The Saigon Waterbus is Ho Chi Minh City’s public river bus. One trip costs 15,000 VND (about $0.60 USD), it runs from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 up to Linh Dong, and it takes roughly 30 minutes each way. It is the most affordable, most local way to get onto the Saigon River.
Most visitors never notice it, which is a shame. The Saigon Waterbus is a working commuter service, not a tourist attraction — so it is quiet, inexpensive and refreshingly free of hard-sell. You glide past a skyline of new glass towers on one side and old riverside neighbourhoods on the other, with the traffic noise left behind on shore.
How much does the Saigon Waterbus cost?
A single trip is 15,000 VND (about $0.60 USD). A round trip is 30,000 VND. Vietnamese citizens over 70 and children under one metre tall ride free.
Local tip: Tickets are sold one way. Buy your return at the same time — some evening segments fill up, and you do not want to be stuck at Linh Dong waiting for a seat back.
You can pay at the pier or through the official Saigon Waterbus app.
What is the Saigon Waterbus route?
The line runs along the Saigon River between District 1 and Thu Duc, stopping at five main piers.
| Stop | Area | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Bach Dang | District 1 (city centre) | Start point, near Nguyen Hue |
| Binh An | Thu Duc | Quiet residential riverside |
| Thanh Da | Binh Thanh peninsula | Green, local, riverside seafood |
| Hiep Binh Chanh | Thu Duc | Local neighbourhood |
| Linh Dong | Thu Duc | End of the line |
The full ride is about 30 to 40 minutes one way. Many riders get off at Thanh Da, a leafy peninsula that feels a world away from downtown, then catch a later boat back.
What is the Saigon Waterbus timetable?
A new timetable took effect on April 1, 2026, with boats running from roughly 07:40 in the morning to late evening — the last departures are around 22:45. Frequency is highest in the morning and evening commuter windows and thinner mid-afternoon.
Local tip: The posted schedule confuses almost everyone, and it changes. Check the app or the board at the pier on the day rather than trusting an old blog. Aim for a morning boat or one after about 4pm to skip the midday heat.
What is it actually like on board?
Honest version, straight from riders: the seats are hard plastic in rows of three, there is no air conditioning beyond the open windows, and the cabin is clean and on time. It is public transport, not a cruise — and for 15,000 VND that is exactly the deal.
Local tip: Leaving Bach Dang and heading upriver, sit on the right for the best run of the District 1 and Thu Thiem skyline. Bring water; the cabin warms up when the boat is docked.
There is also a separate hourly tourist boat from Bach Dang in the late afternoon and evening with live music — more scenic, a little pricier — if you want the view rather than the commute. We cover that in our Saigon sunset on the river guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Saigon Waterbus leave from?
Bach Dang Wharf, 10B Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe ward, District 1 — a short walk from Nguyen Hue walking street.
Is the Saigon Waterbus worth it for tourists?
For under a dollar and about an hour round trip, yes. Treat it as an inexpensive, local river ride rather than a guided tour.
Can I take the water bus at sunset?
Yes. Evening boats run late, and the golden-hour light on the towers around 6pm is the best reason to go.
Is the Saigon Waterbus air-conditioned?
No. It is cooled by open windows and the breeze, which is fine once the boat is moving.
How do I buy tickets?
At the pier counter or via the official Saigon Waterbus app. Bring small cash to be safe.
The water bus shows you the city from the water — big, modern, moving fast. The version most travellers remember, though, is the one at street level: the food stalls, the alley kitchens, the night markets. If the local river ride leaves you wanting the real thing, our all-women driver team runs it every day on the Saigon food tour ($59 USD) and after dark on the Saigon By Night tour ($39 USD). Book now, pay cash after.
Last updated: July 9, 2026.
