How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City

How transport works in Ho Chi Minh City

Grab (car and motorbike) is the honest go-to — a Grabbike across District 1 costs under US$2. Metered Vinasun and Mai Linh taxis are trustworthy. Metro Line 1 opened December 2024 — Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien in 30 min for VND 6,000–20,000. Tan Son Nhat Airport is 8 km from D1 (VND 200,000–300,000 by taxi in 30 min). Walking works within Dong Khoi/Ben Thanh but crossing streets requires nerve.

Your options compared

• Grab (car + motorbike)

  Honest, cheap and app-based — GrabBike across D1 under US$2.

• Metro Line 1

  Opened Dec 2024 — Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien in 30 min; more lines under construction.

• Vinasun / Mai Linh taxi

  Two most trusted metered taxi brands — refuse any others outside airport.

• Walking

  Works within Dong Khoi / Ben Thanh but crossing streets requires nerve — walk slowly and steadily.

Passes and tickets

No unified pass yet — Grab for point-to-point, Metro NuVi card for Line 1.

Local transport tips

Cross streets slowly and steadily — never stop or reverse. Motorbikes flow around you predictably if you move at constant speed.

Arriving from the airport

• Tan Son Nhat International (SGN)

  Grab to D1 VND 180,000–250,000 (US$7–10) in 25 min; Vinasun/Mai Linh taxi VND 200–300k; Bus 152 to Ben Thanh VND 5,000 in 45 min.

Do you need a rental car?

Inside Ho Chi Minh City a car is usually a liability — parking and traffic cost more than transit. A rental earns its keep for day trips and regional drives, so compare rates only for the days you actually leave the city.