ComeToGuide
12.5 km • ~17 mins

How to Get from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Thao Dien (District 2)

Thao Dien (District 2) lies about 12.5 km east of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, across the Saigon River from District 1. The trip takes roughly 25–45 minutes by car or 75–90 minutes using the bus and Metro Line 1, depending on traffic.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 12.5 km road distance

Official Airport Taxi

Metered
30 mins •At Arrivals (Official Queue)
€7–€12 (Metered)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall to the official taxi queue outside your terminal (T2 international, T1/T3 domestic).
  2. Choose a reputable metered taxi such as Vinasun, Mai Linh, or Green SM.
  3. Insist the driver uses the meter or agree on a total price before departing.
  4. Ride approximately 25–45 minutes to Thao Dien (District 2), depending on traffic.

Grab / Green SM / Be Ride-Hailing

Upfront Price
30 mins •On Demand (App)
€4–€10 (App Fare)
Luggage: Car: 2 Pieces; Bike: 1 Small Bag
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Open the Grab, Green SM, or Be app and confirm your pickup location at the airport.
  2. Follow the app and airport signs to the designated ride-hailing pickup zone (T3 ground floor of PNA parking; T1/T2 use marked zones).
  3. Select your car type and confirm the upfront price in the app.
  4. Meet your driver, verify the plate number, and ride 25–45 minutes to Thao Dien (District 2).

Bus 109 + Metro Line 1 via Ben Thanh

Cheapest
75 mins •Bus 109 Until Late Evening; Metro 05:00–22:00
€0.40–€1.40 (Per Person)
Luggage: Limited Space on Bus; Metro OK
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall and make your way to the T3 bus stop: if you land at T2/T1, use the free inter-terminal shuttle or walk to T3.
  2. Board bus 109 with small VND cash notes (fare well under 20,000 ₫).
  3. Ride about 45–60 minutes to the Saigon Bus Station/Ben Thanh area.
  4. Walk to Ben Thanh Metro Line 1 station and take an eastbound train.
  5. Get off at Thao Dien station and walk or use a short taxi/ride to your address.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Ignore touts in the arrivals hall who claim to have a taxi or cheaper ride; use official queues or app pickup zones only.
  • Insist the taxi meter is switched on or agree on a total price before departing; prepaid counters inside the terminal are often dearer.
  • A small airport entry/parking fee may be added to metered fares; confirm the final amount with the driver before leaving.
  • Have small VND notes for bus 109 and do not expect card payment on city buses; ride-hailing apps accept card, but verify the vehicle plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from SGN to Thao Dien?

Use bus 109 from T3 to Ben Thanh/Saigon Bus Station, then transfer to Metro Line 1 east to Thao Dien. Total cost is roughly €0.40–€1.40 per person and takes about 75–90 minutes.

How long does it take to reach Thao Dien by taxi or private transfer?

In light traffic the 12.5 km drive can take 25–45 minutes; allow longer during rush hour or heavy rain.

Are there transport options from SGN to Thao Dien at night?

Taxis and ride-hailing apps run 24/7. Bus 109 runs until late evening, but Metro Line 1 ends around 22:00, so late-night arrivals should use a car.

Can I pay by card for buses and taxis?

Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps usually accept card payments or in-app payment. Buses take cash in small VND notes; the metro accepts cash or cashless payment.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A private transfer or metered taxi is easiest door-to-door with luggage. Bus 109 plus Metro has limited luggage space and requires a transfer at Ben Thanh.