Getting Around Vietnam: Transport Guide for Travellers

Getting around Vietnam is easy and affordable, with airport taxis from $8–20, city rides on Grab from $1.50, and long-distance buses or trains under $25 for many routes, making it one of Southeast Asia’s best-value countries for transport according to Vietnam’s national tourism board.

Vietnam is long and skinny, so most travellers mix domestic flights, trains, and sleeper buses for inter-city journeys, then use taxis, Grab, and local buses within cities. Vietnam Airlines and low-cost carriers like Vietjet connect major hubs such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City with multiple daily flights, ideal if you are short on time.

City transport is incredibly budget-friendly. A typical taxi ride from the airport into town costs around $8–20 USD (2025) depending on distance, while a similar journey with Grab is often 20–30% cheaper. Within central areas, short GrabBike rides can be as low as $1.50–5 USD per trip.

For backpackers and slow travellers, sleeper buses between cities (for example, Hanoi to Da Nang) usually cost under $20 USD one-way, and trains on the same route start around $28–48 USD for more comfort. Daily motorbike rentals are widely available from about 150,000–300,000 VND per day according to Vietnam’s official tourism site.

Because ride-hailing, map apps, and digital tickets all rely on data, most travellers find it easier to arrive with an active Hello eSIM for Vietnam, so they can book a Grab from the airport, translate addresses, and check bus routes the moment they land.

Vietnam airport transfers are straightforward and affordable, with standard taxis from major airports costing roughly $8–20 into the city and Grab rides often coming in cheaper, making arrivals relatively stress-free compared with many other destinations in Southeast Asia.

At Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), you will find official taxi stands just outside the arrivals area. According to multiple Vietnam transport guides, a metered taxi into the city centre typically costs 180,000–350,000 VND ($8–15 USD) in 2025, depending on traffic and exact location. In Da Nang and Nha Trang, airport–city rides are shorter and often 120,000–250,000 VND ($5–10 USD).

Ride-hailing with Grab is usually cheaper and more transparent because you see the price upfront. Many travellers report paying $4–13 USD for typical city rides, and around $8–15 USD for airport transfers on GrabCar, while GrabBike is significantly cheaper for solo travellers at $1.50–5 USD per ride.

If you prefer comfort and certainty, most hotels and homestays can arrange private car transfers. Expect $15–25 USD from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City airports to central districts in 2025, more for late-night pickups or larger vehicles.

To avoid taxi scams, local advice consistently recommends sticking to reputable companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun, always insisting on the meter, and confirming tolls or airport fees upfront. Having mobile data via a Hello eSIM helps you check the route on maps and verify you are being taken to the right place.

Vietnam’s public transport system combines new metro lines, extensive city buses, and a classic north–south railway, offering budget-friendly ways to get around if you are comfortable with a bit of local hustle and some language barriers.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the country’s main public options are buses and trains, with metro systems only in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City so far. Hanoi’s first metro line (Cat Linh–Ha Dong) runs about 13.8 km, while Ho Chi Minh City’s new metro currently operates an 18 km stretch linking District 1 with Thu Duc.

Metro fares are inexpensive, generally comparable to city buses (think 10,000–20,000 VND, or under $1 USD per ride in 2025). These systems are still expanding, so they mainly serve specific corridors rather than full city coverage.

City buses are the backbone of Vietnam public transport. Tickets usually cost 7,000–15,000 VND ($0.30–0.60) per ride, paid in cash to the conductor. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, apps like BusMap help you navigate routes and stops; most travellers find them easier to use when they already have mobile data on arrival.

For inter-city journeys, Vietnam’s Reunification Express train line runs from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, with multiple classes from hard seat to soft sleeper. A popular stretch like Da Nang–Hanoi typically costs around $28–48 USD for sleeper berths, while the same trip by bus can be under $20 USD, according to several backpacker transport guides.

There is no nationwide tourist transport pass yet, but you can buy point-to-point tickets easily at stations or online, and many hostels and travel agencies can book long-distance buses or trains for you.

Within Vietnamese cities, the easiest way to get around is a mix of Grab, licensed taxis, and occasional buses, with most rides costing under $5 and short hops on GrabBike often coming in under $2 as of 2025.

Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Vietnam and works similarly to Uber, covering major destinations like Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Transport bloggers report typical GrabCar rides in cities costing $4–13 USD depending on distance, while GrabBike—motorbike taxis booked via the app—usually run $1.50–5 USD and are often the fastest option in heavy traffic.

Traditional taxis remain widely available. A short ride in town can be 40,000–80,000 VND ($1.50–3.50), while cross-city trips may reach 150,000–250,000 VND ($6–10). Experienced travellers strongly recommend choosing reputable fleets such as Mai Linh (green cars) and Vinasun (white with green and red stripes), and always checking that the meter is running.

