Transportation Costs in Vietnam: How to Get Around for Less – A Hacker’s Practical Guide (2026)

When the Vietnam trip is done, the first thing that comes to the mind of every tourist is how to get around in the country. This is very much necessary, if they want to do it as per their budget, if not exactly, then very close to the actual expenses. To figure out the transportation in Vietnam, along with the costs for different means, such as city buses, GrabBike, Reunification Express, flights, and motorbike rentals, is going to be the right way of planning your trip and making savings without sacrificing smooth travel.

This handy guide gives you real transportation budgets, comparisons of modes, city-wise estimates, and hacks to slice your expenses, along with safety tips. Whether you are going from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, going around Ho Chi Minh City, or enjoying Hoi An and Bat Trang, you will know exactly how to travel smartly in Vietnam in 2026.

Transportation in Vietnam at a Glance: Budgeting Your Mobility

Travel with Vietnam Buses

Daily Transport Budgets by Traveller Type

• Ultra-budget / Backpacker: Stick to city buses, night buses, and shared minivans. Use GrabBike or xe ôm for quick city hops.
• Budget: Mix of local buses, occasional motorbike rides, and rare private cars. Domestic flights or trains for long distances.
• Comfort-oriented:Taxis or ride-hailing cars freely, planes for distance, and private drivers for tricky segments.

Core Transportation Cost Pillars in Vietnam

1. Motorbike rental + fuel: Flexible, widely available 110–150cc models.
2. City buses: Cheapest city travel, no frills.
3. Reunification Express (train): Scenic backbone; check Baolau or Vietnam Railways.
4. Domestic flights: Early booking is key for deals (Vietjet, Bamboo, Jetstar).
5. Taxi/ride-hailing (Grab/Be): Fast, reliable for airports and emergencies.

Pro Tip: Prices spike during Tet and major holidays. Always book early and track VND exchange rates live.

Real Transportation Costs by Mode

Mode	Typical Cost (VND & USD)	Unit	Best Use	Pros & Cons
Bus (city)	Varies; ultra-cheap	per ride	City hops, commutes	Pros: Cheapest. Cons: Slow, cramped, luggage challenges
Urban motorbike / xe ôm (GrabBike/Be)	App-dependent, variable	per ride	Fast city hops, airport transfers	Pros: Quick, cheaper than taxis. Cons: Storms, hard for luggage
Motorbike rental (110–150cc)	Daily/weekly varies	per day/week	DIY day trips, outskirts	Pros: Total freedom, fuel-efficient. Cons: Deposits, legal paperwork
Intercity/sleeper bus	Check Baolau/12Go	one-way	Long hauls, budget overnight	Pros: Low cost, saves hostel nights. Cons: Sleep quality varies
Reunification Express (train)	By class & berth	one-way	North-south scenic rides	Pros: Comfortable beds, countryside views. Cons: Slow
Domestic flights	Budget fares vary	one-way	Fastest for long distances	Pros: Speed. Cons: Extra baggage fees, airport transfers

How to Compare Live Prices

• Grab/Be: Real-time app fares for city rides.
• Buses and trains:Baolau or 12Go for intercity comparisons.
• Flights: Use Skyscanner, then check airline websites.
• Cruise buses: Bundled tours often include transport.

Motorbike Fuel Costs

• Fuel is inexpensive and sold per liter.
• Rental shops vary on deposits and fuel arrangements.
• Check local stations or hotels for current prices.

City-Specific Transport Costs & Routes

Hanoi

• City buses cover most routes cheaply.
• Short hops: GrabBike or Be.
• Long trips: Motorbike rental or night buses.

Ho Chi Minh City

• GrabBike dominates urban mobility.
• For groups or airport transfers, taxis or car apps are reliable.

Da Nang / Hoi An

• Buses, Grab, and bicycles.
• Hoi An is a bicycle-friendly town; taxis are rarely necessary.

Hue

• Motorbikes and taxis are common.
• Regional buses handle trips to the DMZ and nearby beaches.

