Da Lat to Nha Trang: Traveler’s Route & Tips

Da Lat to Nha Trang: Quick Facts

Total Distance

There are two distances between Da Lat and Nha Trang:

• QL27C (Omega Pass): ~135 km – the fastest and most scenic road.
• QL27B (Ngoan Muc Pass): ~179 km – safer, with gentler curves, ideal for less experienced drivers.

Both roads have great views, yet both have their own otherworldly attractiveness. It’s something where you have to figure out and prepare what your comfort level is, how much time you have, and what kind of travel you like.

Travel Time by Transportation Mode

Your mode of travel will influence the experience and duration:

• Limousine or bus: 3.5 to 5 hours, based on traffic and the bus route you take.
• Private car: ~3.5 hours — less strict scheduling, photo stops, and drop-off straight at destinations like Nha Trang bus station.
• Motorbike: 4–6 hours, depending on weather and experience.
• Indirect flight (via Cam Ranh – Lien Khuong): ~5–6 hours, including airport transfers.

Compare All Ways to Travel from Da Lat to Nha Trang

By Limousine or Sleeper Bus

Phuong Trang (FUTA Bus Lines)

• Contact & Booking: Call 1900 6067 or visit the Da Lat office at 01 To Hien Thanh Street.
• Vehicle Type: Modern 45-seat sleeper buses; some routes have upgraded limousine services.
• Price: Around 120,000–180,000 VND, usually with promotion programs – best when tickets are booked in advance.
• Travel Time: About 4 to 5 hours from Da Lat to Nha Trang.
• Pick-up/Drop-off: Dropped off at central stops like Nha Trang bus station, most hotels, and tourist centers; picks up from Da Lat terminal.
• Comfort & Facilities: Reclining seats, air-conditioning, onboard toilet, baggage storage space, bottled water, and polite staff.

Khanh Phong

• Contact & Booking: Hotline 0258 3823 999 or 0283 920 9868.
• Vehicle Type: Sleeper vans of high comfort and 9 – 11-seat limousines.
• Price: About 230,000 VND per ticket.
• Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 hours.
• Pick-up/Drop-off: Da Lat: from 37 Nguyen Van Cu; drop-off locations around Nha Trang bus station, such as Kiot 2 or Muong Thanh area.
• Comfort & Perks: Free Wi‑Fi, e-ticketing, cloakroom service, spacious interior, and on-journey rest breaks.

Lac Hong Limousine

• Comfort & Extras: Plush leather seats, charging ports, individual bottled water, and a serene cabin environment.
• Contact & Booking Da Lat: The Da Lat lines are 02633748080 / 0972167070.  Nha Trang: 02633918080.
• Car Type: Luxury 9-seater minivans equipped with luxury features.
• Price: Roughly 230,000 VND, clear and no hidden charges.
• Travel Time: 3.5 hours of smooth, sophisticated riding.
• Pick-up/Drop-off: Da Lat office (D11 Hoang Dieu) and central drop-off (20 Tran Phu)—near the Nha Trang bus station, beaches, and central sights.
• Comfort & Extras: Leatherette seats, wifi, USB ports, complimentary water bottles, and a quiet cabin environment.

Why Choose a Limousine or Sleeper Bus?

• Super affordable yet comfortable.
• Nonstop service to central gates, no extra transfers.
• Perfect for someone who wants a comfortable, undemanding experience.
• Great for lone travelers, families, or groups of friends.

By Private Car / Taxi / Xanh SM Electric Car

Journey Highlights

• Travel Time: Approximately 3.5–4 hours, depending on traffic and any stops.
• Scenic Stops: Stop at Hon Giao Pass-famed for its breathtaking mountain views, or venture to Bidoup Nui Ba National Park for a nature getaway. Ideal for photograph opportunities and cooling off.
• Tailor your routes to take in Prenn Falls, coffee plantations, or local villages.

Pricing by Vehicle Type

Vehicle Type	Estimated One-Way Fare
Sedan (4 seats)	~ US$70
Minivan (7 seats)	~ US$77
Van (16 seats)	~ US$100

• Xanh SM Electric Car: Eco-friendly and fully electric, operating within and around Nha Trang; booking via app or hotline recommended.

