Plenty of itineraries involve a terminal change at Tan Son Nhat: a domestic flight into Ho Chi Minh City followed by an international departure, or two domestic legs on airlines that use different terminals. The three terminals are not under one roof, so knowing where you are going helps you allow enough time and pick the right way across.
The three common cases
| Change | Example | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| T1 ↔ T2 | Domestic Vietjet flight in, international flight out | About a 5-minute walk along a covered walkway |
| T3 ↔ T2 | Domestic Vietnam Airlines flight in, international flight out | About 1 km by road, so you need a vehicle |
| T3 ↔ T1 | Bamboo Airways in, Vietjet out | You need a vehicle |
For the full list of airlines by terminal, see Tan Son Nhat Airport terminals.
One ticket or two separate tickets?
One ticket (one booking reference): checked bags are usually sent through to your final destination and the airline guides you along the transfer route. Confirm this at check-in at your origin.
Two separate tickets: you collect your bags, move to the other terminal and check in again like any new passenger. This is the riskiest case, because if your first flight is late the second airline is not obliged to wait.
On separate tickets from a domestic flight to an international one, allow at least 3–4 hours between landing and departure: baggage claim, the terminal change, check-in, passport control and security add up quickly.
Ways to get between terminals
Free shuttle bus
The airport runs a free shuttle bus between terminals. According to information published in early 2026, it operates from about 6 am to 2 am, every 10–15 minutes, with stops on level 1 of each terminal (around pillars B17–B20 at T1, B12–B16 at T2 and 17–20 at T3). Schedules can change, so check at the information desk when you arrive.
It works well if you travel light and have time to spare, less so with lots of luggage, small children, older travellers or at busy times.
Taxis and ride-hailing
You need to go to the pickup lane, wait for a car and then loop out onto the roads around the airport to reach the other terminal. Those roads are often congested at peak times.
A pre-booked Newway SAS terminal transfer
In the Tan Son Nhat booking form, choose an airport pickup and the terminal you land at; then, as your destination, pick the other terminal under “Change terminal”. Your driver waits in the arrivals hall with a name sign, helps with your luggage and takes you to the departures hall of your next terminal. The all-inclusive fare uses our near-airport zone and shows as soon as you select it.
Fast track for international connections
For international journeys connecting through Tan Son Nhat, Newway SAS offers a Transit fast track package, with staff assisting you on both the arrival and departure side. See airport fast track.
Long wait? Use a lounge
Once you have checked in and cleared security, you can relax in a lounge at your departure terminal: Apricot Business Lounge and Jasmine Halal Lounge in international Terminal 2 are open 24/7, and lounges at T3 and T1 serve domestic flights. Browse all airport lounges.
Checklist before you fly
- Check the terminal for both flights.
- Know whether you hold one connecting ticket or two separate tickets.
- Allow enough time, especially if you must re-collect your bags.
- Travelling as a group or with lots of luggage? Pre-book a terminal transfer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from T3 to T2?
The drive is only about 1 km and takes a few minutes in clear traffic; the real time depends mostly on waiting for a vehicle and on traffic around the airport.
Can I walk from T1 to T2?
Yes. The two terminals are next to each other, linked by a covered walkway, about 5 minutes on foot.