How to get from Da Nang to Nha Trang | Bus, Plane, Train, Car
The trip from Da Nang to Nha Trang is a bit of a classic for anyone heading slowly down south. Two major coastal cities, well connected, but not exactly next door – you still have to cover a bit more than 500 km.
I’ve had the chance to try several options for this route – some convenient, others honestly quite painful. In this article, I’ll break down the different transport options, including travel times, prices, and most importantly, what you can realistically expect from each one.
If you’re looking for straightforward info to help you pick the best option without wasting time, you’re in the right place.
Distance Between Da Nang and Nha Trang
It’s about 530 km from Da Nang to Nha Trang if you follow the National Route 1A. Whether you take the train or the bus, the trip might feel long, but it’s doable within a day or overnight, depending on the option you go with.
What to keep in mind:
- By road, expect around 10 to 12 hours of travel time.
- By train, it’s a bit faster depending on the type of ticket you choose.
- By plane, the flight itself is barely an hour, but you’ll need to add transfer time, check-in, and airport waiting.
In short, it’s not the shortest trip in Vietnam, but it’s definitely manageable. Let’s go over the main options one by one.
Overview of Transport Options from Da Nang to Nha Trang
Here’s a summary table of the main ways to make the trip – including travel time, price range, pros and cons – to help you make a clear and informed choice:
| Mode of Transport | Duration | Approx. Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 8–10 hrs | 400,000 – 1,000,000 VND | Comfortable, scenic, low stress | Long, best with sleeper seat |
| Bus | 10–12 hrs | 300,000 – 500,000 VND | Cheap, frequent departures | Tiring, strong AC, safety varies |
| Plane | 1h flight / 4–5h total | 800,000 – 1,500,000 VND | Fast, convenient if connecting | Transfers needed, price varies |
| Car / Motorbike | 9–11 hrs | Varies (fuel / driver) | Flexible, scenic, more freedom | Tiring, weather-dependent |
From Da Nang to Nha Trang by Train
For me, the train is one of the most practical ways to get from Da Nang to Nha Trang. You depart from Da Nang’s main station and arrive directly at Nha Trang station, right in the city center. No need for a taxi or extra transfer – stress-free.
The journey takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on the train. There are several departures every day, from early morning to late evening.
Ticket types:
- Hard seat: cheap, but definitely not ideal for a long trip like this.
- Soft seat: decent, but not great if you want to sleep.
- 6-berth sleeper (hard sleeper): a solid compromise.
- 4-berth sleeper (soft sleeper): the best option if you want comfort, especially for an overnight ride.
Vietnamese trains are usually on time, fairly clean, and you can read, nap, or just enjoy the scenery – you’ll pass through rural areas and stretches of coastline. It’s a nice way to travel.
✅ My tip: book a soft sleeper if you want a peaceful trip, especially if you’re traveling at night. Skip the hard seats unless you’re really on a tight budget.
Train Times & Prices – Da Nang to Nha Trang
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Seats & Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE1 | 12h47 | 22h35 | 9h48 | Soft seat : 535,000VND 6-berth : 854,000 VND 4-berth : 940,000 VND |
| SE3 | 11h29 | 21h32 | 10h04 | 6-berth : 777,000 VND 4-berth : 796,000 VND |
| SE5 | 08h51 | 20h05 | 11h14 | Soft seat : 427,000 VND 6-berth : 824,000 VND 4-berth : 844,000 VND |
| SE11 | 16h13 | 02h32 | 10h19 | Soft seat : 503,000 VND 6-berth : 814,000 VND 4-berth : 862,000 VND |
| SE21 | 08h00 | 18h36 | 10h36 | Soft seat : 449,000VND 4-berth : 918,000VND |
From Da Nang to Nha Trang by Bus
Taking the bus from Da Nang to Nha Trang might sound like a good idea if you’re on a tight budget – but let’s be honest: it’s long, often tiring, and not always reliable. Sleeper buses have angled beds, not flat ones, and there’s not much room to move. It’s manageable if you’re small or flexible, but not exactly comfortable.
Duration: around 10 to 12 hours, depending on the company and number of stops.
Price: approximately 370,000 VND with Futa Bus, one of the better bus companies in Vietnam.
What to expect:
- Some buses leave in the evening and arrive early in the morning – you save a night of accommodation, but not always a good night’s sleep.
