Transport Guide
Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City
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
💰
200,000 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 · 200,000 – 400,000 VND
Pros
- ✓Cheapest option (~$8–16 USD)
- ✓Comfortable sleeper seats / pods
- ✓Direct door-to-door pick-up
- ✓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
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
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
What to Expect on the Overnight Bus
Most travelers take the evening sleeper bus — here's how the journey typically goes.
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Pick-up from hostel
Bus picks up directly from Mooka's Home or your hotel in Da Lat city centre.
~9:30 PM
Depart Da Lat
Bus leaves Da Lat and begins the mountain descent toward the coast and onward to 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 |
|---|---|
| Phuong Trang (FUTA) | 220,000 – 380,000 VND |
| Thanh Buoi | 200,000 – 320,000 VND |
| The Sinh Tourist | 250,000 – 350,000 VND |
| Kumho Samco | 300,000 – 420,000 VND |
Prices are approximate and may vary by season. Book through your hostel for the best rate and guaranteed pick-up.
Book your bus through Mooka's Home
Staying with us? We can arrange your bus ticket and pick-up directly from the hostel — no need to go to a bus station. Just ask at reception the day before you want to travel.
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 can be 15–30 minutes earlier than the departure time. Be packed and ready at 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. Check our bus schedule for current routes and times.
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 it's 45–55 minutes. By private car or taxi around 7–8 hours.
How much does the bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City cost?
Sleeper buses cost between 200,000 and 400,000 VND (~$8–16 USD) depending on the company and seat type. VIP limousine pods are at the higher end.
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.
Where do buses depart from in Da Lat?
Most companies offer door-to-door pick-up from your hostel or hotel in Da Lat city centre. If you're staying at Mooka's Home, we arrange pick-up directly from the hostel.
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: 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. VietJet, Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways all fly to Ho Chi Minh City in about 45 minutes.
Still in Da Lat? Stay a bit longer.
Book a room at Mooka's Home and let us sort out your bus when you're ready to leave.