How to Get From Ho Chi Minh to Ca Mau? Compare Bus, Flight, Drive 2026
Updated May 14, 2026 | 9 min read
Ca Mau is located at the southernmost tip of mainland Vietnam, about 350km from HCMC — not too far, but not very close either. The question "how to get there conveniently?" is always the first one asked when planning. This article provides a detailed comparison of the 3 main transportation options to help you choose the one that fits your budget and time. See more on Ca Mau travel costs to plan your budget.
Limousine Bus — Most Popular & Economical
Chosen by 70% of travelers from HCMC to Ca Mau
7–8h
Travel Time
300–400k
1-way Ticket
350km
Distance
24/7
Departures
Sleeper limousine buses are the most popular choice because of their convenience, reasonable price, and frequent departures from Mien Tay Bus Station (Binh Tan District). The night trips are especially convenient because you sleep on the bus and wake up at your destination — saving a night of hotel costs.
Reputable bus companies:
Phuong Trang (FUTA): The largest company, frequent schedule, new buses, booking app available
Kumho Samco: 22-seat VIP limousine, smooth, good AC
Thanh Buoi: Sleeper buses, many night trips
Mai Linh Express: Good service, on time
Pickup in HCMC: Mien Tay Bus Station (National Route 1A, Binh Tan) — many trips from 5 AM to 11 PM. Tickets can be booked via the FUTA app or company website.
Arrival in Ca Mau: Ca Mau Bus Station (Hung Vuong st.), 2km from the city center. Mr. Bi offers free pickup here if notified in advance.
Flight — Fastest, Saves Time
From 700,000 VND round-trip if booked 1-2 weeks early
50 mins
Direct Flight
700k–3tr
Round-trip
3km
Airport to Center
2–3 flights
Daily
Flying is the optimal choice if you have limited vacation days and want to maximize your time in Ca Mau. Ca Mau Airport (CAH) is just 3km from the city center — booking a Grab costs only 30,000–50,000 VND.
Airlines for HCMC - Ca Mau:
Vietnam Airlines: 2 flights/day, spacious seats, on time, from 500,000 VND/way
Vietjet Air: More competitive prices, occasional promos at 99k–299k
Bamboo Airways: Occasional seasonal HCMC-Ca Mau flights
Tips for cheap flight tickets:
Book 2-4 weeks in advance for the best price
Early morning flights (6-7 AM) are usually cheaper than afternoon flights
Watch out for Vietjet's flash sales every Tuesday
Use Google Flights to compare prices across airlines
Driving — Flexible, Great for Groups
~350km via QL1A + QL61, consider an overnight stop in Can Tho
Driving a car or riding a motorbike from HCMC to Ca Mau is a great option for groups of 4 or more or for those who want the freedom to stop at multiple places along the way. The route passes through Can Tho, Soc Trang, and Bac Lieu before reaching Ca Mau, offering plenty of interesting sights.
Suggested driving itinerary:
6:00 AM — Depart HCMC (leave early to avoid traffic)
10:00 AM — Can Tho (visit Cai Rang Floating Market in the morning, have banh canh for lunch)
12:30 PM — Continue to Soc Trang (stop by Bat Pagoda if you like)
2:00 PM — Bac Lieu (visit the Bac Lieu Dude's House or longan orchards)
4:30 PM — Arrive in Ca Mau (check in, rest)
Driving notes: QL1A (National Route 1A) through Long An - Tien Giang is often congested on weekends. Depart before 6:30 AM to avoid traffic. The Can Tho - Ca Mau section (~160km) has good roads with less traffic.
Parking in Ca Mau: Mr. Bi's homestay provides free parking for staying guests.
