Airport Tips & Quick Reference Guide to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), located in Ho-Chi-Minh / Saigon

Ho Chi Minh Airport Car Rental

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.

Renting a vehicle at Tan Son Nhat International Airport is a convenient option for travelers who want to explore Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding region independently. While many visitors use taxis or ride-hailing apps, renting a car or motorbike offers greater flexibility to visit places outside the city center, including coastal destinations and rural areas.

Motorbikes are the most popular form of transport in Vietnam, while cars are commonly rented by families, business travelers, or visitors planning longer trips. Rental services are available at or near the airport terminals, and some companies also offer vehicle delivery directly to the terminal or hotel.

Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be very intense, especially for first-time visitors. If you are not comfortable driving in busy Asian cities, consider renting a car with a driver, a common and affordable option in Vietnam.

Car Rental Companies

Several international and local companies provide car rental services at or near the airport.

Major providers

  • Avis
  • Hertz
  • Budget
  • Europcar
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car 

Local Vietnamese companies and travel agencies also operate around the airport and often offer chauffeur-driven vehicles, which are popular with visitors.

Booking online before arrival usually guarantees better availability and lower prices, especially during high travel seasons.

Location of Rental Offices

Car rental desks and offices are typically located:

  • Inside the arrival areas of the terminals, or
  • Along Truong Son Street, the main road in front of the airport
  • In nearby hotels or travel agencies within 5–10 minutes of the terminals

Many companies provide meet-and-greet service at arrivals, where a representative delivers the vehicle or escorts you to the rental office.

Confirm the exact pickup point in advance. Some rentals advertised as “airport rentals” are actually located just outside the airport area.

Approximate Rental Prices

Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and whether a driver is included.

Car rental (self-drive)

  • Economy car: $30–40 per day
  • Compact car: $40–50 per day
  • Mid-size sedan: $50–70 per day
  • Standard SUV: around $75–90 per day 

In Vietnam, many travelers prefer renting a car with a driver, which typically costs about $80 per day including the driver

Motorbike rental

Motorbike rentals are extremely common in Ho Chi Minh City.

Typical prices include:

  • Scooter (110–125cc): 100,000–250,000 VND per day
  • Monthly rental: about 1,000,000–2,500,000 VND 

More powerful touring or adventure bikes may cost $10–50 per day depending on the model. 

Helmets are usually included in motorbike rentals, and some companies also provide phone holders and luggage racks.

Most Popular Rental Vehicles

The most frequently rented vehicles at the airport include:

Cars

  • Economy city cars (e.g., Chevrolet Spark)
  • Compact cars (Ford Focus type)
  • Mid-size sedans (Toyota Corolla type)
  • Family SUVs (Mitsubishi Xpander or similar) 

These vehicles are preferred because they are fuel-efficient and easier to drive in heavy urban traffic.

Motorbikes

Common models include:

  • Honda Wave / Honda Blade (110cc scooters)
  • Honda Air Blade
  • Yamaha Nouvo
  • Honda Winner 150cc (manual)

Scooters are ideal for city travel and short regional trips.

Car Rental Insurance Explained

Most car rental agreements offer several types of insurance coverage.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

Covers damage to the rental vehicle in case of an accident. This is one of the most common insurance options offered during booking.

Theft Protection

Protects you if the rental vehicle is stolen or vandalized.

Third-Party Liability

Covers damage or injury caused to other vehicles or people.

Excess Reduction Insurance

Reduces the amount you must pay in case of damage.

Always check the insurance excess (deductible). Cheaper rentals may have high excess amounts.

Popular Destinations to Visit by Car or Motorbike

Renting a vehicle allows travelers to explore beyond Ho Chi Minh City.

Some popular routes include:

Within the city

  • Ben Thanh Market
  • District 1 historical landmarks
  • Saigon Square shopping area 

Short trips from the city

  • Cu Chi Tunnels (about 1.5 hours)
  • Vung Tau beach (about 2 hours)
  • Mekong Delta towns such as My Tho or Ben Tre

If you plan to visit rural areas or beaches, an SUV or larger vehicle may provide more comfort for longer drives.