Vietnam flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide · Vietnam

Transportation & Infrastructure Guide in Vietnam

Public transit, airports, and getting around

Vietnam's transportation landscape is undergoing explosive growth, fueled by 5.7% GDP investments—the highest in Southeast Asia. Strengths include a vast 595,000 km road network with 1,822 km expressways expanding rapidly toward 9,000 km by 2030, plus new metros in Hanoi and HCMC. Challenges persist: congested, dangerous roads averaging 50 km/h, limited rail (3,143 km), and basic public transit outside cities. Residents rely on motorbikes and buses; visitors favor air travel via 21 major airports and emerging high-speed links for efficient connectivity.
Public Transport
Moderate
Road Infrastructure
Moderate
Public Transport
5.2/10

Basic metro systems operational in Hanoi (Lines 2A, 3 partial) and HCMC (Line 1 opened 2024 with underground stations). Bus networks cover cities but lack integration; rail is slow (2,600 km North-South line). Good urban coverage in two metros, limited elsewhere; frequency and accessibility improving but still basic.

Road Infrastructure
5.8/10

Extensive 595,201 km network including 25,560 km national roads and 1,822 km expressways (566 km added recently). North-South Expressway and NH1 key axes; targeting 9,014 km expressways by 2030. Conditions mixed: urban congestion, poor maintenance, low safety (50 km/h avg speed), but rapid upgrades ongoing.

Internet Speed
7.1/10

Strong urban fiber expansion with average fixed broadband at 260 Mbps (2026 data). Mobile averages 90 Mbps. Good city coverage by Viettel, VNPT; rural gaps persist but narrowing via national fiber backbone.

Avg: 260+ Mbps • Widespread in urban areas (80%+ households), expanding to 90% national by 2030; rural improving via subsidies

Airport Connectivity
7.6/10

90 total airports, 21 major handling international/domestic flights. Strong network via Noi Bai (HAN), Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Da Nang (DAD) as key hubs with global routes to Asia, Europe, US. Good domestic coverage supports tourism and business.

Hubs: Noi Bai (HAN), Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), Cam Ranh (CXR)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
200,000-300,000 VND/month (HCMC/Hanoi)
Bus Trip
7,000-10,000 VND per ride
Taxi
15,000 VND start + 12,000 VND/km (Grab/mai linh)
High-speed Train
Not available; regular train Hanoi-HCMC 800,000-2,500,000 VND (24-30h)

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Major cities and expressways covered by Viettel/Vinaphone/Mobifone; nationwide expansion targeting 70% by 2026
4G Coverage: 98% population coverage, full nationwide including remote areas

Reliable networks from three major operators with high urban speeds (100+ Mbps); rural 4G strong, 5G growing rapidly for smart city and transport apps.

Driving License

IDP requiredConversion needed

Foreign licenses valid 3 months with IDP (required for non-Vietnamese). Long-term residents must convert to Vietnamese license via test/exchange for certain countries. Right-hand driving.