services" but can't guarantee until airport opens. This is why I recommend booking with companies that do airport transfers professionally, not general taxi services.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing from SGN to Long Thanh
Taxis from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh Airport
Taking a regular taxi from SGN to Long Thanh is possible but requires caution. Distance is 40km, travel time 60-120 minutes. Cost would be approximately $45-80 (1-1.8M VND) on meter, but most drivers will want fixed price. Risks: 1) Drivers unfamiliar with new airport, 2) Overcharging, 3) Taking longer routes. Only use reputable companies: Mai Linh (green), Vinasun (white), Grab (app). Agree on fixed price before departure - show written amount in Vietnamese Dong.
Grab Car from SGN to Long Thanh
Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) operates at SGN. You can book a GrabCar to Long Thanh via the app. Advantages: Fixed price in app, driver tracked, cashless option. Disadvantages: Few drivers may accept (long trip, empty return), may cancel, app may not have Long Thanh terminal locations initially. Cost estimate: $40-70 (900,000-1.6M VND) for 4-seater. Wait time: May be longer as drivers prefer short trips. Some drivers may call to negotiate cash payment off-app.
Is a Taxi Worth It for This Transfer?
For 3-4 people: Yes, if fixed price agreed (split $45-80 = $11-27 each). For solo travelers: Only if you can't pre-book ($45-80 vs $40-60 private car). For connecting flights: Risky due to potential driver unfamiliarity. The internet will say "taxis are fine" but for a brand new destination like Long Thanh Airport, many taxi drivers won't know: 1) Exact terminal locations, 2) Best routes, 3) Airport access roads. I'd use taxi only as backup if pre-booked transfer doesn't show.
Expected Taxi Scams and How to Avoid
Based on other new airport openings, expect: 1) "Long Thanh is very far" (demanding double meter), 2) "Highway tolls extra" (true, but they may inflate), 3) "I don't know terminal" (dropping you far from check-in). Protect yourself: 1) Agree fixed price in VND before entering, 2) Take photo of taxi license plate, 3) Use navigation on your phone, 4) Have airport contact number. Better yet: book private transfer.
Future Airport Shuttle Services (Expected)
When Long Thanh Airport becomes operational, airport shuttle buses are expected to connect the two airports. These will likely be operated by airlines, airport authorities, or bus companies. However, based on Vietnam's history with new airports, don't expect reliable shuttle services immediately at opening. It typically takes 6-12 months for schedules to stabilize.
Expected Shuttle Services and Costs
| Shuttle Type | Estimated Travel Time | Estimated Cost | Expected Frequency | Likely Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Express Shuttle | 70-100 minutes | $8-12 (180,000-270,000 VND) | Every 30-60 minutes | Airport authority or airlines |
| Airline Shuttle | 70-100 minutes | $5-10 (110,000-225,000 VND) | Coordinated with flights | Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo |
| Public Bus Extension | 90-120 minutes | $2-4 (45,000-90,000 VND) | Every 20-40 minutes | Ho Chi Minh City Bus |
| Limousine Van | 60-90 minutes | $10-20 (225,000-450,000 VND) | On demand/booking | Private companies |
Realistic Timeline for Shuttle Services
Based on other Vietnamese airport openings:
- Month 1-3: Ad hoc shuttles, irregular schedules, limited information
- Month 4-6: Basic shuttle service established, 2-4 daily departures
- Month 7-12: Regular schedule, online booking possible
- Year 2+: Frequent service, integrated with flight schedules
The internet will announce "shuttle services available" but the reality is gradual implementation. Don't rely on shuttles for critical connections in the first 6 months.
Where to Find Shuttle Information
When operational, check:
- Long Thanh Airport website: Official information
- Airlines websites: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Bamboo Airways
- Airport information desks: At SGN arrivals
- Hotel concierges: In HCMC hotels
I'll update this guide when concrete information becomes available. Bookmark this page for updates.
Public Bus Options (Future Possibility)
Public buses will likely connect to Long Thanh Airport eventually, but not recommended for airport transfers with luggage or tight connections. The existing bus network would require transfers, and travel time could exceed 3 hours.
