Transport Guide
Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Sleeper bus, flight or private car — here's everything you need to get from Da Lat to Saigon, including prices, schedules and tips.
📍
~300 km
Distance
🚌
8–9 hours
Bus duration
✈️
45–55 min
Flight time
💰
350,000 VND
Bus from
How to Get from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City
Three ways to travel — compare prices, times and comfort.
Sleeper Bus
Most popular8–9 hours · 350,000 – 550,000 VND
Pros
- ✓Cheapest option (~$14–22 USD)
- ✓Comfortable sleeper seats / pods
- ✓Pick-up from your hostel about 1 hour before departure
- ✓Evening departures — save a night's accommodation
- ✓No airport transfer needed
Cons
- ✗Long journey — arrive around 4–6 AM
- ✗Mountain roads can be winding
- ✗Schedule depends on traffic
Tip: Book through your hostel for guaranteed pick-up about 1 hour before departure. Evening buses (7–10 PM) are most popular — they arrive in Saigon early morning, giving you a full day.
Flight
Fastest45–55 min flight + transfers · 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND
Pros
- ✓Only 45–55 minutes in the air
- ✓Multiple daily departures
- ✓Airlines: VietJet, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo
Cons
- ✗More expensive (~$20–60 USD)
- ✗Airport is 30km from Da Lat city (45 min + taxi 150,000 VND)
- ✗Check-in time makes total journey 3–4 hours
- ✗Less convenient than door-to-door bus
Tip: Book flights at least 2–3 weeks in advance for the best prices on VietJet. Grab taxi or shuttle to/from Lien Khuong Airport (DLI).
Private Car / Taxi
Most comfortable7–8 hours · 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 VND
Pros
- ✓Direct door-to-door, no stops
- ✓Flexible departure time
- ✓Good for groups of 3–4 splitting cost
- ✓More comfortable than bus
Cons
- ✗Expensive for solo travelers
- ✗Book in advance — not always available on the day
Tip: Ask at your hostel reception to arrange a private car transfer. Good option for groups or if you have a lot of luggage.
What to Expect on the Overnight Bus
Most travelers take the evening sleeper bus — here's how the journey typically goes.
~1 hour before departure
Pick-up from hostel
A shuttle or the bus picks you up from Mooka's Home or your hotel in Da Lat city centre, about 1 hour before the scheduled departure time.
7:00 – 10:00 PM
Depart Da Lat
Bus leaves Da Lat and begins the mountain descent toward HCMC.
~1:00 – 2:00 AM
Rest stop
Most buses stop for 20–30 minutes at a roadside restaurant for food and bathroom break.
4:00 – 6:00 AM
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Bus arrives at Mien Dong bus station or drops off at various points in District 1 / Pham Ngu Lao area.
Bus Companies — Da Lat to HCMC
All these companies run direct routes from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City.
| Company | Price |
|---|---|
| 34-seat VIP sleeper (3 rows) | 350,000 VND |
| 24-seat VIP sleeper (2 rows) | 550,000 VND |
Prices are approximate and may vary by season. Book through your hostel for the best rate and guaranteed pick-up.
Bus tickets
🚌 Leaving Da Lat? We book your bus.
Sleeper buses and limousine vans every day, with free pickup from Mooka's Home about 1 hour before departure and free cancellation up to 24 h before. Tap a destination to see times and book on WhatsApp in one tap.
Tips for the Journey
Book the day before
Don't leave bus booking until the day of travel — popular evening buses fill up fast, especially in peak season (Dec–Jan).
Bring a jacket
Overnight buses are heavily air-conditioned. A light jacket or hoodie will make the journey much more comfortable.
Pack essentials in hand luggage
Your main bag goes in the hold. Keep valuables, your phone charger, and anything you'll need overnight in a small day bag.
Motion sickness
The road out of Da Lat has many switchbacks down the mountain. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication before you board.
Be ready early
Pick-up is usually about 1 hour before the departure time. Be packed and waiting at reception by the stated pick-up time.
Arriving in HCMC
Buses drop off at Mien Dong bus terminal or central District 1. Grab a Grab (rideshare app) from either point — it's cheaper than street taxis.
Travelling the other way?
If you're heading from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat, the same bus companies run return services. Read our step-by-step Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat guide, or check the bus schedule for current routes and times. Going along the coast instead? See Da Lat to Mui Ne and Da Lat to Hoi An & Da Nang.
View all bus routes →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City?
By sleeper bus it takes 8–9 hours. By plane from Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) the flight is about 45–55 minutes. By private car or taxi it's around 7–8 hours.
How much does the bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City cost?
Sleeper buses cost around 350,000–550,000 VND (~$14–22 USD) depending on the company and seat type. VIP limousine pods are at the higher end of the range.
What time do buses depart Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City?
Most buses depart in the evening (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) as overnight sleeper services, arriving early morning in HCMC. Some companies have daytime departures too. Pick-up from your hostel is usually about 1 hour before departure.
Where do buses depart from in Da Lat?
Most companies offer pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Da Lat city centre, usually about 1 hour before departure. If you're staying at Mooka's Home, we arrange pick-up directly from the hostel — just ask at reception.
Is there a direct bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes — all major companies run direct routes with no transfer required. Popular options include Phuong Trang (FUTA), Thanh Buoi, The Sinh Tourist and Kumho Samco.
Can I fly from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is 30km from Da Lat city centre and has direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City with VietJet, Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways. The flight takes about 45–55 minutes.
Staying in Da Lat? Book direct for our best price
Booking direct means our best available rate with no booking fees — you pay at check-in, can change plans by messaging us, and every dong goes to the hostel instead of a booking site. Capsule dorms from 150,000 VND, private en-suite rooms from 350,000 VND — a 15-minute walk from Xuan Huong Lake, tours and bus tickets booked at reception.
- ✓ Our best available rate, no booking fees
- ✓ Pay at check-in — nothing charged upfront
- ✓ WhatsApp us anytime, before and during your stay