How to Get to Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City: Transport & Prices

To get to Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose between public buses, private taxis, speedboats, or guided tours. The cheapest option is the public bus costing under $2 (approximate) round trip, while private cars offer the most flexibility starting from $50 (approximate). The journey takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way depending on your transport choice and traffic. There are two tunnel sites: Bến Dược (further, less touristy) and Bến Đình (closer, more crowded). Make sure you know which site you are visiting before booking your transport.

Taking the public bus is highly affordable but requires at least one transfer. To reach the Bến Dược site, take Bus 13 from Bến Thành Bus Station to Củ Chi Bus Station, then transfer to Bus 79. For the Bến Đình site, take Bus 13 to An Sương Bus Station, then transfer to Bus 122, and finally Bus 70. The total travel time by bus can exceed 2.5 hours one way. Buses run regularly from early morning until late afternoon. Keep small change in Vietnamese Đồng ready for the bus conductors.

A private taxi or ride-hailing service offers direct, air-conditioned travel from your hotel. A one-way ride-hailing trip costs from $25 (approximate), but securing a return ride from the tunnels can be difficult. We highly recommend booking a round-trip private car service instead. A full-day private car charter with a driver costs from $50 to $70 (approximate) depending on the vehicle size. This price usually includes toll fees and waiting time while you tour the tunnels.

Yes, traveling by speedboat along the Sài Gòn River is the fastest and most scenic option. Speedboats depart from Bạch Đằng Wharf in District 1 and take about 1.5 hours to reach the tunnels. This option avoids the heavy city traffic entirely. Ticket prices for a return speedboat trip start from $80 (approximate) per person, which often includes entry fees and a light lunch. Because daily departures are limited, you should plan and verify schedules with a Trip2VN specialist before your travel date.