Contact us
Follow us:
Can Tho airport or Tan Son Nhat is a common question for Mekong travellers booking flights, especially at year-end. Cần Thơ is close to home but has fewer flights; Tân Sơn Nhất has far more choice but adds hours on the road. This guide compares the two case by case, including late-night arrivals heading back to the Delta.
Can Tho airport is close to the city centre but has far fewer routes and flights than Tân Sơn Nhất; check the airline schedules before deciding.
The trade-off is about 3–3.5 hours from Cần Thơ, plus city traffic.
Count the whole journey: drive time, time required before departure, and the risk of traffic. For families further away, such as in Cà Mau or Châu Đốc, the gap between the two airports is smaller than it seems, because getting to Can Tho airport still takes hours.
Long Thành airport is expected to start commercial operations from 24 December 2026, with limited flights at first. For Delta travellers it is further away than Tân Sơn Nhất, so check which airport is on your ticket.
| Factor | Cần Thơ airport | Tân Sơn Nhất |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | Fewer, mainly to Hanoi and some cities | Many flights and times, many international routes |
| Road to the delta | Close to Cần Thơ, former Sóc Trăng and Vĩnh Long | Expressway via Trung Lương and Mỹ Thuận |
| Rush hour | Little congestion around the airport | Surrounding roads often busy |
| Suits | Travellers near Cần Thơ, flying to Hanoi | International trips, connections, flexible timing |
The fare is only part of it. Add every leg: home to airport, check-in and waiting, flight time, and airport to final destination.
If Cần Thơ's schedule fits, it is usually less tiring for older relatives and children. For other times or international connections, Tân Sơn Nhất is more flexible.
| Sight | Location | When |
|---|---|---|
| Cái Răng floating market | Cần Thơ river, south of the centre | Early morning, about 5–8 a.m. |
| Ninh Kiều wharf | Hậu riverside, centre | Evening stroll |
| Bình Thủy ancient house | 144 Bùi Hữu Nghĩa | Daytime, near the airport |
| Trúc Lâm Phương Nam monastery | Phong Điền | Morning |
Bình Thủy house lies in the airport's direction, handy before an afternoon flight. Cái Răng suits those landing the night before: market at dawn, then home.
The delta has no passenger rail, so the car is the main airport link.
| Vehicle | Luggage | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 4–5 seat | About 3 suitcases | Couples, small families |
| 7 seat | About 4 suitcases | Families of 4–6 |
| 16 seat, 9-seat limousine | About 6–8 suitcases | Extended families, many gifts |
The holiday runs 4–10 February 2027. Flights to Cần Thơ on 3–4 February sell out early; if so, flying to Tân Sơn Nhất and driving is the backup, but delta-bound expressways are packed on the morning of 4 February. For departures from Tân Sơn Nhất on 10 February, leave the delta early. Tết bookings need a deposit of about 10%.
From Cần Thơ you leave around midnight or before dawn; families with young children may prefer to come up the afternoon before and stay near the airport.
The airport run is short, so no very early start, a real advantage of the local airport.
Landing late at Tân Sơn Nhất, the road to the delta is usually clear but you are tired. The driver tracks the flight and waits through delays; stop at a service area for a break.
From December 2026 some southern flights use Long Thành. Mekong travellers with Long Thành tickets can take the Bến Lức – Long Thành expressway without entering central Ho Chi Minh City. Check the airport on your ticket before booking, and tell us at once if the airline changes it.
There is no single answer for the whole delta. Travellers in central Cần Thơ, former Hậu Giang, former Sóc Trăng and southern Vĩnh Long often find Cần Thơ airport easier when its schedule fits. Those in former Bến Tre, Tiền Giang or Long An live close to Ho Chi Minh City, so Tân Sơn Nhất is the natural choice. An Giang and Cà Mau residents also have Rạch Giá, Phú Quốc and Cà Mau airports, depending on routes.
Consider luggage too: budget fares limit checked bags, while a car is limited only by its space. Families carrying lots of hometown gifts may drive to Tân Sơn Nhất in a 7- or 16-seater and pick a flight with enough allowance. Light business travellers should favour the nearest airport to save time.
Since 1 July 2025, Sóc Trăng and Hậu Giang have been part of Cần Thơ city. From these areas Cần Thơ airport is usually far closer than Tân Sơn Nhất, and a short road leg is easier on older travellers. If your flight only runs from Tân Sơn Nhất or fares differ widely, a door-to-terminal transfer still works well. Send the flight number and we will set the departure time.
| Group | Suggested vehicle | Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 people | 4–5 seater | about 3 suitcases |
| 4–6 people | 7-seater | about 4 suitcases |
| 7–14 people or lots of bags | 16-seater / 9-seat Limousine | about 6–8 suitcases |
Aim to reach the terminal about 1.5–2 hours before a domestic departure and about 3 hours before an international one. Add drive time plus a buffer for the city approaches at rush hour; the driver proposes a pickup time once you send the flight number. With small children or older relatives, allow extra time for check-in and wheelchair requests at the airline desk.
Airport runs: a 4–5 seater for 1–3 people; families heading home: a 7-seater. Route page: Can Tho to Tan Son Nhat by car; local cars at Can Tho airport; see also our price list.
Booking: chauffeur quotes already cover fuel and tolls and get 10% off; vehicles are 2022–2025 models. Need an 8% VAT invoice? Tell us when you book. Send your route through our quick quote form.
Very few, and they vary by season; most international travellers still use Tân Sơn Nhất.
Yes, if booked in advance; the driver tracks your actual landing.
About 3–3.5 hours, longer at rush hour.
Few routes; check airline schedules, as most international travel goes via Tân Sơn Nhất.
Early, about 5–8 a.m.
Fly to Tân Sơn Nhất and book a car, avoiding the morning of 4 February.
Consider coming up the afternoon before and staying near the airport, especially with children.
Real cars at the Car Rental Vietnam depot
Travel guides for this trip
Private cars with driver from 4 to 45 seats, including Limousine vans and 29- and 45-seater coaches. Tolls, trip insurance and the driver's pay are included:
Book a car
