VIETNAM - Tan Son Nhat International Airport: Your Gate to Ho Chi Minh City
Introduction
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN, ICAO: VVTS), the largest and busiest airport in Vietnam, handles more than 36 million passengers annually. This airport is the principal port of entry to Vietnam, with millions of passengers passing through its gates every year and offering international flights between Vietnam and other Asian destinations.
Airlines and Destinations
For Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, and VietJet Air, Tan Son Nhat International Airport is their main hub. It offers attractive non-stop passenger flights to 82 destinations in 25 countries, making it a key air transportation center for the region.
Totals by Passengers and Flights
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is currently the sixth-busiest airport in Southeast Asia, but by 2023 it will likely be one of the overcapacity airports, teetering at around 41 million passengers and ranking as the world's going-on-50th busiest. The airport is also among the busiest in the world, with 32.5 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2016 and 38.5 million or more expected by our arrival date of July/August this year.
How to Get Here
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is situated just 6 km away from the Ho Chi Minh City center, in the Tan Binh district. There are several options to get from the city to the nearby airport, with available public buses all year long. Others include taxis as well as private transfers.
Parking
The parking options include long-term and short-term lots, a conveniently located multi-level car park for both travelers, as well as non-aeronautical services.
Transportation Price
The cost of transportation from the airport to the city center will be determined by your choice. The remaining options are the public buses 109 and 152, which have a price of between 12,000 VND (0.5 USD) to 20,000 VND (0.8 USD) per person. You can also opt for private transfers and taxis at very good rates.
Terminal Layout
The airport has two terminals, one each for international and domestic flights, with a few eateries on the ground-level walkway in between. The total area between the guest terminals and parking lots is 54,800 square meters.
Navigate the Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is easy to navigate, with clear signage and instructions all around the terminals. Passengers can catch the airport shuttle bus service that links the terminals and different hubs inside the airport.
Getting Between Terminals
Walking: Transfer between the international terminal and domestic terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport can be done on foot, with a ground-level walkway linking both terminals. That said, due to flight timings and terminal assignments, it may be necessary for passengers to allow some extra time for the transfer.
Services and Amenities
The Tan Son Nhat International Airport provides various services and amenities to attend to the needs of their passengers. There are duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges on concourse E-K at the departure gates A1-11, as well as currency exchange offices and ATMs.
Restaurants and Shops
The terminals at the airport house many dining options, both in terms of fast-food chains, including some international brands like Starbucks and Burger King, plus Vietnamese eateries. Passengers can also shop at the duty-free and various retail outlets inside the airport.
Security and Customs
To avoid any issues, passengers at Tan Son Nhat International Airport should be prepared for strict security and customs checks. You are encouraged to give yourself plenty of time for these processes and arrive at the airport early.
Accessibility
Tan Son Nhat International Airport has been continuously improving its facilities to support passengers with disabilities. To make it easy for every traveler, the airport has parking places, ramps, and lifts.
Travel Tips
The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is full of pickpockets, and the terminals are always crowded, so be cautious when getting off. This will also familiarize travelers with the airport's structure while providing transport information they may not have realized otherwise.