Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Discovering Vietnam through its public transportation is a unique adventure, offering total immersion in local daily life.
From the bustling buses of major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to the scenic trains winding through beautiful landscapes, each journey is an invitation to inner travel.
By navigating this practical guide, travelers will learn to decipher the various modes of transport, optimizing their trips while enjoying the authenticity and cultural richness of the country.
Affordable and relatively efficient, Vietnam’s transportation network offers many opportunities for those who wish to explore scenic and urban landscapes in an eco-friendly and economical way.
Exploring Modes of Transport in Vietnam
Modes of Transport in Vietnam
- Buses: Very common, economical, serving both major cities and rural areas. Local buses are frequent but sometimes crowded and uncomfortable, while “sleeper” buses are preferred for long distances between major cities, often used at night and equipped for comfort (air conditioning, power outlets, sometimes Wi-Fi). Fares are affordable (a few tens of thousands of dong for urban trips, a few hundred for long distances). Schedules vary by route, with high frequency in the city and lower frequency in the countryside. Tickets can be purchased at bus stations, through agencies, or via mobile apps.
- Trains: Network covering the north-south axis (Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City) and several secondary routes. Trains are slower than buses but offer more space and a satisfactory level of safety. Several classes are available (hard seats, soft seats, berths). Fares vary by class, route, and time. Reservations can be made at stations, on official websites, or through agencies.
- Metros: Under development in major cities.
- Hanoi: Cat Linh-Ha Dong line operational, modern, air-conditioned, accessible, and safe. High frequency during peak hours.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Lines under construction, gradual openings planned.
- Affordable fares, tickets purchased at stations or via magnetic cards.
- Taxis: Numerous companies in cities. Meter mandatory, low fares (12,000 to 15,000 dong/km). Beware of tampered meters; choose reputable companies. Hourly or daily rental possible, convenient for remote sites. Taxis are safe, air-conditioned, and accessible.
- Moto-taxis (xe om): Very common, especially in the city. Fast and cheap solution. Mobile apps like Grab, Gojek, or Be make it easy to book and secure the fare. Helmet mandatory.
- Ride-hailing/VTC services: Grab, Gojek, Be are present in major cities, allowing you to book cars or two-wheelers on demand. Payment via app, transparent fares, surcharges possible during peak hours.
- Others: Cyclo-pousse (declining), bicycle or scooter rental available everywhere, especially in tourist or rural areas.
Main Networks in Major Cities
| City | Metro | City Buses | Taxis & VTC | Moto-taxi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line | Dense network (>2,000 buses) | Presence of major companies and VTC | Very common |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Lines under construction | Significant network | Taxis, VTC, moto-taxis | Ubiquitous |
Airport express bus in Hanoi: Line 86 between Noi Bai Airport and Hanoi Station, departs every 25 minutes, 30,000 dong per ticket.
Transport in Rural Areas
- Intercity buses serve main towns and villages, but frequency can be low.
- Moto-taxi is often the only way to reach remote hamlets.
- Few official taxis, need to negotiate the price in advance.
- Scooter or bicycle rental recommended for exploring at your own pace.
Practical Aspects
- Schedules: Buses and trains have fixed schedules, but punctuality can vary. City buses run from around 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Fares: Very affordable for all modes (a few thousand to a few tens of thousands of dong).
- Frequency: High in the city, reduced in the countryside.
- Safety: Generally good, but beware of pickpockets in crowded transport and unofficial taxis.
- Accessibility: New metros and modern buses are accessible, but some older buses and rural stations can be difficult for people with reduced mobility.
Tips for Buying Tickets and Useful Apps
Bus and train tickets: At stations, ticket counters, agencies, or directly from the driver for local buses. Prefer buying in advance for long distances or peak periods.
Recommended Mobile Apps:
- Grab: Booking VTC and moto-taxis.
- Gojek and Be: Alternatives to Grab for cars or two-wheelers.
- BusMap: Schedules, routes, and bus stops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- MoMo or VNPay: Mobile payment in many transport services.
Local SIM card recommended for using apps and communicating with drivers.
Automatic translation integrated into some apps to facilitate communication with drivers.
Negotiate the price in rural areas, absence of apps and meters.
Good to know:
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, apps like Grab make it easy to access taxis and ride-hailing services, while tickets for trains and buses, often more economical, can be booked in advance via platforms like Baolau or 12Go Asia.
Key Takeaways
- Transport in Vietnam is varied, very economical, and covers almost the entire country.
- Prioritize mobile apps for more safety, fare transparency, and simplicity.
- For travel outside major cities, plan your route and ask locals for advice.
The Cost of Public Transportation for Expats
| Mode of Transport | Unit Fare (City) | Monthly Pass | Documents Required for Passes | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Bus | 5,000 to 20,000 VND / trip (approx. $0.20–$0.80) | approx. 200,000–300,000 VND (approx. $8–$12) | ID card, sometimes proof of residence | Same fares for locals and expats |
| Metro (Hanoi) | 8,000 to 15,000 VND / trip (approx. $0.30–$0.60) | approx. 200,000 VND (approx. $8) | ID card, subscription form | Line 2A (Cat Linh–Ha Dong) main line |
| Light Rail (HCMC) | 15,000 VND / trip (approx. $0.60) | approx. 320,000 VND (approx. $12–$13) | ID card, photo | Limited network, extensions planned |
| Intercity Train | 200,000 to 600,000 VND depending on distance ($8–$25) | No urban pass | Passport for reservation | Useful for long distances |
Expats generally pay the same fares as Vietnamese. No special “foreigner” or “expat” fare is offered, but monthly passes are accessible to everyone with an ID card and, sometimes, proof of local residence.
