The Ho Chi Minh City Transport Department has proposed using speedboats to transport passengers to the new Long Thanh Airport, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and create new tourism opportunities. The proposal, currently soliciting public opinions, seeks to improve connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Dong Nai’s Long Thanh Airport without burdening the already-congested roads.

Slated to be Vietnam's largest airport, Long Thanh is expected to open in 2026. The department has outlined three waterway connectivity options:

1. **Direct Route from Bach Dang Port to SwanBay Cruise Ship Port**: This route spans over 22 kilometers, taking 35-45 minutes. From SwanBay, passengers would travel to the airport on existing roads.

2. **Investing in River Crossing Terminals**: HCMC and Dong Nai would upgrade the Phu Xuan-Phuoc Khanh port to improve connectivity between Nha Be and Nhon Trach Districts. Passengers would then use newer roads to reach the airport in 40-45 minutes over a 25-kilometer distance.

3. **Increasing Capacity at Cat Lai Port**: Enhancing ferry systems at Cat Lai Port, which connects Thu Duc City with Nhon Trach District, would make it easier for eastern HCMC residents to reach the airport. Upgrades to the port and an increase in the number of ferries are planned.

In addition to waterway connectivity, the Ministry of Transport is considering expanding the HCMC-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway to meet travel demands once the airport opens.

Currently, HCMC and Dong Nai are separated by four rivers, with traffic mainly relying on three main roads, all of which are overloaded. Plans include constructing new bridges, two of which are already under construction, to further ease traffic between the two localities.