Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho at a glance
Can Tho sits on the Hau River in the southern Mekong Delta. The usual way to get there from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is by road. The quoted travel times vary a lot, because they depend on the vehicle, the pick-up point and the traffic out of the city. A national tourism page says about 3 hours by road, a riverside resort in Can Tho says about 2.5 hours by car, and the bus company FUTA lists 4 hours for its bus.
Treat all of these as rough figures and add a margin if you have a flight or a boat tour to catch. You can also reach the city as part of a guided trip, which is covered below and on our page about Mekong Delta tours.
Bus, limousine, car and day trip compared
The main ways to make the trip, with the figures published in 2026.
| Option | Time | Price in 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (FUTA Bus Lines) | About 4 h | VND 195,000 | 172 km. The route list shows Mien Tay Bus Station to Can Tho. Fare shown on the offer page, not confirmed for a given date. |
| Sleeper "limousine" | – | – | FUTA announced 34-cabin limousines on the O Mon to Mien Tay route in January 2025. The word limousine can mean a sleeper bus. |
| Private car or transfer | About 2.5 h | – | The 2.5 hours is the figure a Can Tho resort gives for travel by car. Ask the provider for a fixed price. |
| Long day trip to Cai Rang | 03:30 to 16:30 | From USD 129 | Arrival in Can Tho around 05:45. USD 129 is for being dropped off in Can Tho, a return to Ho Chi Minh City is listed at USD 139 per person. |
| Flight | – | – | Can Tho International Airport lists connections from Hanoi and Da Nang. Check current schedules. |
Mekong Delta tours from Ho Chi Minh City
Day trips and overnight tours to Can Tho, My Tho, Ben Tre and the Cai Rang floating market, with live prices and availability.
By bus: what to expect
FUTA, which also trades as Phuong Trang, is the best-known long-distance bus company on this route. Its public route list names Mien Tay Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City as a departure point. Buy the ticket through the company or at the station, and check the departure time for your date, because times and fares can change.
The word "limousine" is used loosely in Vietnam. On some routes it is a smaller bus with reclining seats, on others a sleeper with cabins. The 34-cabin FUTA service to O Mon station in Can Tho came with a free shuttle within a 10 km radius of the station, according to the 2025 announcement. That is one service, not a rule for every hotel in Can Tho.
Fares and trip times change, so use the figures above as a starting point and confirm them when you book.
The day trip with a 03:30 start
It is possible to see Cai Rang on a day trip, but only with a very early start.
03:30 departure
One operator's Can Tho day tour leaves Ho Chi Minh City at 03:30. The road transfer is with a driver, without a guide.
About 05:45 in Can Tho
A local guide takes over here. The boat visit to the floating market fits the morning, when trade is busiest. Our Cai Rang guide explains the best hours.
Back at 16:30
The day ends around 16:30. Breakfast, lunch, boats, life jackets and entrance costs are part of the listed package, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before.
If that sounds like too much, sleep in Can Tho instead. See where to stay in Can Tho.
Arriving: airport, taxis and Grab
Can Tho International Airport has its own price list for transfers. A vehicle with 7 to 16 seats costs VND 500,000 per trip for the first 10 km, with a surcharge for each further 5 km. That is the airport service, not an ordinary taxi fare.
GrabCar is listed for Can Tho. The operator's July 2026 table shows a minimum of VND 27,000 for the first 2 km, then VND 11,880 per km plus a charge per minute. The final price in the app depends on demand and any bridge, road or airport fees, so look at the app price before you confirm. For a taxi, ask whether the meter is on.
After heavy rain or high tides, some roads flood. On 14 September 2026 the Can Tho police reported flooding and roadworks on part of National Highway 91 in Binh Thuy district, which can slow transfers there.
Entry to Vietnam for the trip
Rules change, so check them before you travel. As of 20 October 2026: German citizens can enter visa-free for up to 45 days, under a rule valid from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028. Swiss citizens can stay up to 45 days for tourism from 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028, with a passport valid for at least six months. Austrian citizens need a visa, and the Austrian foreign ministry points to the e-visa. US citizens need a visa too. The Phu Quoc exemption for up to 30 days applies to that island only. For the island itself, see the guide to Phu Quoc.
The e-visa portal is evisa.gov.vn. It lists a stay of up to 90 days, with a fee of USD 25 for a single entry and USD 50 for multiple entries. The dates approved on your visa decide how long you can stay. Print the approval and carry it.
Bring cash in dong for small purchases. Hotels, bigger restaurants and tour operators often take international cards, but a boat or a homestay may not. Withdraw extra before you go to remote places.
Where to go next
Most trips combine Can Tho with other delta stops. Read about the Mekong Delta for towns and routes, and Ben Tre for a shorter day trip of about 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Back on the coast, Nha Trang is a common next stop for beach time. Start on the Can Tho home page for the full overview.
Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho: frequently asked questions
How far is Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City?
The FUTA route listing gives 172 km. Travel time is quoted at about 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on vehicle and traffic.
How much is the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho?
FUTA Bus Lines shows VND 195,000 on its offer page in 2026. Confirm the fare and time for your date when you buy the ticket.
Is a limousine the same as a normal bus?
Not always. In Vietnam the word can mean a smaller coach or a sleeper bus with cabins. Check the vehicle type and the pick-up point when you book.
Can I visit the floating market as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, one operator runs it with a 03:30 departure and a return at about 16:30. Many travelers prefer to stay a night in Can Tho and go out at dawn.
Is there an airport in Can Tho?
Yes, Can Tho International Airport. It lists connections from Hanoi and Da Nang. Check current schedules and routes before you plan around a flight.
Do I need a visa for Can Tho?
It depends on your passport. Germany and Switzerland have 45-day visa-free stays as of 20 October 2026, while Austrian and US citizens need a visa. Check the rule for your passport before you book.