Saigon to Vung Tau has a hydrofoil ferry that skips Highway 51's weekend traffic entirely, crossing by sea in about 2 hours versus 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
Saigon to Vung Tau has a hydrofoil option that most routes out of the city don't: a 2-hour ferry from Bach Dang Terminal that skips Highway 51 entirely, while a bus, limousine van, or private car still cover the same 95 to 100 km in 2.5 to 3 hours by road. This guide compares what each option costs and when the ferry is worth building your day around a fixed schedule.
The short version
Most routes out of Saigon only have a road option, but Vung Tau also has a hydrofoil that crosses by sea in about 2 hours, roughly the same time as the fastest road option, while skipping the Highway 51 traffic that backs up every Friday and Saturday morning.
The boat runs from the Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal in District 1 to Cau Da Port in Vung Tau, and it's the one route in this guide where the fastest way out of the city doesn't involve sitting in a car at all. We tell most visitors planning a weekend trip that the ferry is less about shaving minutes off the total time and more about skipping the specific stretch of Highway 51 where traffic backs up from the city limits most Saturday mornings.
Saigon to Vung Tau is about 95 to 100 km by road, or roughly 90 km by sea, and 4 main options cover it: the Saigon to Vung Tau ferry, a bus or limousine van, a private car, and a motorbike. All 4 run several times a day, so there's rarely a long wait to book one.
| Option | Price | Travel time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrofoil ferry | 13-17 USD (~325,000-440,000 VND) | About 2 hrs | Bach Dang Terminal to Cau Da Port |
| Bus or minibus | 6-18 USD (~155,000-470,000 VND) | 2.5-3 hrs | Multiple pickup points in Saigon |
| Limousine van | 9-21 USD (~235,000-545,000 VND) | 2.5-3 hrs | Some run from Tan Son Nhat Airport |
| Private car | 35-180 USD per vehicle | 2-3 hrs | Hotel to hotel, your own schedule |
Sources: north-vietnam.com's Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau transport guide and its ferry schedule page, both checked October 2026.
A Saigon to Vung Tau bus costs 6 to 18 USD (~155,000 to 470,000 VND) and takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with pickup points scattered across the city rather than one central station. A limousine van runs a similar time for 9 to 21 USD, and some services pick up directly from Tan Son Nhat Airport.
A private car costs more, 35 to 180 USD per vehicle depending on size, but runs hotel to hotel on your own schedule rather than a shared timetable, and it's the only road option that can match the ferry for door-to-door convenience. None of the 3 road options skip the Highway 51 bottleneck the way the boat does, so weekend departure time still matters more than which one you book.
Renting a motorbike for the ride down takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours and costs from about 10 USD a day to rent, though riders need an International Driving Permit that covers motorcycles and should expect the same weekend traffic that slows buses and vans leaving the city.
A Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau trip that starts right at Tan Son Nhat Airport is a common combination for visitors with a short layover before a beach weekend. If an immigration queue is part of that plan, our Ho Chi Minh airport fast track covers that part separately from the ride onward to the coast. Beyond this one route, our general trip-prep checklist covers what else is worth sorting out before you go.
The ferry suits travelers staying near District 1 who want to skip Highway 51 entirely and don't mind building their day around a fixed departure time. A bus or limousine van works for most other trips, and a private car makes sense for families, groups with luggage, or an early flight the next morning.
If you still have time in the city first, our guide to Ho Chi Minh City's real pulse covers where to go beyond the obvious stops. Once you reach the coast, our guide to timing a Vung Tau weekend covers how to avoid the crowds.
Is the hydrofoil faster than driving to Vung Tau?
The hydrofoil takes about 2 hours, close to the fastest road option, but it skips the Highway 51 traffic that can add 30 minutes or more on a weekend. A fixed departure time is the trade-off for that shortcut.
How far is Saigon from Vung Tau?
The Saigon to Vung Tau distance is about 95 to 100 km by road, or roughly 90 km by sea. The trip takes 2 to 3 hours no matter which option you pick.
Does the bus or van drop off near the beach?
Most buses and vans stop at points around central Vung Tau rather than directly on the beach road, so expect a short Grab or walk from your drop-off. A private car can usually take you straight to your hotel instead.
Can I book a round trip on the ferry?
Yes, and for a round trip, including the Vung Tau to Saigon return leg, book both ferry crossings in advance since seats sell out on weekends. The schedule runs a few sailings a day in each direction, not on demand.
Want a fixed price and your own schedule instead of a shared timetable?
Our private car service runs set routes elsewhere in Vietnam, and our team can put together a direct quote for Saigon to Vung Tau on request.
Best visited during dry season (November to April) for ideal weather.
Book accommodations in advance during peak travel season.
Carry local currency (Vietnamese Dong) for markets and small vendors.
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
