Airport Vung Tau: Nearest Airports and Travel Guide

Airport Vung Tau is often searched by travelers planning a flight-based trip to the coastal city, but the local airport does not operate like a regular commercial hub. Most visitors therefore need to use a nearby major airport and continue to Vung Tau by road. In this guide, Joytime Vietnam Travel explains which airports are most practical, what transfer options are available, and how to plan the final journey into the city.

1. Vung Tau Airport Overview

Vung Tau does have an operating airport, but it serves a very different role from the commercial airports most travelers use in Vietnam. The key point is that passengers cannot normally search for a scheduled airline ticket and fly directly into Vung Tau.

1.1. Location and Current Use of Vung Tau Airport

Vung Tau Airport operations - Source: CafeF

Vung Tau Airport, identified by the IATA code VTG, lies within the urban Vung Tau area along 30/4 Street. The facility is managed and operated by Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South), rather than functioning as a conventional passenger terminal for major domestic airlines.

Its operations are centered mainly on specialized aviation:

• Offshore oil and gas flights: Helicopters transport personnel and equipment between Vung Tau and offshore platforms in southern Vietnam.
• Special-purpose helicopter missions: The airport supports services such as medical evacuation and other operational flights.
• Helicopter tourism: Sightseeing helicopter services have also operated from Vung Tau Airport, including tourism programs relaunched in 2026.
• Small-aircraft operations: The airport is designed primarily for helicopters and smaller aircraft rather than regular narrow-body passenger jets used on mainstream airline routes.

>> Explore more: How Early to Get to Saigon Airport (SGN)? Full Guide

1.2. Passenger Flights and Current Travel Limitations

Vung Tau Airport travel limitations - Source: Wikipedia

As of September 2026, Vung Tau Airport does not operate regular scheduled commercial passenger flights comparable with Vietnam’s major domestic airports. Travelers therefore cannot normally book a Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or other standard airline service with Vung Tau as the arrival airport.

This distinction is important because searches for “Vung Tau International Airport” can be misleading. VTG is not an international passenger gateway with scheduled domestic and overseas routes, immigration facilities, and a conventional airline terminal network.

Some passenger-carrying helicopter services may be available, but they operate differently from scheduled airline travel. Sightseeing, charter, or specialized helicopter flights generally require advance arrangements, specific operating schedules, and separate booking conditions. They should therefore be treated as specialized aviation services rather than a practical flight connection for most tourists visiting Vung Tau.

>> Explore more: [Detailed Answer] How Many Airports Are There in Saigon?

2. Vung Tau Nearest Airport for Travelers

For most travelers, the practical airport choice depends on when the trip takes place. Tan Son Nhat is currently the usable commercial gateway, while Long Thanh is geographically closer to Vung Tau but has not yet opened for regular commercial operations as of September 2026. 

2.1. Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport - Source: VGP/Ha Khanh

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) remains the main airport for travelers flying to Vung Tau in September 2026. It handles extensive domestic and international networks, so visitors can reach the region directly from major Vietnamese cities as well as numerous overseas destinations.

For a Vung Tau trip, the key points are:

• Airport code: SGN
• Location: Ho Chi Minh City
• Approximate road distance to Vung Tau: About 100–120 km, depending on the final destination and route.
• Best suited to: Travelers arriving before Long Thanh begins commercial passenger operations, or those whose airline continues to operate through SGN.

For travelers joining a Vung Tau tour, Tan Son Nhat is currently the most practical arrival point because flight availability is much broader and onward transport to the coast is already well established.

The main disadvantage is geographic: Tan Son Nhat sits northwest of Vung Tau, so passengers must cross part of the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area before continuing toward the coast. This makes it less direct than Long Thanh will be once the new airport is fully operational.

>> Explore more: Priority Pick-up and See-off Service at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

2.2. Long Thanh International Airport

Long Thanh Airport - Source: Bao Chinh phu

Long Thanh International Airport is the more important long-term answer to searches for the Vung Tau nearest airport. The terminal lies north of Vung Tau, and planned airport connections place the city roughly 65–70 km away by road, noticeably closer than Tan Son Nhat.

However, timing matters. As of September 25, 2026, Long Thanh is in its testing and commissioning phase rather than normal commercial passenger service. Trial operations are scheduled through September–November, with official commercial operation planned from December 1, 2026.

The transition will also be gradual rather than immediate:

• From December 1, 2026 to March 27, 2027: Airlines may begin operating international services at Long Thanh.
• Summer 2027: Long-haul international flights are planned to move there.
• From late October 2027: Most remaining international services are scheduled to transition, with some short-haul exceptions.

