Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN), known as Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport, serves as the primary gateway for Vietnam, handling more passengers than any other airport in the country. Located just 8km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s the hub you’ll likely use when visiting southern Vietnam.
The airport now operates across three terminals following the recent opening of Terminal 3. Terminal 1 and the new Terminal 3 handle domestic flights, with Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways operating from T3, while airlines like Pacific Airlines, VASCO, and Vietjet Air primarily use T1. Terminal 2 remains dedicated to international departures and arrivals. A free shuttle service connects all three terminals, running from 04:30 to 00:30 every 15-20 minutes between them, which matters if you’re connecting between domestic and international flights.
Getting to and from the airport
Several transportation options connect the airport to the city, though all face the same challenge: heavy traffic and long lines. You’ll find taxis and rental cars curbside. Buses work if you’re traveling light since luggage space is limited. Your hotel can arrange pickup too.
For ride services like Grab, Be, and Gojek (formerly GoViet), you’ll need a Vietnamese SIM card. You can buy one from SASCO Travel counters in the arrivals hall.
Airlines at Ho Chi Minh City Airport
Knowing which airlines operate where helps you head to the right terminal. The domestic setup has changed significantly with the opening of Terminal 3. Vietnam Airlines moved its domestic operations to T3, and Bamboo Airways relocated all domestic flights there. Terminal 1 still serves Pacific Airlines, VASCO, and Vietjet Air for domestic routes. Terminal 2 handles international flights, with Vietnam Airlines joined by major carriers including United Airlines (which recently resumed service via Hong Kong) and Air France.
International arrivals at Ho Chi Minh City Airport
Immigration at Ho Chi Minh City Airport runs inconsistently. Staffing varies, and you might clear in 15 minutes or wait up to an hour. I’d plan for the longer scenario, especially during peak arrival times. When planning your trip, I’d recommend double-checking the visa requirements for your nationality.
Documents required to enter Vietnam
Travelers from all countries can apply for an e-visa before leaving for Vietnam, now valid for up to 90 days for single or multiple entries. Many nationalities can also obtain a visa on arrival if they have a pre-approved visa letter from a sponsor - you’ll find the “Visa On Arrival” counter before immigration. U.S. citizens can use either option: the e-visa system (valid for up to 90 days) or visa on arrival with a pre-approval letter.
E-visa holders must present a printed copy of their e-visa along with a valid passport at the port of entry. Print your tickets too before you travel. System failures happen, and you won’t be able to present documents from your phone or tablet.
After clearing immigration, take the escalators down to level one for baggage claim, then proceed through customs. You’ll find currency exchange counters and ATMs in both the immigration/visa area and the public arrival hall. You’ll find car rental services and an information desk in the public arrival hall after you exit the secure area.
Departures at Ho Chi Minh City Airport
Check-in counters for both domestic and international flights can get crowded. A word to the wise: pack carefully. Airlines here are known to weigh both checked and carry-on luggage, with Vietnam Airlines explicitly charging for hand baggage that exceeds size or weight limits at rates equivalent to checked baggage fees.
Checking in at Terminal 1 for a domestic flight
Following the opening of Terminal 3, Terminal 1 now primarily serves Vietjet Air and select other carriers. Vietjet’s check-in counters sit in Hall B on the ground floor, accessible via entrances D3 through D6 (particularly D5-D6 for some counters). Airlines like Pacific Airlines that remain at T1 use the area between entrances D1 and D2 (Hall A). If you’re walking from the international terminal, you’ll hit Hall B and the Vietjet counters first.
Security screening slows during peak hours, though business class passengers and elite status holders use priority lanes that move faster. After clearing security, take escalators to the first level for most gates - that’s where you’ll find the main departure hall with shops, food outlets, and lounges. While check-in happens on the ground floor, the actual departure processing and most gates are upstairs on Level 1.
Checking in at Terminal 3 for a domestic flight
If you’re flying domestic on Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways, you’ll now use Terminal 3. This modern terminal opened in April 2025 and offers a more spacious experience than the older terminals. The free shuttle service runs between all terminals from 04:30 to 00:30, departing approximately every 15-20 minutes from designated pillar pick-up points.
