Study in the U.S.
Flying from Vietnam to Texas State University: Airports, Routes, Fares and Transit Tips
The journey from Vietnam to San Marcos takes about 20–26 hours including layovers. Good planning saves a few hundred dollars and gets you there less exhausted.
Which airport?
- Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) — 45 minutes from San Marcos, many domestic and international connections, the choice of most TXST students.
- San Antonio (SAT) — ~50 minutes, sometimes cheaper, compact and easy.
- Houston (IAH) or Dallas (DFW) — major international gateways; from there take a 1-hour domestic flight or a 3–4 hour drive to San Marcos.
Common itineraries
| Route | Typical airlines | Total time |
|---|---|---|
| SGN/HAN → Tokyo/Seoul → Dallas (DFW) → Austin | Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air + American | ~22–25 h |
| SGN/HAN → Taipei → Houston (IAH) → Austin | EVA Air + United | ~22–24 h |
| SGN/HAN → Doha/Dubai → Dallas/Houston → Austin | Qatar, Emirates | ~26–30 h |
| SGN → San Francisco (nonstop) → Austin | Vietnam Airlines + domestic | ~20–22 h |
Reference fares
One-way tickets in the August intake season run about $700–$1,200; off-season is cheaper. Book 2–3 months ahead and look for student fares (Student Universe, airline student programs with extra baggage). Most Asian carriers allow 2 checked bags of 23 kg on international tickets to the U.S. — use them fully.
U.S. entry — be ready
- Passport + F-1 visa, signed I-20, admission letter, SEVIS fee receipt, financial documents — in your carry-on.
- You may enter no more than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.
- Answer briefly: what you study, which university, where you'll live. Officers may inspect phones/laptops.
- No fresh food, meat or seeds; medicines must be labeled or prescribed.
Airport to San Marcos
Uber/Lyft from AUS is about $60–80; pre-booked shuttles are available; or get picked up by the Vietnamese student community at TXST — the Vietnam Office connects you before departure. If you land late at night, book one night at an airport hotel.
Beating jet lag
Texas is 12 hours behind Vietnam (13 during U.S. winter time). Sleep on the long leg, hydrate, get sunlight on day one — you'll adjust within 2–3 days.
The Vietnam Office helps plan flights around move-in and orientation dates.
