How to Get to Bien Hoa. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Bien Hoa does not have a civilian airfield. Travelers flying to Bien Hoa typically use Ho Chi Minh City's international airport, Tan Son Nhat (SGN).

Information

Closest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, EVA Air, Korean Air, etc.
Routes: Direct flights from major hubs in Asia, Europe, and North America (with layovers). Domestic connections across Vietnam.

Airport Facilities & Pricing

Tan Son Nhat (SGN) has a full range of facilities and services for travelers. Flight prices change with the seasons.

Details

Facilities: Duty-free, restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, ATMs, SIM card vendors, baggage services, lounges.
Pricing: Peak during high season (Nov-Feb), Tet holidays. Lower during rainy season (May-Oct).
For flight deals, explore Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Taxi Transfer

Taxis are readily available outside SGN terminals. Use Mai Linh or Vinasun. Estimated cost: 400,000 – 700,000 VND ($16-$28 USD).

Ride-sharing

Grab is widely used and often cheaper. Set destination to Bien Hoa in the app. Estimated cost: 350,000 – 600,1.

Public Bus

Least convenient from SGN; requires transfers from SGN to HCMC's Eastern Bus Station, after that a separate bus to Bien Hoa. Very inexpensive.

Airport Transfers to Bien Hoa

Distance & Time

Bien Hoa is approximately 30-45 km (19-28 miles) from SGN.
Travel times range from 1 to 1.5 hours, traffic in Ho Chi Minh City impacts this.
Private Car Transfer: Pre-book through hotels or local travel agencies for convenience.
Always confirm the driver uses the meter for taxis.

Tips for smooth arrival

Download Grab app beforehand.
Have some Vietnamese Dong (VND) ready for transport.
Inform your hotel of your arrival time for any assistance.
Have your accommodation address written in Vietnamese.

Planning Your Flights

Booking Ahead

Booking flights well beforehand frequently has better prices, especially during peak seasons and holidays.

Flexibility

Being flexible with your travel dates, avoiding weekends, and public holidays can result in significant savings.

Budget Airlines

Consider budget carriers like Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways for domestic flights within Vietnam for cost savings.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Bien Hoa has its own train station, Ga Biên Hòa, on Vietnam’s North-South railway line.

Connections & Booking

Connections: Regular services to Ho Chi Minh City (Ga Sài Gòn) and northern cities like The Riviera of the south china sea, Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi.
Types: Various classes from hard seats to soft sleepers.
Booking: Recommended in advance, especially for sleeper berths.

Long-Distance Buses

Bien Hoa features a major bus station, Bến Xe Biên Hòa.

Routes & Companies

Connections: Common services to Ho Chi Minh City's Eastern Bus Station, Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, Da Lat, and other southern/central cities.
Companies: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) and Thanh Buoi are popular for modern fleets and reliable schedules.
Comfort: Services offer different levels of comfort and pricing.

Self-Driving

Self-driving a car is generally not recommended for travelers in Vietnam due to chaotic traffic and driving customs.

Considerations

Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) with national driver's license.
Safety: High accident rates, aggressive driving, numerous motorcycles.
Recommendation: Arrange a car with a driver through hotels or agencies. DiscoverCars.com for rentals (often with driver).

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads vary in quality, and the state of the traffic demand extreme caution.

Local Environment

Roads: National Highway 1A passes through Bien Hoa, connecting to north and south. Provincial roads to surrounding areas.
Safety: Due to heavy motorcycle traffic and unpredictable driving, extreme caution for walkers and cyclists.
Alertness: Always remain alert and anticipate unexpected movements.

Important Considerations for Land Travel

Border Crossing: Not applicable to Bien Hoa as an inland city.
Sea/River Arrivals: Not a main mode of tourist transport. River transport is predominantly local/cargo.
Self-driving: Not recommended due to complex area traffic.

Reserve train tickets in advance for best availability.
For bus, pick reliable companies with good safety records.
Pedestrian and cyclist safety must be a priority on roads.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Bien Hoa by understanding the procedures and timing.

Steps

Timing: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights from SGN; 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.
Check-in: Online check-in often saves time.
Immigration/Security: Allow sufficient time for checks, especially during peak hours.

Facilities for Departing Travelers

Airports and stations present different levels of amenities for departing travelers.

Amenities

Tan Son Nhat (SGN): Restaurants, cafes, lounges, duty-free shops.
Bien Hoa Train/Bus Station: More basic facilities, local eateries, waiting areas.
Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied directly; these are included in airfare.

Check Luggage

Confirm airline baggage allowance plus rules before packing.

Online Check-in

Utilize online check-in to save time and streamline your airport experience.

Plan Transfer

Plan your transport from Bien Hoa to SGN, train, or bus station in advance.

General Travel Tips

Stay Prepared

A few general tips can smooth out your overall travel experience.

Checklist

Reconfirm flight/train/bus schedules.
Have local currency for small purchases.
Ensure your phone is charged and has relevant apps.

Local Interaction

Engaging with locals is a rewarding part of travel in Bien Hoa.

Tips for Engagement

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases.
Polite gestures and a smile can overcome language barriers.
Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Contacts

Keep emergency numbers (Police 113, Fire 114, Ambulance 115) handy.

Embassy Information

Have your country's embassy or consulate contact information readily available.

Travel Insurance

Ensure your travel insurance details are accessible for any unforeseen events.

Final Checklist

Reconfirm all bookings, secure your documents, and pack with confidence for your adventure in Bien Hoa.

How to Get to Bien Hoa