Visiting
Airport transfers to Picasso Dental Clinic — options for New Zealand patients
Airport transfer options from Nội Bài (HAN) and Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN) to Picasso Dental Clinic — clinic transfers, Grab, and official taxis explained for NZ patients.
Picasso Dental Clinic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can arrange private airport transfers from Nội Bài (HAN) and Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN) airports on request by email at [email protected], with Grab ride-share available at both airports as an independent alternative costing NZD 12–20 from HAN or NZD 5–12 from SGN as of May 2026.
Getting from the airport to our clinic is the first practical step of your dental trip. Both Nội Bài in Hanoi and Tân Sơn Nhất in Ho Chi Minh City have well-organised transfer options: a clinic-arranged pickup, Grab ride-share, or metered taxis from official stands. This page explains each option so you can choose what suits your arrival.
Clinic-arranged airport transfers
We can arrange a private car pickup from either airport for patients who request it in advance. This is the most straightforward option if you prefer not to manage the Grab app immediately on arrival, if you are arriving late at night, or if you are returning to the airport after surgery and want predictable, comfortable transport.
How to request a clinic transfer:
- Contact us by email: [email protected]
- Provide your flight number, arrival date and time, and the airport (HAN or SGN)
- We will confirm the driver details and contact number before your flight
Request the transfer at least 48 hours before arrival where possible. For same-day requests, contact us as early as possible.
When clinic transfers are particularly useful:
- Post-surgery days when you need reliable, comfortable transport without managing an app while tired or medicated
- Late-night arrivals when the airport is quieter but less familiar
- First-time visitors to Vietnam who want a confirmed pickup rather than finding the Grab zone on arrival
- Patients travelling alone without a companion to assist with navigation
Grab as an alternative
Grab is the dominant ride-share app across Southeast Asia. It operates at both airports, shows the fare before you confirm, and accepts payment by linked NZ credit card or cash. For most arrivals in daylight hours, Grab is a reliable and cost-effective option.
| Route | Typical Grab fare | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| HAN (Nội Bài) to Hanoi Old Quarter | NZD 12–20 | 40–50 min |
| SGN (Tân Sơn Nhất) to Thảo Điền, HCMC | NZD 5–12 | 20–40 min |
Download Grab before departure. Install the app on your NZ phone and link your Visa or Mastercard in the settings. This means you can book a ride within two minutes of clearing customs. Nội Bài and Tân Sơn Nhất both have free Wi-Fi if you need to set up the app on arrival, but pre-installing saves time.
Pickup zones:
- Nội Bài (HAN): Grab zone is on the ground floor of the international arrivals hall. Follow the in-app map — the app shows which bay to walk to.
- Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN): Grab pickups are on the departures level, one floor above arrivals. After clearing customs and collecting luggage, take the escalator up one level and follow the Grab zone signs outside the building.
Official airport taxis
Metered taxis from official stands at both airports are a reliable option. Use only the following companies:
| Company | Livery | Available at |
|---|---|---|
| Mai Linh | Green | HAN and SGN |
| Vinasun | White with green logo | HAN and SGN |
Both companies use metered fares. The taxi stand is outside the arrivals hall at each airport — staff in airport uniform direct passengers to the queue. Do not accept offers from private drivers approaching you inside the terminal or in the arrivals hall.
Typical fares:
- HAN to Hanoi Old Quarter: NZD 15–25
- SGN to Thảo Điền: NZD 8–15
Journey time and what to expect on arrival
Nội Bài International Airport (HAN)
Nội Bài is a modern airport with clear English signage throughout.
| What to expect | Details |
|---|---|
| Customs and immigration | 20–45 min depending on flight load |
| Baggage reclaim | International terminal — follow signage to baggage hall |
| SIM card vendors | Available in arrivals hall — useful if you want local data |
| ATMs | Available in arrivals hall — withdraw VND for cash expenses |
| Taxi stand | Outside arrivals hall, clearly signed |
| Grab zone | Ground floor, arrivals hall — follow in-app map |
The drive from Nội Bài to the Old Quarter is 40–50 minutes on the expressway in normal conditions. Allow 60–75 minutes if you are arriving between 7:30–9:00 AM or 5:00–7:00 PM on a weekday.
Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SGN)
Tân Sơn Nhất is a busy airport close to central HCMC.
| What to expect | Details |
|---|---|
| Customs and immigration | 20–45 min |
| SIM card vendors | Arrivals hall |
| ATMs | Available before and after customs |
| Grab pickup | Departures level — one floor up from arrivals |
| Official taxi stand | Outside arrivals hall ground floor |
The drive to Thảo Điền is 20–40 minutes in light traffic. Allow 45–60 minutes if you are arriving during HCMC peak hours.
After your final appointment — the return to the airport
If you are travelling home within 24–48 hours of your final procedure, plan your airport transfer in advance. Post-procedure fatigue combined with managing luggage and a flight is more manageable if your transport is confirmed rather than arranged on the day.
For the return journey, we recommend:
- Requesting a clinic transfer if you have had any surgical work in the final days of your trip
- Booking your Grab in the Grab app in advance (Grab allows scheduled bookings) to confirm your pickup time
- Allowing extra time at the airport — customs queues can be long on busy flight days, and you do not want to rush post-surgery
Allow at least 3 hours before your international flight departure from both HAN and SGN.
Next step
Getting to our clinic — full directions · Visiting our clinic — overview · Request a free NZD quote
About this page
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founding Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic
DDS · Founder and Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic group
Clinical focus: Cosmetic dentistry · Veneers · Smile design
Dr. Emily Nguyen founded Picasso Dental Clinic in 2013 (originally Serenity International Dental Clinic) and led its 2023 rebrand. She sets clinical standards across the group's six branches in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Lat, and personally reviews cosmetic protocols including the Portrait Sitting workflow for veneers and smile makeovers.
Frequently asked questions
Can Picasso Dental Clinic arrange an airport transfer for me?
Yes. We can arrange a private car pickup from Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) or Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SGN). Request this when confirming your appointment by email at [email protected]. Give us your arrival flight details and we will arrange a driver to meet you in arrivals.
How much does an airport transfer from HAN to the Hanoi clinic cost?
A Grab ride from Nội Bài (HAN) to the Old Quarter typically costs NZD 12–20 and takes 40–50 minutes. Metered taxis (Mai Linh or Vinasun) are approximately NZD 15–25. Clinic-arranged transfer pricing is confirmed when you request it — contact us for a current figure.
How much does an airport transfer from SGN to the HCMC clinic cost?
A Grab ride from Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN) to Thảo Điền typically costs NZD 5–12 and takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. The clinic can also arrange a transfer on request.
Is an airport transfer necessary, or can I manage with Grab?
Grab works well for most arrivals — it is reliable, app-based, and shows the fare before you confirm. A clinic-arranged transfer is particularly useful on your return journey after surgery, if you are arriving late at night or alone for the first time, or if you prefer not to navigate the app after a long international flight.
Where do I find the Grab pickup area at each airport?
At Nội Bài (HAN), the Grab zone is on the ground floor of the international arrivals hall — follow the in-app map or signs to the designated pickup area. At Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN), Grab pickups are on the departures level (one floor above arrivals) — walk upstairs after clearing customs and follow the Grab zone signs.