How long does it take to get from HCMC to Can Tho?

The express bus from Mien Tay Bus Station takes 3 hours on the expressway and costs ₫100,000-150,000 ($4-6). Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) is the most reliable operator with departures every 30-60 minutes from 05:00 to 20:00.

Is there a boat from HCMC to Can Tho?

Yes, Greenlines DP operates a speedboat from Bach Dang pier in HCMC to Can Tho via the Mekong River in 4-5 hours for ₫200,000-350,000 ($8-14). It is more scenic than the bus and a good way to arrive in the delta by water.

Can you fly to Can Tho?

Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from Hanoi to Can Tho Airport (1.5 hours). There are no HCMC to Can Tho flights as the 3-hour bus route makes a direct flight uneconomical. The airport is 8km from the city centre.

How do I get around Can Tho?

Grab is available and reliable within the city (most trips ₫20,000-60,000). Bicycle hire costs ₫50,000-80,000 per day for the flat terrain. Motorbike hire is ₫120,000-180,000 per day for day trips to surrounding areas.

Getting to Can Tho | The Vietnam Guides

Can Tho is 170km southwest of HCMC. The main access is by express bus — the journey is 3 hours and very straightforward.

By bus from HCMC (main option)

Departure: Mien Tay Bus Station in An Lac, HCMC (15km from D1 — take Grab from the city centre to the station).

Journey time: 3 hours by express bus. The road quality is good and traffic moderate on the expressway.

Operators: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) is the most reliable — air-conditioned, punctual, online booking available. Kumho Samco and several others also serve the route.

Price: ₫100,000–150,000 ($4–6) per person.

Arrival: Can Tho bus station is 3km from the Ninh Kieu waterfront. Grab or xe om to the centre: ₫30,000–60,000 ($1.20–2.40).

Frequency: Buses depart approximately every 30–60 minutes from 05:00 to 20:00.

By flight from Hanoi

Can Tho Airport (Tra Noc) is 8km from the city centre. Vietnam Airlines operates direct Hanoi → Can Tho flights (1.5 hours). Useful for travellers arriving from the north who want to explore the delta before continuing to HCMC.

No HCMC → Can Tho flights: The 3-hour bus route makes a direct flight uneconomical — all flights connect via Hanoi or Da Nang.

By boat (scenic option)

Greenlines DP operates a speedboat from Bach Dang pier in HCMC to Can Tho via the Mekong River (4–5 hours). More scenic than the bus and a good way to arrive in the delta by water. ₫200,000–350,000 ($8–14) per person. Check current schedule and availability.

From Chau Doc (Cambodia border)

If arriving from Cambodia via the Mekong River border crossing at Moc Bai or the Chau Doc river crossing, Can Tho is the next city downstream. Bus from Chau Doc to Can Tho: 2.5 hours, ₫80,000–120,000 ($3.20–4.80).

Getting around Can Tho

Grab: Available and reliable within the city. Most trips within the city centre: ₫20,000–60,000 ($0.80–2.40).

Bicycle: Can Tho’s flat terrain makes cycling practical. Hotel rental: ₫50,000–80,000 ($2–3.20) per day.

Motorbike: ₫120,000–180,000 ($4.80–7.20) per day for day trips to Phong Dien and surrounding areas.

Leaving Can Tho

To Chau Doc (Cambodia border): Bus from Can Tho to Chau Doc takes approximately 3 hours. ₫80,000–120,000 ($3.20–4.80) as of 2026. From Chau Doc, the Mekong River crossing to Phnom Penh is available via speedboat or bus.

To HCMC: Reverse the express bus route — 3 hours from Can Tho bus station to Mien Tay in HCMC. Phuong Trang buses depart frequently throughout the day.

To Phu Quoc: No direct bus. Travel to Rach Gia (2.5 hours by bus, approximately ₫80,000–120,000 / $3.20–4.80) then take the ferry to Phu Quoc (2.5 hours, approximately ₫250,000–350,000 / $10–14). Alternatively, fly from Can Tho airport to Phu Quoc (check seasonal availability).

Practical tips

Mien Tay Bus Station access: The station is in An Lac, a suburb 15km from HCMC District 1. A Grab from central HCMC to the station costs approximately ₫80,000–150,000 ($3.20–6) and takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Build this into your travel time.

Luggage: Express buses have luggage compartments. The Greenlines boat has space for backpacks but not large hard-shell suitcases. Pack accordingly if taking the boat option.

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