Cam Ranh International Airport

Airport Features and Advantages

Cam Ranh Airport is not just a transit point, but a modern and comfortable hub that is constantly evolving. Here are a few facts that will be useful for travellers:

Unique Architecture. The International Terminal (T2), opened in 2018, is designed in the shape of a swallow's nest. This is not a random choice: swiftlet nests are one of the main symbols and delicacies of Khanh Hoa province. The building features spacious halls, an abundance of natural light, and a wave-like roof.

Location and Transfer. The airport is located in the city of Cam Ranh, at a significant distance from the resort of Nha Trang itself (about 35–40 km). The journey to the city centre takes approximately 45–60 minutes, but it is worth it: the road runs along the picturesque coastline, offering magnificent views of the South China Sea.

Comfort and Services. The terminals have everything necessary for a tourist: currency exchange counters with reasonable rates, points of sale for local SIM cards, Duty Free shops (Lotte), as well as various cafés, including both chain establishments and restaurants serving Vietnamese cuisine. For business class passengers, the comfortable lounge "The Sun" is available.

If you have any questions regarding the airport's operations, flight schedules, or services provided, you can use the following contact details:

• Official website: camranhairport.vn
• Information hotline: +84 1900 636 036
• Address: Nguyễn Tất Thành, Cam Hải Đông, Cam Lâm, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
• Email: contact@camranhairport.vn
• Lost & Found Service: phone +84 943 460 460, email: lostandfound.cxr@cias.vn
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/camranhairport.vn

There are several ways to get from the city centre of Nha Trang to Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), which is located approximately 35 kilometres to the south. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time available to you. The journey from the central district of the city to the terminal usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

The most budget-friendly and popular method is the specialised shuttle bus. The bright yellow buses of route No. 18 are easy to spot. They run between the old airport within Nha Trang limits and Cam Ranh Airport, making stops along the way. The fare is approximately 50,000–70,000 VND. This is a convenient option for solo travellers and couples with light luggage. The buses are equipped with air conditioning, and the trip takes about an hour.

A more comfortable, but more expensive option is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. A taxi ride by meter will cost approximately 300,000–400,000 VND. It is recommended to use the services of official companies (such as Mai Linh or Vinasun) or agree on a fixed price before starting the trip to avoid misunderstandings. Even more convenient is to order a car via the Grab app — this way you will see the cost in advance, and it is often lower than a regular taxi. This method is ideal for families with children or tourists with bulky luggage.

For those who value independence, car rental is available. This option makes sense if you plan not only a transfer to the airport but also independent trips around Vietnam throughout your holiday. Cam Ranh Airport provides both short-term and long-term parking where you can leave a rented or private vehicle.

Cam Ranh Airport consists of two main passenger terminals, clearly divided by flight type, which significantly simplifies navigation for travellers. It is important to check in advance which terminal your flight departs from to avoid confusion.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the older airport building, which currently serves exclusively domestic flights within Vietnam. If you plan to fly to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or other cities in the country, your path will lie through here. This terminal is smaller and simpler in structure; the range of services here is basic but sufficient for a short wait for a domestic flight.

Terminal 2 (T2) is the new, modern international terminal, opened to handle all foreign traffic. This is where all flights from other countries arrive and depart. The building is spacious, bright, and designed with the needs of international tourists in mind. The departure zone is located on the second floor and includes check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control, as well as Duty Free shops, cafés, and waiting lounges. The arrival zone is located on the ground floor.

The terminals are located in separate buildings a short distance from each other, approximately a 5-7 minute walk. There is no covered walkway between them, so you need to move via the street. Navigation is simple, with signs in Vietnamese and English everywhere. The airport layout is intuitive: it is quite difficult to get lost here.

For international flights from Terminal 2, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure. During peak hours, check-in and security screening may take about an hour. For domestic flights in Terminal 1, arriving 1.5-2 hours in advance is usually sufficient. The main advice for passengers is to look carefully at the terminal number on your ticket: T1 for domestic flights, T2 for international.

The history of Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) is quite unusual and closely linked to the events of the 20th century. Initially, it was not a civilian facility, but a major military airbase built by the United States Navy in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. Thanks to its strategic location on the peninsula and a long runway, the base played a key role in military operations.

With the arrival of peace and the growth of the region's tourism appeal, especially the city of Nha Trang, there was a need for a modern airport capable of receiving large passenger aircraft. In 2004, a historic decision was made: Cam Ranh Airport was officially transferred to civil use and began serving commercial flights, replacing the old airport located right within the city limits. This step became a powerful impetus for the development of tourism in the entire Khanh Hoa province.

Development followed quickly. Already in 2007, the airport received international status, opening its doors to flights from other countries. A real breakthrough was the opening of the new modern international terminal (Terminal 2) in 2018. This large-scale expansion allowed for a significant increase in capacity, improved comfort levels for passengers, and strengthened Cam Ranh's position as one of the most important transport hubs in Vietnam.