In tourist centres like Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and Saigon’s District 1, you will also see cyclos (bicycle rickshaws). These are mainly for sightseeing; a short ride often costs $4–10 USD and should be agreed upon in advance.

To use Grab or check routes on maps, you will need a stable data connection. Many travellers find it handy to activate Hello’s Vietnam eSIM before landing so they can order a Grab from the arrivals hall, share live location with friends, and avoid miscommunication with drivers about addresses and drop-off points.

For getting between Vietnamese cities, you will usually choose between domestic flights, sleeper buses, and trains, with many popular routes costing under $25 one-way and offering good flexibility for different budgets and travel styles.

Vietnam welcomed over 12.6 million international visitors in 2023, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, and the country’s transport network has grown to match that demand. There are now multiple airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways, connecting key cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Flights are the fastest but often the priciest option.

Backpacker-oriented guides note that a bus from Hanoi to Da Nang or Hoi An is usually under $20 USD for a sleeper bus in 2025, while a train on the same route costs around $28–48 USD, depending on class and season. Routes like Da Nang–Nha Trang often fall in the $14–23 USD range, and Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City around $24–32 USD, whether by bus or train.

Here is a rough comparison of common inter-city options and costs:

Route & Mode	Typical Cost (2025)	Travel Time (Approx.)
Hanoi → Da Nang (sleeper bus)	< $20 USD	14–16 hours
Hanoi → Da Nang (train sleeper)	$28–48 USD	15–17 hours
Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City bus	$24–32 USD	18–20 hours
Domestic flights (major hubs)	$40–120 USD	1–2 hours

Open-tour buses are popular with budget travellers, allowing you to hop between hotspots like Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Mui Ne, and Ho Chi Minh City on flexible tickets. Official tourism sources recommend booking at least a day or two in advance, and up to two weeks ahead during Vietnamese holidays like Tet.

Renting a motorbike in Vietnam is cheap and gives you total freedom, but road conditions, traffic culture, and legal requirements make it best suited to confident riders with proper licences and insurance.

Motorbikes are Vietnam’s quintessential mode of transport. Official tourism sources note that you can find rental shops in almost every city, with daily rates typically 150,000–300,000 VND ($6–12 USD) in 2025 for scooters and mopeds, depending on quality and engine size. Expect to leave a deposit or your passport for longer rentals.

Bicycles are another popular option in smaller or flatter cities like Hoi An and Hue, where rentals are commonly 20,000–30,000 VND (about $1) per day according to Vietnam’s national tourism site. This is a relaxed way to explore old towns and riverside paths.

Driving a car yourself is far less common for visitors. Regulations generally require an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus a valid home licence to legally drive in Vietnam, and many rental agencies insist on hiring a car with a driver instead, which can cost $50–90 USD per day for inter-city trips.

Traffic in major cities can feel chaotic, with a flexible interpretation of lanes and frequent sudden stops. Key safety tips include:

• Always wear a quality helmet (not just the cheapest plastic one).
• Avoid riding at night on highways, especially in bad weather.
• Keep speed moderate and expect the unexpected—pedestrians, dogs, and other bikes can appear suddenly.

If you are tracking shared petrol, tolls, or bike rental costs with friends, Hello’s expense splitting and multi-currency tracking features can make it easy to divide everything fairly, even if you are paying in Vietnamese dong while your friends budget in euros or dollars.

Most travellers find getting around Vietnam surprisingly easy once they understand the basics: use Grab or taxis in cities, buses and trains for budget inter-city travel, and domestic flights when you are short on time, all while keeping an eye on safety and local customs.

Q1: Is public transport in Vietnam good for tourists?

Yes, Vietnam public transport is perfectly usable for tourists who do not mind some crowds and occasional delays. City buses are extremely cheap (often 7,000–15,000 VND per ride) and the north–south railway covers almost all major stops. Metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are expanding but currently cover limited lines.

Q2: What is the cheapest way to travel between cities?

For most routes, sleeper buses are the cheapest, with long routes like Hanoi–Da Nang often under $20 USD. Trains cost more but offer more comfort and scenery, while flights are fastest and priciest.

Q3: Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride a motorbike?

Legally, you should have an International Driving Permit plus a valid motorbike licence from your home country to ride in Vietnam. Enforcement can be inconsistent, but riding without proper documentation can cause issues with police and travel insurance.

Q4: Is Grab available everywhere in Vietnam?

Grab is widely available in major and mid-sized cities but not in remote areas. In smaller towns and the countryside, you will rely more on local taxis, motorbike taxis, or your own rental.

Q5: Do I need mobile data to get around?

It is not essential, but having data makes a huge difference: you can book Grab, translate addresses, and check bus routes or train schedules on the go. Many travellers choose an eSIM from Hello before flying so they arrive connected and can focus on enjoying Vietnam rather than hunting for Wi‑Fi.