Saigon has no metro system and the bus network is functional but slow. The good news: the city’s dense, flat geography and the availability of ride-hailing mean that getting around is genuinely easy once you understand the options.

Grab — the default choice

GrabBike — motorbike taxi. Faster than a car in traffic, significantly cheaper (20,000–50,000 VND for most in-city journeys), and the way most locals travel. You ride on the back of a motorbike. Helmets are provided and mandatory. Not ideal for large luggage or formal occasions, but perfect for quick trips across the city.

GrabCar — 4-door car, air-conditioned. Costs roughly double the GrabBike price for the same journey (50,000–120,000 VND) but more comfortable for longer distances, multiple passengers, or significant luggage.

Metered taxis

Stick to Vinasun (white/green) and Mai Linh (green) for licensed, metered service. The flag fall is approximately 12,000–15,000 VND and the meter runs at roughly 15,000–20,000 VND per kilometre. Always confirm the meter is running before the car moves. For most journeys within the city, Grab is cheaper because the algorithm sets prices below street-hailing rates.

Xe ôm — traditional motorbike taxi

Independent motorbike taxi drivers — no app, no meter, price negotiated in advance. Less common now that GrabBike exists, but still operate around markets, bus stations, and tourist areas. A reasonable rate for a short in-city journey is 20,000–40,000 VND. If the driver quotes significantly more, open Grab and show them the estimated price for the same journey.

Walking

Central District 1 and much of District 3 are walkable. The area between Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, and the riverfront can all be covered on foot. Cross roads slowly, make eye contact with motorbike drivers, and move at a predictable pace — the traffic will flow around you if you don’t make sudden direction changes.

Bus

Public buses cost 6,000–9,000 VND per journey. Slow but useful for specific long routes. Use the BusMap app for real-time routes and stops in English.