Taxi vs Bus at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Take Taxi — recommended by locals over the alternative.
Side by side
| Factor | Taxi | Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Option | Vinasun / Mai Linh taxi | Bus 109 / 49 |
| Cost | 180,000–280,000 VND meter | 12,000–40,000 VND |
| Journey | 20–45 min | 45–60 min |
| Wait | 0–10 min | Every 15–20 min |
| Payment | Cash | Cash |
| Locals recommend |
- ✓ Legit metered
- ! Card sometimes refused
- ✓ Very cheap
- ! Slow
- ! Limited luggage space
Scams to watch either way
- Rigged-meter taxi
Unbranded 'taxi' with meter that runs at 2–5x normal rate.
Avoid: Only Vinasun (white) or Mai Linh (green) — check the logo.
- Note-switching
Driver claims you handed them a smaller note than you did.
Avoid: Count and call out the denomination aloud before handing over.
Frequently asked
Q.Taxi or Bus from SGN — which is better?
Taxi — recommended by locals over the alternative. Vinasun / Mai Linh taxi: 180,000–280,000 VND meter, 20–45 min.
Q.How much is Taxi from Tan Son Nhat International Airport?
180,000–280,000 VND meter typical. Journey 20–45 min, wait 0–10 min. Payment: Cash.
Q.How much is Bus from Tan Son Nhat International Airport?
12,000–40,000 VND typical. Journey 45–60 min, wait Every 15–20 min. Payment: Cash.
Q.What should I watch for on arrival at SGN?
Rigged-meter taxi: Unbranded 'taxi' with meter that runs at 2–5x normal rate. — Only Vinasun (white) or Mai Linh (green) — check the logo.
Fare tiers, first-30-minute checklist, all transport options ranked, and every reported scam.