BIG NEWS: Vietnam’s FREE Bus Program Is Expanding to Hanoi Alongside Ho Chi Minh City!

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, here’s some great news that could help you save money while exploring the country.
📍 Ho Chi Minh City
From July 1 to December 31, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City will subsidize fares on 134 public bus routes, including services in the newly merged areas of Bình Dương and Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu.
Please note: Route 172 between Ho Chi Minh City and Vũng Tàu is not included, as it passes through Đồng Nai Province.
To make the transition even easier:
Phase 1 (July 1 – September 30)
✅ Everyone can ride eligible buses completely free with no registration or ID required.
Phase 2 (October 1 – December 31)
✅ Free rides will continue, but passengers will need to verify using a National ID, VNeID, a bank card, an e-wallet, or the MultiGo app.
📍 Hanoi
Hanoi is also expanding its free public transportation program.
From July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, passengers can ride regular public buses for free on trips that both start and end within Ring Road 1.
The city will also continue offering free rides on public buses and the urban railway during public holidays, Tết (Lunar New Year), and major city events through December 31, 2030, encouraging more people to use public transportation during busy travel periods.
These policies apply to regular public bus services only and do not include tourist or commercial buses.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this is a great opportunity to explore Vietnam while spending less on transportation. Just be sure to check which routes are eligible before you travel.
Would you use Vietnam’s free public buses while traveling, or do you prefer using Grab? Let me know in the comments!