Complete Guide to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) 2026
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s busiest and most important aviation hub. Handling tens of millions of passengers annually, SGN is the primary gateway for international travelers entering southern Vietnam. This guide provides everything you need to know from immigration and transport to lounges, facilities, and fast track services.
Airport Overview
• Location: 6 km north of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Terminals:
- T1 (Domestic): Serves Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and other local carriers.
- T2 (International): Handles flights from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Passenger Volume: Over 40 million passengers annually, making it one of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports.
• Future Plans: Long Thanh International Airport is under construction to ease congestion, but SGN remains the main hub until completion.
SGN Airport Terminal Maps
Arrival Hall – Floors 1 & 2 (HCMC Airport)
Floor 2 – Immigration
After disembarking, you’ll arrive on the second floor, where the Immigration Office is located.
• If you need a visa on arrival, this is the place to complete the paperwork and collect your visa.
• Once finished, take the elevator down to Floor 1.
Floor 1 – Baggage & Customs
On the first floor, you’ll find:
• Baggage claim to collect your luggage
• Customs clearance before exiting the terminal
• Restrooms conveniently located at both ends of the hall
• Currency exchange booths just outside customs, where you can change money into Vietnamese Dong
Departure Hall – Floor 3 (HCMC Airport)
Floor 3 – Departures
This level is dedicated to check‑in and departure procedures.
After completing check‑in, passengers proceed to customs and immigration.
The process is usually efficient, taking around 15 minutes.
Next, travelers go through security screening before heading to the boarding gates.
Immigration & Customs
• Visa on Arrival:
- Requires pre‑approved visa letter.
- Documents: entry form, passport photos, visa fee (USD or VND).
- Processing time: 15–60 minutes depending on queues.
• E‑Visa: Faster option if arranged before travel.
• Customs:
- Green lane for travelers with nothing to declare.
- Red lane for items requiring declaration.
• Traveler Tip: Immigration queues can exceed an hour during peak times. Fast track services cut this down to minutes.
Lounges & Facilities
• Business Lounges:
- Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge.
- Le Saigonnais Lounge (international terminal).
• VIP Lounges: Private rooms, showers, and concierge services.
• Facilities:
- Duty‑free shops, currency exchange, SIM card kiosks, ATMs.
- Free Wi‑Fi in most areas.
- Medical services and baby care rooms.
Baggage Services
• Baggage Locker Services.
- Location: International Terminal (T2): Between columns 13–14 in the arrivals hall.
- Operating Hours: Daily from 07:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Pricing: 27,500 VND per hour (approx. $1.10 USD).
- Maximum storage limit: 48 hours.
• Claim Areas: Located after immigration; signage is clear.
• Lost & Found: Dedicated desks in both terminals.
• Porter Services: Available for assistance with heavy luggage.
• Traveler Tip: Keep baggage tags handy for quick identification.
Transportation Options
• Taxis
- Companies: Mai Linh, Vinasun (reputable, metered).
- Cost: 150,000–200,000 VND to District 1.
- Tip: Avoid unlicensed taxis outside the official stands.
• Grab (Ride‑Hailing App)
- Pros: Transparent pricing, cashless payment.
- Cons: Requires mobile data or Wi‑Fi.
- Cost: Often cheaper than taxis.
• Airport Buses
- Bus 109: SGN → District 1 (Ben Thanh).
- Bus 152: SGN → Ben Thanh via local routes.
- Cost: 20,000 – 40,000 VND.
• Private Transfers
- Pre‑Booked Cars: Driver meets you at arrivals.
- Pros: Stress‑free, direct service.
Best Combo: Fast track + private transfer for seamless arrival.
Traveler Tips
• Peak Hours: 5–8 AM and 7–11 PM are busiest.
• Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card at arrival halls for Grab and internet access.
• Cash: Carry small denominations for taxis, buses, and visa fees.
• Cultural Notes: Politeness is valued; tipping is optional but appreciated.
Fast Track Services at SGN
Tan Son Nhat is notorious for long queues. Fast track services provide:
• Meet & Greet: Staff welcome you at the gate.
• Priority Immigration: Dedicated lanes to skip queues.
• Visa Assistance: Help with paperwork at visa‑on‑arrival counters.
Book your SGN Fast Track Service today to save time and enjoy a stress‑free arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.
Don’t waste 2 hours in line, clear immigration in under 20 minutes.
Book Fast Track NowTop 5 SGN Airport Hotels
| Hotel | Address | Rating | Price (approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ibis Saigon Airport Hotel | 2 Hồng Hà, Phường 2, Tân Bình | ⭐ 4.3 (3,160 reviews) | ~$63 | Modern design, rooftop pool & bar, international restaurant, close to airport |
| Yoko Airport Saigon Hotel | 43-45 Yên Thế, Phường 2, Tân Bình | ⭐ 4.4 (409 reviews) | ~$12 | Budget option, clean rooms, good for short transit stays |
| Bluesky Serviced Apartment Airport Plaza | 01 Đường Bạch Đằng B, Phường 2, Tân Bình | ⭐ 4.3 (781 reviews) | ~$38 | Serviced apartments with kitchen facilities, ideal for longer stays |
| Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport by IHG | 18E Cộng Hòa Street, Tân Bình | ⭐ 4.5 (1,363 reviews) | ~$108 | Full‑service hotel, free airport shuttle, outdoor pool, gym, dining options |
| Prague Saigon Airport Hotel | 157-157A Đ. Bạch Đằng, Phường 2, Tân Bình | ⭐ 4.4 (280 reviews) | ~$18 | Casual hotel, breakfast included, Wi‑Fi, simple but comfortable rooms |
Traveler Tips
• Closest option: ibis Saigon Airport Hotel is directly across from the airport, perfect for late arrivals or early departures.
• Budget choice: Yoko Airport Saigon Hotel and Prague Saigon Airport Hotel both offer affordable rates under $20.
• Extended stays: Bluesky Serviced Apartment Airport Plaza provides kitchens and more space, ideal for families or business travelers.
• Premium comfort: Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport offers international standards, with a pool, gym, and shuttle service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tan Son Nhat (SGN) is located about 6 km north of District 1, the city’s central business and tourist hub. Travel time ranges from 20–45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes. Travelers with a pre-approved visa letter can process their visa at dedicated visa-on-arrival counters in the international terminal. Required documents include the approval letter, completed entry form, passport photos, and visa fee (USD or VND).
Immigration and baggage claim areas are busiest during early mornings (5–8 AM) and late evenings (7–11 PM) when most international flights arrive. Queues can exceed an hour during these times.
Yes. SGN offers several lounges, including the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge and Le Saigonnais Lounge. Lounges provide Wi-Fi, refreshments, showers, and comfortable seating. Access is available via business class tickets, frequent flyer programs, or paid entry.
Yes. Short-term luggage storage lockers are available in the international arrivals hall (between columns 13–14). Operating hours are 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with rates starting at 27,500 VND per hour and a maximum storage limit of 48 hours.
Travelers can choose from taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun), Grab ride-hailing, airport buses (Bus 109 and 152), or private transfers. Taxis and Grab are most convenient, while buses are the cheapest option.
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals. SIM card kiosks and mobile providers also operate in the arrivals hall for travelers needing local data plans.
Tipping is not mandatory, but small tips for porters, baggage helpers, or assistance staff are appreciated. Politeness and patience are valued when interacting with airport staff.
Fast track services allow travelers to skip immigration queues, receive personalized assistance with visas and baggage, and enjoy a stress-free arrival. This is especially useful for families, elderly travelers, and business passengers arriving during peak hours.