Cam Ranh International Airport – Ultimate guide for Arrivals and Departures

Cam Ranh International Airport is the main airport serving the city of Cam Ranh and Khanh Hoa province in central Vietnam. With its strategic location on Vietnam’s south central coast, the airport plays a crucial role in connecting Khanh Hoa to other domestic and international destinations.

About Cam Ranh International Airport

• Location: Nguyễn Tất Thành, Cam Nghĩa, Cam Lâm, Khánh Hòa
• Cam Ranh International Airport Code:
  + IATA (International Air Transport Association) code: CXR
  + ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) code: VVCR
• Phone: (+84.258) 3989 956
• Hub for: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air
• Serves: Nha Trang
• Elevation: 12 m
• Opened: 1 November 1965; 58 years ago
• Coordinates: 11°59′53″N 109°13′10″E / 11.99806°N 109.21944°E

Cam Ranh International Airport is located in Cam Ranh city, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam. It is one of the busiest airports in the country and serves as a major international gateway to the popular tourist destination of Nha Trang.

The airport was originally built as a military air base during the Vietnam War. In 2004, it was transformed into a civil airport to accommodate the growing tourism industry in the region. Cam Ranh International Airport underwent significant expansion and development to handle the increasing number of domestic and international flights.

The airport is situated approximately 30 kilometers from Nha Trang city center, making it easily accessible for travelers. It has a modern terminal building that offers a range of facilities and services for passengers, including shopping, dining, currency exchange, and car rental.

Cam Ranh International Airport serves as a hub for various domestic and international airlines. It operates flights to several destinations within Vietnam, as well as direct flights to other countries in Asia, Europe, and Russia. The airport handles a substantial number of charter flights during peak tourist seasons.

Travelers choose Cam Ranh International Airport as it provides convenient access to the beautiful beaches and resorts in the Nha Trang and Khanh Hoa region. Its proximity to popular tourist destinations makes it a preferred gateway for international visitors seeking a beach vacation in Vietnam.

How to Get to/from Cam Ranh Airport & Nha Trang City?

To get to/from Cam Ranh Airport and Nha Trang City, you have a few transportation options:

1. Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport. Look for reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun, and ensure they use a meter or agree on a fixed price beforehand. Grab and SM Xanh are easily available in Nha Trang. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes and costs 250,000 to 400,000 VND.

2. Shuttle Bus: Many hotels and resorts in Nha Trang provide shuttle bus services to and from the airport. Check with your accommodation if they offer this convenient option.

3. Private Car: You can pre-book a private car or arrange for a car through various car rental agencies. This option offers flexibility and comfort, but it may be more costly compared to other alternatives. Many hotels and tour agencies can arrange private car transfers from Nha Trang to the airport for 600,000 to 800,000 VND.

4. Public Bus: The local bus service operates between Cam Ranh Airport and Nha Trang City. Take Bus Route 18 (Cam Ranh – Nha Trang) and ensure to check the bus schedules in advance. Buses take about 1 hour and cost 50,000 VND per person.

Each option has its own advantages, so consider your preferences and budget when choosing the most suitable one for your journey.

Cam Ranh International Airport: Arrival and Departure

The Cam Ranh International Airport has separate terminals for domestic and international flights. Here is an overview of arrival and departure procedures in each terminal:

Domestic flights

The domestic terminal has 16 check-in counters and can handle over 3 million passengers per year.

• Arrival: After disembarking from the aircraft, follow signs for the “Arrivals Hall”. Here you can collect checked baggage from the carousels if you had any. There are ATMs, cafes, shops, taxi counters and car rentals in the hall. Exit the terminal building to find transportation.
• Departure: Allow enough time to complete airline check-in, luggage drop-off, immigration (if going abroad) and security screening before your flight. Gates close 20 minutes before scheduled departure time.

International flights

The two-story international terminal has 8 passenger boarding bridges, 12 check-in counters and a capacity of 3 million passengers annually.

