Transport Guide
How to Get to Da Lat: From Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hanoi & More
Every realistic way to reach Vietnam's highland city — by sleeper bus, limousine van or flight — plus how to get from the airport or bus station to your bed.
The short answer
Most travellers arrive by overnight sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City (~7–9 hours) or fly into Lien Khuong airport (DLI), about 30 km south of the city. From Nha Trang and Mui Ne, the bus is the obvious choice; from Hoi An, Da Nang or Hanoi, fly.
⛰️
~1,500 m
Altitude
🏙️
~300 km
From Ho Chi Minh City
🏖️
~135 km
From Nha Trang
🛬
~30 km
Airport → city
Where Is Da Lat?
Da Lat is the capital of Lam Dong province in Vietnam's Central Highlands, roughly 300 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and about 135 km inland from the coast at Nha Trang. The city sits on the Lang Biang plateau at around 1,500 m above sea level, surrounded by pine forest, lakes and farmland.
That altitude is why Da Lat is so cool compared with the rest of southern Vietnam. Daytime temperatures usually sit around 20–24°C and nights drop to roughly 10–16°C all year, which is why people come up from the lowlands to escape the heat — and why you'll want a jacket when you arrive, especially off an early-morning bus. Our Da Lat weather guide has month-by-month temperatures and rainfall.
Getting here always involves a climb. Every road into Da Lat winds up from the lowlands, so journeys take longer than the distance on a map suggests. Below, we've broken it down by where you're starting from, with realistic travel times and our advice from years of welcoming travellers off buses and planes.
How to Get to Da Lat From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
How far is Da Lat from Ho Chi Minh City? About 300 km northeast, and this is by far the most common route into the highlands. Sleeper buses run day and night, and well-known operators such as FUTA (Phuong Trang) and Thanh Buoi have many departures, mostly from the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area or Mien Dong bus station. Flights are quick, but remember to add the transfer from Lien Khuong airport. For the full breakdown — departure points, what the ride is like and a weekend plan — read our Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat guide.
| Option | Time | Price / notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Sleeper bus | ~7–9 h | 200,000–350,000 VND; day and overnight departures |
| ✈️ Flight SGN → DLI | ~50 min | Fares vary by date; add ~45–60 min from the airport into town |
| 🚗 Private car | ~7–8 h | Most expensive; worth it for groups splitting the cost |
How to Get to Da Lat From Nha Trang
Nha Trang is only about 135 km from Da Lat, but the road climbs a long mountain pass from the coast up to the plateau, so the trip takes longer than the distance suggests. It is one of the most scenic rides in southern Vietnam — pine forest, waterfalls and big views back towards the sea. There are many departures a day, on both standard buses and smaller limousine vans, so you rarely need to book more than a day ahead outside holidays. There is no practical flight between the two; the road is the way.
| Option | Time | Price / notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Bus | ~3.5–4.5 h | Many daily departures; the cheapest option |
| 🚐 Limousine van | ~3.5–4 h | Smaller, more comfortable seats; some offer hotel pickup |
| 🚗 Private car | ~3–3.5 h | Lets you stop at viewpoints on the pass |
How to Get to Da Lat From Mui Ne / Phan Thiet
Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are about 150–160 km from Da Lat. The road leaves the dunes and dragon fruit farms behind and climbs steadily into the highlands. Buses and vans run several times a day, and the same routes work in reverse if you're wondering how to get from Da Lat to Mui Ne — we can book that trip for you at reception.
| Option | Time | Price / notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Bus / van | ~4–5 h | Several daily departures; pickup from many Mui Ne hotels |
| 🚗 Private car | ~3.5–4 h | Flexible stops; good for groups |
How to Get to Da Lat From Hoi An / Da Nang
Hoi An and Da Nang are a long way north of Da Lat. Buses do exist, but they run overnight down the coast and then climb into the highlands — a very long journey. For most travellers, flying from Da Nang (DAD) to Lien Khuong (DLI) is the sensible choice when working out how to get from Hoi An to Da Lat. From Hoi An, allow roughly 45 minutes to reach Da Nang airport first.
| Option | Time | Price / notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight DAD → DLI | ~1 h 20 min | Best option; check current airlines and schedules |
| 🚌 Overnight sleeper bus | ~12–14 h | Cheapest, but a very long ride |
| 🚌 Bus via Nha Trang | Split over 2 days | Break the trip with a night or two by the sea |
How to Get to Da Lat From Hanoi
How far is Da Lat from Hanoi? Roughly 1,400 km by road — most of the length of the country. Fly. Flights from Noi Bai (HAN) to Lien Khuong (DLI) take under two hours, while the bus takes more than a full day and is not worth it unless you plan to stop along the way.
| Option | Time | Price / notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight HAN → DLI | ~1 h 50 min | Recommended; several airlines fly the route |
| 🚌 Bus | ~24 h+ | Not recommended as a single trip |
How to Get to Da Lat From Can Tho / Mekong Delta
Can Tho to Da Lat is a long bus ride, usually overnight, skirting Ho Chi Minh City before climbing into the highlands. Some direct flights have operated between Can Tho (VCA) and Lien Khuong (DLI), but routes change seasonally, so check current schedules before you plan around one.
| Option | Time | Price / notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Sleeper bus | ~9–10 h | Usually overnight; the most reliable option |
| ✈️ Flight VCA → DLI | ~1 h | Check current schedules — routes change seasonally |
| 🚌 Via Saigon | Split trip | Bus to HCMC, then one of the many HCMC–Da Lat buses |
Tips for the Journey Up to Da Lat
- Bring a warm layer. Whichever way you come, you finish at around 1,500 m. Bus air conditioning is strong, and early-morning or late-evening arrivals can be genuinely cold, especially from December to February.
