Transport Guide
Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat: Bus, Flight & Car Compared
How to get from Saigon up to the highlands — what each option really costs in time and money, and how to reach your bed in Da Lat once you arrive.
The short answer
Most backpackers take the sleeper bus — it's cheap, runs day and night, and the overnight option saves a night's accommodation. Fly if you only have a weekend. Book a private carif you're a group splitting the cost.
🚌
~7–9 hours
Bus duration
💰
200k–350k VND
Bus ticket
✈️
~50 min
Flight time
🛬
~30 km
Airport → city
Bus vs Flight vs Private Car
Door-to-door, the gap between the options is smaller than it looks.
| Option | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Sleeper bus | ~7–9 hours | 200,000–350,000 VND |
| ✈️ Flight SGN → DLI | ~50 min flight + airport transfers | Varies by airline and date |
| 🚗 Private car | Roughly 7–8 hours | From around 2.5 million VND per car |
The flight is about 50 minutes, but you also need to get to Tan Son Nhat airport, check in, and then travel roughly 45–60 minutes from Lien Khuong airport into Da Lat. For many travellers the real saving over the bus is a few hours, not a whole day.
A private car is significantly more expensive than the bus — from around 2.5 million VND per vehicle — but it leaves when you want, stops where you want and takes you straight to the door.
Saigon to Da Lat by Sleeper Bus: How It Works
The HCMC to Dalat sleeper bus is how most of our guests arrive. Here's what to expect.
- 1
Choose day or night
There are many daytime and overnight departures. Overnight buses save a night's accommodation but arrive very early; daytime buses let you watch the road climb from the lowlands into the pine-covered highlands.
- 2
Find your departure point
Most companies depart from the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area in District 1 or from Mien Dong bus station. Your ticket or booking message will say which — double-check, because the two are far apart.
- 3
Board and settle in
Sleeper buses have reclining berths in two levels. You usually take your shoes off at the door (you get a bag for them) and store your main bag underneath. Keep valuables, a charger and a warm layer with you — the air conditioning is strong.
- 4
Rest stops and the climb
Expect at least one stop for food and toilets. The last section winds up the mountain to about 1,500 m; if you get motion sickness, take something before boarding.
- 5
Arrive in Da Lat
Buses drop off at the bus station or at points around the city. Da Lat is cool — around 10–15°C at night — so have your jacket handy before you step off.
Arriving in Da Lat: Getting to 02 Co Loa
Mooka's Home is at 02 Co Loa, Xuan Huong ward — central, about 5 minutes on foot from Xuan Huong Lake and 10 from the night market.
A taxi or Grab from the bus drop-off is usually a short ride. Drop-off points differ by company, so message us on WhatsAppwith your bus company and we'll tell you the fastest way to reach us.
Check-in is from 14:00. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your bags at reception (open 8:00–22:00) and head straight out to explore.
Saigon to Da Lat Flight + Airport Transfer
Flights go from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to Lien Khuong airport (DLI) in about 50 minutes, with several departures a day. Fares change with the date and how early you book, so compare airlines before you buy.
Lien Khuong is about 30 km south of the city. Allow roughly 45–60 minutes by taxi or airport shuttle into the centre. The road climbs, so late-evening arrivals will feel noticeably colder than Saigon — keep a jacket in your hand luggage.
Da Lat Weekend Trip from Saigon
Two days is enough for a real break from the heat. For longer plans, see our full Da Lat itinerary (1–4 days).
Friday night
Overnight sleeper bus from Saigon, or an evening flight. Message us on WhatsApp so we know when to expect you — reception is open 8:00–22:00.
Saturday
Drop your bags, walk 5 minutes to Xuan Huong Lake and Lam Vien Square, then spend the day on the Da Lat Waterfalls Tour or canyoning at Datanla. Evening: the Da Lat night market, about 10 minutes on foot.
Sunday
Half-day Easy Rider motorbike tour through coffee and flower farms, or Crazy House and a café morning. Check-out is at 12:00; leave your bag at reception and catch a bus or flight back in the afternoon or evening.
Weather matters for a short trip: May–October brings afternoon showers, so plan tours for the morning. Check the Da Lat weather guide before you go, and browse things to do in Da Lat for more ideas.
Book your bed before you board
Dorm beds from 150,000 VND and private rooms from 350,000 VND, in the centre of Da Lat. We book tours and your onward bus at reception, with pickup from the hostel about an hour before departure.
Going back to Saigon?
The return trip works the same way in reverse. Read our Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City guide, or check departure times on the Da Lat bus schedule — guests can book at reception.
View bus schedule →Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat FAQ
How long is the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat?
The sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat usually takes around 7–9 hours, depending on the company, traffic and the number of stops. The final stretch climbs into the highlands on winding roads.
How much is the Saigon to Da Lat bus?
Sleeper bus tickets from Saigon to Da Lat typically cost 200,000–350,000 VND, depending on the company and the type of berth or cabin.
Is it better to fly or take the bus from Saigon to Da Lat?
Fly if time is short: the flight from SGN to Lien Khuong (DLI) is about 50 minutes, but the airport is around 30 km south of Da Lat, so add 45–60 minutes by taxi or shuttle. Take the bus if you're on a budget, or go overnight to save a night's accommodation.
Where do buses to Da Lat leave from in Ho Chi Minh City?
Most companies depart from the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area in District 1 or from Mien Dong bus station. Check your ticket for the exact pickup point.
Is a weekend in Da Lat from Saigon worth it?
Yes. With an overnight bus on Friday you get two full days: one for a waterfalls or canyoning tour plus the night market, and one for the countryside or city sights before heading back on Sunday.
See you in Da Lat
Book your room, then plan your days with our local guides.