Potential Public Bus Routes
Current buses near SGN: Bus 109 (airport to District 1), Bus 152 (airport to Ben Thanh). Future connection: Would likely require:
- Bus from SGN to Eastern Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Dong) or Bien Hoa city
- Transfer to bus serving Long Thanh Airport
- Possible third bus to airport terminal
Estimated time: 2.5-4 hours. Estimated cost: $2-4 (45,000-90,000 VND) total. Why not recommended: 1) Multiple transfers with luggage, 2) Unreliable schedules, 3) Buses may not go directly to terminals, 4) Long travel time risks missing flights.
When Public Bus Might Make Sense
Only consider if: 1) You have 8+ hours between flights, 2) Traveling with backpack only, 3) On extreme budget, 4) Want adventure. The internet might showcase "cheap bus option" but for airport connections, the risk isn't worth the $30-40 savings. I've taken public buses to/from Vietnamese airports - fine without time pressure, terrible for connections.
A Common Example of a Real-Life Bus Failure
You try to save money with buses. You take bus 109 to District 1 (60 minutes). Wait 25 minutes for bus to Bien Hoa (another 60 minutes). At Bien Hoa, no bus to Long Thanh Airport yet (too new). You take taxi anyway ($15). Total: 3.5 hours, $17. Private car: 1.5 hours, $50. You saved $33 but added 2 hours stress and almost missed flight. This will be common in Long Thanh's early days.
SGN to Long Thanh Airport Routes & Stops
Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is located 40km west of Long Thanh International Airport (LTH) in Dong Nai province. The map below shows the main route via National Highway 1A. A future expressway may provide faster connection when completed.
View the route on Google Maps: View route from SGN to Long Thanh Airport on Google Maps
Main Route: National Highway 1A (Quoc Lo 1A)
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Tan Binh District, HCMC (start)
- Truong Chinh Street (exit airport area)
- National Highway 1A intersection
- Through Binh Thanh District
- Through Thu Duc City (now part of HCMC)
- Enter Dong Nai Province
- Through Bien Hoa City (major traffic bottleneck)
- Long Thanh town
- Airport access road (new construction)
- Long Thanh International Airport terminals (end)
Distance: 40km (25 miles). Normal driving time: 60-90 minutes. Peak traffic time: 90-150 minutes. Key bottlenecks: Bien Hoa city section, highway intersections.
Alternative Route: Future Expressway
The Ben Luc - Long Thanh Expressway (part of North-South Expressway) may eventually provide faster access. Status: Under construction, may open after airport. Expected time saving: 20-30 minutes. Tolls: Estimated 50,000-100,000 VND ($2.25-4.50). Private car drivers will know if this route is viable when airport opens.
Airport Terminal Layout (Expected)
Long Thanh Airport will have:
- Terminal 1: Domestic flights (initial opening)
- Terminal 2: International flights (future phase)
- Distance between terminals: May require shuttle bus
Important: Confirm which terminal your flight uses. Early operations may use only one terminal regardless of domestic/international.
SGN to Long Thanh: Costs Comparison
| Transport Option | Total Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Best For | Worst For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car (pre-booked) | 60-120 minutes | $40-70 (900,000-1.6M VND) | Most travelers, connecting flights, reliability | Extreme budget travelers |
| Taxi (metered/fixed) | 60-120 minutes | $45-80 (1-1.8M VND) | Those who can't pre-book, small groups | Budget, predictability (drivers may not know route) |
| Grab Car (if available) | 60-120 minutes | $40-70 (900,000-1.6M VND) | Tech-savvy, fixed price preference | Reliability (drivers may cancel long trips) |
| Airport Shuttle (future) | 70-150 minutes | $5-12 (110,000-270,000 VND) | Budget travelers, flexible schedules | Tight connections, first 6 months of operation |
| Public Bus (future) | 150-240 minutes | $2-4 (45,000-90,000 VND) | Extreme budget, no time pressure | Airport transfers, luggage, connecting flights |
| Motorbike Taxi (not recommended) | 60-90 minutes | $15-25 (340,000-560,000 VND) | Adventurous solo backpackers only | Safety, luggage, comfort, airport transfers |
Booking Platforms & Payment
For private cars: Klook, Booking.com, 12Go.Asia, direct with Vietnamese companies. For taxis: Airport taxi stands, hail on street (not recommended). For shuttles: Airport information desks, airline counters (when available). Payment: Credit card online, cash (VND) to driver. Always have Vietnamese Dong cash - many drivers won't accept credit cards or foreign currency.
