How do I get from Nha Trang to Đà Lạt?

Traveling from Nha Trang to Đà Lạt is a popular route — you’re going from the coast to the Central Highlands, gaining 1,500 meters in elevation along one of Vietnam’s most scenic mountain passes.

Bus options

Sleeper Bus (Standard)

Companies: Phương Trang, Thành Bưởi, The Sinh Tourist

Price: 130,000–160,000 VND ($5–6.50 USD)

Travel time: 3.5–4 hours

Schedule: Departures every 30–60 minutes from 5:00am to 3:00pm

Comfort: Reclining sleeper berths (lie flat), air-conditioned, onboard water

Capacity: 40–44 passengers

Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers

Departure points in Nha Trang:

• Phương Trang: 209 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật
• Thành Bưởi: 37 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật
• The Sinh Tourist: 28A Nguyễn Thiện Thuật

Limousine Van (Premium)

Companies: Various (often booked through hotels)

Price: 200,000–250,000 VND ($8–10 USD)

Travel time: 3–3.5 hours (slightly faster, fewer stops)

Schedule: On-demand or fixed departures (9am, 1pm, 3pm)

Comfort: 9-seater Mercedes Sprinter, leather seats, more legroom, USB charging

Capacity: 9 passengers

Best for: Couples, travelers who value comfort, motion-sickness-prone passengers (fewer stops = less nausea)

The route: Khánh Lê Mountain Pass

Distance: 130 kilometers

Elevation gain: From sea level (Nha Trang) to 1,500m (Đà Lạt)

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
• Choose a limousine van (fewer stops, smoother ride)

Booking your ticket

In person (recommended)

Where: Travel agencies on Nguyễn Thiện Thuật street (backpacker area)

How: Walk in, show your desired date, pay cash

Advantage: Can compare prices and schedules across multiple counters

Tip: Book 1–2 days in advance during peak season (December–February, June–August)

Through your 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 from your door

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 you arrive, English interface

Disadvantage: Need to print ticket or show QR code at counter

Departure times

What to expect on the bus

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
• 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

Alternative: Private taxi

Price: 1,200,000–1,500,000 VND ($48–60 USD) per car

Capacity: 4 passengers

Best for: Families, groups, travelers with lots of luggage

Advantage: Door-to-door, flexible departure time, can stop for photos

Booking: Through hotels or taxi companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun)

The verdict

The bus from Nha Trang to Đà Lạt is affordable, frequent, and scenic. Choose a sleeper bus for budget travel or a limousine van for comfort.

Best for: All travelers — this is the standard route Tip: Take motion sickness pills if sensitive, and bring a jacket for the mountain rest stop