Is there a bus from Cam Ranh airport to Nha Trang?
Yes, two bus options: (1) Airport shuttle bus: 100k–150k VND, hourly 6am–8pm, hotel drop-off on Trần Phú. (2) Public bus #19: 70k VND, runs 5:30am–6pm, multiple stops including chợ Đầm. Travel time: 60–70 minutes. Best for: Solo travelers, budget backpackers.
Yes, there are two bus options from Cam Ranh International Airport to Nha Trang city — an airport shuttle bus and a public city bus. Both are significantly cheaper than taxis but take longer due to multiple stops.
Airport Shuttle Bus (Recommended for most travelers)
Price: 100,000–150,000 VND per person ($4–6 USD)
Schedule: Hourly departures from 6:00am to 8:00pm
Travel time: 60–70 minutes
Route: Cam Ranh Airport → Trần Phú beach road (multiple hotel stops)
Booking: Counter inside arrivals hall, or book through your hotel in advance
How it works:
- Buy ticket at the airport shuttle counter (look for “Airport Bus” or “Shuttle Bus” signs)
- Show your hotel address on Trần Phú street
- Board the mini-bus (16–29 seats, air-conditioned)
- Driver drops you at or near your hotel
Pros:
- Cheap (1/3 the price of a taxi)
- Hotel drop-off (no need to drag luggage)
- Air-conditioned comfort
- Safe and reliable
Cons:
- Slower than taxi (multiple stops)
- Limited schedule (no late-night departures)
- May need to walk 1–2 blocks from your exact hotel
Public Bus #19 (Budget option)
Price: 70,000 VND per person ($2.80 USD)
Schedule: 5:30am to 6:00pm (approximately every 30 minutes)
Travel time: 70–80 minutes
Route: Airport → Highway 1 → North Nha Trang → City Center → Chợ Đầm Market
Stops in Nha Trang:
- Northern city entrance (Vĩnh Phước)
- Nguyễn Thiện Thuật street
- Bạch Đằng street
- Chợ Đầm market (final stop)
How to ride:
- Exit the airport terminal
- Walk 50 meters to the public bus stop (marked with “Bus #19” sign)
- Pay driver in cash when boarding (have exact change if possible)
- Tell driver your destination — they’ll announce your stop
Pros:
- Cheapest option (70k VND)
- Frequent departures
- Authentic local experience
- Runs earlier than shuttle bus (starts 5:30am)
Cons:
- No air conditioning (open windows only)
- Can be crowded
- No luggage storage
- Doesn’t drop at hotels
- Stops running at 6pm
Schedule comparison
| Time | Airport Shuttle | Public Bus #19 |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30am | — | ✓ |
| 6:00am | ✓ | ✓ |
| 7:00am | ✓ | ✓ |
| 8:00am | ✓ | ✓ |
| 9:00am | ✓ | ✓ |
| 10:00am | ✓ | ✓ |
| 11:00am | ✓ | ✓ |
| Noon | ✓ | ✓ |
| 1:00pm | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2:00pm | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3:00pm | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4:00pm | ✓ | ✓ |
| 5:00pm | ✓ | ✓ |
| 6:00pm | ✓ | Last bus |
| 7:00pm | ✓ | — |
| 8:00pm | Last bus | — |
When buses don’t work
Arrive after 8pm? Your only options are:
- Taxi (350k–450k VND)
- Grab (280k–380k VND)
- Pre-arranged hotel pickup (prices vary)
Heavy luggage? Take the airport shuttle or taxi. Public bus #19 has no dedicated luggage space.
Traveling in a group of 3+? A taxi or Grab becomes cost-effective. Split 400k VND taxi fare 3 ways = 133k VND per person (only slightly more than bus).
Booking tips
Airport shuttle:
- Book at the counter inside arrivals hall
- Have your hotel address written in Vietnamese (show booking confirmation on phone)
- Pay in cash (VND)
- Mini-buses are comfortable but can fill up during peak season
Public bus #19:
- Have exact change (70,000 VND)
- Keep your backpack with you (no luggage compartment)
- Press the bell or tell driver when you want to get off
- Not recommended during rainy season (open windows, no AC)
The verdict
The airport bus is a viable, budget-friendly option for solo travelers and backpackers arriving during daytime hours. The airport shuttle offers the best balance of price and comfort.
Best for: Solo travelers, budget backpackers, daytime arrivals Skip if: You arrive after 8pm, have heavy luggage, or are traveling in a group of 3+ (taxi becomes cost-effective)