Transportation in Vietnam: Complete Guide

Getting around Vietnam is part of the adventure. With diverse geography spanning northern mountains to central coastlines and the southern delta, Vietnam offers a wide range of transportation options to suit every budget and travel style.

Quick Reference

• Between regions (North to Central to South): Use airplanes for speed, or trains for scenic routes
• Between nearby cities (under 300km): Train, sleeper bus, or private car
• Within cities: Taxis, motorbikes, or ride-hailing apps like Grab
• Airport transfers: Private transfers are the most hassle-free option on arrival — Send us an enquiry

All Modes of Transportation

Airplanes

Vietnam has a strong domestic flight network. Budget airlines like Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways offer competitive fares; Vietnam Airlines provides more premium service. Best for: Cross-country travel, island access (Phu Quoc, Con Dao)

Google Flights is the best starting point for comparing prices and finding routes — use it to identify the cheapest dates, then book directly with the airline.

Trains

Vietnam Reunification Express runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. Slower than flying but scenic and comfortable. Best for: Long-distance travel with scenic views

Tickets are sold at dsvn.vn (the official railway site), but 12Go has a much cleaner interface and lets you compare seats, classes, and prices in one view — useful if you’re not familiar with Vietnamese train classes.

Buses

Long-distance buses are the most affordable way between cities. There are three main types: local buses (cheapest, no advance booking needed), limousine vans (air-con minibuses, faster and more comfortable), and sleeper buses — which come in economy flat-bed or VIP cabin class with private curtained pods. Always confirm which type you’re getting before booking. Best for: Budget travelers, routes not served by train

Vexere is the most popular booking platform in Vietnam — it aggregates schedules and prices across all bus operators and lets you pay online.

Cars and Taxis

Taxis are widely available in cities. For ride-hailing, Grab and Xanh SM (GreenSM) are the two most reliable and widely used apps — both show upfront prices before you confirm. Xanh SM runs an all-electric fleet and is especially common in Hanoi. Best for: City transport, airport transfers

Motorbikes

Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transport in Vietnam. Always wear a helmet and check local license requirements. Best for: Independent travelers, rural areas, scenic routes

Bicycles

Biking is a peaceful way to explore Hoi An, Ninh Binh, and countryside villages. Many hotels offer free or cheap bike rentals.

Boats and Cruises

In Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, the Mekong Delta, and Phong Nha, boats are the main attraction. Options range from luxury cruises to public ferries. Best for: Scenic experiences, accessing remote waterways

See cruise options →

Essential Tips

• Book trains and flights ahead during holidays (Tet, Reunification Day)
• Use Grab for transparent pricing and safer taxi bookings
• Beware of scams — avoid unmetered taxis and confirm fares in advance
• If renting a motorbike, check brakes, lights, and insurance carefully
• Carry cash for local buses and smaller towns where cards are not accepted