4. Comparison of the 3 Options
Discovering the majestic pristine nature in Ca Mau
Criteria
Limousine Bus
Flight
Driving
Time
7–8 hours
50 minutes
6–7 hours
Price (1-way)
300–400k
500k–1.5m
Gas + fees ~150k/person
Convenience
Good
Excellent
Varies
Flexibility
Low
Low
Highest
Best for
1–4 people
1–2 people, short trip
4+ people
Luggage
Comfortable
7kg carry-on limit
Unlimited
5. From Can Tho to Ca Mau
If you are in Can Tho or have booked a 4D3N Mekong Delta tour starting from Can Tho, the distance to Ca Mau is only about 160km, taking ~3 hours by bus.
Can Tho Bus Station has frequent buses to Ca Mau from 5 AM to 6 PM, costing ~120,000–150,000 VND
Phuong Trang and Kumho also operate direct routes from Can Tho to Ca Mau
Riding a motorbike from Can Tho takes ~3h via QL61C passing through Vi Thanh to Ca Mau
6. Getting Around in Ca Mau Province
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Motorbike
Most flexible, rent a motorbike for ~150k/day in Ca Mau City. Ideal for exploring freely.
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Grab / Taxi
Grab is available in Ca Mau City. Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis operate 24/7. Convenient for short inner-city trips.
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Guided Tour Pickup
Book a tour with Bà Ngoại Homestay — modern tour vehicles will pick you up, no need to worry about transportation.
7. Tips for Getting the Best Ticket Prices
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Book round-trip bus tickets together: Often 10-15% cheaper than buying individual legs.
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Book flights 2-4 weeks ahead: The lowest prices are usually found when seats just open up. See more on Ca Mau travel costs for budgeting.
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Avoid holidays (Tet, April 30, Sept 2): Prices double and tickets sell out fast — book 3-4 weeks in advance. Check the seasonal travel calendar at Best time to visit Ca Mau.
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Night bus trips: Usually cheaper than daytime trips, and they save you a night of hotel accommodation.
8. Arrive in Ca Mau with Free Pickup!
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Free pickup service at Ca Mau bus station & airport
Guests booking a Ca Mau tour from HCMC with Bà Ngoại Homestay will receive free pickup from Mr. Bi at Ca Mau bus station or airport, regardless of the time. Just message him on Zalo at 0919 244 834 with your arrival time 1-2 days in advance, and he will arrange a vehicle to pick you up directly.
No surcharges, no hidden fees, completely free for guests booking a tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Phuong Trang bus to Ca Mau take?
The Phuong Trang (FUTA) bus taking the HCMC-Ca Mau route takes 7-8 hours, with many departures from 5 AM to 11 PM. The VIP limousine buses (massage seats) are faster, taking about 6-7 hours as they make fewer stops along the way.
How much is a flight from HCMC to Ca Mau?
Round-trip flights from HCMC to Ca Mau range from 700,000 VND (booked 2-4 weeks early, Vietjet) to 2-3 million VND (peak times, Vietnam Airlines). The flight takes about 50 minutes. Ca Mau Airport (CAH) is only 3km from the center.
Can I ride a motorbike from HCMC to Ca Mau?
Yes, but the route is ~350km long, so it's recommended to split it into 2 days: day 1 to Can Tho for an overnight stay (~170km), and day 2 from Can Tho to Ca Mau (~180km). The roads are mostly flat with no mountains, suitable for a motorbike road trip.
How do I travel from Can Tho to Ca Mau?
From Can Tho to Ca Mau is ~180km. Taking a Phuong Trang or Kumho bus takes about 3 hours, costing 120-150k/way. Departures are from Can Tho Bus Station, with continuous service from 5 AM to 6 PM.
Contact Us for a Free Pickup!
Send us your bus/flight arrival time to Ca Mau, and Mr. Bi will arrange a pickup immediately.
Mr. Tran Bi is a local expert on culture, history, and ecotourism in Ca Mau, with over 10 years of experience guiding visitors to explore the U Minh Ha forest and Dat Mui.
Authentic Ca Mau Travel Experience
Join Uncle Ba Khia to explore Dat Mui, weave through the mangrove forests, catch crabs, collect honey, and stay at Mr. Bi's cool eco-homestay.
