Wondering how to get around in Vietnam? This 2026 guide covers domestic flights, sleeper buses, trains, motorbikes, and Grab. Budget travelers can cross the country for under $15 USD, while a $5 USD registered SIM card unlocks all local transit options. Vietnam offers five primary transport modes covering routes from $5 to $60 USD: fly the 1,621 km Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City route in two hours for $30 to $60 USD, or take a 30 to 40 hour journey on the Reunification Express train.
Note: All prices are 2026 estimates and subject to change. Confirm fares directly with the provider (Grab app, airline website, ) before booking. This guide was prepared by our Southeast Asia travel specialists, who have spent over six months navigating Vietnam’s transport network firsthand.
Arriving in Vietnam: Airport Transfers and SIM Card Registration
Entry requires an e-visa or visa on arrival, a passport for customs clearance, and observance of the $300 USD duty-free allowance. Apply for the e-visa via the state-operated portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Getting around Vietnam immediately requires a registered SIM card to book airport transfers.
Clear entry formalities
Present your e-visa or visa on arrival at passport control, then pass customs, where the $300 USD duty-free threshold applies.
Register a local SIM card
Vietnamese law requires a passport copy at the point of sale to register a SIM from Viettel (best coverage), Mobifone, or Vinaphone. A 30-day tourist package costs 120,000 to 300,000 VND ($5 to $12 USD) in 2026. Airport kiosks charge more than city shops, but kiosks activate instantly. Without registered mobile data, the Grab app, Google Maps, and every other Vietnam transport tool will not work.
How to Choose an Airport Transfer in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
From Noi Bai to Hanoi Old Quarter: ~200,000 VND by Grab, ~40,000 VND by airport bus, or ~400,000 VND by taxi (Mai Linh or Vinasun meters only). From Tan Son Nhat to Ho Chi Minh City District 1: ~150,000 VND by Grab and ~5,000 VND by local bus.
Domestic Flights in Vietnam and Baggage Allowances
Domestic flights link Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in two hours for $30-$60 USD. Flying domestically requires a valid passport at boarding; choose Vietnam Airlines (the national carrier) or budget operators like Vietjet Air.
Baggage Allowance on Vietnam Domestic Flights
Budget carriers strictly enforce luggage limits. Vietjet Air permits a 7kg free carry-on but charges 40,000-100,000 VND per checked bag. Vietnam Airlines includes approximately 23kg of checked baggage on most standard fares.
| Airline | Carry-on Allowance | Checked Baggage Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Vietjet Air | 7kg (Free) | 40,000-100,000 VND fee |
| Vietnam Airlines | Standard | ~23kg included (most fares) |
Overland Travel: Reunification Express Trains and Sleeper Buses
Long-distance fares on the Reunification Express and sleeper buses range from 200,000 to 500,000 VND. Vietnam Railways operates a 2,600 km single-track system with no through tickets; each journey requires a separate ticket per leg.
How to Book Vietnam Train Tickets as a Tourist
The Reunification Express runs 5 daily services between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, taking 30 to 40 hours with stops in Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang; arrivals are often between 3:00 and 5:00 AM. Reserve a hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper (6 berths), or soft sleeper (4 berths) via the state-operated portal at, at stations, or through agencies like 12GoAsia. A hard sleeper berth costs 300,000 to 500,000 VND. Book ahead for Tet, when prices surge. On our team’s last trip, the soft sleeper cabin was well worth the extra 100,000 VND for comfort and security on the 30-hour run.
Sleeper Buses and Open-Tour Buses Explained
Sleeper buses and open-tour buses serve backpackers with reclining seats, roof storage for large bags, and frequent road stops. Operators like Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, Kumho, and Futabus cover the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City route in 24+ hours for 200,000 to 350,000 VND ($8 to $15 USD).
| Transport Mode | Hanoi to HCMC Duration | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Reunification Express | 30 to 40 hours | 300,000 to 500,000 VND |
| Sleeper Bus | 24+ hours | 200,000 to 350,000 VND |
Independent and City Transit: Motorbike Rentals and Grab
Grab rides cost 30,000-70,000 VND for motorbike taxi (GrabBike) trips in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; GrabCar rides run higher. Motorbike rentals cost 150,000-300,000 VND ($6-10 USD) daily, with a passport left as deposit or a cash equivalent.