Popular Tourist Routes

Route	Typical Mode	Notes
Hanoi ↔ Ha Long	Shuttle / Transfer	Often bundled with cruises or tours
Hanoi ↔ Da Nang	Overnight train / Flight	Scenic berths vs speed
HCMC ↔ Mekong / Da Lat	Day bus / Sleeper / Flight	Combine 12Go/Baolau for itinerary hacks
Da Nang ↔ Hoi An	Grab / Taxi / Bicycle	Short, cheap, and convenient

Peak Season Alert: Tet and major holidays spike prices. Book transport and accommodation early.

Sample Daily Transport Budgets

Traveler Type	Daily City Transport	3-Day City Total	7-Day North→Central→South Estimate
Backpacker (ultra-budget)	Walk, bus, GrabBike hacks	Bus & walk	Night buses, local buses; minimal cost
Budget	GrabBike, some taxis	Add occasional transfers	Single flight or train, otherwise buses
Midrange	Taxis and ride-hailing freely	Fast city transfers	Flights or private cars for long hops
Comfort	Door-to-door taxis, private drivers	Maximum convenience	Flights and pre-arranged transport; highest cost

Tips to Minimise Costs by Travel Style

• Backpacker: Use night buses, public buses, and GrabBike.
• Budget: Mix buses/trains with local app rides.
• Midrange / Comfort: Prioritise flights and taxis for convenience.

Substitute & Save Table

Option	Pros	Cons
Sleeper bus vs budget flight	Saves hotel night	Sleep quality variable
Motorbike rental vs taxi	Cheaper, more freedom	Paperwork, traffic risk
Book early flights	Secure a low fare	Must plan ahead

Bundled Transport Hack: Pickyourtrail

• Airport pickups, flights/trains, and local transfers included.
• Budget bundles start under USD 600; premium > USD 2,400.
• Ideal for travellers who prefer pre-arranged logistics.

Hacks, Apps, and Booking Tools

App / Platform	Purpose
Grab / Be	City ride-hailing (bike & car)
Baolau / 12Go	Intercity bus, train, and sleeper tickets
Skyscanner + Airline Sites	Domestic flight comparison & booking
Local taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun)	Metered rides, reliable backup
Pickyourtrail	Bundled travel & transport itineraries

Money Hacks

• Book flights early; check Skyscanner, then book direct.
• Take overnight buses to save on lodging.
• Mix train + bus for scenic & cheap options.
• Negotiate motorbike rental rates and document bike condition.
• Fix private driver rates upfront, including fuel & parking.
• In heavy traffic, GrabBike is often cheaper and faster than taxis.

Driving, Rentals, and Safety

Legal Requirements

• International Driving Permit + national license mandatory.
• Some rental shops require an IDP; traffic police may enforce it strictly.

Insurance & Deposits

• Check what’s covered and excluded in rental insurance.
• Deposits are standard; photograph damage before riding.

Checklist Before Riding

• Passport copy, license/IDP, signed rental agreement.
• Inspect tyres, lights, fuel, and document pre-existing damage.
• Clarify breakdown coverage and response times.

Road & Night Safety

• Helmets are mandatory; police enforce rules.
• Avoid country roads at night -poor lighting and potholes.
• Keep emergency numbers: police, embassy, rental contact, insurer.

Conclusion: 

Having a clear understanding of transportation costs in Vietnam is crucial to having a trip that will go smoothly, not be too expensive, and be free of stress. The various transport modes from GrabBike rides in Ho Chi Minh City, through motorbike rentals in Hanoi, and Reunification Express scenic trains to domestic flights are all giving a trade-off of speed, cost, and convenience. By means of smart planning, early bookings, and usage of the right apps, you will be able to make the most of your mobility without exceeding your budget. In 2026, Vietnam’s transport ecosystem will still be a versatile provider of solutions for all types of travellers. Check out our Vietnam adventure tour packages for an easy and unforgettable trip in 2026. 

FAQs

Is a motorbike cheaper than buses?

For one region, yes. Multi-city travel favours buses, trains, and flights.

Can tourists legally ride?

Only with an IDP + national license. Check updates locally.

Grab vs taxi fares?

Usually cheaper or similar; check both in real time.

Daily transport budget?

Ultra-budget: minimal. Flights/cars increase costs.

Best time to book flights?

Early, especially before Tet.

Are sleeper buses safe?

Yes, if booked through reputable operators (Baolau/12Go).