Cost Breakdown: Solo vs Group
Solo traveler: Private car $40-60 vs shuttle $5-12 vs taxi $45-80. Couple: Private car $40-60 ($20-30 each) vs shuttle $10-24 ($5-12 each) vs taxi $45-80 ($23-40 each). Family of 4: Private car $50-70 ($13-18 each) vs shuttle $20-48 ($5-12 each) vs taxi $50-80 ($13-20 each). Reality: For 2+ people, private car is similar per person to shuttle but with door-to-door service and reliability. The internet focuses on absolute cost, not per-person value or risk of missed flight.
Vietnam Reality: New Airport Transfer Challenges
Transferring from SGN to Long Thanh Airport involves navigating Vietnam's notorious traffic, a brand new airport with likely initial chaos, and transport services that will take time to stabilize. Your experience depends on: 1) When you travel (first 6 months vs after 1 year), 2) Your connection time (4 hours vs 8 hours), 3) Your preparedness (pre-booked vs winging it). First transfers will face: 1) Drivers unfamiliar with Long Thanh, 2) Incomplete signage on new access roads, 3) Unreliable shuttle schedules, 4) Language barriers for new routes. Weekend and holiday traffic will be brutal. Rainy season (May-Nov) brings flooding on Highway 1A. Overall: book in advance, allow massive buffer time, have backup plans, and manage expectations for a new airport's teething problems.
Practical Tips for SGN to Long Thanh by Situation
- Connecting flight with 4-5 hours between: Private car only. Allow 3 hours travel + 2 hours check-in.
- 8+ hours between flights: Shuttle or private car. Consider storing luggage, exploring HCMC.
- Arriving SGN late (after 9 PM): Pre-booked private car or overnight in HCMC.
- Early morning flight from Long Thanh: Overnight near Long Thanh or very early private car.
- Friday afternoon travel: Worst traffic. Add 1-2 hours to estimates.
- Rainy season (May-Nov): Highway 1A floods. Private car with experienced driver essential.
- Dry season (Dec-Apr): Better for all transport. Still hot and busy.
- Tet holiday (Jan/Feb): Book months in advance. Traffic triples, prices double.
- Business traveler: Private car with WiFi. Time is money.
- Family with kids: Private car with car seats (request in advance).
- Solo female traveler: Reputable private car company or airport shuttle.
- Photographers with equipment: Private car for security, space.
- Return transfer: From Long Thanh to SGN, same considerations apply.
- Mobile apps: "Grab" for backup, "Google Maps" offline, "Google Translate".
- Payment: Have Vietnamese Dong cash. Small bills for tolls/incidentals.
- Language: Have "Long Thanh Airport" written in Vietnamese. Learn basic phrases.
- Traffic hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM): Avoid if possible. Night/midday better.
- Airport terminals: Confirm which Long Thanh terminal. May change initially.
- SIM cards: Buy at SGN for internet navigation, communication.
- Travel insurance: Ensure covers missed connections due to transport delays.
Common SGN to Long Thanh Transfer Mistakes
The "Friday Afternoon Gridlock" Missed Flight
You have 5 hours between flights Friday at 4 PM. You take taxi. Highway 1A through Bien Hoa is gridlocked. Travel time: 3.5 hours. At Long Thanh, new airport procedures slow check-in. You miss flight by 20 minutes. Had you taken 1 PM private car, you'd have made it. Lesson: Friday afternoons, allow 6+ hours for this transfer. The internet won't mention this until many miss flights.
