Vietnam's transport landscape is surprisingly diverse. For city travel, Grab is reliable and cheap — it works like Uber but covers most provinces. Long-distance, trains are comfortable overnight options, while buses are the cheapest and most frequent. Motorbike rentals are possible for experienced riders with an international license. Many cities also have cyclo, bicycle and river taxi options.
Snapshot
- Region
- Southern Vietnam
- Best for
- first-time, solo, couples
- Best season
- Dec-Mar (dry)
- Average cost
- $5-200/day
- Updated
The main transport options
Vietnam’s transport landscape is surprisingly diverse. For city travel, Grab is reliable and cheap — it works like Uber but covers most provinces. Long-distance, trains are comfortable overnight options, while buses are the cheapest and most frequent. Motorbike rentals are possible for experienced riders with an international license. Many cities also have cyclo, bicycle and river taxi options.
Grab (City & Intercity)
Grab is the go-to app for taxis, GrabCars, GrabBikes and GrabTours. Fares start at 10,000 VND (~$0.40) for GrabBike, and city trips cost $1-3. It operates in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Can Tho and more. For airport transfers, GrabAirport costs $10-15. Book via the app; cash is accepted but GrabPay is faster.
Trains (Overnight Comfort)
Vietnam Railways runs the Reunification Express south from Hanoi and offers sleeper berths with curtains and AC. Routes include: Hanoi–Hue ($35 for soft sleeper), Hue–Da Nang ($40), Da Nang–Nha Trang ($40), Nha Trang–Saigon ($45). Trains are reliable, bookable online via 12Go, and let you wake up in a new city. Book 3-5 days ahead in peak months.
Buses (Cheapest & Frequent)
Provincial and tourist buses run every hour from most city bus stations. Routes: Hanoi–Da Lat ($8), Hanoi–Nha Trang ($10), Ho Chi Minh City–Da Lat ($6), Hanoi–Sapa ($15). Operators like Phuong Dong and Green Bus offer sleeper seats. For intercity, take the sleeper bus and save on accommodation. Book via 12Go Asia for confirmed seats and English support.
Motorbike Rentals (For Experienced Riders Only)
Motocycle rentals are $5-10/day for 150cc, $8-15/day for 200cc. Bring an international driving permit or a Vietnamese license photo; police may stop scooter riders. Insurance is strongly recommended. Never ride in Hanoi or Saigon rush hour unless you are confident with dense traffic. For beginners, join an Easy Rider tour instead.
Quick facts
| Transport | Best For | Price (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Grab | City trips under 15km | $1-5 |
| Train (sleeper) | Overnight legs | $30-80 |
| Bus (sleeper) | Cheapest long distance | $10-30 |
| Motorbike | Self-drive exploration | $5-10/day |
| City pass | Unlimited city travel | $5-20/day |
Frequently asked questions
Is Grab available everywhere in Vietnam?
Yes, Grab covers all major cities and provincial towns, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Can Tho and more. GrabBike is popular for short trips; GrabCar offers AC. For rural areas, use GrabTaxi which covers most provinces.
Are trains comfortable in Vietnam?
Soft sleepers are surprisingly comfortable: two-level bunks with curtains, AC and shared washrooms. Hard sleepers have no AC and basic mattresses. Train journeys are slow (8-12 hours for city pairs) but save a night of accommodation. Book via 12Go or dsvn.vn and bring a light jacket.
What is the Vietnam Pass?
The Ho Chi Minh City Pass (CityPass.saigon) or Hanoi Pass (HanoiPass.vn) provide unlimited Grab rides within the city for a day ($5-7). Another option is the Vietnam Rail Pass, which offers discounts on domestic trains but is not as popular because individual bookings are cheap. Most visitors skip passes and pay as they go.
Should I rent a motorbike in Vietnam?
Only if you have a valid international license and experience with heavy traffic. Motorbikes cost $5-10/day and let you see countryside at your own pace. For first-time visitors, an Easy Rider tour with a local driver is safer and more cultural. Rental shops in tourist areas may push for cash-only; use reputable operators.
What about bike rentals in Hoi An or Ninh Binh?
Bike rentals from $2-3/day are common in Hoi An, Halong Bay towns, Ninh Binh and Hoi An Ancient Town. Use the rental agreement to get a lock, return to the same shop, and photograph helmet condition. Most owners are friendly but may charge extra if you break a gear — inspect the bike before leaving.