- Plan for the mountain roads.Every route ends with a winding climb. If you're prone to motion sickness, take something before you board and choose a seat near the front.
- Watch the calendar. Weekends, Tet (Lunar New Year) and national holidays are busy with domestic travellers. Buses and flights fill up and fares rise, so book earlier than usual.
- Rainy season means slower roads.From roughly May to October, afternoon storms are common. Morning departures are usually smoother, and it's worth leaving a little slack in your plans.
- Keep your booking message handy. It tells you the exact pickup and drop-off points, which differ between companies. Screenshot it in case you lose signal in the hills.
Arriving at Lien Khuong Airport (DLI)
Lien Khuong is Da Lat's airport, about 30 km south of the city. The road into town is good but climbs through the hills, so allow around 45–60 minutes whichever option you choose:
- Airport shuttle bus — the budget option; it meets arriving flights and runs into the city centre.
- Taxi — waiting outside arrivals; the simplest way straight to your door.
- Grab — book a car in the app, the same as anywhere else in Vietnam.
Evening flights land when the highlands are already cold, so keep a warm layer in your hand luggage. Not sure which option to pick? Message us on WhatsAppwith your flight time and we'll tell you the fastest way to 02 Co Loa.
Arriving at the Da Lat Bus Station
Da Lat's inter-provincial bus station is a few kilometres south of the centre. Most of the big bus companies run a free shuttle van from the station into town — tell the driver “Mooka's Home, 02 Co Loa”and they'll drop you close by.
If there's no shuttle, a Grab or taxi from the station is a short ride. Some buses and limousine vans also drop off at points around the city rather than at the station — your ticket or booking message should say which.
Mooka's Home is at 02 Co Loa, Xuan Huong ward, about 5 minutes' walk from Xuan Huong Lake. Check-in is from 14:00; if you arrive earlier, leave your bags at reception (open 8:00–22:00) and start exploring.
Getting Around Da Lat
Does Da Lat have Grab? Yes— both Grab cars and Grab bikes work across the city, and they're the easiest way to reach cafés, markets and sights a little further out.
Scooter rentalis common and gives you the most freedom in the countryside, but the hills, bends and cold mornings make it more demanding than riding on the flat — only ride if you're confident. Our Da Lat travel guide covers the practical side.
Walking works well for the centre: Xuan Huong Lake, the central market and the night market are all close to each other and to the hostel.
For waterfalls, canyoning and the countryside, our tours include pickup from the hostel, so you don't need to arrange transport at all. See things to do in Da Lat, our guide to Da Lat waterfalls, and a ready-made Da Lat itinerary to plan your days.
Leaving Da Lat
Heading back south? Read our Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City guide, or check routes to Nha Trang, Mui Ne and beyond on the Da Lat bus schedule. We book onward buses at reception, with pickup from the hostel about 1 hour before departure.
View bus schedule →Book your bed before you travel
Dorm beds from 150,000 VND and private rooms from 350,000 VND, in the centre of Da Lat. Breakfast is available for a small extra charge, and we can help with tours and onward buses at reception.
How to Get to Da Lat: FAQ
How do I get to Da Lat from Ho Chi Minh City?
Most travellers take a sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City, which takes around 7–9 hours and costs roughly 200,000–350,000 VND. Alternatively, fly from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to Lien Khuong (DLI) in about 50 minutes, then allow 45–60 minutes from the airport into town.
Is there an airport in Da Lat?
Yes. Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI) serves Da Lat. It is about 30 km south of the city centre, with flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and other cities.
How far is Da Lat from Nha Trang?
Da Lat is about 135 km from Nha Trang. Because the road climbs a mountain pass, the bus or limousine van takes around 3.5–4.5 hours. There are many departures every day.
Does Da Lat have Grab?
Yes. Grab works in Da Lat for both cars and motorbike taxis. It is a convenient way to get around the city, and to or from the bus station and the airport.
Is the bus or the flight better for getting to Da Lat?
From Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang or Mui Ne, the bus is cheaper and, door to door, not much slower than flying. From Hoi An, Da Nang or Hanoi, fly — the bus takes 12 hours or more.
How do I get from Lien Khuong airport to Da Lat city?
Take the airport shuttle bus, a taxi or a Grab from Lien Khuong airport. The drive into Da Lat takes around 45–60 minutes. Message Mooka's Home on WhatsApp and we will tell you the fastest way to 02 Co Loa.
See you in Da Lat
Send us your arrival time and we'll help you get from the bus or plane to your bed.