How to Get from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat?

Da Lat is a stunning tourist city located on the Lam Vien plateau in Lam Dong province. Its charming beauty and cool weather leave visitors with unforgettable feelings. Da Lat is about 370 km north of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), and there are various means of transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat.

1. From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by local bus

Most of the buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat are sleeping buses, and there are many to choose from.

• Price: 210.000 – 290.000 VND/pax – depends on a bus company
• Travel time: 7 – 8 hours
• Departure time: Earliest at 5.40 AM and latest at 12.00 AM. The bus is available every 1 hour
• Departure point: Mien Tay Bus station or at bus offices in Saigon
• Drop-off point: Da Lat bus station or bus offices in Dat Lat
• Advantages: cheap tickets, easy to book, suitable for young tourists who love to discover the local life
• Disadvantages: Take a taxi between hotels and bus stations. In case of a broken bus, you may miss your travel plan

>>> Some bus companies for reference: Phuong Trang Bus, Thanh Buoi Bus, The Sinh Tourist bus

2. From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by high-quality bus

Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for high-end vehicles due to the improved quality of life. In recent years, luxurious limousines have emerged with modern interiors and top-notch amenities. Many Limousine companies now run from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat offering high-quality services at reasonable prices.

• Price: 200.000 – 400.000/pax
• Travel time: 6-7 hours
• Departure time: from 8.00 AM to 23.00
• Advantages: beautiful and clean bus, not stopping to pick up more clients. Guarantee the route and plan.
• Disadvantages: Not proactive in time, still have to take a taxi between the hotel and pick up and drop off point

>>> Reference to book the bus: vexere.com

Some bus companies:

Phong Phu bus

• Price: 450.000 VND
• Tel:  1900 9222
• Departure time: From 5.00 AM – 11.00 PM
• Pick-up point: Gigamall Pham Van Dong
• Drop off point: Da Lat Post Office area

Lac Hong bus

• Price: 300.000 - 450.000 VND
• Tel: 0967 835 875
• Departure time: From 5.00 AM – 11.00 PM
• Pick-up point: Ho Chi Minh City Center area
• Drop off point: Big C Da Lat and Da Lat City center area

3. From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by motorbike

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by motorbike has become a popular choice in recent years. Due to the long distance, it is recommended to divide the journey into smaller sections of around 100km and take breaks in between. It is advisable to start the journey early as the road from the city to Dong Nai can get very crowded in the morning. Also, delays are common while traveling to Bao Loc around noon. The section of the Bao Loc pass can be quite dangerous, especially during the rainy season. It is important to avoid reaching the pass late in the evening as rain is frequent during this time and can make the journey extremely hazardous.

• Motorbike rental price: 12 – 15 USD/day -  not including the gasoline
• Travel route: Saigon – Bien Hoa – National Road 1A – T Junction Dau Giay – National Road 20 – Bao Loc Pass – Prenn Pass – Da Lat
• Travel time: 8 – 10 hours
• Advantages: Proactive in time, saves cost, could stop anytime, anywhere on the route to relax and take photos
• Disadvantages: Long distances, Winding roads, many sharp turns, and blinding turns make it very difficult for the behind vehicles to see ahead and may cause accidents.

Reference to rent motorbike in Saigon:

Flamingo Travel in Ho Chi Minh city
Add: 30A Do Quang Dau, Pham Ngu Lao ward, district 1, HCMC.
Tel: +84 (0) 98 675 1020
Web: flamingotravel.com.vn

Thanh Dat motorbike
Add: 115/21 Le Van Sy, Ward 13, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC.
Tel: 0909 269 732 - 0908 959 723 - 0384 076 835
Web: chothuexemayhcm.com

4. From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by flight

This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat. Many airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, or Bamboo Airway, are exploiting this route, with relatively cheap costs and many different flight times. This is the optimal choice for travelers.

• Airfare: from 1.100.000 VND – 2.000.000 VND. Depends on airlines and air ticket class
• Travel time: 1 hour
• Departure time: 7 flights per day, earliest at 6.25 AM and latest at 6.20 PM
• Departure Terminal: Tan Son Nhat Airport
• Arrival Terminal: Lien Khuong Airport – about 30km from the city. It takes 40 minutes by taxi and costs about 400.000 - 500.000 VND taxi fare
• Advantages: fast, safe, save time for traveling activities
• Disadvantages: the airport is far from the city, and it takes time to move between hotels and the airport and check-in time. If the flight is delayed, it will affect your travel plan.

5. From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by private car

Many tourists choose this option when they visit Dalat. Going from Saigon to Da Lat by family car or renting a private car will help you move freely around and be more proactive in time. In addition, you have the opportunity to stop to visit famous tourist destinations on the way, such as Linh Quy Phap An Sky Gate, which you will not be able to experience if traveling by public transportation.

• Price: 2.500.000 VND/day – 4-7 seat car for 2 day/1night program
• Travel time: 6 hours
• Advantages: It is proactive in time, guarantees the travel plan, has a private space, and allows you to stop anytime, anywhere to relax and take photos.
• Disadvantages: high cost.

>>> Reference to book the private car in Vietnam

Learn more about Da Lat journey:

• Is There The Best Time to Visit Da Lat?
• 10 Best Da Lat Restaurants For A Perfect Culinary Journey
• Dalat's Food Highlights - Top 10 Must-try Eats
• Top 10 Things to Do in Dalat
• Discover Pongour waterfall in Dalat