Tan Son Nhat International Airport: Full Guide for Travelers in 2025
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (TIA), with the aviation code SGN, serves as Ho Chi Minh City’s main airport. As Vietnam’s largest airport in both size and capacity, it handles a high number of arrival and departure passengers daily. The international terminal is nearly three times bigger than the domestic one and features multiple functional areas. This guide covers essential details, including terminal layouts, check-in procedures, amenities, and travel tips to help you navigate the airport smoothly. Did you know you can fly directly to this Island and get a 30 day free visa? Check out Phu Quoc Visa Exemption
Tan Son Nhat Airport is one of Vietnam’s two major airports and ranks as one of the busiest in Southeast Asia, linking numerous regional and international destinations. Situated on Truong Son Street in Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, it lies just 8 km from the city center and the famous Bui Vien Walking Street . The airport features two active terminals—Domestic Terminal T1 and International Terminal T2—both connected by a public lobby on the ground floor.
Map of the international arrival terminal of Tan Son Nhat airport
The international terminal (T2) at Tan Son Nhat Airport is larger and more modern than the domestic terminal (T1) on the first floor. With ongoing construction on a new terminal on the third floor, plans are in place to eventually merge T1 and T2 for domestic flights.
Covering a total, in service area of over 115,834 m², Terminal T2 consists of four distinct floors:
- Ground Floor: International arrival hall, check-in counters, baggage claim, and airport exit
- First Floor: Immigration procedures and visa counter for international arrivals
- Second Floor: Departure hall with check-in counters and boarding areas
- Third Floor: Cafes, restaurants, and entertainment facilities
For better navigation, Tan Son Nhat International Terminal is divided into two main sections: the international arrivals area and the departure terminal.
For international arrivals: Start at the middle section of the first floor (1F) and head toward the connecting counters. Clear customs, then take the elevator or escalator down to the ground floor. Pick up your luggage after the security check and proceed to the arrival hall at A1–A2, where you can exit to catch a taxi to the city.
Electronic boards in the A1 and A2 exit areas display upcoming flight arrivals. Use this information to plan your time efficiently when picking up relatives or customers.
Map of international departure terminal
T2—International Terminal: This modern, four-story terminal stays busy 24/7, offering seamless international travel.
- Ground floor: Handles international arrivals, baggage claim, and exit points, with a connecting counter.
- First floor: Hosts the immigration area, landing visa counter, and another section of the arrival hall.
- Third floor: Serves as the departure terminal with check-in counters.
- Fourth floor: Features cafés, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Check out Vietnam visa requirements online as not many nationalities are eligible for visa on arrival.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field.
- Obtain a TEFL certification
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Complete a health check, usually done in Vietnam.
Check-in Guide for Tan Son Nhat Airport – International Terminal
The airport map above, provides a clear overview of the check-in process at the airport’s international terminal.
Required Documents
- Reservation number
- Valid passport & Visa (if required by your destination)
Check-in Procedure
- Head to the assigned check-in counter (A–L). Flight-specific counters are listed on the electronic board outside. Counters open 3 hours before departure.
- Drop off checked baggage and proceed to customs inspection.
- Drop off checked baggage and proceed to customs inspection.
- Complete customs procedures.
- Finalize passport control and get an exit stamp.
- Pass through security screening and enter the departure lounge (located on the ground and first floors).
International check-in counters close 50 minutes before departure. Arrive at least 3 hours early to avoid disruptions to your schedule.
Services & Airport facilities at Tan Son Nhat Airport (International Terminal)
T2, the international terminal, offers a wider range of amenities compared to the domestic terminal.
Medical Services
Available near departure gate 19 on the first floor and in the arrival isolation lobby (Door A2) on the ground floor.
Money Exchange & ATM
Find four ATMs at Column 14 and one ATM at Column 3 on the ground floor (arrivals area).
Luggage packing
Located in four areas within the D1 and D2 arrival halls.
Food, drinks & Souvenir shopping
Restaurants and shops are everywhere, including arrival and departure halls & check-in areas. The 3F floor features premium restaurants and exclusive relaxation areas for business-class passengers.