How to Use Grab in Vietnam as a First-Time Visitor
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app for getting around Vietnam cities, as Uber is completely gone. Download and verify the app before arrival, link a payment card, pin your location on the map, and use in-app translation. Typical motorbike taxi fares range from 30,000-70,000 VND per ride; metered taxis from Mai Linh or Vinasun are the safe alternative, and a traditional xe om (motorbike taxi) negotiates fares on the street.
Do You Need a Vietnam Driver’s License for a Motorbike?
Driving legally requires a valid International Driving Permit or a temporary Vietnam Driver’s License. US licenses remain invalid in 2026, and driving without proper documentation immediately voids travel insurance. Helmets are mandatory, and two-way traffic chaos demands defensive riding.
Major Routes: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Long Bay
The 1,621 km Highway 1 connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Getting around Vietnam on this anchor route takes 2 hours by air, 30 to 40 hours by train, 24+ hours by sleeper bus, or about 32 hours by motorbike. Reaching Ha Long Bay requires a separate 4-hour transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau pier: a shared shuttle costs ~150,000 VND, while a private car runs ~1,500,000 VND. Day cruises (6-8 hours) cost $30-50 USD, and overnight junk boats start at $70 USD.
| Transit Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flight | 2 hours | $30-60 USD |
| Reunification Express Train | 30-40 hours | $15-25 USD |
| Sleeper Bus | 24+ hours | $8-15 USD |
Regional Travel: Crossing the Cambodia Border from Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh via the Moc Bai-Bavet checkpoint: 6-7 hours by bus, $8-$18 USD, operators Mekong Express and Giant Ibis.
Visa Preparation
Obtain a Cambodian e-visa via the state-operated portal at mfaic.gov.kh or prepare exactly $30 USD in cash for a Visa on Arrival at the Moc Bai border.
Bus Boarding
Book a cross-border seat on Giant Ibis or Mekong Express, which run directly from Ho Chi Minh City to the checkpoint.
Passport Clearance
At Moc Bai-Bavet, passengers disembark with all luggage to secure a Vietnamese exit stamp, then walk to the Cambodian counter for the entry stamp. Getting around Vietnam legally on this route requires both stamps.
For further travel information, the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism can be reached at contact@vietnamtourism.gov.vn.
Vietnam Transport FAQ
What is the most common way to get around Vietnam?
Common ways of getting around Vietnam: domestic flights for long distances, sleeper buses for budget travel ($8-15 USD), and motorbikes for local exploration. Grab dominates Vietnam city travel.
Can tourists rent motorbikes legally in Vietnam?
Tourists can rent motorbikes legally in Vietnam only with a valid International Driving Permit or a temporary Vietnam Driver’s License. US licenses are invalid, and travel insurance is void without proper documentation.
Does Vietnam use Grab or Uber for city transport?
Vietnam uses Grab as the dominant ride-hailing app, as Uber is completely gone. Download and verify Grab before arrival; motorbike taxi rides cost 30,000 to 70,000 VND.
How do I travel from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter?
From Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi Old Quarter: Grab ~200,000 VND, airport bus ~40,000 VND, or taxi ~400,000 VND. These are the three main Vietnam airport transfer options.
Where can I book Reunification Express train tickets?
Book Reunification Express tickets via the state-operated portal at, at railway stations, or through agencies like 12GoAsia. Book Vietnam train travel ahead for the Tet season.
Do I need a passport to register a SIM card in Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnamese law requires a passport copy at the point of sale to register a SIM card. A tourist package costs 120,000 to 300,000 VND and is essential for getting around Vietnam, since Grab requires mobile data.
How long is the bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh?
The bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh takes 6 to 7 hours via the Moc Bai-Bavet checkpoint, costing $8 to $18 USD on Giant Ibis or Mekong Express.
How far does $100 USD go for Vietnam transportation in 2026?
In 2026, $100 USD covers one Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City domestic flight ($30-60 USD) or four to six sleeper bus trips ($8-15 USD each) for getting around Vietnam.
Are domestic flights in Vietnam affordable for budget travelers?
Yes. The two-hour Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City flight costs $30 to $60 USD, but Vietjet Air charges 40,000 to 100,000 VND per checked bag beyond the free 7kg carry-on.
Is the train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City worth it?
The Reunification Express from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City suits travelers who enjoy slow Vietnam transport. The 1,621 km journey takes 30 to 40 hours; a hard sleeper berth costs 300,000 to 500,000 VND.
