About Tan Son Nhat Airport
Where is Tan Son Nhat International Airport? Tan Son Nhat Airport (IATA: SGN) is located in Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, about 7-8 km north of the city center.
This is currently the largest international airport in Vietnam in terms of both area (~850 hectares) and service capacity.
This airport is Level 4E according to ICAO standards (corresponding to the ability to safely receive large aircraft such as Boeing 747, 777, Airbus A350...)
Tan Son Nhat serves both domestic and international flights, is the main air gateway of Southern Vietnam and an important transit point connecting Ho Chi Minh City with many cities around the world. Currently, this is the main operating place of all Vietnamese airlines (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, VASCO) as well as more than 40 other international airlines.
History and development
Tan Son Nhat Airport has a history dating back to the French colonial period. Started in 1930, the French colonialists built a small airport on the land of Tan Son Nhut village (northwest of former Saigon)
In 1933, the airport welcomed the first international flight from Paris to Saigon (lasting 18 days).
In Vietnam War, Tan Son Nhat was expanded into a strategic air base for the US and Republic of Vietnam armies, once one of the three busiest airports in the world at that time
After 1975, Tan Son Nhat was completely converted to civil use and became Vietnam's main international airport. Economic and tourism development has caused passenger traffic to increase sharply over the years. 2007, the new international terminal (Terminal T2) was inaugurated with a designed capacity of 12 million passengers/year, helping to improve the capacity to serve international flights. The domestic terminal (Terminal T1) has also been upgraded and expanded many times to meet domestic travel needs. However, due to the rapid growth rate, the airport fell into a state of overload in the 2010s - in 2018, it served up to 38.5 million visitors, far exceeding the design capacity, and continued to increase to about 42 million visitors in 2023
Faced with that situation, the Government approved the construction project. Long Thanh Airport (in Dong Nai, ~40 km from Ho Chi Minh City) to share traffic with Tan Son Nhat. Long Thanh project started phase 1 in 2021 and is expected to be put into operation. 2025-2026, after completion, will receive most of the international flights, helping to reduce the load on Tan Son Nhat. Besides, right at Tan Son Nhat, a Terminal T3 (domestic) under construction (starting in late 2022) with a capacity of about 20 million passengers/year, to expand the capacity to serve domestic flights. Thus, in the future, Tan Son Nhat airport will not "change anywhere", which continues to operate in parallel with Long Thanh - Tan Son Nhat airport, focusing on domestic flights and some short international flights, while Long Thanh takes on the role of the main international airport.
Directions to Tan Son Nhat Airport
Which district is Tan Son Nhat airport in? The airport is located on Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. This location is close to the center, so traveling is quite convenient, but it is also prone to traffic jams during rush hour. Below are some popular ways to travel from the center of Ho Chi Minh City to Tan Son Nhat Airport:
- Taxi/Grab: This is the fastest and most convenient way. Travel time from District 1 (Ben Thanh Market) to the airport is about 20-30 minutes. if traffic is clear, but it can take longer (40-60 minutes) during rush hour. Traditional taxi fares range from 150-200 thousand VND/trip, while Grab/Be fares vary depending on the time but are usually competitive. Note that you should choose a reputable taxi company (Vinasun, Mai Linh) or book a technology car to avoid being overcharged.
- Bus: If you have light luggage and want to save money, you can take the public bus. Route bus 109 (yellow bus) runs directly from 23/9 Park (District 1) to Tan Son Nhat International Terminal with a ticket price of about 15,000 VND. In addition, the route 152 connecting the airport with Ben Thanh Market and Thu Thiem residential area (District 2), ticket price is only ~6,000 VND. Passengers get off at the station near the domestic terminal. Note that the bus operates from early morning ~5am to evening ~7pm, so if you fly at night, you have to choose another means of transport.
- Personal vehicle: You can drive your own car or motorbike to the airport. There is a multi-storey car park right next to the terminal to park your car. Can I park my motorbike at Tan Son Nhat airport? – Yes, the airport has a 24/7 motorbike and car parking service at the parking lot. The motorbike parking fee is calculated by turn and hour (for example ~6,000 VND for the first 4 hours, 4,000 VND for each additional 4 hours, about 12,000-15,000 VND for a day and night). If you are on a short business trip, you can park your motorbike here overnight. When arriving at the airport by motorbike, follow the signs "Parking" to enter the correct parking area (located between the domestic terminal and the international terminal). Parking is very safe and convenient, however, during the holidays, parking space may be limited due to the large number of vehicles.