- The aircon is usually on full blast, so bring a blanket or sweater.
- Restroom stops can be unpredictable.
- As for road safety… let’s say it’s not their top priority.
✅ My take: avoid it if you’re a light sleeper or have back issues. It can work if you have no better option or if your budget is very tight – but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Bus Times & Prices – Da Nang to Nha Trang
| Company | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Futa Bus | 19:00 | 05:00 | 10h00 | 370,000 VND |
| Futa Bus | 20:40 | 06:40 | 10h00 | 370,000 VND |
| Futa Bus | 20:00 | 07:00 | 11h00 | 370,000 VND |
From Da Nang to Nha Trang by Plane
There are direct flights between Da Nang (DAD) and Nha Trang (CXR – Cam Ranh), operated mainly by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air. The flight itself takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, but once you add airport transfer, check-in, waiting time, and baggage claim, you’re looking at a 4 to 5-hour journey in total.
Prices can start as low as 500,000 VND with VietJet Air (a low-cost airline). With Vietnam Airlines, it’s not uncommon for prices to go up to 1,500,000 or even 2,500,000 VND, especially in high season or if you book last-minute. If you’re traveling with checked luggage, make sure to check what’s included in the fare – low-cost carriers often charge extra.
Keep in mind that Cam Ranh Airport is located 35 km from Nha Trang city center, so you’ll also need to factor in time and cost for the transfer (about 200,000 to 300,000 VND by taxi or shared shuttle).
✅ My take: if you find a good deal, go for it. But for a trip of around 500 km, the train or even a sleeper bus can be just as efficient – especially if you’re already in downtown Da Nang.
From Da Nang to Nha Trang by Car or Motorbike
Doing the trip from Da Nang to Nha Trang on your own is totally doable. The distance is around 500 to 520 km, depending on your chosen route, and it usually takes between 9 and 11 hours. You’ll mostly follow National Road 1A, with a few scenic detours if you’ve got time to spare.
A private car with driver is the most comfortable option if you’re traveling with others. You can leave when it suits you and stop along the way to explore places like Sa Huynh, Tuy Hoa, or even Quy Nhon if you decide to break the journey into parts.
By motorbike, you’ll need to be well-prepared. It’s long, tiring at times, and some road sections aren’t in great shape – especially in rainy weather. That said, if you’re up for it, the coastal sections can be stunning.
✅ My take: go for a private car if you’re traveling as a group or want a more relaxed pace. It’s a solid compromise between comfort and flexibility. As for the motorbike – only if you’ve got experience with long-distance rides in Vietnam.
Practical Info for Planning Your Trip
- Train – I recommend booking in advance, especially during high season. The best sleeper berths get taken quickly. You can book easily through platforms like 12go.asia. Double-check the schedule – it can change depending on the time of year.
- Bus – Use Vexere.com to avoid unpleasant surprises. It has reviews for each company, so you can skip the sketchy ones. Be aware that some booking sites charge high commissions – always compare prices.
- Plane – Keep an eye out for deals with VietJet, Bamboo Airways, or Vietnam Airlines. Also, check what’s included in your fare: a ticket might look cheap at first, but can climb fast once you add baggage fees.
- Private car – I recommend Hoi An Transport Service. It’s a reliable company with fixed pricing – everything is included (tolls, fuel, driver). A great option if you want to travel at your own pace without worrying about logistics.
One last tip: for long-distance travel in Vietnam, avoid last-minute departures. The vibe might be relaxed here, but when it comes to transportation, planning ahead makes all the difference.
My Opinion
I’ve done the Da Nang – Nha Trang trip several times, and honestly, the train has left the best impression each time. It’s not perfect, but it’s simple, affordable, and way more comfortable than a night bus or spending hours hanging around an airport.
As for the bus, I’ve been there. Too many unexpected issues, too noisy, and not much rest. Even with a decent company like Futa, it’s still not something I’d recommend unless you have no other choice.
The plane? It can work – but only if you get a good deal and don’t mind the transfers. In the end, it’s not always faster, especially if you’re starting from Da Nang city center.
Now, if you’ve got time and a bit of budget, a private car is a great option – especially if you want to stop along the way. With two or three people, it’s actually a very cost-effective and relaxing way to travel.
In short:
- → Take the train if you want the best balance of comfort and price.
- → Go for a private car if flexibility is what you’re after.
- → The rest? Only if you really have to.