Estimated Monthly Cost for an Expat (Daily City Use)
- Bus or Metro (2 trips/weekday):
$8 to $13 per month (pass recommended) - Light Rail (HCMC, regular use):
$12 to $13 per month - Annual Cost:
$100 to $150
Financial Comparison with Taxi/Car Rental
| Mode | Estimated Monthly Cost | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Bus/Metro/Train | $8–$13 | Very economical, no hidden fees |
| Taxi (Grab, etc.) | $70–$150 (moderate use) | Flexible but quickly expensive |
| Car Rental | $300–$600 (excluding fuel) | Independence, but costly and restrictive |
Financial Benefits of Public Transportation
- Substantial savings compared to car rental or taxi.
- Monthly passes are very affordable, recouped in a few days of use.
- No additional fees (parking, fuel, maintenance).
Practical Tips for Expats
- Prioritize the monthly pass to avoid managing cash and maximize savings.
- Always have small change for single bus tickets.
- Download local apps (e.g., Bus Map, MoMo, Grab) to plan and pay for your trips easily.
- Avoid peak hours for a more comfortable trip.
- Inquire at ticket counters about conditions for obtaining a pass: some require a local address or ID photo.
- For intercity trips, book in advance (especially night trains and long-distance buses) to get better fares.
- For newcomers, try different modes to find the best compromise between cost, speed, and comfort based on your neighborhood and habits.
Key Takeaways
Public transportation in Vietnam offers an economical, reliable, and budget-friendly solution for expats, with no complex formalities for obtaining a pass. To manage your transport budget, it is recommended to prioritize these modes, while occasionally using taxis or VTC for exceptional trips.
Good to know:
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, buses and metros cost about $0.30 per trip, with monthly passes around $7, offering an economic advantage over taxis; expats can benefit from reduced fares with proof of residence.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Peace of Mind
Practical Tips for Traveling Serenely on Public Transport in Vietnam
Familiarize Yourself with the Different Types of Transport Available
- Local buses: Very economical (5,000 to 30,000 VND), they run in all cities and to the suburbs. VIP (“limousine”) buses are more comfortable for long distances.
- Trains: Safer and more comfortable than the road, they connect major cities and offer different levels of comfort (simple seats, berths, special carriages). Perfect for observing the scenery and meeting locals.
- Metros: Present in Hanoi (Cat Linh – Ha Dong line) and Ho Chi Minh City (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien line). High frequency, accessible fares (6,000 to 20,000 VND per trip), operating from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Mobile apps: Apps like Bus Map make it easy to plan trips, display schedules and routes in real time.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Traveling outside peak hours (before 7:30 AM, between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, or after 7:00 PM) helps avoid crowds, especially on metros and city buses.
Example: In Hanoi, taking bus 86 to the airport early in the morning ensures a quieter trip and a free seat.
Safety of Personal Belongings
Keep your personal belongings under surveillance at all times, especially at stations, on crowded buses, or in night train carriages.
Anecdote: A traveler almost lost his bag on a night bus after leaving it under his seat — frequent stops facilitate opportunistic theft.
Tips on Buying Tickets and Using Apps
- Buy tickets in advance for trains and intercity buses, especially during holidays (Tet, summer vacation) or for comfortable sleeper carriages.
- Use official websites or reliable platforms (vnrailways.com, baolau.com) to book and pay online.
- Mobile apps like Bus Map or MoMo allow you to check schedules and buy some tickets without traveling.
Local Politeness and Rules of Conduct
- Give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or people with reduced mobility.
- Speak quietly and avoid eating on public transport.
- Do not block the doors and let passengers off before boarding.
- Thank the driver or conductor when getting off (a simple smile is enough, but a “cam on” is always appreciated).
Accessible Facilities
| Transport | Accessibility for PRM | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| City Buses | Variable | Some newer lines equipped with ramps; not always widespread. |
| Metros (Hanoi, HCMC) | Good | Adapted access, elevators, and reserved spaces. |
| Trains | Limited | Some main stations equipped, but access to carriages can be difficult. |
Anecdote: A traveler in a wheelchair was able to reach central Hanoi from the airport using bus 86, but needed help getting off because the sidewalk was not level — a common experience outside modern infrastructure.
Summary of Essential Tips:
- Plan your route and choose the transport that suits your needs and budget.
- Avoid peak hours for a more serene trip.
- Always keep your personal belongings close to you.
- Book your tickets in advance and prioritize mobile apps to save time.
- Respect local customs for a pleasant and respectful experience.
- Consider accessibility limitations depending on the means of transport.
Good to know:
Travel outside peak hours to avoid crowds, keep an eye on your personal belongings to prevent theft; use apps to plan your bus or metro trips and remember that, with a smile, local politeness always makes interactions easier.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
