Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the main airport serving Ho Chi Minh City and the arrival point for many international visitors entering southern Vietnam. If this is your first time arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, knowing what happens after landing can make the airport experience much easier.
The airport currently has three passenger terminals: T1 and T3 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. Knowing which terminal you need and how you plan to leave the airport, can prevent confusion, especially if you have a connecting flight or a pre-arranged pickup.
This Tan Son Nhat Airport guide walks you through the journey step by step, from identifying your terminal and clearing immigration to collecting luggage, getting connected and choosing transportation into Ho Chi Minh City.
Tan Son Nhat Airport at a Glance
Here are the essential details first-time visitors should know before arriving at SGN:
|
Information |
Details |
|
Official name |
Tan Son Nhat International Airport |
|
Airport code |
SGN |
|
Location |
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
|
Passenger terminals |
T1, T2 and T3 |
| International terminal |
T2 |
| Domestic terminals |
T1 and T3 |
| Free Wi-Fi |
Available at T1, T2 and T3 |
| Ground transportation |
Public bus, taxi, ride-hailing and private airport transfer |
Terminal assignments can change, particularly for domestic flights. Always check the terminal shown on your airline app, booking confirmation, boarding pass or airport flight information display before travelling.
Which Terminal Will You Use at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
Understanding the Tan Son Nhat Airport terminals is particularly important since Terminal 3 began operating in April 2025. Domestic operations are now divided between T1 and T3 rather than being concentrated in a single terminal.
Terminal 1 – Domestic Flights
Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal. As of the latest official operating information available in 2026, VietJet Air’s domestic services continue to operate from T1. VietJet domestic passengers check in at Hall A of Terminal 1.
The important point for a first-time visitor is that not every domestic flight uses T1. If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic service, check your next flight carefully before leaving T2.
Terminal 2 – International Flights
Terminal 2 is the international terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport. If you fly into Ho Chi Minh City from another country, you will normally arrive at T2, where international passengers complete immigration, collect checked baggage and proceed through customs before entering the public arrivals area.
Terminal 3 – Domestic Flights
Terminal 3 is Tan Son Nhat Airport’s newer domestic terminal and began commercial operations in April 2025. By the beginning of 2026, the airport had completed the transfer of domestic operations for Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, VASCO, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines and Sun PhuQuoc Airways to T3, while VietJet Air domestic flights continued to use T1.
Because airline operations can be adjusted, do not rely only on what you remember from a previous journey. The safest approach is to check your airline ticket or booking confirmation, airline mobile app, airline website, boarding pass and airport Flight Information Display System (FIDS).
Tan Son Nhat Airport maintains flight information displays at both T1 and T3 to help passengers check their flight details, including travelers who have accidentally gone to the wrong domestic terminal.
What Happens After You Land at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
For an international visitor arriving at T2, the process is generally straightforward:
Aircraft → Immigration → Baggage Claim → Customs → Public Arrivals Hall
Here is what to expect at each stage.
Step 1 – Follow the Signs to Immigration
After leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for Immigration, Passport Control or international arrivals. Keep your passport ready, along with any visa or e-visa documentation required for your nationality and travel circumstances.
Vietnamese entry requirements can change, so check the rules applicable to your passport before departure rather than relying on an old travel guide or social media post. Once immigration formalities are complete, follow the signs toward baggage claim.
Step 2 – Collect Your Luggage
Check the airport screens for the baggage carousel assigned to your flight. Collect every piece of checked luggage and verify that the bags are yours before leaving the baggage area. Keeping a photo of your suitcase and baggage tag can also be useful if something goes missing.
If your checked luggage does not arrive, contact the relevant airline or baggage assistance desk before leaving the restricted baggage area where possible.
There is usually no need to contact your hotel or driver the moment the aircraft lands. Landing time is not the same as airport exit time — you may still need to complete immigration, wait for baggage and pass customs.
Step 3 – Pass Through Customs
After collecting your bags, follow the signs toward customs. Use the appropriate customs channel and declare goods when required. If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, follow the instructions displayed at the airport or ask an official.
