How to Get to Vinh. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Vinh

Vinh International Airport VII

Main airport serving Vinh city and Nghe An Province. A domestic airport with limited international service (mainly charter flights).

Airlines & Routes

Major Vietnamese airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways.
Connects Vinh with Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), and other domestic destinations.
No direct international flights from major global hubs. Connect via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Flight Information

Flight frequency to Vinh generally stable. Prices for domestic flights fluctuate significantly.

Booking Advice

Expect higher prices and book well in advance during peak travel seasons.
Peak seasons: Tet (Lunar New Year), Summer (June-Aug), Public Holidays.
Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for flight deals.

VII Airport Services

Vinh International Airport a relatively small domestic terminal. It provides basic facilities including small cafes, snack bars, limited souvenir shops, ATMs, and an information desk.

Taxi to City

Taxi the most common and convenient transfer option. Official taxi stands outside terminal. A 15-20 minute ride, fares around VND 80,000 - 150,000 (US$3-6).

Grab & Hotel Shuttles

Ride-sharing services (GrabCar and GrabBike) available via the Grab app for set fares. Some higher-end hotels in Vinh or Cửa Lò Beach pre-arranged airport transfers.

Airport Transfer Options

From Airport

Taxi: Most common. Reputable metered companies. 15-20 min ride.
Grab: Ride-sharing via app. Fixed fares, cost-effective.
Hotel Shuttle: Pre-arranged transfers by a few hotels.
Airport Bus: Local bus routes connect to city. Most budget-friendly.

Booking & Tips

Expect taxi fares around VND 80,000 - 150,000 (US$3-6).
Use the Grab app for transparent pricing.
Check with accommodation for shuttle availability upon booking.
Less convenient if you have substantial luggage.

Onward Travel Tip

Reputable Taxis

Choose official taxi stands outside the terminal for reputable metered taxi companies.

App-Based Rides

Use Grab for fixed prices and driver details. DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

Pre-arranged Pickups

Inquire about hotel shuttle buses for a smooth arrival experience.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Vinh a major stop on Vietnam's North-South Reunification Express railway line. Train travel a popular option.

Services & Booking

Vinh Railway Station (Ga Vinh) connects to Hanoi (5-6 hours), Ho Chi Minh City (20-25+ hours), and central cities.
Various seating and sleeping options available (hard seat, soft seat, hard/soft sleeper, AC options).
Reserve tickets early, especially for sleeper berths and high seasons. Book at station, travel agents, or online (Baolau, 12Go).

Long-Distance Buses

Vinh Bus Station (Bến Xe Vinh) a hub for numerous long-distance routes throughout Vietnam.

Routes & Companies

Many private bus companies operate services, including comfortable sleeper buses (xe khách giường nằm).
Regular services connect Vinh with Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and provincial towns.
International bus routes to Laos also from Vinh. Book at station, hotel, or online (Vexere.com).

Self-Driving & Motorbikes

Self-driving a car less common for tourists as a result of demanding traffic conditions and legal requirements.

Requirements & Rentals

International Driving Permit (IDP) and valid national driver's license legally required for driving.
Motorbikes/scooters widely available for rent (VND 100,000-200,000/day). Helmets provided.
Traffic chaotic, high risk of accidents. Drive cautiously and defensively, only with prior experience.

Border Crossing Laos

Nam Can International Border Gate the closest international border crossing to Laos, within Nghe An Province.

Laos Connection

Connects Nghe An (Vietnam) with Xieng Khouang Province (Laos).
Valid visas for both countries in advance. Visa-on-arrival facilities limited at land borders.
Verify entry requirements for land borders before travel.

Road Safety Concerns

Traffic in Vietnam notoriously chaotic.
Drivers often disregard traffic rules. Motorbikes dominate roads.
High risk for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorbike users.

Be extremely careful when crossing streets.
If riding a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and drive defensively.
Large trucks and buses share roads, requiring extra vigilance.

Sea/River Arrivals

Limited Sea Access

Vinh city situated inland, approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the coast.

Port Information

No direct arrivals by boat for tourists into Vinh city.
Nearby Cửa Lò Beach port serves trawlers and cargo.
Immigration procedures at seaports not applicable to Vinh.

River Transportation

Tourist river transportation on the Lam River limited. The river a significant local waterway, but not a prominent mode of transport for visitors to Vinh.

River Activities

Small recreational boat trips might be available.
Not a means of arrival into the city.
No standard river routes for tourist transport.

Tour Bus Services

Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services not available in Vinh. Travelers arrange their own transport or hire private vehicles for day trips and tours.

Boat Taxis

Boat taxis and water transportation limited to recreational activities on inland seas or short scenic trips on the Lam River. Not standard city transportation.

No Unique Transport

Cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems not applicable to Vinh. Focus on standard options.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No separate exit fees or taxes collected at the point of departure from Vinh International Airport or other transport hubs.

Travel Costs

These costs typically included in your flight or train ticket prices.
For domestic flights, arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure.
For train, arrive at station 30-45 minutes before departure.

Station Departure

For long-distance buses, arrive at the bus station 30-45 minutes before departure. Confirm your bus number and gate.

Departure Facilities

Vinh International Airport: Basic facilities, waiting areas, small shops, food stalls.
Vinh Train/Bus Stations: Waiting areas, ticket counters, small kiosks.
Facilities simple but functional.

General Departure Advice

Airport Departure

Arrive at Vinh International Airport 1.5-2 hours before your scheduled domestic flight.

Train Departure

Be at Vinh Train Station at least 30-45 minutes before your train's departure.

Bus Departure

Arrive at Vinh Bus Station 30-45 minutes before your long-distance bus departs.

Departure Tip

Confirm your departure details, including terminal, gate, and any potential schedule changes, the day before setting off for a smooth exit.

How to Get to Vinh