How do I travel from Buon Ma Thuot to Da Lat?
Published · 4 min read
Quick Answer
Buon Ma Thuot to Da Lat is 200km via QL27, approximately 4-5 hours by bus. Sleeper buses cost 250,000-400,000 VND, departing 6am-8am and 8pm-10pm daily. Major operators: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), Thanh Binh. Motorbike is possible (experienced riders only) — scenic mountain route with multiple passes. Private car/taxi costs 1,5M-2,5M VND. No direct train or flight options.
VERIFIED · MAY 2026 Read below ↓
The Buon Ma Thuot to Da Lat route is one of the Central Highlands’ most scenic journeys — crossing mountain passes, coffee plantations, and pine forests before reaching the “City of Eternal Spring.”
Distance and route
- Distance: 200km via QL27
- Time: 4-5 hours (bus), 5-6 hours (motorbike with stops)
- Route: QL27 southeast through Krong No, Lac Duong, then into Da Lat
- Elevation: climbs from 500m (BMT) to 1,500m (Da Lat)
Bus options (most common)
| Operator | Type | Price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuong Trang (Futa) | Sleeper | 300k-400k VND | 6am, 7am, 8pm, 9pm |
| Thanh Binh | Sleeper | 250k-350k VND | 6:30am, 8:30pm |
| Local minibus | Seated | 200k-250k VND | Hourly 5am-4pm |
Booking:
- Online: futa.vn (Phuong Trang), 12go.asia (aggregator)
- In person: Buon Ma Thuot bus station, travel agencies
- Advance: Not required for day buses; book 1-2 days ahead for sleepers
Bus types:
- Sleeper: Reclining berths (45-degree angle), blanket provided, water included
- Seated: Standard bus seats (less comfortable for 4-5 hour journey)
- Limousine: 9-11 seaters, more legroom, higher price (400k-500k VND)
Motorbike option (experienced riders only)
Route details:
- Follow QL27 southeast from Buon Ma Thuot
- Pass through Krong No district (coffee plantations)
- Climb Prenn Pass (15km of switchbacks)
- Descend into Da Lat valley
Road conditions:
- QL27: Paved, generally good condition
- Prenn Pass: Steep, multiple blind corners, truck traffic
- Fuel stops: Available every 30-50km
Recommended stops:
- Dran town (halfway): Coffee break, fuel
- Prenn Falls viewpoint: Photo opportunity
- Datanla Falls (outskirts of Da Lat): Optional detour
Safety notes:
- Check brakes and tires before departure
- Carry rain jacket (weather changes quickly at elevation)
- Avoid night riding (poor visibility, increased risk)
- Not recommended during rainy season (May-October)
Private car/taxi
- Cost: 1,5M-2,5M VND depending on vehicle type
- Advantages: Door-to-door, flexible departure time, AC
- Booking: Grab (long-distance option), local taxi companies, hotel concierge
- Time: 4 hours (faster than bus, no stops)
No train or flight options
- Train: No railway connection between Buon Ma Thuot and Da Lat (railway closed in 1970s)
- Flight: No airport in Buon Ma Thuot with commercial service to Da Lat (Lien Khuong Airport)
Border checkpoints
- No international borders crossed
- No police checkpoints requiring documentation
- Occasional traffic police speed checks (carry license)
Best time to travel
Dry season (November-April):
- Clear skies, good visibility
- Comfortable temperatures (18-25°C in Da Lat)
- Best for motorbike
Rainy season (May-October):
- Afternoon showers common
- Fog on mountain passes
- Bus recommended over motorbike
Arrival in Da Lat
Bus stations:
- Da Lat Interprovincial Station: 3km from center, taxis available
- Phuong Trang Terminal: Near Xuan Huong Lake, walkable to some hotels
Getting to your hotel:
- Taxi: 50k-100k VND from main station
- Grab: Available, similar pricing
- Hotel pickup: Arrange in advance (some hotels offer free pickup)
Sample itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00am | Depart Buon Ma Thuot (Phuong Trang sleeper) |
| 8:30am | Rest stop at Dran (15 minutes) |
| 10:30am | Arrive Da Lat |
| 11:00am | Check in hotel, explore Xuan Huong Lake |
Cost comparison
| Method | Cost | Time | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper bus | 300k-400k VND | 4-5h | Moderate |
| Seated bus | 200k-250k VND | 4-5h | Basic |
| Motorbike | 150k (fuel) | 5-6h | Tiring |
| Private car | 1,5M-2,5M VND | 4h | Comfortable |
Also asked
Related questions, answered.
Which bus companies run Buon Ma Thuot to Da Lat?
Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) is most reliable — book via futa.vn or app. Thanh Binh also operates this route. Both offer sleeper buses with reclining berths. Tickets: 250k-400k VND depending on seat type.
Is the motorbike route from Buon Ma Thuot to Da Lat safe?
QL27 is paved and generally good condition, but has steep mountain passes (especially near Dran). Only experienced riders should attempt. Allow 5-6 hours with stops. Check brakes before departure. Avoid rainy season (May-October) when roads are slippery.
Where does the bus arrive in Da Lat?
Most buses arrive at Da Lat Interprovincial Bus Station (3km from city center). Phuong Trang has its own terminal near Xuan Huong Lake. From bus station, take taxi (50k-100k VND) or Grab to your hotel.
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