How do I get from Nha Trang to Đà Lạt by bus?
Bus companies: Phương Trang, Thành Bưởi (130k–160k VND). Schedule: Every 30–60 min from 5am–3pm. Travel time: 3.5–4 hours via Khánh Lê mountain pass. Departure: 209 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật (Nha Trang). Arrival: Phương Trang station, Đà Lạt. Book: At counter or via hotel.
Taking the bus from Nha Trang to Đà Lạt is the most popular and budget-friendly option. Here’s everything you need to know.
Bus Companies
Phương Trang (Futa Bus)
Price: 140,000–160,000 VND one-way
Vehicle type: Sleeper bus (40–44 berths)
Schedule: Every 30–60 minutes from 5:00am to 3:00pm
Departure point: 209 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Nha Trang
Arrival point: Phương Trang Station, 292 Hoàng Văn Thụ, Đà Lạt
Features:
- Air-conditioned
- Reclining sleeper berths
- Onboard water
- Blanket provided
- Luggage compartment
Booking: Counter, hotel, or online (12go.asia, Baolau.com)
Thành Bưởi
Price: 130,000–150,000 VND one-way
Vehicle type: Sleeper bus (40–44 berths)
Schedule: Every 30–60 minutes from 5:00am to 3:00pm
Departure point: 37 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Nha Trang
Arrival point: Thành Bưởi Station, Đà Lạt
Features:
- Similar to Phương Trang
- Slightly cheaper
- Reliable service
Booking: Counter or hotel
The Sinh Tourist
Price: 150,000–170,000 VND one-way
Vehicle type: Sleeper bus
Schedule: Fixed departures (6am, 9am, 1pm, 3pm)
Departure point: 28A Nguyễn Thiện Thuật, Nha Trang
Best for: Backpackers, travelers who book multi-city tours
Limousine Van (Premium Option)
Companies: Various (book through hotels)
Price: 200,000–250,000 VND one-way
Vehicle type: 9-seater Mercedes Sprinter
Schedule: On-demand or fixed departures (9am, 1pm, 3pm)
Travel time: 3–3.5 hours (slightly faster, fewer stops)
Features:
- Leather seats (more legroom)
- USB charging ports
- Complimentary water
- Less motion sickness (fewer stops)
Best for: Travelers who value comfort, motion-sickness-prone passengers
Schedule
Bus Departures (Nha Trang → Đà Lạt)
| Time | Company | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00am | Phương Trang, Thành Bưởi | Sleeper |
| 6:00am | All companies | Sleeper |
| 7:00am | All companies | Sleeper |
| 8:00am | All companies | Sleeper |
| 9:00am | All companies | Sleeper |
| 10:00am | Phương Trang, Thành Bưởi | Sleeper |
| 11:00am | Phương Trang, Thành Bưởi | Sleeper |
| 12:00pm | Phương Trang | Sleeper |
| 1:00pm | All companies | Sleeper |
| 2:00pm | Phương Trang, Thành Bưởi | Sleeper |
| 3:00pm | All companies | Last departure |
Note: No buses after 3pm — too dark for safe mountain driving.
The Route: Khánh Lê Mountain Pass
Distance: 130 kilometers
Elevation gain: From sea level to 1,500m
Road condition: Paved, two lanes, well-maintained
Scenery: Coastal plains → tropical forest → mountain云雾 → pine highlands
The pass:
- 30 kilometers of winding mountain roads
- Multiple hairpin turns (“cua tay áo”)
- Scenic viewpoints at the top
- Rest stop with bathrooms and photo ops
Motion sickness warning: This is one of the most winding routes in Vietnam. If you’re prone to carsickness:
- Take motion sickness pills 30 minutes before departure
- Sit in the front of the bus (less sway)
- Look forward, not at your phone
- Consider limousine van (fewer stops, smoother ride)
Booking Your Ticket
In Person (Recommended)
Where: Bus counters on Nguyễn Thiện Thuật street
How: Walk in, show desired date, pay cash
Advantage: Can compare prices and schedules, no booking fees
Tip: Book 1–2 days in advance during peak season (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug)
Through Hotel
How: Ask reception to book for you
Price: Same as counter (no markup) or +10k VND service fee
Advantage: Hotel staff handles everything, sometimes includes pickup
Disadvantage: Limited company options
Online (for foreigners)
Websites: 12go.asia, Baolau.com
Price: 150,000–180,000 VND (slight markup for convenience)
Advantage: Book before arrival, English interface
Disadvantage: Need to print ticket or show QR code at counter
What to Expect Onboard
Before Departure
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Show ticket (paper or phone)
- Staff assigns you a berth number
- Store large backpacks in luggage compartment
Onboard
- Remove shoes before entering sleeper area
- Lie down, pull blanket over legs
- Keep valuables with you (small bag under head)
- Bus is air-conditioned — can be cold
Rest Stop (Midway)
- 10–15 minute break at Khánh Lê pass summit
- Bathrooms (10,000 VND fee, have small change)
- Snacks, coffee, souvenirs
- Photo opportunity of mountain view
Arrival in Đà Lạt
- Bus drops at company station
- Taxis and xe ôm wait outside
- Some hotels offer pickup if arranged in advance
Price Comparison
| Option | Price (VND) | Price (USD) | Time | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper bus | 130k–160k | $5–6.50 | 3.5–4h | Basic |
| Limousine van | 200k–250k | $8–10 | 3–3.5h | Premium |
| Private taxi | 1.2M–1.5M | $48–60 | 3h | Luxury |
| Motorbike (self-ride) | 100k (fuel) | $4 | 4–5h | Adventurous |
Tips for a Comfortable Journey
Before boarding:
- Use bathroom at departure point
- Buy water and snacks (bus stops are overpriced)
- Have small change for bathroom fee
- Download offline maps (no signal on pass)
Onboard:
- Keep jacket handy (AC can be cold)
- Use provided blanket
- Keep phone/camera accessible for photos at rest stop
- Don’t put valuables in luggage compartment
Motion sickness prevention:
- Take pills 30 minutes before departure
- Sit in front berths (less sway)
- Look forward, not at phone
- Consider ginger candies
The verdict
The bus from Nha Trang to Đà Lạt is affordable, frequent, and scenic. Phương Trang and Thành Bưởi are the most reliable companies. Book at the counter or through your hotel.
Best for: Budget travelers, most visitors Tip: Take motion sickness pills if sensitive, and bring a jacket for the air-conditioned bus