Top Ways to Get to Long Thanh International Airport from Ho Chi Minh City the Fastest
The official commercial operation of Long Thanh International Airport has opened a new chapter for Vietnam’s aviation infrastructure. However, the fact that the distance from central Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh is about four times farther than to Tan Son Nhat Airport remains a major concern for many passengers. How can you optimize travel time, avoid peak-hour traffic jams, and stay in control of every flight? This article compiles the fastest ways to get to Long Thanh Airport from Ho Chi Minh City based on the current infrastructure.
Current Fastest Road Options to Long Thanh Airport
Road travel remains the most popular and familiar choice for the majority of passengers looking for ways to go from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh Airport.
1. Private car, taxi, or ride-hailing services via the expressway
This is the optimal choice for family groups, business travelers, or passengers with bulky luggage.
- Route: Central Ho Chi Minh City → Mai Chi Tho Boulevard → Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway → National Highway 51 interchange → Turn into the T1 connecting road leading directly to the airport terminal area.
- Travel time: Average 45 to 90 minutes (under smooth traffic conditions).
- Estimated cost: Around 400,000 – 600,000 VND for a one-way service vehicle.
Cars traveling on the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway during clear traffic.
- Practical note: Although this is the straightest and fastest route, pay special attention to frequent bottlenecks that cause congestion at the An Phu interchange (former District 2) or right at the expressway entrance during peak hours. At these times, travel time can stretch up to 2 hours.
2. High-quality buses and dedicated shuttle services
If you are traveling alone, have light luggage, and want to minimize costs, high-quality buses are a very worthwhile option. Transport companies have already launched bus routes connecting directly from major hubs in Ho Chi Minh City such as Tan Son Nhat Airport, the new Mien Dong Bus Station, and Saigon Bus Station (23/9 Park) straight to Long Thanh Airport.
- Expected travel time: About 90 – 120 minutes because the buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers at fixed stations along the way.
- Assessment: Low cost, modern and spacious vehicles. However, you need to arrive at the station early to avoid missing the scheduled departure (fixed timetable).
High-quality bus route connecting from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Long Thanh Airport.
3. Combined waterway route to Long Thanh Airport to avoid traffic jams
If you want to escape the exhausting congestion at the eastern road gateways, you can experience a unique itinerary by high-speed ferry combined with road transfer via Nhon Trach.
This option utilizes the waterway transport network combined with road shuttle vehicles to create a smooth route free from road traffic jams.
- Detailed route: Start by high-speed ferry from Bach Dang Pier (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), travel along the Saigon River and Nha Be River to Swan Bay Marina (Nhon Trach, Dong Nai). The ferry ride takes about 35 – 45 minutes. At Swan Bay, continue with a transfer car along DT 769 road for about another 60 minutes to reach Long Thanh Airport.
- Assessment: This route is ideal for those departing from the core of District 1, with light luggage, who want to enjoy river scenery and eliminate the stress of road congestion.
High-speed ferry from Bach Dang Pier to Nhon Trach on the way to Long Thanh Airport.
Future Ultra-Fast Connection Options
In addition to the existing infrastructure, key transport projects currently under development promise to set new records for travel time between the two locations.
4. Thu Thiem – Long Thanh light rail line
The light rail project connecting directly from Thu Thiem Station to Long Thanh Airport is under investment study. Once operational, this journey is expected to take only about 20 – 30 minutes, becoming the fastest and safest means of transport.
Planning map of the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh rail line.
5. Ring Road 3 and Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway
When these routes are fully completed, they will open new directions for residents in the southern areas (District 7, Nha Be) and western Ho Chi Minh City (Binh Chanh, Binh Tan). Passengers will be able to drive straight to Long Thanh without having to cut through the city center or pass the already overloaded An Phu interchange.
Knowing the routes and choosing the right means of transport will make your journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh International Airport easier than ever. Save this guide so you can always stay prepared for your upcoming flights. Wishing you safe and smooth travels!
