How to Get from Hoi An to Nha Trang | Bus, Train, Plane & Car
Hoi An to Nha Trang Journey
Are you planning to travel from Hoi An to Nha Trang and wondering what’s the best way to get there? Let me guide you. These two Vietnamese cities, while very different, are must-see destinations.
Hoi An, with its peaceful atmosphere and charming streets, contrasts beautifully with Nha Trang, a bustling coastal city known for its stunning beaches and idyllic islands. But how do you connect these two destinations, separated by 508 km? Here’s a guide to making this journey stress-free.
Distance Between Hoi An and Nha Trang
So, how many kilometers separate Hoi An and Nha Trang? No surprise here: it’s quite a journey. To be exact, we’re talking about 508 km. Hoi An, located in central Vietnam in Quang Nam province, and Nha Trang, famous for its beaches and islands, are situated in very different parts of the country. Be prepared for a trip that takes around 9 hours, or even overnight depending on your choice of transport.
Speaking of transport, choosing the right mode of travel is key, especially if you want to avoid arriving completely drained. The most popular options to travel from Hoi An to Nha Trang include plane, bus, and train. I’ll break them down for you below.
The Best Ways to Travel from Hoi An to Nha Trang
Traveling between Hoi An and Nha Trang, two must-visit destinations in Vietnam, offers several transport options. Among the most popular choices are plane, train, and bus, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s explore them further!
1. Train from Hoi An to Nha Trang
If you have a bit more time and prefer to travel at a relaxed pace, taking the train is an excellent option to reach Nha Trang. Trains depart from Da Nang Railway Station, which means you’ll first need to cover the 30 km distance from Hoi An to Da Nang. But once on board, the experience is well worth it.
A train journey between Da Nang and Nha Trang takes an average of 10 hours. And to be honest, the time spent on the train can be an advantage: you can relax, sleep, or simply enjoy the beautiful Vietnamese landscapes passing by your window.
Traveling by train also offers more flexibility in terms of comfort and cost. There are two main options to choose from:
1. Vietnam Railways Trains, which offer different levels of comfort:
- • Hard seats (for budget-conscious travelers).
- • Soft seats (a bit more comfortable).
- • Sleeper berths (ideal for overnight journeys).
2. Private Trains, which focus on sleeper berths. These trains are generally more modern, clean, and offer superior comfort compared to standard trains, while remaining significantly cheaper than a plane ticket.
Train Fares for Da Nang to Nha Trang
The cost of train tickets varies depending on the level of comfort you choose, making it a great option for both budget travelers and those seeking a bit more luxury on their journey.
| Train | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Soft Seats | 4-Bed Sleeper | 6-Bed Sleeper |
| SE1 | 12:47 | 22:35 | 9h 48m | 514,000 VND | 750,000 VND | 841,000 VND |
| SE3 | 11:29 | 21:32 | 10h 03m | 486,000 VND | 777,000 VND | 796,000 VND |
| SE21 | 08:00 | 18:36 | 10h 36m | 449,000 VND | 795,000 VND | 814,000 VND |
| SE7 | 23:27 | 09:46 | 10h 19m | 527,000 VND | 809,000 VND | 895,000 VND |
| SE5 | 08:51 | 20:05 | 11h 14m | 427,000 VND | 824,000 VND | 844,000 VND |
| Violette Trains SE1 (Private) | 12:47 | 22:35 | 9h 48m | 1,400,000 VND | ||
| Violette Trains SE3 (Private) | 11:29 | 21:32 | 10h 03m | 1,400,000 VND |
2. Bus from Hoi An to Nha Trang
The bus is the cheapest and most direct way to travel from Hoi An to Nha Trang. With an average fare of around €11 per person, it’s an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. Plus, you won’t need to detour through Da Nang or other cities to start your journey. If you’re looking for a practical and affordable transport option, the bus is an obvious choice.
In Hoi An, finding a bus to Nha Trang is very straightforward. Several buses, often sleeper buses, depart daily. This allows you to relax and even sleep during the approximately 11-hour journey. Among the most well-known operators, Hanh Café and The Sinh Tourist offer reliable services, each with one bus equipped with 41 comfortable sleeper berths.
• If you’ve been following my site, you probably know that buses in Vietnam are not exactly my favorite mode of transport. My experiences with this option have never been particularly pleasant: drivers often speed and speak loudly, which can test your patience. But it’s a good way to save money.
The Sinh Tourist
Address: 646 Hai Ba Trung Street – Hoi An
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price (VND) |
| 18:15 | 05:00 | 10h45 | 299,000 VND |
Hanh Café
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Arrival Stop | Price (VND) |
| 17:45 | 05:00 | 11h15 | 106 Phong Chau, Nha Trang | 364,650 VND |
| 17:45 | 04:30 | 10h45 | Panorama Nha Trang Hotel | 364,650 VND |
| 17:45 | 04:30 | 10h45 | 53 Le Thanh Phuong, Nha Trang | 364,650 VND |
3. Hoi An to Nha Trang by Plane
Flying between Da Nang and Nha Trang might seem like the fastest option. However, the reality is often different. Why? Most flights include a layover in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, significantly extending the total travel time.
The shortest flight takes about 1 hour, but in most cases, you should plan for 4 hours, including the layover. Moreover, direct flights are very limited: typically only one per day, and not even every day.
Flights to Nha Trang depart from Da Nang Airport and arrive at Cam Ranh Airport. To get to Da Nang Airport from Hoi An, you’ll need to travel about 30 km. If you need assistance organizing this leg of your trip, I recommend checking out my detailed article on traveling from Hoi An to Da Nang.
On this route, Vietnam Airlines is the only airline offering direct flights between Da Nang and Nha Trang, with about 20 flights per day. Known for its high-quality service, this airline has been a reliable choice for travelers for over 20 years.
Prices range from €50 (for a direct flight) to €150 (with a stopover in Hanoi or Saigon). Most flights are priced around €120.
Highlights:
- International 4-star service reputation.
- Professional and attentive crews.
- Modern aircraft ensuring safety and comfort.
Minor drawback: The check-in process can be a bit time-consuming, although recent improvements have made it more efficient.
4. Hoi An to Nha Trang by Private Car
If your budget allows, opting for a private car to travel from Hoi An to Nha Trang is an excellent idea. This mode of transport offers unmatched comfort and, most importantly, great flexibility.
With a private car, you’re in charge of your itinerary. You can plan stops wherever and whenever you like, whether it’s to admire a scenic view, visit a site along the way, or simply take a coffee break. It’s perfect if you enjoy traveling at your own pace without being tied to strict schedules.
Of course, this option is more expensive than alternatives like the bus or train, but it’s ideal for travelers looking for a personalized and stress-free service.
One of the best private car service providers in Hoi An is Hoi An Transport Service, run by Olivier.
Prices for a Private Car Between Hoi An and Nha Trang
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) |
| 4-seater car | 6,000,000 VND |
| 7-seater car | 6,200,000 VND |
My Opinion
Having tested all modes of transport, I strongly recommend the train, especially the ones departing at 12:47 PM or 11:27 PM.
If you’re lucky enough to find a direct flight, go for it! The prices are reasonable, and it saves you valuable travel time.
As for the bus, it’s the last option I would choose, especially now that I’m traveling with a child.