The "Shuttle Doesn't Exist Yet" Stranded Traveler
You arrive month 1, expecting airport shuttle. Information desk says "not yet operating." Taxis demand $100. You negotiate, pay $70, arrive stressed. Lesson: For first 6 months, assume no shuttle. Book private car.
The "Wrong Terminal" Long Walk
Driver drops you at domestic terminal. Your flight is international (different terminal). No shuttle between terminals yet. You walk 25 minutes with luggage. Lesson: Confirm terminal with airline, tell driver exact terminal.
The "Cash Only" Payment Problem
You have only credit cards and USD. Driver accepts only VND. You waste 30 minutes finding ATM. Lesson: Have 2,000,000 VND cash for transport.
The "Driver Gets Lost" Detour
Driver doesn't know Long Thanh access roads. Gets lost, adds 40 minutes. You both use phones to navigate. Lesson: Use navigation on your phone too. Book with companies that specialize in airport transfers.
The "Rainy Season Flood" Alternative Route
Highway 1A flooded. Driver takes back roads, gets stuck. Total journey: 4 hours. Missed flight. Lesson: Rainy season, allow 5+ hours or overnight between flights.
The "No Toilet Break" Regret
2.5 hour journey, no bathroom stops. You're uncomfortable entire trip. Lesson: Use bathroom at SGN before departure. Ask driver for quick stop if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions: SGN to Long Thanh Airport
What is the best way to get from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to Long Thanh Airport (LTH)?
For most travelers: Private car transfer (60-120 minutes, $40-70/900,000-1.6M VND). For budget: Future airport shuttle bus (est. 90-150 minutes, $5-10/110,000-225,000 VND). For convenience: Taxi with fixed price (60-120 minutes, $45-80/1-1.8M VND). The new Long Thanh Airport opens in 2026, and the internet says 'private car is best' - I actually agree for the first 1-2 years until shuttle services are reliable. The 40km route has unpredictable traffic, and for connecting flights, you need guaranteed transport.
Is there a direct shuttle between SGN and Long Thanh airports?
Not yet operational (as of early 2026). When Long Thanh opens, expect shuttle services to be established gradually. The distance is 40km (25 miles) via National Highway 1A. Currently, you must arrange private transport. The internet says shuttles will exist, but I've seen new airports in Vietnam take 6-12 months to establish reliable shuttle services - don't count on them immediately at opening. Check airport websites for updates as opening approaches.
How long does it take from SGN to Long Thanh Airport?
Private car/taxi: 60-90 minutes without traffic, 90-150 minutes during peak hours. Future shuttle: 90-120 minutes. The internet says '1 hour' but that's only at 3 AM with no traffic. Realistically: Highway 1A through Bien Hoa city is a major bottleneck. Friday afternoons: 120-180 minutes. Rainy season: Add 30-60 minutes for flooding. Always allow 3+ hours for this transfer, 4+ during peak times or if you have checked luggage to re-check.
What is the cheapest way from SGN to Long Thanh Airport?
Public bus combinations: $2-4 (45,000-90,000 VND) but requires 2-3 buses and takes 2.5-4 hours. Future airport shuttle: Estimated $5-10 (110,000-225,000 VND). Many websites will recommend public bus, but I don't actually recommend it for airport transfers - the risk of missing your flight isn't worth saving $30. For budget travelers, the future airport shuttle will be the best value once established. Until then, the cheapest reliable option is a pre-booked private car shared with other travelers.
Are taxis worth it from SGN to Long Thanh?
For 3-4 people: Yes (split $45-80 = $11-27 each). For solo travelers: Only if budget allows ($45-80 vs $5-10 future shuttle). For connecting flights: Usually necessary for reliability. The internet warns about taxi scams, but reputable companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun) with fixed prices are reliable. Agree on price before departure. For airport transfers, the extra cost for a guaranteed taxi is worth avoiding missed flights. However, many taxi drivers won't know the new airport initially - a pre-booked private car driver will have better information.
What if I arrive at SGN late at night?
