If you’re a traveller on a budget and trying to save money, the 152 bus and the 109 bus from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Saigon, Vietnam are the cheapest way you can travel to District 1. I personally utilised both options in November 2023, ensuring the information is current.
Continue reading for a comprehensive guide on your most cost effective transportation choices to District 1.
If you’re looking for other options like using Grab or a taxi, read the post here about all the ways on How to get from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to District 1
While you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, check out this Vegan Food Guide to Saigon

1. 152 Public Bus
The easiest and cheapest way to get yourself from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1 is using the 152 Public Bus.
At only 5000 VND one way (30 cents AUD, 20 cents USD and 18 cents Euro), this is the perfect way to save some cash for more Vietnam experiences.
INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
Once you exit international immigration, turn right towards Burger King.

And then you need to cross the first lane of traffic to the second lane. And that’s where you’ll find the 152 Public Bus.

DOMESTIC TERMINAL
Exit the domestic terminal and walk straight ahead and cross the large first lane.
Turn right and you’ll see a blue sign that says “Bus Station”.
It goes through District 1 and the side streets near the backpackers district of Bui Vien street.
The 152 Bus operates from the airport between the times of 5:15am and 7pm. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes.

2. 109 Airport bus
This cute little red mini bus is great for travellers who want less stops compared to the 152 Public Bus.
At only 15,000 VND one way (95 cents AUD, 60 cents USD and 55 cents Euro) this mini bus departs from the International Terminal and also the Domestic Terminal from the same place the blue 152 bus departs from.

The 109 Bus starts operating from the airport at 5:30am and runs until 10:15pm. It departs roughly every 45 minutes.

TIP 1: When using both of these buses, hop on and sit down straight away. A person will come to your seat and take your money and give you a ticket. They do have change but try to give them a low denomination note and not a very high one if you don’t have the exact amount. (There are ATM’s at the airport so you can withdraw some cash)
TIP 2: Download the BusMap app. This is an excellent app to track your bus and find out where to hop on to go back to the airport if you need to. I have also used this app for Hanoi.
TIP 3: The distance between the International and Domestic Terminals is only about a 3 minute walk. There are signs directing you to a path between them. From International, walk to your right, past Burger King and Highlands Coffee to get to the Domestic Terminal.