- Shuttle service: Many hotels near the airport offer free or slightly charged shuttle bus services to pick up and drop off guests. There are also private airport transfer services that can be booked in advance, with a driver waiting to help you with your luggage, which is suitable if you are traveling in a large group or have a lot of luggage.
How far is it from Tan Son Nhat airport to the center of Ho Chi Minh City? – As mentioned, the distance is about 7-8 km to District 1 (central area). This is an advantage of Tan Son Nhat compared to new airports (for example, Long Thanh is expected to be ~40km from the city). However, because the inner city of Ho Chi Minh City is often congested, you should time reservation when traveling to the airport, especially during morning rush hours (7am-9am) and afternoon rush hours (4pm-7pm). Try to leave about 30 minutes earlier than scheduled to avoid missing your flight.
Airport terminals and facilities
How many terminals does Tan Son Nhat Airport have? Currently the airport has 2 main passenger terminals: Domestic Terminal (T1) for domestic flights and International Terminal (T2) for international flights. The two terminals are adjacent to each other and both connect to Truong Son Road. It is expected that in the near future there will be more Terminal T3 (new domestic) in the south of the airport area. In addition, the airport also has freight station dedicated to air transport.
Domestic Terminal (T1)
Terminal T1 consists of 2 main floors: the ground floor serves arriving passengers (luggage collection, exit) and the 1st floor serves departing passengers (check-in area, security, boarding gate). Terminal T1 has an L-shaped design with many entrances numbered from D1 to D6. Each gate corresponds to the check-in counters of different airlines. For example, D1, D2 gate usually for Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines; D3-D6 gate serving VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines... The division of gates helps reduce congestion and helps passengers find the correct area for their airline faster.
After completing check-in at T1, passengers will go to the first floor to go through security and then enter the waiting room to board the plane. How many boarding gates does Tan Son Nhat Airport have? – Including both domestic and international, the airport currently has approx. 19 boarding gates
Domestic terminal T1 has gates 1 to 20 (some gates are used by shuttle buses to the aircraft that are parked far away). Gates 1-14 are in the main waiting area, while gates 15-20 are in the extension area (the back wing of the terminal). Passengers should pay attention. boarding gate number printed on the boarding pass and follow the corresponding signs (e.g. gates 5-14 turn left, gates 15-20 turn right after security check).
Amenities at domestic terminal: Although Terminal T1 is not too large, it has all the necessary services: information desk, ATM & bank (opposite gate D2 on the ground floor), luggage packing counter (near entrance D1, D3), many food stores (Highlands Coffee, Pho, fast food...) on both the ground floor and the first floor. The souvenir and specialty shopping area is located on the first floor near the airplane gates. The domestic terminal also has business lounge for C-class passengers and members (such as Vietnam Airlines' Golden Lotus Lounge near gates 1-2, and SASCO's Le Saigonnais Lounge near gate 14)
Economy passengers can purchase lounge access if they want to relax more comfortably. T1 also has free wifi, charging stations, a smoking room, and a basic medical area.
International Terminal (T2)
Terminal T2 inaugurated in 2007, including 4 floors with a total usable area of approximately 115,000 m²
The Ground Floor is the international arrivals area: passengers enter the country to get their luggage and leave here. The first floor is the international check-in area; the second floor is the departure area, security check and boarding lounge; the third floor is the service area and VIP lounge. Terminal T2 is modernly designed, with 10 jet bridges serving planes parked close to the terminal and many bus exits for planes parked further away. In total, the international terminal has about 10-12 boarding gates (usually numbered from 16 to 28, depending on the layout).
Amenities at the international terminal: T2 offers a wider range of services as it serves many long-haul international flights. There are many counters. currency exchange and ATM in the arrival hall; counter VAT refund for exit customers; shop duty-free selling alcohol, cigarettes, cosmetics, etc. in the departure waiting area. For food and drink, there are restaurants and cafes such as Burger King, Star Cafe, Big Bowl... spread across the floors. The international terminal also has business class lounge of Vietnam Airlines (Lotus Lounge) and the alliance (Apricot Lounge) with high-class amenities. In particular, since 2017, the airport has opened more “Sleep Zone” – free sleeping area on the 2nd floor of the international terminal after the security check area
This area is ~100 m² wide, with benches and chairs for about 20 people to rest; transit passengers can use it for free. In addition, there is also a service Sleep Pods provided by SASCO nearby, with about 10 small bedrooms (4 m² each, enough for 1 adult + 1 child) equipped with clean beds, blankets and pillows - rental price is about 7 USD/hour
Thanks to these amenities, passengers can rest if they have to wait for a late night connecting flight.