Among interesting facts from the airport's history, it is worth noting that its runway, built to military standards, is still one of the longest in the country, allowing it to receive practically all types of aircraft. Thus, the former military base has successfully transformed into a modern and welcoming airport that annually greets millions of tourists heading to the beaches of Nha Trang and its surroundings.

Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), serving the popular resort of Nha Trang, offers passengers a wide range of services for a comfortable journey. In the terminals, you will find numerous cafés and restaurants where you can try both local Vietnamese dishes and familiar international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops with a classic assortment, as well as souvenir stalls where you can purchase handicrafts, coffee, and tea as a memento of your trip to Vietnam.

For passengers preferring to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, VIP halls and business lounges are available. Guests are offered comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh press, and a quiet atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi works throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices are located in the waiting halls so you can always stay connected.

Financial matters can be resolved right at the airport. There are currency exchange points and ATMs of several local banks here, making it easy to exchange money upon arrival. In case of feeling unwell or needing medical consultation, a medical station is operating in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares about the comfort of all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped. Passengers with limited mobility are provided with necessary assistance, including escort and special facilities. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for such services.

If you have a long layover or an early departure, there are several hotels in the immediate vicinity of Cam Ranh Airport offering comfortable accommodation. Although there are no specialised conference halls in the airport, business travellers can use convenient working zones in the business lounges, which are well-suited for working while waiting for a flight.

Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal, although the selection here is not as vast as in giant hub airports. The main dining establishments are concentrated in the International Terminal (T2), while in the domestic terminal (T1), options are significantly fewer.

In the departure zone of the International Terminal (T2), after passing passport control and security (airside), you will find the main food court. Here, a mix of establishments offering both Vietnamese and international cuisine is presented. Usually, you can find fast-food outlets (for example, burgers and chicken), as well as several cafés serving sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. Additionally, there are several lounges where you can order beverages while waiting for your flight.

If time permits, we recommend trying authentic Vietnamese dishes. Pho soup is an excellent choice for a hearty lunch; it is often offered in local cafés at the food court. For a quick but tasty snack, the famous Vietnamese sandwich Bánh mì is ideal. Do not forget about the traditional Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (Cà phê sữa đá) — this is a wonderful way to energise before a flight.

Prices in Cam Ranh Airport establishments, as in most airports around the world, are significantly higher than in the city. Expect to pay 2-3 times more for a dish or drink than in Nha Trang cafés. Regarding special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free), the selection may be limited. It is best to clarify the ingredients directly with the staff. Often, you can ask for fresh vegetable spring rolls or rice with vegetables to be prepared.

Most cafés and restaurants in the T2 departure zone operate from early morning until the departure of the last international flight. In the public area (landside), before check-in, the selection is more modest — typically one or two coffee shops where you can grab a drink and a light snack. The domestic terminal (T1) offers more basic options, such as a small café and a kiosk with drinks and snacks.

To ensure your journey through Cam Ranh International Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary hassle, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, nerves, and money when heading on holiday or returning home.

Arrival time at the airport: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic flights within Vietnam, 1.5-2 hours is sufficient. The airport serves many charter flights, so during peak hours, queues for check-in and security can be long. It is better to have a time buffer to pass all formalities calmly.

Check-in and Security: The check-in and security procedure is standard. Keep your passport, visa (if required), and ticket ready. Security staff may ask you to turn on electronic devices. Be prepared that you may be asked to remove your shoes. To speed up the process, pack all liquids in a separate transparent bag in advance.

Choosing a seat on the plane: If you want to enjoy views of the coastline during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stretch your legs or stand up easily without disturbing neighbours are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Seats at emergency exits offer more space, but airlines often charge an additional fee for them.

Hand luggage: Standard international rules apply here. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Power banks and batteries are carried only in hand luggage. Pay special attention to fruits: many airlines prohibit carrying durian due to its strong odour.

For transit passengers: Cam Ranh is not a major transit hub, but if you have a connecting flight, check with the airline if you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. This is especially relevant when transferring from an international flight to a domestic one. The waiting area for transit passengers is small, with a limited selection of cafés and shops.

Customs control: Upon entering Vietnam, it is necessary to declare cash if the amount exceeds 5,000 USD (or equivalent). Upon exit, it is prohibited to take out items of national and cultural value without special permission. Keep receipts for major purchases to avoid questions at customs.

Saving time and money:

• Complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option.
• It is better to order a taxi from the airport to Nha Trang at an official counter or via an app to avoid inflated prices. Even better — book a transfer in advance.
• Prices for food and drinks at the airport are significantly higher than in the city. Have a snack before the trip to the airport.
• The currency exchange rate at the airport is usually less favourable. It is better to exchange money in the city.

In case of flight delay: First, find a representative of your airline to get information about the flight status and possible compensation (vouchers for food, drinks, and in case of a long delay — hotel accommodation). While waiting for departure, you can visit cafés, Duty Free shops, or use the free Wi-Fi to stay connected.