Table of Contents
Guidance on intercity travel within Vietnam, covering domestic flights, rail services, sleeper buses, and local transportation.
Domestic Aviation
Vietnam spans over 1,600 kilometers. Domestic flights provide the most time-efficient method for transit between major municipalities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The primary domestic carriers operating in 2026 are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways.
- Vietnam Airlines: The national carrier, providing standard domestic routes with included baggage allowances on most fare classes.
- Vietjet Air: A low-cost carrier operating a dense domestic network. Base fares do not include checked baggage or in-flight catering.
- Bamboo Airways: Operates scheduled domestic flights focusing on service reliability.
Ensure your immigration status is valid prior to domestic travel. The Vietnam eVisa is available to all nationalities, allows a stay of up to 90 days ($25 for a single-entry visa, $50 for a multiple-entry visa), and is accepted at 83 entry ports. Apply for a Vietnam eVisa exclusively via the National Web Portal on Immigration.
Rail Transit: North-South Railway
The North-South Railway operates between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Rail transit is slower than aviation but offers a scheduled surface alternative.
For overnight journeys, soft sleeper cabins (4 berths per cabin) are available. Modernized carriages, such as those operated by independent private rail providers on standard routes, offer upgraded amenities.
Intercity Bus Services
Sleeper buses operate extensively across Vietnam's intercity routes. In 2026, upgraded "VIP cabin" buses operate on primary transit corridors, providing individual partitioned seating.
Passengers entering Vietnam via land borders will primarily utilize bus services for onward travel. Note that your eVisa must indicate the correct land port out of the 83 approved entry ports. Refer to the official port list before traveling.
Local Transportation
Ride-hailing applications are the recommended method for urban transit, offering regulated and transparent pricing.
- Grab: The predominant application for booking cars and motorcycle taxis.
- Gojek: An alternative application operating primarily in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Xanh SM: An electric vehicle transport service utilizing VinFast vehicles, operating taxi and motorcycle services.
Travelers are required to possess a mobile data connection to utilize these services. Procuring a local SIM or eSIM is advised upon arrival.