How do I get from Can Tho Airport (VCA) to the city?

Can Tho International Airport (VCA) is 12km from Ninh Kieu — the main tourist area. It is a small airport with limited transport options. This guide covers how to get to the city safely and affordably.

Transport options from VCA

Airport taxi (recommended):

• Location: Taxi counter outside arrivals
• Companies: Mai Linh (green), Vinasun (white)
• Price: 150k-200k VND to Ninh Kieu (metered)
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Availability: All flights
• Payment: Cash only (prepare exact change)

Grab (not available at terminal):

• Pickup: Walk 200m to main road (airport does not allow Grab pickup)
• Price: 120k-180k VND (varies by demand)
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Availability: 6am-9pm (fewer drivers early/late)
• Payment: App (credit card or cash)
• Note: Not worth the hassle with luggage

Airport bus (budget option):

• Location: Bus stop outside arrivals
• Route: VCA → Ninh Kieu (stops at major hotels)
• Price: 50k VND
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Schedule: Hourly, 6am-5pm
• Availability: Limited (not all flights)
• Payment: Cash to driver

Hotel pickup:

• Arrangement: Contact hotel in advance
• Price: Free-100k VND (varies by hotel)
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Availability: By arrangement
• Payment: Included or cash

By taxi

Process:

1. Exit arrivals hall
2. Go to Mai Linh or Vinasun counter
3. Tell destination (hotel name or address)
4. Driver takes you to car
5. Meter starts at 15k VND
6. Pay at destination (150k-200k total)

Tips:

• Use only Mai Linh or Vinasun (avoid unmarked cars)
• Meter should start at 15k VND
• Expected total: 150k-200k VND
• Have small bills (drivers cannot change 500k)

By Grab

Process:

1. Exit airport
2. Walk 200m to main road (past taxi queue)
3. Open Grab app, set pickup location
4. Wait for driver (5-10 minutes)
5. Pay via app or cash

Tips:

• Not worth it with luggage (walk 200m)
• Fewer drivers early morning/late night
• Price varies by demand (surge pricing)
• Have backup plan (taxi) if no Grab available

By airport bus

Process:

1. Exit arrivals
2. Find bus stop (blue sign)
3. Pay driver 50k VND
4. Bus stops at major hotels in Ninh Kieu
5. Tell driver your hotel

Schedule:

• Departures: Hourly, 6am-5pm
• Travel time: 30 minutes
• Not all flights have bus connection

Tips:

• Cheapest option (50k VND)
• Limited schedule (not for early/late flights)
• May wait up to 1 hour for next bus
• Not suitable for large luggage

By hotel pickup

Process:

1. Contact hotel before arrival
2. Provide flight number and arrival time
3. Driver waits at arrivals with sign
4. Driver helps with luggage
5. Pay at hotel or included

Price:

• Budget hotels: Free (competitive advantage)
• Mid-range: 50k-100k VND
• Luxury: Free (included in rate)

Tips:

• Arrange at least 24 hours in advance
• Confirm price (free or paid)
• Get driver contact number
• Best for late arrivals or families

Cost comparison

Late arrivals (after 9pm)

Challenge: Fewer taxis, no bus, limited Grab

Solution:

• Pre-book hotel pickup (most reliable)
• Pre-book taxi (hotel can arrange)
• Expect to pay 200k-250k VND (late night surcharge)

Safety tips

Do:

• Use official taxi counter (Mai Linh, Vinasun)
• Check meter starts at 15k VND
• Have small bills for payment
• Pre-book for late arrivals

Don’t:

• Accept rides from touts inside terminal
• Pay fixed price in advance (scam)
• Get in unmarked cars
• Expect Grab pickup at terminal

The verdict

For most travelers: Airport taxi (Mai Linh or Vinasun). Safe, metered, available for all flights. Budget 150k-200k VND.

For budget travelers: Airport bus (50k VND) if flight matches schedule. Otherwise taxi.

For late arrivals: Pre-book hotel pickup or taxi. Do not rely on Grab or bus.

Can Tho Airport is small and manageable — exit arrivals, go to taxi counter, and you will be in Ninh Kieu in 20 minutes.