How to Get to Can Tho: A Detailed Transportation Guide

Getting to Can Tho: Easier Than You Think

Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, but plenty of first-time visitors to Vietnam still skip it simply because they are not sure how to get there. That is a pity, because Can Tho is only about 170 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, and reaching it is easier now than ever. Whether you are coming from Saigon, flying from Hanoi, or arriving from overseas, there is an option that fits your budget and your schedule.

Here is the full breakdown.

Taking a Bus from Ho Chi Minh City

This is the most common way to reach Can Tho, and honestly, it is one of the most comfortable long-distance bus rides you can take in Vietnam.

Phuong Trang Bus (Futa Bus)

When people talk about buses to the Mekong Delta, Phuong Trang, also known as Futa Bus, is usually the first name that comes up. They run the Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho route with the highest frequency, with dozens of departures every day from early morning until late at night.

This is also one of the bus companies many foreign backpackers choose because it has a few clear advantages:

Fixed prices, so you do not need to worry about getting overcharged. You can also download the Futa Bus app and book and pay in advance.
Reliable departure times, with plenty of trips to match your itinerary.
Free shuttle transfer in Can Tho to your hotel or homestay, even if you are staying farther out in places like Phong Dien.

Detailed info:

Departure points in Ho Chi Minh City: Phuong Trang has several pickup points, but the most convenient ones are Mien Tay Bus Station in Binh Tan District and the Phuong Trang office on De Tham Street in District 1, right in the backpacker area. There are pickup points in other districts too, so check their website or app.
Arrival in Can Tho: Buses arrive at the new Can Tho Bus Station in Cai Rang District, around 10 kilometers from the city center. That sounds far, but you can take Phuong Trang's free shuttle service onward anywhere in the city. Just let the staff at the station know where you are going.
Travel time: Around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic when leaving Ho Chi Minh City. The Ho Chi Minh City to Trung Luong to My Thuan to Can Tho expressway has shortened the trip a lot.
Ticket price: Around 165,000 VND on regular days to 180,000 VND on holidays for a standard sleeper berth. At the moment, Phuong Trang does not operate seated buses on this route, so it is best to put large luggage underneath and enjoy the extra space to stretch out.
Bus type: Modern sleeper buses with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, onboard toilets, USB-A or USB-C charging ports, a light blanket, and free bottled water. It is a very comfortable ride.
Frequency: Usually one departure every 15 to 30 minutes. During major holidays, you may even see one every 15 minutes, or several leaving at the same time. Yes, overnight buses are available too.
Booking: Book online at futabus.vn, through the Futa Bus app on iOS or Android, or buy directly at the counter. During Tet and public holidays, book ahead. On normal days, you can often just show up and buy a ticket.

Useful tips for riding Phuong Trang:

Choose an upper-deck berth on a double-decker bus if you want a bit more privacy and less shaking.
Because the expressway is now continuous, most buses no longer stop at a rest station. It is smart to use the restroom before boarding. Some overnight trips may still stop once at a highway rest area around the middle of the journey.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Phuong Trang does not usually provide hotel pickup to the station. However, there is a free shuttle from all of their city offices to Mien Tay Bus Station. Arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour early.
Night buses leaving after 10 PM can save you one night of hotel costs if you are traveling on a budget.

Other Bus Companies

Phuong Trang is not the only option. There are other reliable operators on the Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho route too:

Vu Linh Express: Known for 9-seat limousine vans. More expensive, but usually faster and more private. They may also pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Fares start at about 250,000 VND per seat.
Hung Cuong: A long-running operator with comfortable sleeper buses. Prices and schedules are similar to Phuong Trang.

Driving Yourself

If you rent a car, or if you are adventurous enough to ride a motorbike, take the Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong - My Thuan - Can Tho Expressway. The full expressway is now open, so the trip only takes about 2.5 hours in normal conditions. Car tolls are roughly 200,000 VND. Motorbikes are not allowed on the expressway, so riders need to take National Highway 1A through Long An and Vinh Long, which usually takes around 4 to 5 hours.

From Hanoi to Can Tho

Hanoi is about 1,900 kilometers from Can Tho by road, so unless you are doing a serious cross-country motorbike trip, flying is the best choice.

By Plane

Can Tho International Airport (VCA), yes, it really is an international airport, has daily flights from Hanoi.

Airlines: The Hanoi to Can Tho route is usually operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, depending on the schedule in each season. Frequencies can change, so check the latest timetable on the airline website before booking.
Flight time: Around 2 hours.
Frequency: Multiple flights per day. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet often have 2 to 4 flights each daily.
Ticket price: From 800,000 to 2,500,000 VND one way, depending on how early you book, the airline, and the travel season. Budget airlines like VietJet sometimes run flash sales with fares under 800,000 VND if your dates are flexible.
Booking: Book directly on the airline website or app, or through platforms like Traveloka, Trip.com, or Booking.com. Booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead usually gives the best prices.

