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7.9 km • ~13 mins

How to Get from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Independence Palace

Independence Palace sits about 7.9 km southeast of Tan Son Nhat International Airport in central Ho Chi Minh City. The journey takes roughly 13–25 minutes by pre-booked transfer or taxi in light traffic, and 60–75 minutes by the cheapest airport buses.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 7.9 km road distance

Official Metered Airport Taxi

Door-to-Door
15 mins •Available at Arrivals (Official Queue)
€5.00 - €8.50 (Metered)
Luggage: 2 Bags + Carry-On in Boot
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Use the official taxi queue outside Arrivals for your terminal; ignore touts offering fast taxi in the hall.
  2. Choose Vinasun, Mai Linh, or Green SM and note the car number.
  3. Tell the driver Independence Palace, 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and insist on the meter or use an app with an upfront price.
  4. Pay in VND with small notes; confirm if an airport entry or parking fee is added.
  5. After 13–25 minutes, get out at the Independence Palace entrance on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street.

Airport Bus 109 to Ben Thanh / Pham Ngu Lao

Best Public Option
70 mins •See Timetable / Until Late Evening
€0.20 - €0.70 / Person (Cash Only)
Luggage: Small Bags OK; Little Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. If you landed at T1/T2, follow signs to the free inter-terminal shuttle and ride to Terminal 3 (T3); if already at T3, exit Arrivals.
  2. Find the bus 109 stop outside T3 Arrivals; pay the driver or conductor in small VND notes, fare under 20,000 dong.
  3. Stay on board through Nguyen Van Troi, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Ham Nghi for about 45–60 minutes.
  4. Get off at Saigon Bus Station near Pham Ngu Lao or 23/9 Park.
  5. Walk about 15–18 minutes through central District 1 to Independence Palace, or take a short taxi or Grab for the last kilometre if you have luggage.

City Bus 152 via Ben Thanh Market

Cheapest Daytime Bus
75 mins •05:15 – 19:00 Only
€0.20 / Person (Cash Only)
Luggage: Not Ideal with Large Luggage
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From T2 or the domestic area, locate bus 152 at the airport bus stop; confirm the bus is heading to Ben Thanh Market or Trung Son.
  2. Pay the low cash fare to the conductor, around 5,000–6,000 dong.
  3. Expect a slow 50–70 minute ride with frequent stops and a possible extra charge for large luggage.
  4. Get off at Ben Thanh Market.
  5. Walk about 10 minutes north-east to Independence Palace, or take a short Grab or taxi.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts inside the arrivals hall; use only the official taxi queue or designated app pickup zones.
  • Always insist on the meter or an upfront app price, and confirm the total before boarding a prepaid counter taxi.
  • Keep small VND notes for buses and taxis; card payment on city buses is not guaranteed.
  • Check the car's company name and number, and ask about any added airport entry or parking fee before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Independence Palace from Tan Son Nhat Airport?

The road distance is about 7.9 km. By car it takes about 13–25 minutes in light traffic, while airport buses take about 60–75 minutes including walking and transfers.

What is the cheapest way to get to Independence Palace?

City bus 152 is the cheapest daytime option at about €0.20; get off at Ben Thanh Market and walk about 10 minutes. Bus 109 costs up to about €0.70, runs later, but you must start or transfer to Terminal 3.

Can I pay by credit card?

Taxis and ride-hailing apps usually accept card payment in the app or in some metered taxis. City buses require small VND cash, so keep notes with you.

Is there a metro or train from SGN airport?

No, there is no metro or train at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Metro Line 1 is useful only after you reach Ben Thanh in District 1 by bus, taxi, or private transfer.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or a metered taxi is best for families with luggage. City bus 152 is not ideal with large bags because space is limited.

What if I arrive late at night?

Use a taxi, ride-hailing car, or pre-booked private transfer. Bus 152 stops around 19:00, and bus 109 only runs until late evening, so do not rely on city buses for very late arrivals.