About Phu Cat (Quy Nhon) Airport
Phu Cat Airport, more commonly known among travelers as Quy Nhon Airport, is the only airport serving the city of Quy Nhon. It sits about 35 kilometers northwest of the city center in Phu Cat District and uses the IATA code UIH. While it is mainly a domestic hub, it was officially declared an international airport in 2020, though international flights remain very limited.
The airport has its roots as a military base, originally built during the 1960s and later adapted for civil use in 1984. Since then, it has undergone several upgrades, with a major renovation in 2018 that gave it a modern terminal and more capacity to handle passenger traffic.
Today, Phu Cat functions as a combined civil and military airport. For travelers, this means a relatively small but modern facility with one terminal that is straightforward to navigate. It is not a large airport compared to those in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but for regional travel to Binh Dinh it does the job efficiently.
Direct connections & Flights to Quy Nhon
At the moment, Quy Nhon Airport (Phu Cat) only has direct connections to two cities in Vietnam: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. For most travelers, this means your journey will either start in one of these hubs or include a connection there if you are flying in from abroad.
Hanoi ⇄ Quy Nhon
Three airlines operate the Hanoi–Quy Nhon route: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. On average, there are several flights each day, with flight times around 1 hour 35 minutes. Prices vary: VietJet often offers the cheapest tickets (from about 40 USD), Bamboo Airways sits in the mid-range (from about 40–50 USD), while Vietnam Airlines is usually the most expensive (from about 70 USD) but includes checked baggage and a more reliable service.
Ho Chi Minh City ⇄ Quy Nhon
The Ho Chi Minh City–Quy Nhon route is busier, with multiple flights every day on Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. The flight time is shorter, about 1 hour. VietJet tickets often start around 35 USD, Bamboo Airways from about 40 USD, and Vietnam Airlines from about 45–50 USD with baggage included.
Note on prices and schedule
Flight prices and schedules change depending on the season and demand. During holidays and peak summer months, expect more flights but also higher fares. Off-season tickets can be significantly cheaper.
How to get from Phu Cat Airport to Quy Nhon City
Phu Cat Airport is about 35 km from Quy Nhon, so you’ll need some form of transport after landing. The journey usually takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the option you choose. Here are the main ways to get into the city:
Taxis
Taxis wait outside the terminal and are the most straightforward option. The ride to the city center takes around 30–40 minutes, and prices range from 250,000 to 400,000 VND depending on the company, time of day, and your bargaining skills. Reliable operators include Mai Linh Taxi and Sun Taxi, both of which use meters. Be aware that some independent drivers may try to overcharge tourists, so it’s best to stick with known companies.
Ride-hailing apps
Grab is not as established here as in larger Vietnamese cities, but availability is slowly improving. You may find electric taxis or other local ride-hailing services, though coverage can be patchy and wait times unpredictable. If you land late at night or during busy hours, don’t rely on this as your only option.
Pre-arranged cars or hotel transfers
Many hotels and resorts, especially higher-end ones like FLC, Maia Resort, or Avani, offer their own transfer services. Pre-booking guarantees a driver will be waiting, and while the price is usually higher than a shuttle bus, it saves time and hassle—especially if you’re arriving with luggage or young children. You can also book private transfers online through local agencies.
Airport shuttle bus
The official airport shuttle bus is the cheapest and most popular option for solo travelers. Tickets cost around 50,000 VND per person, and buses leave every 30 minutes from 6:00 am until about 9:00 pm. The downside is that the shuttle only goes to a central drop-off point in Quy Nhon (Nguyen Tat Thanh Street), so you’ll need a short taxi ride or walk from there to your hotel.
Local buses
There are public buses between the airport and the city, but they are not designed with tourists in mind. Routes are difficult to navigate if you don’t speak Vietnamese, and departures are irregular. For most international travelers, this option is more trouble than it’s worth. They are better suited for locals who are familiar with the system.
Facilities at Phu Cat Airport
Phu Cat Airport is relatively small compared to Vietnam’s major hubs, but it was upgraded in 2018 and has a clean, modern terminal. You won’t find the range of services you get in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but for its size, it covers the essentials.
Terminal & layout
The airport has a single passenger terminal spread over two floors. The ground floor handles check-in, ticket counters, security, baggage claim, and arrivals. The upper floor is mainly for departures, with waiting areas, boarding gates, and lounges. The layout is straightforward, and it doesn’t take long to get from one area to another.
Wi-Fi & connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. It usually works fine for messaging or quick browsing, but don’t expect high speeds for video calls or streaming. Mobile signal coverage is good.
Dining & shopping
There are a handful of cafés and snack shops, plus a small souvenir stand. Options are limited, especially if you’re used to international airports with wide food choices. Prices are slightly higher than in the city, so it’s worth bringing your own snacks or buying a meal before heading to the airport.
Lounges & waiting areas
Business-class passengers and certain credit card holders can access the VIP lounge, which offers more comfortable seating and light refreshments. For families, there’s also a small children’s play area near Gate 5. Regular waiting areas are clean but basic, with plenty of seating.
Services
Essential services include baggage claim, taxi counters, a few ATMs, and a car park outside the terminal. Currency exchange is limited, so it’s better to arrive with some Vietnamese dong already in hand. Luggage storage is not available.
Tips for using Quy Nhon Airport
Booking flights
If you want to compare prices easily, platforms like Traveloka or 12Go Asia work well in Vietnam. With only three airlines serving Quy Nhon, booking directly with the airline is also simple. Keep in mind that low-cost carriers like VietJet often exclude checked baggage from the base fare, so the cheapest ticket may not be the best deal if you’re carrying luggage.
When to arrive
For domestic flights, arriving about 90 minutes before departure is usually enough. The airport is small and lines move faster than in larger hubs, but check-in and security can still get congested during peak holiday periods.
Airline comparisons
- Vietnam Airlines – reliable schedules, checked baggage included, generally higher prices.
- Bamboo Airways – considered more comfortable than VietJet, mid-range pricing, often good service.
- VietJet Air – cheapest tickets but extra fees for luggage, seat selection, and sometimes delays.
Practical note
Phu Cat is easy to navigate, but facilities are limited. Food options are basic and more expensive than in town, so it’s worth bringing your own snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Charging outlets can be scarce, so plan ahead if you need to recharge devices.
Final tip
Once you’ve landed and reached the city, take time to explore beyond the airport. For inspiration, check our full Quy Nhon guide with detailed suggestions on what to see and do in this coastal city.
Alternatives for flying to Quy Nhon
Phu Cat (Quy Nhon) Airport only connects directly to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you are already traveling in central Vietnam—say in Da Nang, Hoi An, or Nha Trang—you’ll find there are no direct flights into Quy Nhon. In these cases, overland travel by train, bus, or car is often the better option. Here’s how to get to Quy Nhon from nearby hubs:
Da Nang ⇄ Quy Nhon
From Da Nang, the most popular choice is the train, which follows a scenic coastal route and takes about 6–7 hours. Buses and private cars are also available, though the comfort level varies. Domestic flights between Da Nang and Quy Nhon exist occasionally with certain airlines, but they are irregular and not always convenient.
Nha Trang ⇄ Quy Nhon
From Nha Trang (via Cam Ranh Airport or the city itself), Quy Nhon is just 3–4 hours by train or a similar time by bus or car. This is a good option if you’re planning a coastal route and want to combine both beach destinations.
Other options
If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Vietnam, you’ll need to check routes carefully. Quy Nhon is well linked by the Reunification Express train line, which connects it with cities north and south along the coast. Long-distance buses are also common, though less comfortable for overnight journeys.