Airport to the city center: Can Tho Airport is in Binh Thuy District, only about 10 kilometers, or 15 minutes, from the city center. Grab operates at the airport, and a ride into town usually costs around 80,000 to 120,000 VND. Traditional taxis like Mai Linh and Vinasun are also available outside arrivals.

By Train and Bus, a Cheaper Alternative

There is no direct train to Can Tho, but budget travelers sometimes take the Reunification Express from Hanoi to Saigon, which takes around 30 to 34 hours, then continue by Phuong Trang bus to Can Tho for another 3 hours. It is a long trip, but if you enjoy watching Vietnam roll past your train window, it can be worth it. Total cost can be as low as around 700,000 VND if you book a hard sleeper berth.

From Overseas to Can Tho

Can Tho International Airport has been expanding international connections, though choices are still more limited than at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Direct International Flights to Can Tho

At the moment, international routes to Can Tho are mostly seasonal or charter flights, and what is actually on sale can change from year to year depending on demand.

Important note: Before locking in an international trip, check airline websites or reliable booking platforms directly to confirm which routes are genuinely available at the time you plan to travel.

Flying via Ho Chi Minh City, the Most Common Option

For most international visitors, the easiest way to reach Can Tho is:

Fly into Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the busiest airport in Vietnam, with flights from most major cities in Asia, along with direct routes from Europe, Australia, and North America.
Continue to Can Tho either by bus, see the Phuong Trang section above, or by domestic flight, about 45 minutes, operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet.

The domestic flight is convenient if you arrive late on an international flight and want less travel the next day. Still, the bus is much cheaper and often nearly as fast once you include airport waiting time.

Flying via Hanoi

If you arrive in Vietnam through Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, just book a connecting flight to Can Tho. Vietnam Airlines and VietJet both operate multiple daily flights on that route.

Flying from Can Tho: Where Can You Go?

Can Tho International Airport is not only useful for arriving. If you are using Can Tho as your base for exploring the Mekong Delta, these are the types of routes you may find from VCA:

Domestic Flights from Can Tho

Hanoi (Noi Bai): This is the most stable domestic route from Can Tho.
Some other domestic routes such as Da Nang or seasonal leisure routes may open depending on the airline and the period.

International Flights from Can Tho

Seasonal or charter international routes may appear in certain periods, usually during peak travel seasons or around holidays.

Can Tho Airport is still being developed to improve connectivity, but specific schedules should always be checked again when you book.

Practical Tips for the Journey

Best Time to Travel

Can Tho has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry season from November to April, and rainy season from May to October. The dry season is usually the most comfortable for travel. If you want to experience the unique floating season atmosphere in the Delta, aim for September to November. During Tet, book early because both bus tickets and flights sell out fast.

Money and Payments

Bus tickets can be paid in cash in VND or by card and e-wallet. Phuong Trang accepts credit cards, VNPay, and Momo, which is handy if you want to pay in advance.
Grab accepts cash or in-app payment, including credit cards.
ATMs are easy to find at the airport and around central Can Tho.

Language

Bus drivers and airline staff often speak basic English. The Phuong Trang website and app also have an English version. Still, if you are visiting from abroad, it helps to save your destination in Vietnamese on your phone so you can show the driver, for example: "Bến Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ", the central riverside area.

Luggage

Phuong Trang sleeper buses have spacious luggage compartments underneath. Airlines follow standard domestic baggage rules, usually 7 kilograms of carry-on for budget carriers and 20 to 23 kilograms of checked luggage for full-service airlines. If you end up buying too much at Delta markets, and you probably will, the bus is more forgiving than a cheap flight.

Staying Connected

Can Tho Airport has free Wi-Fi. Phuong Trang buses also have onboard Wi-Fi, though quality varies by trip. If you need mobile data, you can buy a Vietnamese SIM card at phone shops in Ho Chi Minh City or at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone all offer affordable tourist packages with 4G or 5G.

Summary: Quick Comparison of Routes

Route	Transport	Time	Estimated cost
Ho Chi Minh City → Can Tho	Bus (Phuong Trang)	3 to 3.5 hours	130,000 to 180,000 VND
Ho Chi Minh City → Can Tho	Limousine van	2.5 to 3 hours	200,000 to 250,000 VND
Ho Chi Minh City → Can Tho	Domestic flight	45 min flight	500,000 to 1,500,000 VND
Hanoi → Can Tho	Direct flight	2 hours	800,000 to 2,500,000 VND
International → HCMC → Can Tho	Flight plus bus	4 to 5 hours total	Depends on route

Getting to Can Tho is genuinely simple. The hardest part is not the journey itself, it is deciding how long to stay once you arrive. And honestly, you will probably want more time than you planned.