Getting There and Away

Written by Lorraine Aust, Minh Nguyen
16/08/2025
Vibrant scene of the Cai Rang Floating Market in Cần Thơ, Vietnam.
Vietnam Tri Duong Photographer, Pexels

Can Tho is well-served by Can Tho International Airport (VCA) for air travel and the modern Can Tho Central Bus Station for road transport, both acting as key gateways to the Mekong Delta region.

By Air:

Can Tho International Airport (VCA) serves as the primary air hub for the Mekong Delta, approximately 8-10 km northwest of the city center. Direct domestic flights operate from major Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi (around 2 hours 5-10 minutes, with prices starting from $26 USD), Da Nang (around 1.5 hours, with prices starting around $60 USD), Phu Quoc (around 1 hour 5 minutes), and Con Dao Island (around 55 minutes). It is important to note that direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho are not available.

By Bus:

Buses are a highly popular and economical way to reach Can Tho, particularly from Ho Chi Minh City. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Tay Bus Station to Can Tho Central Bus Station typically takes about 3 to 4.5 hours. Fares generally range from $6 to $17 USD (130,000 to 270,000 VND), depending on the bus company and service type, with options including standard seater and sleeper buses. Prominent bus operators on this route include Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), Thanh Buoi, and Mai Linh, offering frequent departures throughout the day. Can Tho Central Bus Station is a modern facility located in the Nam Can Tho urban area, easily accessible by local bus or taxi from the city center.

By Private Car/Taxi:

For a more comfortable and flexible journey, a private car or taxi from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho is an option. This route typically takes around 2-4 hours, with costs ranging from $80 to $150 USD (2,000,000 VND) or even up to $200 USD for larger vehicles, depending on the car type and services.

By Boat/Cruise:

While scheduled public ferries from Ho Chi Minh City directly to Can Tho are less common now, private boat tours and multi-day cruises are available, offering a scenic way to explore the Mekong Delta en route to Can Tho. For travel from Phu Quoc, ferries connect to Rach Gia or Ha Tien (approximately 3 hours, 200,000-300,000 VND), from where a bus journey to Can Tho is then required.

By Train:

There are no direct train services to Can Tho. Travelers opting for train travel would typically go to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first, and then transfer to another mode of transport to reach Can Tho.

Check out our other pages on Can Tho

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