What is the difference between domestic and international Tan Son Nhat Airport? In summary, the domestic terminal (T1) mainly serves domestic flights, is smaller in area and has fewer departure gates. The international terminal (T2) is more spacious, modern and has more services due to the higher demand for international passengers. Both terminals operate 24/7. If you have a connecting flight from international to domestic or vice versa, you can walk between the two terminals in a few minutes (there is a covered walkway connecting the two terminals).
Frequently Asked Questions about Tan Son Nhat Airport
How many terminals does Tan Son Nhat Airport have?
The airport currently has 2 passenger terminals: Domestic Terminal (T1) and International Terminal (T2). Each terminal serves a specific type of flight (domestic or international). In the future there will be more T3 Station (under construction) for domestic use, bringing the total number of terminals to 3.
Can I park my motorbike at Tan Son Nhat airport?
Have. Tan Son Nhat Airport has a 24/7 motorbike and car parking lot on the premises (multi-storey parking lot near the domestic terminal). Passengers riding motorbikes to the airport can safely park their motorbikes here overnight. The motorbike parking fee is calculated by the hour, on average about 5,000-10,000 VND for a few hours and about 20,000-30,000 VND for a day. Note that you should lock the steering wheel, remove the key and take the ticket carefully before leaving the vehicle.
How far is it from Tan Son Nhat airport to the center of Ho Chi Minh City?
About 8 km to the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Travel time is usually 20-30 minutes by car if the road is clear; during rush hour it can take 40-60 minutes. The airport's location right in the city center is convenient for passengers because the distance is quite short.
Does Tan Son Nhat Airport have overnight accommodation?
Although there is no hotel inside like some other international airports, Tan Son Nhat with free sleeping area (Sleep Zone) at the international terminal for overnight transit passengers
This area has benches for passengers to rest. In addition, there are also paid mini bedroom if you need privacy. For domestic terminals, passengers can rest on the waiting chairs in the lobby if they need to stay overnight. If you want more comfort, you should book hotel near airport. There are many hotels just 5-10 minutes walk/taxi from the airport, for example: Ibis Saigon Airport Hotel (200m away, shuttle service available), Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport, Tan Son Nhat Saigon Hotel, Parkroyal Saigon… This is a good option if you have an early morning flight and need to stay overnight near the airport.
How to look up flight information at Tan Son Nhat airport?
There are many ways to check Tan Son Nhat airport situation today and flight information:
- At the airport: Watch live on the Flight Information Display Board (FIDS) located throughout the terminals. This board will continuously update flight status (departure/arrival time, gate, delay…). Airport Note stopped broadcasting flight information, so passengers need to actively monitor the electronic screen.
- Via website: Visit the official website of the airport or of Vietnam Airports Corporation (eg: tia.vietnamairport.vn for information on flights to/from Tan Son Nhat) to look up by flight number or airline.
- Call hotline: The airport has a hotline or support center, you can call to ask for flight information (phone number: (028) 3848 5634).
- Mobile Application: Many airlines have their own apps that allow you to check the status of your flight. Additionally, apps like Flight Radar24, Flightradar… also allows real-time tracking of flights arriving/departing from Tan Son Nhat.
Tan Son Nhat Airport how many ports
If calculated gate then in total there is 19 ports boarding service
(including domestic and international terminals). Some gates have a telescopic tube leading directly to the plane, while the rest of the passengers will get to the plane by bus. If we talk about station entrance (entry gate) the domestic terminal has 6 main gates (D1-D6) and the international terminal has 2-3 large halls. In general, passengers only need to pay attention gate on ticket (that is the gate) and follow the directions in the airport to get to the right place.
How long does it take to check in at Tan Son Nhat airport?