Safety, Comfort & Flexibility

• Door-to-door service ensures smooth transitions to your hotel or Nha Trang bus station.
• Ideal when traveling with family or in small groups—a private space tailored to your preferences.
• Ability to pause at different activities, from mountain vistas to culinary stops.
• Available around the clock—no need to scramble for bus schedules.
• Although more expensive, private travel offers connected freedom and stress-free traveling.

Who Should Choose Private Transport?

• People with children or elderly relatives who need convenience.
• Passengers who value privacy and flexibility during travel.
• Individuals who make reservations under the promotion program for private tours.

By Motorbike (For the Adventurous)

Route Choices: QL27C vs QL27B

You have two beautiful options:

• QL27C (Omega Pass): About 135 km, the longer but more popular and scenic route. Twisty mountain passes, pine plantations, and valley views are on the menu. Be warned, though — tight turns and steep drop-offs are part of the deal, so experience and confidence are necessary.
• QL27B (Ngoan Muc Pass): A bit longer (~179 km), but wider and less treacherous. This road is safer for beginners, with smoother curves and better conditions, making it perfect for group travel or cautious riders.

Rental Prices & Conditions

Renting a bike from Da Lat is simple and affordable. Expect:

• Manual or semi-automatic bikes: 150,000–200,000 VND/day
• Automatic scooters: 120,000–180,000 VND/day
• Monthly rates may drop to 1.2–1.8 million VND
• Rental tips: Choose reputable shops with contracts, helmets included, and basic insurance. 

Some well-known rental shops in Da Lat are:

• Hoang Phat Da Lat Motorbike Rental – 0962.208.222
• Style Motorbikes – 0834.243.443
• Ask for promotion programs for renting multiple days or one-way trips.

Safety Gear & Local Traffic Rules

There is a need to ride responsibly. Here is what to prepare:

• DOT-standard helmet
• Protective jacket (especially foggy highlands)
• Gloves, sunglasses, and a raincoat
• First-aid kit and a map phone holder
• Carry a valid Vietnamese or international driver’s license
• Obey speed limits, headlamps at all times, and don’t forget your horn, your best friend in Vietnamese traffic! 

Rest Stops & Must-See Viewpoints

Split up your drive with stops that take your breath away:

• Hon Giao Pass (Omega) – among Vietnam’s most famous mountain roads
• Bidoup Nui Ba National Park – ideal for a short hike or picnic
• Cham villages along Ninh Son – for off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences
• Viewpoints before dropping to the coastal plains – surreal for sunset photography

You’ll sail directly to Nha Trang bus station or nearby areas, depending on where you’re heading in the end. Don’t forget to gas up before the drop!

Who Should Avoid This Option?

Exciting as it is, traveling between Nha Trang and Da Lat by bike is not for everyone:

• New riders unfamiliar with mountain roads
• Rainy weather travelers (wet corners are dangerous)
• Families or those with lots of luggage
• Anyone uncomfortable with unpredictable traffic and limited roadside services

By Flight (Indirect via Cam Ranh – Lien Khuong)

Flight Availability & Transfer Time

• Step 1: Fly from Da Lat (Lien Khuong Airport) to Cam Ranh International Airport
• Step 2: Bus or taxi (~45 minutes) to Nha Trang city center
• Total travel time: ~4–5 hours, including airport check-in and transfer

Frequent services between large cities are offered by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air between these two airports.

Cost vs. Convenience

• Cost: Generally higher (800,000–1,500,000 VND total, depending on availability and time)
• Convenience: Higher for passengers who are already arriving at an airport or continuing flying on from Nha Trang
• Less scenic than road travel, but ideal for those avoiding motion sickness or long hours

When Does Flying Make Sense?

• You’re connecting from other cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
• You’re traveling with elderly companions or infants
• You’re in a hurry and want a quick, low-effort connection to Nha Trang bus station, hotel, or beach

What to Pack & Prepare for the Journey

Weather-Based Packing Guide

Perhaps the most dramatic part of this trip is the weather difference between Nha Trang and Da Lat. Da Lat, in the Central Highlands, is cool and misty,  especially in the mornings and evenings,  while Nha Trang welcomes you to hot, tropical sun.

So, what do you bring?

• For Da Lat: A light jacket, long-sleeve shirts, comfortable pants, and maybe even a scarf — it can drop below 15°C at night!
• For Nha Trang: Think tropical — breathable T-shirts, shorts, sandals, sunglasses, and of course, plenty of sunscreen. The beaches are calling!