There is little benefit in memorising customs allowances from an old airport guide because regulations can change.
Step 4 – Enter the Public Arrivals Hall
Once you have passed customs, you enter the public side of the terminal. This is normally the stage when you can connect to airport Wi-Fi, turn on your eSIM or mobile data, contact your hotel, message your driver, buy a physical SIM card, withdraw or exchange money and proceed to your private car.
If someone is collecting you from the airport, check the meeting instructions before walking away from the agreed area.
Wi-Fi, SIM Cards and Money at Tan Son Nhat Airport
Having internet access and a small amount of local currency can make your Ho Chi Minh airport arrival easier, particularly if you need directions or want to contact a driver.
Free Wi-Fi Is Available at T1, T2 and T3
Tan Son Nhat Airport provides free Wi-Fi 24 hours a day at T1, T2 and T3. For first-time visitors, internet access is especially useful for:
- WhatsApp or other messaging apps.
- Hotel details.
- Online maps.
- Translation.
- Checking flight information.
- Communicating with an airport transfer driver.
If you have important booking information, save a screenshot before flying so you can still access the details if your phone does not connect immediately.
SIM Cards and eSIMs Provide Mobile Data
A physical tourist SIM can be purchased after arrival, while an eSIM can usually be arranged before your trip if your phone supports one.
- An eSIM is convenient if you want mobile data immediately after landing without visiting a counter.
- A physical SIM may suit travelers who prefer assistance setting up their connection after arrival.
Whichever option you choose, having reliable internet access makes it easier to contact your hotel or driver, use maps and arrange a ride through a ride-hailing app.
ATMs and Currency Exchange
ATMs and currency exchange services allow arriving passengers to obtain Vietnamese dong. Before confirming an ATM withdrawal or exchanging cash, check the displayed exchange rate, withdrawal charge and any other transaction fees.
You may only need a limited amount of cash immediately after arrival if your accommodation and transportation have already been arranged.
How to Get From Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City?
First-time visitors can travel from Tan Son Nhat Airport by public bus, taxi, ride-hailing service or a private airport transfer. The most suitable Tan Son Nhat Airport transportation option depends on your budget, group size, luggage and how much assistance you want after landing.
For travelers who prefer a smoother arrival, Airport Transfers provides private HCM airport transfer services from Tan Son Nhat Airport to hotels, apartments, homes and other destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.
Choose from 4-, 7-, 16- and 29-seater vehicles according to your passenger numbers and luggage requirements. Our vehicles are modern, clean, air-conditioned and regularly maintained, while experienced local drivers are familiar with Tan Son Nhat Airport pickup procedures and routes across Ho Chi Minh City.
Your booking includes:
- Private door-to-door transportation.
- A clear fixed-price quote before travel.
- Flight-aware pickup planning.
- Vehicle selection based on passengers and luggage.
- Experienced and polite local drivers.
- 24/7 phone and WhatsApp support.
Book your HCM Airport Transfer via WhatsApp: 081 8888 048.
How to Transfer Between T1, T2 and T3?
Terminal transfers have become more important since T3 opened because domestic connections may now require passengers to travel between different terminal areas.
Travelling Between T1 and T2
T1 and T2 are located in the established terminal area of Tan Son Nhat Airport. Follow airport signage and staff instructions when moving between them. Avoid planning a connection around a fixed walking time because your actual route depends on where you exit, airport access arrangements and your luggage.
Travelling Between T1/T2 and T3
T3 is located separately from the T1/T2 terminal area, so passengers should allow additional time to transfer. Tan Son Nhat Airport provides a free external shuttle bus connecting T1, T2 and T3.
Current Civil Aviation Authority guidance states that the shuttle operates from approximately 04:30 to 00:30, with departures around every 15 – 20 minutes. Current published pickup areas are:
- T1: Columns B17 – B20, Lane B.
- T2: Columns B15 – B16, Lane B;.
- T3: Columns A17 – A20, Level 1.
