Since the beginning of 2025, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (TSN) has officially put into operation partially or fully. Terminal T3 Tan Son Nhat airport – a new, modern domestic passenger terminal area. This change is intended to reduce the load on Terminal T1 and improve the passenger experience. However, the addition of a new terminal can also cause many passengers, especially those who are not up to date, to feel confused or bewildered when checking in for domestic flights.
This article by tansonnhatairport.vn will be a detailed guide, helping you understand the difference between Terminal T1 and Terminal T3, how to accurately determine the departure terminal for your flight, convenient travel options between the two terminals and important notes for a smooth flight journey in 2025.
Learn About Terminal T1 and Terminal T3 of Tan Son Nhat Airport (2025)
Clearly distinguishing the functions of each station will help you be more proactive in your journey:
- Terminal T1 (Existing Domestic Terminal):This is the traditional domestic terminal of Tan Son Nhat Airport. As of 2025, Terminal T1 will continue to serve most of the flights to and from domestic provinces and cities of many airlines.
- Terminal T3 (New Domestic Terminal):Built to expand capacity to serve domestic flights, Terminal T3 Tan Son Nhat airport is expected to bring a more modern, spacious space with many advanced amenities. From 2025, a number of airlines will move their domestic flight operations to Terminal T3.
Important: Whether your flight departs from T1 or T3 depends on the airline and the specific route, so it is important to double check the information before your trip.
How Do I Know If My Flight Departs From Terminal 1 or Terminal 3?
To avoid confusion and save time, you should check departure terminal information through the following channels:
- Check on your E-ticket or booking confirmation email:Terminal information is usually clearly stated in the flight details.
- Visit the airline's official website:Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, Vietravel Airlines will update terminal information for each flight on their websites.
- Contact the airline's Customer Service hotline:This is the surest way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about your departure terminal.
- Check SMS messages or notifications on the carrier's mobile app (if available):Some airlines will send flight updates, including terminal information.
Please perform this check at least 24 hours before your scheduled flight time.
Travel Guide Between Terminal T1 and Terminal T3 Tan Son Nhat Airport
Estimated Travel Distance and Time
- Road distance between Terminal T1 and Terminal T3 Tan Son Nhat airportestimated about 3-4 km.
- Average travel time by vehicle from 7 to 10 minutes, depending on internal airport traffic conditions.
- Important Note:Present, no direct and convenient walking access for passengers between Terminal T1 and Terminal T3. Transfer by vehicle is mandatory.
Popular Means of Transportation Between Terminal T1 and Terminal T3 (Updated 2025)
Choosing the right means of transport between Terminal T1 and Terminal T3 Tan Son Nhat airport will save you time and effort. Here are the popular options and the details you need to know:
- Shuttle Bus
- Describe:This is a bus service operated by Tan Son Nhat International Airport or affiliated units, specially designed to transport passengers between terminals T1, T2 and T3.
- Estimated travel time:About 10 – 15 minutes/trip (including pick-up/drop-off time at points).
- Estimated cost:
- Free of charge: It is likely that Tan Son Nhat Airport will provide this service free of charge to facilitate passengers during the initial phase of T3 Terminal's operation and to reduce congestion.
- Low cost: If there is a fee, it will be very reasonable and only symbolic.
- Advantage:
- Cost savings: This is the most economical option.
- Fixed route operations: Easily find clearly marked pick-up/drop-off points at each terminal.
- Safe and convenient: Cars usually have space for luggage.
- Disadvantages:
- Waiting time: You may have to wait for buses at varying frequencies (eg. 15-20 minutes/trip).
- Not as flexible as a private car: Must follow bus schedules and stops.
- How to recognize and use:
- Look for signs reading “Shuttle Bus”, “Terminal Bus” or “Airport Shuttle” at the arrival hall of Terminal T1 and the departure/arrival hall of Terminal T3.
- Ask airport staff or information desk staff for exact pick-up locations and schedules.
- It is expected that by 2025, information about this service will be widely disseminated on the airport website and at the terminals.
- Traditional Taxi / Technology Car (Grab, Be)
- Describe: This is a personal, fast and convenient transportation option.
- Estimated travel time: About 7 – 10 minutes (depending on internal airport traffic conditions).
- Estimated cost: About 30,000 VND - 70,000 VND/trip (price may vary depending on bus company, vehicle type, time and traffic conditions).
- Advantage:
- Fast and proactive:No waiting, direct shuttle between the two terminals.
- Convenient:Easily book a car via the app (with technology cars) or pick up at designated lanes.
- Suitable for small groups or families with luggage.
