Ho Chi Minh City to Launch 7 New Bus Routes to Long Thanh Airport
In an exciting development for travelers in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is preparing to roll out seven new bus routes to facilitate access to the highly anticipated Long Thanh International Airport, which is set to open its doors in June 2026. Designed to enhance transport options and reduce travel costs, these routes promise to make journeys to and from one of the country’s major infrastructural projects more convenient than ever.
The Vision Behind the Routes
The initiative is spearheaded by the Public Transport Management Center of the city’s Department of Construction. They aim to offer better connectivity for passengers looking to travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Long Thanh Airport, located around 40 kilometers away. This effort is timely, especially as existing expressway and metro links are still under construction. The new bus routes will provide a crucial link as infrastructure continues to evolve.
Strategic Route Planning
According to Pham Ngoc Dung, the director of the transport center, the planning includes seven routes that will connect Long Thanh Airport to key economic hubs. These will include three routes originating from major transport interchanges:
- Tan Son Nhat Airport
- The New Eastern Bus Station
- Saigon Bus Station
These hubs will make it easier for passengers to transfer, ensuring that those coming from various areas of the city can access the airport with minimal hassle.
Additionally, the proposal includes two routes from what was formerly Binh Duong Province and another two from the former Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. This expansion reflects a burgeoning urban landscape, as these provinces were merged into Ho Chi Minh City last year, highlighting the city’s growth and the need for improved public transport.
Collaborations and Final Arrangements
To bring this plan to fruition, Ho Chi Minh City authorities are actively collaborating with their counterparts in Dong Nai Province, where the airport is located. Together, they are finalizing details on route alignments, vehicle types, and operational frameworks—deciding whether operators will be chosen through direct orders or competitive bidding. The goal is to prioritize expressways for these routes to minimize travel times and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Infrastructure Readiness
Significant groundwork has already been laid to support the new bus services. Much of the necessary infrastructure surrounding Long Thanh Airport has been prepared, and officials are optimistic that bus connections will be operational by the time the airport commences its operations.
Airport Overview
Long Thanh Airport is not just another transportation project; it is a key national infrastructure endeavor spanning nearly 5,000 hectares with a total investment estimated at around VND 337 trillion (approximately US$1.4 billion). With several components of its first phase already completed by the end of 2025, this airport represents a major leap forward in Vietnam’s transportation capabilities.
Initially, the airport is expected to serve primarily passengers from Ho Chi Minh City. Presently, access mainly relies on the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway and National Highways 1 and 51. However, enhancements are underway, including the ongoing expansion of expressways, and projects like the Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem metro line, along with the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway, aimed at fostering improved long-term connectivity.
Anticipating the Future
The introduction of these bus routes signifies a proactive step toward improving public transport access to Long Thanh Airport, making it easier for individuals and families to connect with the air travel market. It serves as a vivid reminder of how transportation infrastructure is evolving in Vietnam, ready to meet the increasing demand for seamless travel options as the nation gears up for the future.
As the June 2026 opening approaches, all eyes will be on Long Thanh, heralding a new chapter in the region’s connectivity and growth.