Vietnam captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty, from the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta's floating markets. This Southeast Asian nation seamlessly blends ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and dynamic modern cities with a rich culinary tradition that has gained worldwide acclaim.
- Public
- City buses cover major routes but are slow and crowded. Hanoi's first metro line opened 2021 (limited coverage). HCMC metro still under construction.
- Taxi
- Grab dominates and is highly reliable with fixed prices, GPS tracking, and cashless payments. Traditional metered taxis (Mai Linh green, Vinasun white) are reliable.
- Rental
- Motorbike rental $5-10/day is popular but requires skill and carries risk. Bicycle rental $2-5/day ideal for Hoi An and Hue. Car rental rare and not recommended for self-drive.
- Walking
- Old Quarter Hanoi, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Hue city center are walkable but street crossing is challenging. Most Vietnamese cities require transport between neighborhoods.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Airport taxi (fixed fare) - $18-25, 45-60 min
- Shuttle
- Grab/taxi (metered) - $12-20, 45-60 min
- Bus
- Airport minibus #86 - $1.50, 60-90 min
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Extensive networks in major cities. Fares $0.20-0.50. Apps: BusMap helps navigate routes. Quality varies - modern air-con buses in big cities, older buses elsewhere. Useful for budget travel but crowded during rush hours.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, cyclo, motorbike_taxi
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Metered taxis widely available. Reputable companies: Mai Linh (green), Vinasun (white). Base fare $0.50-0.70, then $0.50-0.60 per km. Always insist on meter or use Grab app to avoid scams.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Extensive network, very affordable. Sleeper buses popular for overnight routes ($15-30 Hanoi-HCMC). Companies: Phuong Trang (Futa), Thesinh Tourist, Hanh Cafe. Book via 12go.asia or company websites. Quality varies - choose reputable companies. VIP buses offer AC, WiFi, snacks.
Flights
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet (budget), Bamboo Airways connect major cities. Hanoi-HCMC $40-100 (2 hours). Hanoi-Da Nang $30-70 (1.5 hours). Book early for best prices. Budget airlines charge for baggage. Often cheaper than sleeper bus and saves time.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Noi Bai International Airport
From centre: 35 km to Hanoi Old Quarter
Options: Airport taxi (fixed fare) - $18-25, 45-60 min; Grab/taxi (metered) - $12-20, 45-60 min; Airport minibus #86 - $1.50, 60-90 min; Private transfer pre-booked - $15-30
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
From centre: 8 km to District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Options: Grab/taxi - $5-8, 20-40 min depending on traffic; Airport bus #109 - $0.50, 30-50 min; Mai Linh/Vinasun taxi - $6-10; Private transfer - $10-20
Da Nang International Airport
From centre: 3 km to Da Nang city center, 30 km to Hoi An
Options: Taxi to Da Nang center - $3-5, 10 min; Taxi to Hoi An - $15-20, 40 min; Grab to Hoi An - $12-18; Airport shuttle to Hoi An - $10-15 (pre-book)
Cam Ranh International Airport
From centre: 35 km to Nha Trang
Options: Airport shuttle bus - $2-3, 60 min; Taxi - $15-20, 45 min; Grab - $12-18; Hotel pickup (often free with booking)
Phu Quoc International Airport
From centre: 10 km to Duong Dong town
Options: Taxi - $8-12, 20 min; Grab - $6-10; Hotel shuttle (many offer free pickup); Mai Linh taxi - $10-15
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Grab
Vietnam's dominant ride-hailing app covering GrabCar, GrabBike, and GrabFood. Fixed prices, GPS tracking, and cashless payments. Essential for all Vietnamese cities.
Be
Vietnamese competitor to Grab offering similar car and bike services. Sometimes cheaper than Grab and good alternative in major cities.
BusMap
Free app providing real-time city bus routes, stops, and estimated arrival times for Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, and other Vietnamese cities.
12go.asia
Best platform for booking intercity buses, trains, and ferries in advance with English language support and confirmed tickets.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the Grab app before arrival - it's Vietnam's essential transport tool for cars, bikes, food delivery, and payments
Always use Grab or insist on meters for taxis - unlicensed drivers (xe om) around tourist sites overcharge
BusMap app (free) shows real-time city bus routes and schedules for Hanoi and HCMC - buses cost $0.20-0.50
Crossing streets in Vietnamese cities: walk slowly and steadily - traffic flows around you rather than stopping
Overnight sleeper buses and trains are efficient for covering long distances while saving on accommodation costs
Book domestic flights 1-3 months in advance for best prices on VietJet and Bamboo Airways routes
The Hanoi-HCMC overnight train (30+ hours) on the SE3/SE4 routes offers scenic views and comfortable soft sleeper berths