Essentials for Motorbike & Bus Travelers

Whether you’re cruising by motorbike or hopping on a bus company sleeper, these essentials are a must:

• Helmet (motorbike rider) – choose DOT-approved protection
• Raincoat or windbreaker – sudden rain showers are common on mountain routes
• Neck pillow & eye mask – essential for the bus ride from Da Lat to Nha Trang
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Earphones – to listen to podcasts, music, or ignore a busmate’s snoring

Tip: Most buses drop off near Nha Trang bus station, so have your hotel address handy to give to the driver for convenient drop-off arrangements.

Passport, ID, and Insurance Checklist

Identification and minimal paperwork are needed when traveling within Vietnam, especially if you’re renting vehicles or spending the night.

• Passport (or at least the scanned copy if you’re on short transport segments)
• Vietnam visa (if necessary)
• International or domestic driver’s license (for motorbike riders)
• Travel insurance that covers road travel and medical treatment

Snacks, Water, Charging Devices

Long journeys, especially by bus or bike from Da Lat to Nha Trang, will leave you drying out or with the munchies at the most inopportune moments. Pack wisely:

• Water bottle (refillable, always)
• Snacks: Dried fruit, peanuts, rice crackers, or banh mi
• Phone charger or power bank – outlets are scarce on bikes and not always present on every bus company
• Portable fan or cooling towel – comes in quite handy once you arrive at Nha Trang’s coastal heat

Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience on Da Lat to Nha Trang Route

Book Early on Weekends and Holidays for Da Lat to Nha Trang Trips

This road is famous for attracting locals and foreign tourists as well, especially during Vietnamese holidays and weekends. Top bus company services (e.g., Phuong Trang, Khanh Phong, Lac Hong Limousine) have sold seats fast from Da Lat to Nha Trang.

• When purchasing tickets, do it in advance, at least 2–3 days ahead of the peak season.
• Watch out for promotion programs — some companies offer return trip discounts or discounts on group bookings.
• Confirm your ticket details, especially the pick-up and drop-off locations, so that there is no confusion on the day of departure.

Avoid Common Travel Scams for Da Lat to Nha Trang Travelers

While most people have trouble-free experiences, one must remain vigilant:

• Book directly at the office of the bus company, their authentic website, or reputable apps such as VeXeRe.
• Do not allow a street vendor to “assist you" in purchasing tickets. Refuse politely and go to the official desk.
• Be careful of inflated or incorrect ticket types at local stations — double-check that your ticket says “Da Lat – Nha Trang," and verify departure times.

Tips at Da Lat and Nha Trang bus stations for Da Lat to Nha Trang Travelers

Terminal layout and services knowledge at both terminals ease your trip:

• Da Lat Bus Stations (such as Phuong Trang at To Hien Thanh): Arrive 20–30 minutes before. Customer service staff are usually able to communicate simple English, and waiting areas are pleasant.
• Nha Trang bus station: Conveniently located and central to hotels, beaches, and city travel. As you arrive here from Da Lat, keep your valuables with you, especially at night.

Pro tip: Most buses and limousines will drop you off near Nha Trang bus station — plan carefully where to stay to minimize transfers.

Local Transport Upon Arrival for Da Lat to Nha Trang

After you have arrived in Nha Trang from Da Lat, it’s time to experience what the city has to offer! The city offers many transport options for every type of traveler:

• Grab app: First port of call for ordering motorbike rides or taxis quickly and safely.
• Xanh SM Electric Cars: A great green solution with flat rates and polite service.
• Motorbike taxis ̣̣(Xe om): Perfect for solo travelers with light bags. Always negotiate the price in advance before boarding.
• Public buses: Inexpensive but limited routes. Look on Google Maps or the BusMap app for schedules.

Conclusion

In the end, the journey from Da Lat to Nha Trang is more than just getting from one city to another; it’s a highlight of any Vietnam odyssey. Whether you travel in one of the comfortable sleeper buses, cruise in a private automobile, or ride the thrilling mountain roads on a motorbike, each one has its charm. Just make sure to plan, appreciate the views, and allow each experience, from the pine ridges of Da Lat to the beaches along  Nha Trang bus station,  to become part of the story that you will never forget.