Checking in at Terminal 2 for an international flight
International check-in operates from Terminal 2’s second level. The standard advice is to arrive three hours before departure, but I’d give yourself extra time. If check-in hasn’t opened yet, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and shops on the landside, including Highlands Coffee and fast food outlets. Before you get to your gate, you’ll go through exit immigration, customs, and security screening. Business class passengers can use priority lanes at the security checkpoint.
Connecting flights
Connecting from international to domestic flights requires clearing the full arrival process first. You can’t stay airside. A free shuttle service connects all three terminals (T1, T2, and T3), running from 04:30 to 00:30 approximately every 15-20 minutes. After the shuttle ride, you’ll check in, drop your bags, clear security, and head to your gate.
I wouldn’t recommend booking tight connections here. Immigration, security, and check-in lines run slow, and domestic flights sometimes depart earlier than scheduled. Check your flight status before heading to the terminal. For late international arrivals, I’d suggest booking your domestic flight the next day and staying overnight.
If you’re transferring to another international flight, you can stay in the secure area and proceed to the transfer counter located in the middle of the arrival floor instead of going through immigration. And yes, that rule about having a printed copy of your ticket applies here, too.
Ho Chi Minh Airport lounges
If you want to escape the crowds, all three terminals have lounges that offer a quiet retreat.
Domestic Terminal 1 lounges
Terminal 1 offers several lounge options. Vietnam Airlines’ Lotus Lounge sits near the escalators on your left, by gates 1 and 2. It’s compact but comfortable, with a buffet spread that includes food, beverages, and alcoholic drinks.
Le Saigonnais Business Lounge sits at the opposite end on Level 1, opposite Gate 12. It’s a Priority Pass lounge that serves multiple airlines and offers considerably more space than the Lotus Lounge. The decor shows its age, but it’s comfortable enough. They offer buffet service with self-service options.
The Saigon Vista Lounge has closed permanently. The Prime Lounge near Gate 11 remains open as a pay-to-enter option, offering a modern bar, buffet, drinks, and shower facilities.
International Terminal 2 lounges
The international terminal has several lounges operating 24/7, including Le Saigonnais, Rose, Apricot and Jasmine Halal lounges, most with great runway views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. The Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge 1 on the third level (near the stairway to gates 18-20) is my personal favorite, with plenty of spots to relax and work, plus showers.
Le Saigonnais Business Lounge, also on the third level, serves other carriers and is no longer part of the Priority Pass network. They offer spirits, wine, and beer, plus shower facilities. I like the long bar-style table with power outlets by the window, perfect for catching up on emails while plane-spotting.
The Rose Business Lounge on the second level near gates 8-9 is huge, with a silent zone for napping, though shower facilities aren’t available.
The Apricot Business Lounge is a pay-for-access option on the first level, with the entrance accessible via an elevator inside the Duty Free Shop near Gate 17. It offers a buffet, beverages, and modern shower facilities. The Jasmine Halal Lounge on the second level beside the escalator to Gates 10-14 provides Halal-certified buffet options, beverages, and separate prayer rooms for men and women.
Other facilities at Ho Chi Minh Airport
The airport provides various passenger amenities including connectivity options. You’ll also find ATMs and money exchange counters, but it’s a good idea to have some local currency (Vietnamese Dong) on hand. Vietnam is still largely a cash-based society, so having local currency will make your life easier for things like taxis and street food.
Aircraft parking and bus transfers to/from gates at Ho Chi Minh Airport
Here’s a final heads-up. Many flights at SGN don’t use a jet bridge. Instead, the plane parks at a remote stand on the apron, and you’ll take a bus between the terminal and the aircraft. Vietnam Airport Ground Services officially operates these passenger buses to meet operational requirements. This can add a bit of time to your journey, so it’s another reason to avoid tight connections and maybe rethink that heavy carry-on bag.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
