Cam Ranh International Airport: Gateway to Nha Trang City

Cam Ranh International Airport is the main civilian airport serving Khanh Hoa province and the southernmost provinces of Central Vietnam. This is the only airport in Vietnam with a higher number of international passengers than domestic passengers, in 2018 the number of international passengers accounted for 70% of the total number of passengers through This airport has the 4th highest number of passengers in Vietnam after Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon, Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Danang Airport in Da Nang City.

• Location: Nguyễn Tất Thành, Cam Hải Đông, Cam Lâm, Khánh Hòa
• Cam Ranh International Airport Code:
  • IATA (International Air Transport Association) code: CXR
  • ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) code: VVCR

History of Cam Ranh International Airport in Khanh Hoa:

Cam Ranh International Airport was firstly built by the US military and was used as a US Air Force base during the Vietnam War. In 1973, after the Paris Agreement, US Army and Allies had to leave Vietnam and the United States handed over this base to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force.

After 1975, Cam Ranh airport continued to be used for military purposes until 2004. On May 19, 2004, Cam Ranh airport welcomed the first civilian flight, flying from Hanoi to replace the airport. Nha Trang is located in the inner city with limited area and for safety reasons.

On August 16, 2007, the Government Office issued a decision to upgrade Cam Ranh airport to become an international airport. In December 2009, by putting into use the new, modern, largest-scale airport in the Central region, Cam Ranh airport officially became the third international airport in this regions departs.

Facilities and Terminals for Domestic & International Flights:

• Runway in Cam Ranh International Airport:

The airport resides at an elevation of 40 feet (12 m) above mean sea level. The first runway designated 02L/20R with a concrete surface measuring 10,000 by 150 feet (3,048 m × 46 m). The second runway designated 02R/20L was opened in October 2019 with a concrete surface measuring 10,000 by 150 feet (3,048 m × 46 m).

• Terminal 1 for Domestic Flights Departure:

Cam Ranh Airport’s Terminal 1 is for domestic flights, equipped with modern facilities and service areas to meet the needs of passengers.

Four major airlines of Vietnam, namely Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines, currently operate flights to Cam Ranh International Airport from many provinces and cities throughout Vietnam.

Some frequent domestic routes are Hanoi - Nha Trang, Saigon - Nha Trang, Hai Phong - Nha Trang, Vinh - Nha Trang, Da Nang - Nha Trang, etc.

• Terminal 2 for International Flights Departure:

Cam Ranh Airport’s Terminal 2, the hub for international routes, was operated from 2018. The terminal is designed in the shape of a swallow's nest, which is a symbol of Khanh Hoa Province.

Terminal 2 was built to serve the needs of an increasing number of international tourists visiting Nha Trang. It is estimated that in 2018, there were over 5 million international passengers arriving at Cam Ranh Airport. Currently, the airport is operating international routes to Russia, South Korea, and China.

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

Distance Cam Ranh International Airport to/from Nha Trang City is 35 kilometers away. Travel time from the airport to Nha Trang depends on the route and means of transportation you choose. The two most popular options to travel from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang are:

• Bus: The ticket price to get to the city center of Nha Trang is 50,000 VND. This option is suitable for groups with fewer than 4 people.
• Taxi: If you travel in a group with more than 4 people, it will be more convenient to catch a taxi. The taxi fare is around 200,000 VND for a 4-seater car.

Adventure Journey

See Also:

• Nha Trang Vietnam Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Nha Trang City, Vietnam