Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau - 5 Transport Options with Prices

Private car with a driver (usdsedan) is the best starting point for a reliable, door-to-door transfer. The driver greet you at your hotel pick-up and the vehicle handles luggage so you can relax while the route follows the coastline toward Vung Tau. For many travelers, the private car is the king of convenience. Over the years this option has proven dependable, with fixed pricing typically around 70–120 USD for a standard sedan; SUVs cost more. It suits personal trips to coastal resorts and hotels throughout the region, delivering comfort from lobby to resort. Discover options that fit your schedule and tell you exactly what to expect on arrival.

Speedboat (hydrofoil) cuts travel time to roughly 75–90 minutes and offers scenic, unspoiled sea views. Tickets run about 15–25 USD one-way, with departures from Saigon’s Bach Dang Pier and from Vung Tau Marina; frequencies are high on sunny weekends. This option suits travelers who want more time on the coast and less time in traffic. The crew greet passengers at boarding, then you arrive near hotels and beaches along the coast.

Public bus provides a budget-friendly route from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, with fares around 6–12 USD and travel times of roughly 2.5–3.5 hours depending on traffic. Buses frequently depart from Mien Dong and Ben Thanh stations toward Vung Tau Front Beach. If you ride with friends, you’ll enjoy shared comfort and lower costs; also you have flexibility for quick stops along the way.

Shared van or shuttle delivers direct hotel-to-hotel service at about 8–15 USD and takes around 3–4 hours, depending on drop-offs. Vans operate throughout the day from major hotels and deliver you to town centers or coastal resorts. It’s a practical balance between price and convenience, especially for groups who want personal space without the full private car rate.

Self-drive motorbike or scooter offers personal freedom to discover the route at your pace. Rent is roughly 5–10 USD per day plus fuel, with a typical ride taking 3–4 hours if you stop at viewpoints or beaches. This option appeals to travelers with experience and a love of the outdoors, staying in affordable hotels or resorts along the coast. Always wear a helmet and check weather and road conditions before setting out.

Self-Drive Motorbike: typical rental costs, fuel needs, and best route options

Rent a 125cc to 150cc automatic scooter for the HCMC to Vung Tau leg. It balances low daily costs with easy handling in city traffic and on coastal roads. When you pick up, choose a private rental from a shop in the Linh district area, where staff frequently greet travelers with clear instructions. Always request a basic helmet, a lock, and a spare key, and confirm the vehicle is in good running order before departing.

• Costs and what’s included
• Typical daily rental costs: approximately 150,000–350,000 VND per day for a 125cc–150cc scooter, depending on the shop and season.
• Deposits: commonly 1–2 million VND, refundable if there’s no damage; some shops include basic insurance.
• Extras: helmets usually included; add-ons like phone mounts or rain covers may add a small fee; always ask about a GPS or map request if you prefer.
• Payment and receipts: carry cash in small bills; some shops accept digital transfers, but the common approach is cash on pickup.
• Fuel needs and range
• Fuel consumption for a 125cc–150cc scooter typically ranges 2–3 liters per 100 km, depending on weight, terrain, and speed.
• Tank capacity is usually 4–6 liters; with full tanks you can cover roughly 140–240 km between fill-ups, depending on the model.
• Fuel costs along the route average 30,000–35,000 VND per liter; a one-way HCMC–Vung Tau trip often requires one refill, sometimes two if you explore detours.
• Plan for water and a small rain protection bag; keep a lightweight waterproof cover in case of sudden showers.
• Best route options
• Route A – Direct coastal belt (fastest): HCMC city center to Vung Tau via QL51. Distance is around 120–140 km; typical riding time 3.0–4.0 hours depending on traffic and stops. Highlights include sandy beaches along the coast and easy sightseeing stops along the way. Departing early helps avoid citys peak hours and makes the schedule smoother for sightseeing breaks.
• Route B – Scenic coastal detour: HCMC → Long Thành → Long Hải → Vung Tau via the coast. Adds 20–40 km but offers beach scenery and calmer riding in morning hours; great for a relaxed sightseeing schedule with multiple photo stops.
• Route C – Inland shortcut with a coastal return: HCMC → Bien Hoa → Vung Tau via DT 751/DT 51 connectors. Slightly shorter in distance but with more traffic lights; useful if you want to minimize curving mountain roads and prefer steady