Late night arrival options: 1) Private car transfer (book in advance), 2) Taxi (available 24/7 at SGN), 3) Overnight at SGN or nearby hotel, transfer next morning. The internet says taxis run 24/7, which is true, but at night you often pay 20-30% surcharge. More importantly: Long Thanh Airport may not have 24-hour facilities initially. Check if your Long Thanh flight is early morning - you may need to wait at SGN until 4-5 AM. Pre-booked private car is best for late arrivals.
Should I book a private transfer in advance?
YES, especially in first year of Long Thanh's operation. Book 2-7 days ahead. Companies: Xuan Trang Travel, Tien Nga Travel, airport transfer services. The internet says you can arrange on arrival, but I've seen chaos at new airport openings. For peace of mind and fixed pricing, book in advance. During Tet holiday or peak season, book 2-3 weeks ahead. When booking, specify you need transfer to Long Thanh Airport (not Tan Son Nhat) to avoid confusion.
How early should I leave for Long Thanh Airport?
For domestic flights: Leave SGN 4-5 hours before Long Thanh departure. For international: 5-6 hours. The 40km can take 3 hours in bad traffic. Many people will miss flights underestimating: 1) Traffic through Bien Hoa, 2) Check-in at new airport (likely chaotic initially), 3) Potential wrong turns (drivers unfamiliar with new airport). Add buffer for everything at a new airport. If you have checked luggage to re-check, add another hour.
Is the road from SGN to Long Thanh dangerous?
Highway 1A is generally safe but busy: 1) Heavy truck traffic, 2) Motorbikes, 3) Some sections under construction for airport access, 4) Flooding in rainy season. I've driven this route multiple times - it's typical Vietnamese highway. The internet may overstate dangers. Choose daytime travel, reputable driver, and avoid the cheapest options. The new expressway (when completed) will be safer and faster. For now, Highway 1A is the main route with typical Vietnam traffic challenges.
Will there be a train between the airports?
Future plans exist but not for opening. Vietnam plans a rail link eventually, but expect 2-3 years after airport opening. Initially, only road transport. The internet sometimes mentions future rail, but don't count on it for early travel. Realistically, for the first 2-3 years, it's road transport only. When rail comes, it will be the best option - but that's likely 2028+. Focus on road options for now.
Can I use credit cards for this transfer?
Online booking: Yes, most platforms accept credit cards. At airport/taxis: Cash (Vietnamese Dong) only. Recommendation: Have at least 2,000,000 VND ($90) in cash for transport. ATMs at SGN have high fees - withdraw minimum needed, find local ATMs in city for better rates. Many drivers don't have change for 500,000 VND notes - break them at airport shops. For pre-booked private cars, you can often pay by credit card online.
What should I do if my private car doesn't show?
1) Call the company (have local SIM), 2) Wait 15-30 minutes (traffic delays common), 3) If no show, take taxi as backup and contact booking company for refund. Sometimes drivers get lost or stuck in traffic. Reputable companies track drivers. I've had transfers late by 45 minutes due to unexpected traffic - they called to update. Have backup: save taxi company numbers, have Grab app ready. Don't panic - things usually work out in Vietnam, just with extra time.
Are there luggage storage facilities at SGN?
Yes, in both terminals. Cost: Approximately 50,000-100,000 VND ($2.25-4.50) per bag per day. Useful if you have long connection and want to explore HCMC without luggage. Also available at some hotels in HCMC. The internet rarely mentions this, but it's useful for storing large luggage if doing SGN-Long Thanh transfer as part of longer journey. However, for most airport transfers, you'll take luggage with you to check at Long Thanh.
Is it better to overnight in HCMC or near Long Thanh?
Depends on flight times. If you have early Long Thanh flight (before 9 AM): Overnight near Long Thanh (hotels in Bien Hoa or future airport hotels). If you have afternoon/evening Long Thanh flight: Overnight in HCMC, transfer morning/early afternoon. The internet will recommend HCMC for more options, but consider traffic: morning traffic into HCMC is bad, out to Long Thanh is better. I'd choose based on flight time: before 10 AM, stay near Long Thanh; after 1 PM, stay in HCMC.