• Arrival: After passport control, collect checked baggage if any and proceed through customs inspection for declaration forms. There are currency exchange counters and ATMs in the public area of the terminal.
• Departure: International check-in counters open 3 hours prior to departure. Have your ticket, passport and baggage ready to check-in then go through immigration and security screening.

Which airlines fly from and to Cam Ranh Airport?

Cam Ranh International Airport is served by leading domestic carriers Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways and Pacific Airlines. There are also international flights from Cam Ranh offered by airlines like Air Seoul, T’way Air and Jeju Air.

Popular domestic routes from Cam Ranh are to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc island besides other cities. International flights connect Cam Ranh to Seoul, Busan, Daegu in Korea as well as Hong Kong and Taipei. More airlines and routes are being added over time.

Things to know about the check-in procedures at Cam Ranh Airport

Check-in procedures at Cam Ranh airport are fairly straightforward but it helps to be prepared beforehand, especially if flying internationally.

For domestic flights

• Web/mobile check-in is available with most domestic airlines flying from Cam Ranh airport. This can save considerable time at the airport.
• Counters for check-in open 2 hours prior and close 45 minutes before departure time.
• Have your ticket and valid ID ready. Printed or mobile boarding pass and ID document needed for security.
• Baggage allowance is typically 1 main piece (up to 23kg) and 1 small personal item per passenger. Extra or oversized bags incur fees.

For international flights

• Check-in time opens 3 hours prior and closes 60 minutes before departure
• Have passport, ticket, completed arrival/departure forms ready
• Web check-in recommended to minimize queueing time
• Baggage limits depend on destination, cabin class and airline policies
• There are customs inspections on exit from and entry to Vietnam

What are the utility services of Cam Ranh International Airport?

Cam Ranh Airport aims to provide a smooth and convenient travel experience with the following facilities and services:

Lounges – There are domestic and international airline lounges with comfortable seating, complimentary food/drinks, shower facilities and more. Access for passengers of certain airlines or cabin classes.

Money exchange – There are a number of bank branches and money changers located after security checkpoints. Both VND and leading global currencies exchanged.

Duty Free – International departure and transit passengers can shop at the DFS duty free stores located past immigration checkpoints. Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco and fashion items available.

Restaurants/Cafes – There is a good variety ranging from popular overseas chains like Starbucks to local Vietnamese cuisine. Prices are reasonable.

Transportation – Taxis, private transfers from hotels, ride-hailing services like Grab are easy to find at the airport terminal exits. Car rentals also available.

Accommodation – There are no transit hotels inside the terminals but plenty of options in nearby Nha Trang city. Airport staff can assist with reservations.

Best tips for your arrival to Cam Ranh International Airport

To ensure a smooth airport arrival experience at Cam Ranh, keep these tips in mind:

Allow plenty of time to arrive, park, find your terminal, check-in, clear immigration/customs, etc. Rush hour congestion can build up.

Print out boarding passes/e-tickets in advance for faster immigration formalities. Have all documents on hand.

Look up public transportation options – taxis, buses, route info to have awareness before arriving. Airport staff can also assist travelers.

Exchange currency on arrival if needed – there are good rates and zero fees at Cam Ranh airport money changers and ATMs.

Get a local SIM card when you arrive if staying connected is important. Staff can set this up for you.

Familiarize in advance with airline baggage policies – size dimensions, weight limits, fees – and pack accordingly to avoid hassles.

Following these Cam Ranh airport arrival tips will make for a smooth start to your Vietnam vacation. The world class facilities and friendly staff ensure all travelers have a great experience.

Conclusion

Cam Ranh International Airport serves Vietnam’s south central coastal region with ever expanding domestic and international routes. The modern terminal infrastructure can smoothly handle over 6 million travelers annually.

Arriving and departing passengers can enjoy a wide range of amenities, duty-free shopping, dining options and transportation links. Keeping key documents on hand, web checking in and allotting ample pre-flight time based on your itinerary are highly recommended for stress-free airport formalities.

By understanding the airport’s layout, flight schedules, transportation choices and other services, your trips via Cam Ranh will be that much more enjoyable.