Typically, the check-in process includes: queuing to check in your luggage and getting your boarding pass, then going through security and entering the departure gate. Specific time Depends on the number of passengers. With flights inland, if not crowded, all procedures can be completed in ~20-30 minutes; but during peak hours it can take 45-60 minutes. With international flights, in addition to airline procedures, you also have to go through the departure counter, which usually takes 40-60 minutes. Therefore, airline recommended passenger Domestic flights should be 2 hours before departure, international flights 3 hours before departure to leave plenty of time to queue and troubleshoot if needed. Tip: you can do this online check-in (online check-in) at home first, then go to the airport and queue straight to the security gate (if you don't have checked baggage) - this way saves a lot of waiting time.
How big is Tan Son Nhat airport?
The total area of Tan Son Nhat airport is approximately 850 hectares. This area includes both civil areas (terminals, runways, commercial aircraft parking lots) and military areas. Compared to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi (area ~815 ha), Tan Son Nhat is slightly larger in terms of land use. However, due to its location in the heart of the urban area, Tan Son Nhat's expansion potential is very limited. Therefore, Long Thanh Airport with a land fund of more than 5,000 ha is being built to meet the increasing aviation demand of the Southern region.
Tan Son Nhat Airport What airlines operate?
Almost now All domestic airlines in Vietnam All operate at Tan Son Nhat:
- Vietnam Airlines: National airline, operating both domestic and international flights.
- VietJet Air: Low-cost airline, headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, has many domestic and regional routes in Asia.
- Bamboo Airways: Newly emerging airline, operating both domestically and internationally (some routes to Korea, Taiwan, etc.).
- Pacific Airlines: Low-cost airline (affiliated with Vietnam Airlines), focusing on domestic flights.
- Vietravel Airlines: New airline (2021), currently operating some domestic routes.
- VASCO: Air service company, operating short routes and flights to Con Dao.
Besides, Tan Son Nhat welcomes more than 40 international airlinesMajor airlines in the region and around the world have flights here, including: Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, AirAsia, etc. Tan Son Nhat Airport plays the role of an important transit hub in the region, connecting Ho Chi Minh City with most economic and tourist centers in Asia, and several cities in Europe, the Middle East and Australia.
Summary and tips for using the airport
Tan Son Nhat Airport is a busy and familiar gateway for many visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. To have a smooth experience at this airport, you should note the following important points:
- Prepare valid documents and luggage: Make sure to bring all your identification documents (ID card/CCCD or passport, visa if flying internationally) and carefully check your flight ticket and flight information. Carry-on and checked baggage must comply with regulations on weight, size and must not contain prohibited items.
- Get to the airport early: As advised above, be present. 2 hours before departure (domestic) or 3 hours (international)Tan Son Nhat is often crowded, especially during peak tourist season or holidays, so arriving early helps you be proactive in all procedures, avoiding stress from long waiting times.
- Check flight information regularly: Before the flight, should Flight search Check the airline or airport website to see if there are any changes to flight times. Departure date, update flight status via electronic board or phone application to know the gate, boarding time... Being proactive will help you not miss important announcements (especially when the airport no longer broadcasts).
- Note on moving and parking: If you drive your own motorbike/car, consider parking at the airport parking lot. If you take a taxi/Grab, after getting off the car, remember to check that you have not forgotten your luggage. When you arrive at the airport, use a reliable taxi service (avoid “unlicensed taxis”). At the international terminal, after getting your luggage, you will see a counter selling fixed-price taxi tickets or you can use a booking app to be picked up in a dedicated lane.
- Use airport facilities: While waiting for your flight, you can take advantage of the amenities: charge your phone at a public charging station, connect to free wifi to work or entertain. If you feel hungry or thirsty, there are many culinary options from fast food to coffee, Vietnamese pho... Prices at the airport are generally higher than outside, but you pay for the convenience. In addition, always keep an eye on your personal belongings while waiting, keep your luggage with you to avoid theft.
- Consider purchasing additional services if needed: If you have a long wait and need a private space to rest, consider booking a room. Sleep Pod or visit a paid lounge. A short nap or relaxation will help you relieve fatigue on a long flight. For long international flights, prepare a neck pillow and wear comfortable clothes when boarding the plane.
In short, Tan Son Nhat airport Although crowded, with careful preparation, you can completely convenient experience here. Hopefully the detailed information, instructions and experiences above will help you feel more confident when using this largest airport in Vietnam. Wish you have a great trip. smooth and good!
