Should You Book a Private Airport Transfer in Vietnam?
After taking several domestic flights around Vietnam, we learned that getting from the airport to your hotel can make or break your trip. Here’s what we discovered about private airport transfers, and whether they’re worth booking for you.
What is a Private Airport Transfer and How Does it Work?
An airport transfer is a driver that picks you up from the airport and drops you off to your accommodation or vice versa.
From my experience, the drivers usually do most of the following:
- Give you information on the designated meeting point
- Hold up a sign with your name (or the hotel’s name)
- Help you carry your luggage onto the vehicle and bring it up to the accommodation.
Pros of Private Airport Transfers in Vietnam
Booking in Vietnam is Cheap
Booking a private airport transfer is cheap in Vietnam. Depending how far your accommodation is from the airport, it can cost about $20 USD. That’s about the price of an Uber trip!
Great Option for Group Travellers
Our group had 7 people, and private airport transfers made it possible for all of us to get into just 1 van with all of our luggage. Because I travelled with my parents, I felt secure that we’re all together instead of booking multiple Grab trips.
No Waiting Time
Having a private airport transfer means no waiting time by the airport for a Grab or taxi. If you’re arriving from the airport, they check your flight schedule and make sure to be there at the designated meeting place before you arrive.
Gives You Peace of Mind
Booking a private airport transfer through hotels adds that layer of security and is a safer option, for those who are worried about being scammed by taxis upon arriving in Vietnam. If you’re booking through hotels, you will usually pay through the hotel, so no need to pay the drivers (although you’re free to give a tip!)
➡️ Check out private airport transfers on Klook
➡️ Want free cancellation? Use Booking.com
Cons of Private Airport Transfers in Vietnam
Booking with Grab is Cheaper
While booking a private airport transfer is cheap, booking a Grab trip is still cheaper. If you’re looking to save money, then private airport transfers may not be for you.
Less Flexible
Because you have to pre-book private airport transfers, changes need to be made at least 24 hours before the trip, otherwise it may not be possible to change pick up times from accommodation or the location for drop off.
They Have a Time Limit
In my experience, if you book an airport private driver using a 3rd party, they will wait up to 90 minutes for you. This is bad news if you’re coming internationally to Tan Son Nhat International airport, as immigration lines can be long. For domestic flights, it’s not a problem since you don’t have to go through immigration.
However, I’ve found that booking private airport transfers through your hotel is a better option, since the driver will wait longer (as long as you inform the hotel about your delays).
Finding the Designated Meeting Place
Sometimes, it’s really easy to find the designated meeting place, since they’ll be waiting outside the arrival gate, but at other times, it takes a while to find! However, this is also the case for booking with Grab, haha.
Verdict
If you’re traveling in a group, carrying heavy luggage, or want some peace of mind after arriving in Vietnam, private transfers are absolutely worth it. If you’re just a couple or traveling light, Grab is usually the smarter choice.
Check out my other helpful guides
😵💫 Flying domestic in Vietnam? Check out our experience with 3 different airlines
🏨 Looking for a place to stay? Read my detailed reviews on the hotels we stayed in
✨ Hate waiting in line? Did you know you can get airport fast track in Vietnam?
