Looking for the cheapest way to hire a car with driver in Saigon? The lowest quote is not always the cheapest trip. One company prices by the hour, another by the route, and some leave tolls or parking out of the headline number. This guide explains what sets the fare for a car with driver, using real examples from October 2026, and gives six practical ways to pay less. For current fares by vehicle and route, see our Ho Chi Minh City car rental prices.
How the fare for a car with driver is set
A car with driver is usually priced in one of two ways:
- Per trip: a fixed fare for a route, such as the airport to District 1 or Saigon to Vung Tau. Transfers and day trips are usually sold this way.
- Per itinerary: a quote for your plan, such as several hours of stops around the city. The price depends on the hours, the distance and the date.
At Vietnam Car Rental, every fare is per vehicle, not per person, and it includes the driver, fuel, tolls, parking and the driver’s own expenses. Keep that in mind when you compare quotes: a lower headline price that leaves out tolls or parking can end up costing more.
1. Vehicle size
A bigger vehicle generally costs more, but not always. An airport transfer to the inner-city districts costs 300,000 VND in either a 4-seat or a 7-seat car, so for a family with suitcases the larger car is free extra space. The same transfer costs 700,000 VND in a 16-seat van and 2,000,000 VND in a 45-seat coach. Premium vehicles such as the Kia Carnival and the Limousine van cost more for comfort rather than capacity. Our page on airport transfer options covers every vehicle.
2. Distance and destination
Longer routes cost more, but the step up to a larger car stays small. Vung Tau, about 100 km from the city, costs 750,000 VND one way in a 4-seat car, while Nha Trang, about 430 km away, costs 2,800,000 VND. On these routes, a 7-seat car adds only 100,000 to 200,000 VND.
If you land at Tan Son Nhat and go straight to Mui Ne or Vung Tau, the one-way fare is the same as from the city, so there is no need to stop in town first.
3. One way or round trip
Round trips are priced separately from two one-way fares, and the saving depends on the route. A same-day round trip to Vung Tau costs 1,500,000 VND in a 4-seat car, exactly two one-way fares. A round trip to Mui Ne costs 2,800,000 VND, which is 200,000 VND less than two one-way fares in a 4-seat car and 400,000 VND less in a 7-seat car. These round-trip fares are for trips that start and end in the city.
If you plan to come back with the same group, ask for the round-trip price before booking two separate transfers.
4. Hours and stops inside the city
For sightseeing inside Saigon, the fare depends on how many hours you need the car, how far you drive between stops and the date. Because these change from trip to trip, hourly hire is quoted per itinerary rather than from a fixed table. Send your stops and timing, and you will get one price for the whole plan.
5. Date and season
Demand for private cars rises around Tet (Lunar New Year), public holidays and the year-end travel season. Hourly prices change with the date, and the most popular vehicles are booked first. If your dates fall in these periods, book early and confirm the price in writing.
6. Extras
Most of what you need is already in the fare. Two things to check:
- Language: if you need a driver who speaks English or another language, ask when you book. It is available for an extra fee.
- Waiting time: flight delays cost nothing extra, because there is no waiting charge when an airport pickup runs late.
Six ways to get the cheapest car with driver
The cheapest way to hire a car with driver is the option that covers your whole trip with no extra costs, not the lowest number on a website. Six ways to pay less:
- Choose the smallest vehicle that fits comfortably. For two or three travelers, a 4-seat car is enough. A 7-seat car often costs the same or only a little more, so compare both before booking.
- Combine nearby trips into one day. A half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and a day in the Mekong Delta each cost from 1,300,000 VND, while a full day combining both costs from 2,000,000 VND in a 4- or 7-seat car. That saves 600,000 VND.
- Share one vehicle as a group. The combined Cu Chi and Mekong day costs 2,700,000 VND in a 16-seat van. Split between 12 travelers, that is 225,000 VND each.
- Ask for round-trip prices on routes such as Mui Ne, where the round trip costs less than two one-way fares.
- Go straight from the airport to the beach towns instead of booking an airport transfer and a second car the next day.
- Send your full itinerary up front. A complete plan lets the company quote one all-inclusive price, so you avoid paying for extra stops added on the day.
What to check before you book
When you compare quotes for a car with driver, check that each one states:
- the vehicle type and number of seats,
- whether fuel, tolls, parking and the driver’s expenses are included,
- the pickup time, pickup point and every stop,
- how and when you pay.
With Vietnam Car Rental, you get a quote as soon as you share your plan, there is nothing to pay upfront, and you settle the fare in cash or by bank transfer. If you are still deciding between driving yourself and hiring a driver, read is it worth renting a car in Vietnam. For more on choosing who to book with, see how to find a private driver in Ho Chi Minh City.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to hire a car with driver in Saigon?
Choose the smallest vehicle that fits your group and luggage, combine nearby trips into one day and ask for a round-trip fare on routes such as Mui Ne. A full day combining the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta costs from 2,000,000 VND in a 4- or 7-seat car, less than booking the two trips separately.
Is the price per person or per car?
Per vehicle. The fare stays the same whether one person or a full car travels, which is why groups save by sharing a larger vehicle.
Are fuel, tolls and parking included?
Yes. The fare includes the driver, fuel, tolls, parking and the driver’s expenses. Tell us every stop when you book so the whole route is covered.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1 by private car?
A 4- or 7-seat car costs 300,000 VND one way to the inner-city districts, including District 1, and there is no extra charge if your flight is delayed.
Get a fixed quote for your trip
Vietnam Car Rental provides cars with professional drivers from 4 to 45 seats, 24 hours a day. Send your dates, pickup point and stops by phone, WhatsApp or Zalo on 0824 921 921, or contact us by email, and we will reply with one all-inclusive price.
