Getting Around Saigon & Beyond
Navigating Ho Chi Minh City is easier than ever. From local ride-hailing apps to the new metro and ferries for island getaways, here’s your complete guide to choosing the best way to travel.
| Service | Logo | Base Fare (VND) | Price per km (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grab (Bike) | ~12,500 | ~4,300 | Best for solo travel; prices surge with high demand. | |
| Grab (Car) | ~29,000 | ~10,000 | Comfortable and widely available. 4-seater and 7-seater options. | |
| Be (Bike) | ~12,000 | ~4,100 | Strong local competitor, known for good promotions. | |
| Be (Car) | ~28,000 | ~9,500 | Clean cars and professional service. | |
| Xanh SM (Bike) | ~14,000 | ~4,800 | All-electric bike fleet, quiet and eco-friendly ride. | |
| Xanh SM (Car) | ~29,000 | ~15,000 | Premium, all-electric VinFast cars. Higher quality and price. | |
| Vinasun Taxi | ~12,000 | ~16,000 | Reliable metered taxi, can be hailed or booked via app. | |
| Mai Linh Taxi | ~12,000 | ~16,500 | Large, reputable fleet. Distinctive green color. | |
| Public Bus | 5,000 - 7,000 | Flat Fare | Most affordable option. Use the "BusMap" app to navigate routes. |
*Fares are estimates as of 2024/2025 and can vary. Check the app for the final price before booking.
River & Sea Travel
Saigon Waterbus
A scenic public ferry along the Saigon River. It's a fantastic way to see the city skyline and escape the traffic. The main route connects Bach Dang Pier (D1) with Linh Dong (Thu Duc City).
Price: ~15,000 VND per trip
Best for: Sightseeing & relaxed travel
Ferry to Vung Tau
For a quick beach getaway, the high-speed ferry is the most comfortable and scenic option. The journey takes about 2 hours, offering great views as you leave the city.
Operator: Greenlines DP
Departs from: Bach Dang Pier, D1
Getting to Con Dao Islands
Reaching this stunning archipelago you have a few options. By air or by sea. For air travel go to: vietjet or booking.com to find flights. To travel by speed ferry from Ho Chi Minh City A high-speed ferry service connects Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Con Dao Island. The journey takes approximately 5.5 hours, with departures from Saigon Port in District 4, HCMC, at 7:00 a.m., and return trips from Con Dao at 11:30 a.m. the following day. Ticket prices range from VND720,000 to VND1,370,000. Here's a more detailed breakdown: Operator: The service is operated by Thanh Thanh Phat Passenger Transport Company. Ferry: The service uses the high-speed Phu Quy Express, which can carry up to 374 passengers. Departure Point: Ferries depart from Saigon Port in District 4, HCMC. Arrival Point: Ferries arrive at the passenger terminal on Con Son island, conveniently located near the seafront road. Journey Time: The journey takes roughly 5.5 hours. Fares: Fares vary based on weekday vs. weekend and seating type. For instance, standard seating on weekdays is VND990,000, while VIP sleeper berths on weekends can be VND1,370,000. Schedule: The service operates once per day, with departures from HCMC at 7:00 a.m. and from Con Dao at 11:30 a.m. the following day. .
Sea Route: Bus + Ferry (Con Dao Express)
Fastest Route: Direct Flight (SGN Airport)
The Future is Here: Saigon's Metro
Line 1: Now Operational!
The first line of the HCMC Metro, Line 1, is now open! It connects the city center with the eastern suburbs, providing a fast, modern, and air-conditioned way to travel. The line runs from Ben Thanh station in District 1 to Suoi Tien Terminal in Thu Duc City.
Future Expansion
Line 1 is just the beginning. The master plan for Ho Chi Minh City includes a network of 8 metro lines, monorails, and light rail routes that will eventually connect all corners of the city, transforming public transport and making it easier than ever to explore.
A map of the planned HCMC Metro network. Click to enlarge. (Map by HCMC Metro)