- Disadvantages:
- Higher costs:Compared to shuttle buses, taxi/technology car costs will be significantly higher for a short distance.
- Rush hour:Ride-hailing prices may increase during peak hours or when demand is high.
- How to recognize and use:
- Traditional Taxi:Look for taxi lanes of reputable companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun at Terminal T1 and Terminal T3.
- Technology car:Use Grab, Be app to book a car. Be sure to choose the correct pickup point for technology cars at each station (there are usually specific signs).
- Technology Motorcycle Taxi (GrabBike, Beige…)
- Describe: The fastest and most cost-effective travel option if you are traveling alone and have little luggage.
- Estimated travel time: About 5 – 7 minutes.
- Estimated cost: About 20,000 VND - 40,000 VND/trip.
- Advantage:
- Very fast: Better maneuverability than cars in light traffic jams.
- Low cost: Cheaper than taxi/car technology.
- Easy to book a car via the app.
- Disadvantages:
- Not suitable if luggage is bulky or has a lot of items.
- Not suitable in bad weather (rain, strong sun).
- Only 1 passenger per trip.
- How to recognize and use:
- Book a car via Grab app,…
- Go to the correct motorbike taxi pick-up point according to the instructions of the application and signs at the airport.
“Pocket” Important Tips for a Smooth Transfer Between T1 and T3
- Always get to the airport early: If you are not sure which terminal your flight departs from, or if you know you need to travel between T1 and T3, get to the airport at least a few hours earlier than usual. 90 – 120 minutes compared to the recommended check-in time.
- Double check your flight information: Take a screenshot of the flight information on the e-ticket or airline application, clearly stating the flight number, flight time and Terminal.
- Don't wait until the last minute to move: As soon as you know you need to change stations, make the move early to have time to prepare for unexpected situations (waiting for a bus, internal traffic jams, finding your way...).
- Pack light (if possible): Moving between terminals will be easier if your luggage is not too bulky.
- Look carefully at the sign: When Terminal T3 Tan Son Nhat airport Once fully operational, the airport signage system will be updated. Please pay attention to the signs guiding movement between terminals.
- Ask airport staff: If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask security staff, ground staff or staff at the information desk for precise instructions.
Overview of Terminal T3 Tan Son Nhat Airport
Terminal T3 is designed with the goal of becoming a modern domestic terminal, meeting large service capacity and bringing a better experience to passengers:
- Architecture: Modern design, utilizing natural light, spacious and airy space.
- Airline procedures: Optimized with multiple check-in counters, security checkpoints and new technology baggage carousels.
- Utilities: It is expected to have all the basic amenities such as a comfortable waiting area, restaurants, shopping (although not as diverse as the international terminal, it will meet the needs of domestic passengers), business class lounge, free wifi, and passenger support services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) When Moving Between Terminal T1 and Terminal T3
1. Is it possible to walk from Terminal T1 to Terminal T3?
- Not recommended. The distance between the two stations is quite far (3-4km by road) and currently there is no dedicated, safe walkway for passengers. You are required to use transportation.
2. Is there a free shuttle bus between Terminal T1 and T3?
- Tan Son Nhat Airport is expected to provide free or very low-cost shuttle bus service between terminals. You should check for updates at the airport information desk or on the official website of Tan Son Nhat International Airport upon arrival.
3. What if I go to the wrong station?
- Stay calm. Immediately go to the information desk or your airline staff to get help with directions to the correct terminal. This is why you need to get to the airport early.
4. How much time is required to travel and redo procedures (if necessary) between T1 and T3?
- In addition to the travel time by car (7-10 minutes), you need to calculate the waiting time for the car, the time to walk to the new terminal's check-in area, and the time to queue for check-in and security (if you have to start over due to a mistake or a separate ticket). To be safe, budget at least 60-90 minutes for travel and these additional procedures.
5. Is there a luggage delivery service between terminals T1 and T3?
- Currently, there is no private luggage transportation service between terminals. You should manage your own luggage or go with someone to help if your luggage is bulky. Luggage trolleys are available at the terminals for your use.
Conclude
The birth of Terminal T3 Tan Son Nhat airport is an important step in improving the service capacity and service quality of the largest airport in the country. Knowing clearly about how to identify the terminal and the transportation options between Terminal T1 and Terminal T3 will help passengers have a smooth, comfortable domestic flight and avoid unnecessary incidents. Always check flight information with your airline and arrive at the airport early to have enough time for all procedures.
tansonnhatairport.vn Wishing you safe and smooth flights through Tan Son Nhat Airport!
