Phu Bai Airport (HUI) Terminal 2 Guide: Arrivals Flow, Private Car Pickup and When to Reach the Airport

Terminal 2 of Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) is built in an imperial-inspired style with stacked roofs, and it separates the departure and arrival flows clearly over two levels. It lies about 15 km south of the centre of the south bank of the Perfume River, along National Highway 1A, and the trip between the city and the airport normally takes 25 to 35 minutes by car, though you should add a buffer for the busy hours through the Phu Bai industrial zone.

The arrivals flow on level 1 and the pickup lane at gates A1 and A2

All domestic and international flights that land at Phu Bai Airport today drop their passengers on level 1 of Terminal 2. Knowing the way from the baggage belt to the car lane means your party meets the driver quickly without dragging suitcases far in the sun:

• The checked-baggage belts: after leaving the jet bridge or the apron bus, follow the signs down to level 1 to collect your checked baggage. The hall has luggage trolleys and facilities for passengers.
• The glass exits A1 and A2: once through the baggage control, walk straight out to the pickup forecourt through the two main doors, A1 (on the domestic side) or A2. Right under the level-1 canopy beneath the elevated ramp is the stopping lane for private cars and pre-booked hire cars.
• How to arrange the meeting point with your driver: the stopping lane in front of level 1 is meant for quick pick-ups only, to avoid congestion, so the driver of a private car usually waits in the main car park in front of the terminal. As soon as you have your last bag from the belt and call, the driver moves the car through the airport toll point to the marker at door A1 or A2 and collects the party under the cover.

The level-2 departures and the check-in buffer

For the drop-off from central Hue or from the resorts to the airport, the car drives straight up the elevated ramp and drops you at the departures door on level 2:

Watch the National Highway 1A road through Huong Thuy at peak hours

The road linking central Hue (the Le Loi – Hung Vuong – An Duong Vuong axis) with Phu Bai Airport runs along National Highway 1A through the Huong Thuy area and past the gate of the Phu Bai industrial zone. In free-flowing traffic a car needs only about 25 to 30 minutes to cover these 15 km.

At the two shift-change and rush-hour windows (06:45 to 07:45 in the morning and 16:30 to 18:00 in the afternoon), however, motorbikes and lorries on the Nguyen Tat Thanh – National Highway 1A section increase and a number of traffic lights can stretch the trip to 40 to 45 minutes. So when you book a private car from Hue to Phu Bai Airport for the late afternoon, set the pickup time at your hotel lobby earlier than usual by about 15 to 20 minutes.

Choosing a 4-, 7- or 16-seat car by airport luggage

Unlike a stroll around the city with no baggage, an airport transfer at Phu Bai must allow enough boot space for checked suitcases and boxes of Hue specialities (me xung, a sesame candy; tom chua, fermented shrimp; tra cung dinh, royal tea; non la, conical hats):

• 4-seat car (sedan): suits 1 to 2 passengers (or at most 3 adults travelling light) with 2 medium suitcases of 20–24 inch plus hand luggage.
• 7-seat car (MPV / SUV): a comfortable choice for families of 3 to 5 with 3 to 4 large suitcases; the last row folds flexibly to stow a pushchair or packed gift boxes.
• 16-seat van (Ford Transit / Hyundai Solati): for large family groups, working parties of 6 to 12, or groups with many bulky pieces and golf bags going on to a resort break at Lang Co.

If your plan is to fly into Phu Bai and then travel straight south through the Hai Van tunnel, you can also read about the private car from Da Nang to Phu Bai Airport and the detailed article on getting to Phu Bai Airport from Da Nang and Hoi An to prepare a seamless connection.