Check the airport signs in case the operating arrangement changes after this guide is updated.
What if You Arrive at the Wrong Terminal?
First, check your flight number and boarding details again. Then:
- Check the airport FIDS screens.
- Ask airport staff to confirm your terminal.
- Locate the terminal shuttle if necessary.
- Allow additional time to reach the correct check-in area.
Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority has advised that terminal transfers may take around 20 minutes depending on traffic and operating conditions. Do not wait until shortly before check-in closes to correct a terminal mistake.
Connecting From an International to a Domestic Flight
If you arrive internationally and continue to another destination in Vietnam, your journey may involve both T2 and either T1 or T3. A typical international-to-domestic connection looks like this:
Arrive at T2 → Immigration → Collect baggage → Customs → Check domestic terminal → Transfer to T1 or T3 → Domestic check-in/security → Gate
Do not assume that your domestic connection departs from the terminal next to T2. Check your onward boarding pass or airline app as soon as you can. Domestic VietJet services currently use T1, while a number of other domestic airlines operate from T3.
If your international and domestic flights were purchased as two separate bookings, allow enough time for immigration, baggage collection, customs, terminal transfer, check-in and security.
Avoid relying on one universal “minimum connection time.” Requirements vary according to airline, ticket arrangement, baggage handling, immigration queues and the terminal used by your onward flight.
First-Time Visitor Mistakes to Avoid at Tan Son Nhat Airport
A few simple mistakes can make your first arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport more stressful than necessary. Keep these points in mind to make your journey through the airport and into Ho Chi Minh City smoother.
- Not checking T1 or T3: Always confirm your domestic terminal before travelling.
- Following unofficial transport offers: Use authorised pickup areas and transport providers.
- Choosing a vehicle only by passenger count: Consider luggage size as well as passenger numbers.
- Waiting at the wrong pickup area: Follow the pickup instructions for your terminal.
- Losing internet access: Save booking details offline and use airport Wi-Fi if needed.
- Allowing too little connection time: Leave enough time for immigration, baggage, customs and terminal transfer.
- Assuming landing time equals exit time: Passengers still need time to clear airport procedures after landing.
FAQs About Tan Son Nhat Airport Guide
1. Which Terminal Is International at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
Terminal 2, or T2, is the international terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. International arrivals normally complete immigration, baggage collection and customs at T2 before entering the public arrivals hall. International departures also operate from this terminal.
2. Is Terminal 3 Domestic or International?
Terminal 3 is currently a domestic passenger terminal. It began operations in April 2025 and now handles domestic services from several Vietnamese airlines, including Vietnam Airlines and other carriers that transferred operations from T1.
3. How Do I Know Whether My Domestic Flight Uses T1 or T3?
Check the terminal shown on your airline ticket, booking confirmation, airline app or boarding pass. You can also use the airport Flight Information Display System. Domestic terminal assignments have changed since T3 opened, so do not rely only on previous travel experience.
4. Is There Free Wi-Fi at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
Yes. Tan Son Nhat Airport currently provides free Wi-Fi at Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, with the service listed as available 24 hours a day.
5. Is There a Shuttle Between T1, T2 and T3?
Yes. A free external shuttle connects T1, T2 and T3. Current guidance states that it operates approximately from 04:30 until 00:30, generally every 15–20 minutes. Always check airport signage for the latest pickup point and operating information.
6. Can I Book an Airport Transfer Before Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. A private airport transfer can be reserved before your flight so your vehicle, price and pickup instructions are arranged in advance. Airport Transfers provides private pickups from T1, T2 and T3 with vehicle selection based on your passenger number and luggage requirements.
Use this Tan Son Nhat Airport guide to check your terminal, understand the arrival process and choose suitable transportation before you travel.
For a simpler door-to-door journey, Airport Transfers provides private HCM Airport Transfer services with modern, clean, air-conditioned vehicles, experienced local drivers, fixed-price quotes and 24/7 support. Book your airport transfer via WhatsApp: 081 8888 048.