Best Ways to Travel from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

How Far Is It from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh?

What is the distance from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh? The answer is all about how you choose to travel:

• By road, it is about 440 km by road, and the scenery can offer you all that you want: seashore, lush greenery, and busy small towns. This is the direction most of the buses and the private cars departing from the bus station in Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City ply. 
• By train, the rail journey is about 411 kilometers through scenic valleys and along the coastline.
• By air, it is about 320 km and takes 1 hour by flight between Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang city) and Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh city) on a direct route. 

The new 2025 transportation changes have made travel times easier than ever:

Cam Ranh Airport (Source: vietjetair)

Best Travel Options from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

 By Plane – Fastest & Easiest

The fastest and most comfortable way of traveling between these two incredible places is to fly from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh. With multiple flights a day from Cam Ranh Airport to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, it’s now possible to score a decent price, a convenient flight time, and good service from top airlines.

Here is the list of flights available on June 24, 2025:

If a flight takes off, then I would encounter a flight with a duration of 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

Wondering how much to budget? Expect to pay 700,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND one way, but if you book your ticket ahead of time, it seems you can generally get a cheaper fare.

Where to Depart & Arrive

• Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) – about 35km away from Nha Trang, can be reached by taxi, shuttle, or bus from the bus station in Nha Trang.
• Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) – just 8 km from downtown Ho Chi Minh City; use a Grab, taxi, or airport bus to reach your hotel.

Tips to Book Airfare at a Good Price

• Airfare should also be booked at least 2–3 weeks prior.
• Look at airline websites and aggregator sites such as Traveloka or Skyscanner.
• Tuesday and Wednesday flights are commonly less expensive.
• You will find the lowest airfare during the week, and there will be loopholes on Vietnamese holidays.
• Pack in carry-on luggage to avoid baggage fees.

Plane Bamboo Airways (Source: vinpearl)

By Train – Scenic & Relaxing

Or you may be a traveler who likes to travel from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh in the most scenic way; look no further than the train! This is more than transportation; it’s a ride through rice paddies, rivers, and sleepy fishing villages. Oh, and yes, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.

Trains such as SE3, SE5, and SE21 run daily from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City, thereby providing flexible accommodation with different rates.

The total travel time from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by train is between 7 and 9.5 hours, depending on the route and category of train.

Classes & Comfort Options

• Hard Seat: The cheapest, but not so ideal for a night journey
• Soft Seat: Air conditioned and a cheap price tag.
• Sleeper Cabin (4 or 6 beds): Most comfortable & you can sleep through the trip

Onboard Experience

• Air-conditioned coaches
• Snacks and drinks for sale
• Power outlets on some routes
• Coastal and country views that should not be missed!

Booking tip: For up-to-the-minute availability & to book tickets, see the official Vietnam Railways website: https://dsvn.vn

Train SE3 (Source: vnpayapp)

By Bus – Budget-Friendly & Flexible

Travel Time & Comfort

• Duration: 8 – 10 hours, depending on traffic and stopovers
• Types of buses: Sleeper buses (reclining beds), seated coaches (comfortable but upright)
• Ticket prices: 200,000 – 400,000 VND (how much depends on bus type, time, and demand)

Sleeper or Seat – What to Choose?

• Choose long-distance travel for a sleeper, large, air-conditioned, and a blanket and water are included.
• Bottom line: Sitting down is cheaper for daytime rides.
• If you’re particular about comfort, a neck pillow, meals, and snacks

Top Bus Companies & Contact Info

Below is a list of some companies that serve the Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City route every day. These are well-reviewed by your fellow travelers:

Bus Cuc Tung (Source: mia)

By Motorbike – Adventure for the Brave

Two Stunning Route Options

Coastal Route (Highway 1A): This classic route hugs the coastline with breathtaking ocean views, dunes, and small fishing villages.

• Distance: ~440 km
• Duration: 11–12 hours
• Highlights: Cam Ranh Bay, Phan Rang vineyards, Mui Ne dunes

Mountain Route (QL27C from Da Lat): Tougher but worth it! This will deliver you inland through the pine-scented hills of Da Lat, with more chilly air and more panoramic vistas.

• Distance: ~540 km
• Duration: 12–13 hours
• Highlights: Da Lat waterfalls, coffee plantations, mountain passes

Tip: You actually can split this into a 2-day excursion, staying overnight in Mui Ne or Da Lat to rest and discover.

Gear Checklist – Ride Smart, Ride Safe

To conquer the road between Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, preparation is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Full-face helmet (DOT/ECE certified)
• Waterproof jacket + gloves
• Long sleeves and pants (sun and wind protection)
• Phone holder with GPS app (like Maps.me or Google Maps)
• Extra fuel bottle for remote stretches
• Basic repair tools and a tire patch kit
• Driver’s license (Vietnam-recognized) + international permit
• Printed map or route saved offline

Motorbike (Source: motorbiketourexpert)

Booking Tips & Cost-Saving Secrets

Flights – When and How to Book for the Best Price for Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

Cam Ranh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City is fast, but airfare prices fluctuate daily. Keep these steps in mind to book good airfare from reliable international airlines:

• Book airfare 2–4 weeks before boarding domestic flights
• Flights earlier than 8:00 AM or later than 8:00 PM are generally cheaper
• Travel mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) for lower demand and rates
• Compare prices on aggregator sites like Traveloka, Skyscanner, or the airlines’ websites
• Join airfare alerts or become a member of loyalty programs to accrue discounts on airfares

Inquiring about the cost of a one-way ticket? The cost is between 700,000 – 1,500,000 VND, but smart booking can cut it down to approximately 600,000 during off-peak seasons!

Trains – Comfort + Cost Efficiency for Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

A train trip from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh isn’t just scenic, it’s an affordable mode of transport! Here’s the step-by-step guide to book smart:

• Go to https://dsvn.vn to see real-time availability and the type of ticket
• Book a soft seat or a cabin sleeper in advance, especially on holidays and weekends
• Book evening trains for a discount on the accommodation
• Don’t buy at the stations at the last minute, more expensive and typically not available

Buses – Reliable Providers & Booking Tools for Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

There are dozens of bus operators for the Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh journey, but they do not all deliver equally. Here’s how to make some good decisions:

• Book reputable brands like Phuong Trang (Futa), Mai Linh, or Lien Hung, all departing from the bus station in Nha Trang
• Use sites like https://vexere.com to compare operators, types of seats, and reviews
• Choose sleeper buses for overnight convenience, and limousine buses for an added touch of luxury
• Get to the bus station in Nha Trang early to determine your gate number and not miss your bus

Conclusion

Fly, ride, or wander,  it’s up to you to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh! From quick Cam Ranh Airport flights, scenic trains, and sleeper night buses from Nha Trang bus station, to rough motorbike rides, there’s a perfect choice for any traveler. Heading from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang? The same great choices in reverse!