Airport Wifi
Stay connected at Tan Son Nhat Airport with free Wi-Fi available in both domestic and international terminals. Look for networks like FreeWifi TanSonNhat Airport or TSN Free Wifi Express. No password is required & If the connection drops, simply reopen your browser and reconnect.
Local SIM cards
Travelers can easily find Vietnamese SIM cards near the airport terminal exit, with prices ranging from USD7 to 15. To get a tourist SIM, show your passport for registration. After activation, check if it works by texting TTTB to 1414. providers like Viettel, Vietnamobile, Vinaphone, and Mobifone offer various data and call packages to choose from.
How to get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to city centre (District 1, 3)
Located near the city center, Tan Son Nhat Airport offers various transportation options, including buses, taxis, motorbike taxis, and private cars, from the airport to the city center and backpacker area.
- Buses: Routes 109, 119, 152, and 159 operate with fares ranging from 7,000 to 25,000 VND. These buses run efficiently and continue service until late at night. USD1 = 25000 VND
- Shuttle Services: Airline buses and shuttle buses to nearby areas start at 50,000 VND (USD 2).
Getting to center of Ho Chi Minh City from Tan Son Nhat Airport takes just a short ride, as it’s only 7-10 km away. For early flights or layovers, consider staying at a nearby airport hotel or a downtown hotel for easy access back to the terminal. Various transportation options are available right outside the airport, offering quick and affordable rides to the city center.
Booking a Ride via App
With a Vietnamese SIM card and a smartphone, booking a ride through apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM is quick and reliable. Grab, a popular alternative to Uber, operates across Southeast Asia, offering reliable service. Xanh SM, known for its eco-friendly electric vehicles, is a favorite among locals. Fares typically range from VND 120,000–250,000 (USD 5–11), depending on traffic. Before heading to the pickup area in the outer lane, check the license plate in the app, as most drivers may not speak English.
Taking a Taxi from the Airport to District 1
Taxis offer a convenient way to reach District 1 (city center), with fares averaging VND 200,000 (USD 8). Before getting in, confirm the price—drivers may either use the meter or charge a fixed rate. To ensure a smooth ride, opt for a trusted taxi company such as:
- Mai Linh Taxi: 028 3838 3838
- Noi Bai Taxi: 028 3842 4242
- Saigon Taxi: 028 3823 2323
Motorbike Taxi (Xe ôm)
Motorbikes dominate Vietnam’s streets, providing a quick, budget-friendly, and thrilling way to travel. For a ride, head to the airport parking area, where fares range from USD 3–4. However, if you’re carrying large or heavy luggage, this may not be the best option.
Airport Bus
There are several buses from Tan Son Nhat Airpot to the city center, Bui Vien, pho Ngu Lau street and backpacker areas. Since buses often get crowded, keep an eye on your belongings. Drivers may skip stops unless requested, so let them know in advance where you need to get off. Air-conditioned local buses pick up passengers outside the terminal—look for routes 152, 109, 49, or 119 to reach downtown.
Important Travel Note
During Vietnamese national holidays and the weeks leading up to Tết (Vietnamese New Year, late January to early February), domestic travel spikes, making streets more congested and transportation less predictable. Taxi fares may rise, and finding an available ride can become difficult. To avoid delays, plan to leave for the airport earlier than usual and consider booking an airport pick-up service in advance.
Some of the main Vietnamese public holidays in 2025:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Vietnamese New Year (Tết) – January 29th & February 2nd
- Hung Kings Commemoration – April 7th
- Reunification Day – April 30th
- International Labour Day – May 1st
- National Day – September 2nd
Tan Son Nhat Airport, also called Ho Chi Minh Airport, is an extremely busy airport. With the right preparation, navigating through immigration and the terminal becomes much easier. Since traffic in Vietnam can be unpredictable, picking a right transportation option ensures a smoother arrival. We extremely advice you to be at the airport at least 4 hours before departure.