Seamless Metro Connection: Linking Tan Son Nhat Airport to Long Thanh Airport

Optimal Route Planning

Alongside the expedited construction of several highway projects, including Bến Lức – Long Thành, Biên Hòa – Vũng Tàu, and the expansion of the TPHCM – Long Thành expressway, authorities are also accelerating the development of a metro line directly connecting two major airports.

According to the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the most feasible plan to link Tân Sơn Nhất and Long Thành airports involves utilizing Metro Line 2 (Tham Lương – Bến Thành, Bến Thành – Thủ Thiêm) and the Thủ Thiêm – Long Thành railway. The Bến Thành – Tham Lương segment (approximately 12 km) has completed land clearance and is slated to begin construction in 2025, with completion expected before 2032.

At Bà Quẹo station, the Trường Chinh and Tân Kỳ – Tân Quý roads are being expanded, with completion anticipated by 2029. This will facilitate seamless passenger transfers from Tân Sơn Nhất Airport to Bà Quẹo station.

The shorter Bến Thành – Thủ Thiêm segment (about 6 km) is planned to run underground along major traffic arteries like Hàm Nghi and Mai Chí Thọ streets, ensuring swift land acquisition and implementation.

The Thủ Thiêm – Long Thành line will largely follow the TPHCM – Long Thành – Dầu Giây expressway corridor and Ring Road 3, which are primarily undeveloped areas. In Đồng Nai Province, the route will utilize the median strip along Provincial Road 25B, minimizing land clearance challenges. HCMC authorities highlight this route’s advantage in connecting central HCMC via Bến Thành station, a hub for Metro Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Additionally, Metro Line 6, which will directly connect all three terminals of Tân Sơn Nhất Airport (T1, T2, T3), will intersect with Metro Line 2 at Bà Quẹo station and the Thủ Thiêm – Long Thành railway. This integration will create an additional transport corridor between the two airports, alleviating congestion in central HCMC.

Completion Targeted Before 2030

During a mid-November meeting, Trần Lưu Quang, Secretary of the HCMC Party Committee and Head of the Urban Railway Network Development Steering Committee, emphasized the priority of completing three key lines (Metro Line 2 Bến Thành – Tham Lương, Metro Line 2 Bến Thành – Thủ Thiêm, and Thủ Thiêm – Long Thành) before 2030.

Mai Thanh Tùng, Deputy Head of the Planning and Investment Department at the HCMC Department of Construction, stated that HCMC is concurrently advancing multiple critical urban railway projects. Metro Line 2 (Bến Thành – Tham Lương) is undergoing project adjustments, with construction expected to start in January 2026. The Bến Thành – Thủ Thiêm segment of Line 2 is also under study.

For the Thủ Thiêm – Long Thành line, the final pre-feasibility study report has been completed. “The central government has approved HCMC’s implementation of this project. The city is closely coordinating with Đồng Nai Province to finalize related procedures,” Tùng added.

Given limited public funding, HCMC is focusing on private investment. Tùng remarked, “Private investment in urban railways is imperative and aligns with Central Resolution 68. Several companies have expressed interest, including Trường Hải Group, which has proposed PPP investments in the Bến Thành – Thủ Thiêm and Thủ Thiêm – Long Thành lines. HCMC authorities are thoroughly evaluating these proposals to ensure feasibility and efficiency.”

Tùng emphasized the immense workload ahead as HCMC simultaneously develops three key lines. “The timeline is tight, and capital and inter-agency coordination pose significant challenges. However, with new mechanisms, PPP models, TOD development around stations, and strong political commitment, HCMC is well-positioned to meet the 2030 target,” he concluded.