Illustration of Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai province. Photo: Courtesy of ACV
Ho Chi Minh City is abuzz with preparations as authorities unveil plans for seven new bus routes designed to connect key urban areas directly to the forthcoming Long Thanh International Airport. Set to open in June 2026, this airport represents a significant leap forward in Vietnam’s aviation landscape, and the new routes aim to ensure seamless transport to and from the airport.
The strategic move comes from the city’s Public Transport Management Centre, operating under the Department of Construction. This initiative coincides with the ongoing development of essential expressway and rail connections to the airport, which are anticipated to further enhance access once completed.
Located in Dong Nai province, approximately 40 kilometers east of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Long Thanh Airport is poised to become a vital hub for air travel. It is expected to accommodate a substantial volume of passengers traveling to and from Vietnam’s bustling commercial center.
Pham Ngoc Dung, the director of the transport center, shared insights into the proposed bus routes. Three of these routes will begin at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the new Eastern Bus Station, and Saigon Bus Station. This design facilitates easier transfers for passengers, making inter-city travel more convenient.
Additionally, these plans encompass two routes originating from regions that were previously part of Binh Duong province and another two from areas that were part of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. These adjustments coincide with administrative changes from last year, which saw these areas incorporated into Ho Chi Minh City, thus reflecting an integrated approach to urban transport planning.
The city government is also in discussions with Dong Nai province to finalize critical aspects of the bus service—such as the routes, types of vehicles to be utilized, and potential operational models. Authorities are weighing options between appointing operators directly or through competitive bidding processes. The intent is to use expressway corridors where possible, thereby minimizing travel times and enhancing efficiency.
Encouragingly, infrastructure needed to support these bus operations around Long Thanh Airport is largely in place. This situation raises optimistic prospects that services could commence concurrently with the airport’s inaugural operations, fostering a more connected transport network for travelers.
Long Thanh International Airport stands as a monumental infrastructure project, sprawling across nearly 5,000 hectares. The total investment for this ambitious project is around 337 trillion VND (approximately 12.98 billion USD). Preliminary phases of construction are expected to wrap up by late 2025, ensuring the airport will be ready to commence commercial flights in June 2026.
Currently, access to the airport is primarily routed via the Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway as well as National Highways 1 and 51. In the longer term, additional metro and railway systems are also on the drawing board to enhance connectivity, yet these links remain under development.