This means travelers booking a Vung Tau trip should check the actual airport code and arrival airport on their ticket, rather than assuming all flights serving southern Vietnam will automatically use Long Thanh once it opens.

3. Travel Options from the Airport to Vung Tau

The options below focus on Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where ground connections to Vung Tau are already well established. International passengers who want to reduce waiting time after landing can also consider experience Tan Son Nhat fast track service before continuing to Vung Tau by limousine, private car, or bus. 

3.1. Airport Shuttle and Limousine Services

Limousine services - Source: dcar limousine

Shared limousine is one of the easiest choices for solo travelers and couples because several operators collect passengers directly at Tan Son Nhat and continue to Vung Tau without requiring a transfer in central Ho Chi Minh City.

Popular services include Huy Hoang, Hoa Mai, Anh Quoc, Hai Van, Toan Thang, and Thanh Vinh. Typical fares are around 180,000–220,000 VND per seat, depending on the operator and vehicle type.

Practical details include:

• Airport pickup: Operators use designated columns or parking areas outside T1, T2, or T3, so check the exact terminal when booking.
• Example: Huy Hoang picks up at Column 14 at the T1 domestic arrivals area and also serves the international and T3 terminals.
• Departure frequency: Services run throughout the day, with some operators offering departures every 30–60 minutes.
• Booking: Reserve in advance and provide your flight number and terminal so the operator can confirm the correct meeting point.

Limousines normally use 9–11-seat vehicles with fewer passengers than a standard coach, making them particularly convenient when traveling with one suitcase per person.

3.2. Taxi and Private Car Transfers

Private car transfers - Source: Bao Thanh Nien

A private transfer is more suitable for families, groups, or travelers carrying several suitcases because the vehicle is reserved for one booking. The driver meets passengers at the airport and travels directly toward Vung Tau without scheduled passenger stops.

For one-way travel from Tan Son Nhat, September 2026 reference rates start at approximately:

• 4-seat car: From 850,000 VND
• 5-seat car: From 900,000 VND
• 7-seat car: From 1,010,000 VND
• 16-seat vehicle: From 1,900,000 VND

Before confirming a vehicle, check whether the quoted price includes tolls, airport parking, fuel, waiting time, and VAT. Some providers include most road charges in the base rate, while others add weekend, holiday, or out-of-area surcharges separately.

For three or four passengers, dividing a private-car fare can narrow the price difference compared with buying several limousine seats while providing more space for luggage and greater control over departure time.

3.3. Bus Connections to Vung Tau

Public bus - Source: The gioi tiep thi - danviet

Budget travelers can use the 72-1 interprovincial bus, which connects Tan Son Nhat Airport directly with Vung Tau Bus Station. The route avoids the need to take a city bus into central Ho Chi Minh City and then change to another intercity service.

The route includes stops through Ho Chi Minh City and along the corridor toward Ba Ria–Vung Tau before terminating at Vung Tau Bus Station. Service information updated in September 2026 shows departures beginning from around 04:00 and continuing until 23:00, although travelers should recheck the timetable on their travel date.

This option suits travelers prioritizing cost over convenience. Unlike a private transfer or limousine, the bus follows fixed stops and ends at the bus station, so passengers may need a separate local taxi or ride-hailing trip for the final part of their journey.

>> Explore more: How to Find the Best Airport Taxi Ho Chi Minh for Local Travel

4. FAQs About Airport Vung Tau

4.1. How Long Does an Airport Transfer to Vung Tau Take?

From Tan Son Nhat, allow about 2.5–3 hours in normal traffic. During peak periods, weekends, or holidays, the journey can take longer, so it is safer to keep extra buffer time before hotel check-in or scheduled activities.

4.2. Are Airport Transfers to Vung Tau Available at Night?

Yes. Late-night transfers are available, especially by pre-booked private car or taxi. Shared limousine and shuttle services usually follow fixed schedules, so travelers arriving very late should arrange a private pickup before departure.

4.3. Can Airport Transfers Drop Passengers Directly at Vung Tau Hotels?

Yes. Private transfers normally provide direct hotel drop-off within Vung Tau. Shared services may also offer hotel delivery in central areas, but this depends on the operator and the exact accommodation location, so confirm the drop-off point when booking.

Planning around airport Vung Tau is mainly about choosing the right commercial airport and arranging the final road transfer efficiently. Tan Son Nhat remains the most practical option for current trips, while Long Thanh will become increasingly relevant as operations expand. Checking your arrival airport, transfer timing, and hotel drop-off in advance can make the journey much smoother. For help organizing the route, transport, and wider itinerary, contact Joytime: Vietnam Travel.