Proposed railway route connecting Tan Son Nhat Airport - Long Thanh

Ho Chi Minh City proposed a plan to connect Tan Son Nhat airport and Long Thanh by railway, through the use of Metro line 2 and the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway.

Overview of the railway connection plan between the two airports

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has officially sent a dispatch to the Government leaders, proposing the optimal solution to connect Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Long Thanh International Airport by railway system. The solution was chosen based on an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of many different routes, to ensure feasibility and long-term operational efficiency.

Accordingly, passengers from Tan Son Nhat airport terminal will be transferred to Ba Queo station of Metro line 2 (Ben Thanh - Tham Luong - Thu Thiem). From here, passengers will continue their journey on the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway line to Long Thanh airport. This option is highly appreciated for its ability to take advantage of the urban railway infrastructure that is being deployed.

Analyze the feasibility and progress of related projects

The proposed plan is highly feasible because it is based on key infrastructure projects that have been and are being planned and implemented.

Metro Line 2: The backbone connecting the center

Metro Line 2 is considered a key factor, with the advantage of connecting directly to the city center through Ben Thanh Station. This is an important traffic hub, connecting other urban railway lines such as No. 1, 3 and 4, creating favorable conditions for passenger transfer in the future.

• Ben Thanh - Tham Luong section: More than 11 km long, expected to start construction at the end of 2024 and be completed before 2032.
• Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem section: About 6 km long, expected to be deployed quickly due to underground construction along major roads, convenient for site clearance.

Thu Thiem - Long Thanh Railway and Long Thanh Airport

The Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway line is also assessed to be able to be deployed quickly due to favorable conditions in site clearance. Synchronizing the progress of this railway line with the Long Thanh airport project is an important goal. According to the plan, Long Thanh airport will be completed by the end of 2025 and put into operation from mid-2026.

The roof of Long Thanh airport's passenger terminal is being completed, September 2025. (Photo: Phuoc Tuan).

Other options have been considered.

In addition to the proposed option, three other connectivity options were also presented for analysis, including:

1. Connected via Metro Line 6 and Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway.
2. Connected via Metro Line 4, Metro Line 2 and Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway.
3. Connected via Metro Line 2, Metro Line 1 (extended), Metro Line 2 in Dong Nai and Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway.

Long-term vision and complementary routes

To enhance connectivity, Ho Chi Minh City also proposed prioritizing early investment in Metro Line 6. This line will pass through three terminals at Tan Son Nhat Airport, then connect with Metro Line 2 at Ba Queo Station, forming a complete network. Currently, road connections between Ho Chi Minh City and Long Thanh Airport mainly rely on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway and National Highway 51.

In addition to the railway, many roads are being invested in and built to connect when Long Thanh airport is put into operation. (Graphic: Hoang Thanh).

Implementation plan and investment form

Ho Chi Minh City has proposed to be assigned to coordinate with Dong Nai province to implement necessary procedures, especially for the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway project. The city will proactively research and work with capable investors and contractors to implement the project under the public-private partnership (PPP) method to effectively mobilize social resources.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/de-xuat-tuyen-duong-sat-noi-san-bay-tan-son-nhat-long-thanh-398015.html