Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City can look chaotic at first, but getting around is relatively straightforward once you know the main options.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used, local buses cover much of the city, and Metro Line 1 now connects central Ho Chi Minh City with areas to the east. Vietnam Tourism also lists taxis, Grab and buses among the main transport options for visitors.
Grab and Ride-Hailing
For many visitors, Grab is one of the easiest ways to move around the city.
It is useful for:
- short city journeys
- travelling between attractions
- going out at night
- reaching restaurants and markets
- getting around when the weather is hot or rainy
Having mobile data makes ride-hailing much easier.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available throughout the city.
Vietnam Tourism specifically notes that taxis are easy to find in Ho Chi Minh City.
Use clearly branded taxis and make sure the meter is used when appropriate.
Metro Line 1
Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line, Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien, has been operating commercially since December 2024. It runs about 19.7 km with 14 stations and connects the central Ben Thanh area with locations including Ba Son, Thao Dien, An Phu, Thu Duc and Suoi Tien.
For visitors staying near the route, the metro can be a convenient way to avoid road traffic.
Local Buses
Local buses cover a large part of the city and can be useful for budget-conscious travelers.
Vietnam Tourism notes that the bus network serves a significant portion of Ho Chi Minh City.
For first-time visitors, ride-hailing or taxis are usually simpler, but buses can be useful if you are comfortable checking routes.
Walking
Walking works especially well in the central area.
Popular areas such as Nguyen Hue, Ben Thanh Market and several major historic attractions can be explored on foot. Vietnam Tourism highlights Nguyen Hue as a major pedestrian area and lists several central attractions within easy walking distance.
Because of the heat and traffic, combining walking with short Grab or taxi rides is often the easiest approach.
Tan Son Nhat Airport to the City
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is roughly 8 km from central Ho Chi Minh City, though traffic can make the journey much longer than the distance suggests. Vietnam Tourism notes that travel into the city can take 50 minutes or more depending on traffic.
Common options include:
- taxi
- ride-hailing app
- private transfer
- bus
For travelers with luggage or arriving late, a pre-arranged transfer can be the simplest option.
Motorbikes
Motorbikes are a major part of everyday life in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam Tourism specifically recommends motorbike tours as a way to experience the city at street level, especially in the evening.
For visitors unfamiliar with local traffic, joining a guided motorbike tour is usually easier than renting and driving independently.
Our Quick Recommendation
Central sightseeing: Walk + Grab
Longer city trips: Grab or taxi
Along Metro Line 1: Metro
Airport: Private transfer, Grab or taxi
Local experience: Guided motorbike tour
For most first-time visitors, a combination of walking, Grab and the metro works very well.