How to Get from Da Nang to Nha Trang: All Routes with Prices and Our Experience

Planning to swap Da Nang's calm atmosphere for Nha Trang's bustling energy? This is a classic route for travelers and vacationers in Vietnam. If you haven't traveled this path yet, we hasten to reassure you: getting from Da Nang to Nha Trang is as easy as pie, and you have plenty to choose from — from a quick flight to a budget trip with coastal views.

The distance of about 530 km can be covered by plane, train, or bus. In this article, we will not only list the options but also share personal lifehacks: where to buy tickets without markups, how to get to stations and airports comfortably, and which way we choose in different situations.

Brief overview: how to travel from Da Nang to Nha Trang

So you can immediately assess the options, here is our comparison table, compiled based on recent trips.

Our opinion: If your goal is to quickly find yourself on Nha Trang beach, choose the plane. If you want to save money and feel the country, and you have time, then a night train or bus will be a great adventure. The daytime train is for fans of leisurely travel and beautiful photos from the window.

Plane from Da Nang to Nha Trang ✈

This is our choice when we want to use vacation time as efficiently as possible. Direct flights from Da Nang Airport (DAD) to Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) are operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways several times a day. You will spend just over an hour in the air.

Practical details: from departure to arrival

• Where to search and book tickets

  Prices start from 1-1.5 million VND. We always compare offers on aggregators Aviasales and Trip.com. They show options from all airlines, including connecting flights (although there are enough direct ones).

• How to get to Da Nang Airport

  The airport is located within the city, which is a huge plus. Options:

  • Taxi (Grab, Mai Linh, Vinasun): The most convenient way. A trip from the My Khe beach area will cost 70,000–100,000 VND (15-20 minutes). Fix the price in the Grab app.
  • City bus: The most economical. Buses No.06 and No.10 go to the airport. The cost is only 8,000 VND. This is a great option if you are traveling light.
  • Pre-ordered transfer: Convenient for a family or a large group with luggage. Can be ordered through the hotel or via Kiwitaxi.

• How to leave Cam Ranh Airport for Nha Trang

  The airport is 30 km from the center of Nha Trang. Upon arrival:

  • Taxi (Grab, Mai Linh): Optimal. A trip to a hotel in the center will cost about 400,000 VND (15.21 USD), travel time 45-60 minutes.
  • Bus: Savings by many times. The airport shuttle to Dat Moi station costs 65,000 VND, from there you can take a taxi. There is also a comfortable VinBus No.16-2 for 50,000 VND.
  • Transfer: If booked in advance, the driver will meet you with a sign.

Our verdict: Flying is the undisputed leader in speed. When we are short on time or see a profitable promotion, we choose it. The 8-9 hour difference saved on the road is worth the small additional expenses.

Train from Da Nang to Nha Trang 🚆

Train travel is an opportunity to see central Vietnam without haste. The route follows the famous "Reunification Express" line, and the views from the window, especially in the first half of the journey while you are still not far from Da Nang, are simply stunning. You will spend about 9-10 hours on the road.

All you need to know about trains

• Car classes and our recommendations

  • Soft Sleeper (4-berth compartment): The best choice for an overnight journey. There is air conditioning, power outlets, you can lie down at full length. Price Da Nang-Nha Trang — from 700,000 VND (26.61 USD).
  • Hard Sleeper (6-berth compartment): 20-30% cheaper, but berths in three tiers, the top one is very low. Suitable for budget travelers.
  • Soft Seat: Acceptable for a daytime trip if you don't mind sitting for a long time. Hard Seat — only for the very hardy and curious, it's a deep dive into the local flavor.

• Where to buy tickets and schedule

  1. 12go.asia — a lifesaver for tourists. Has Russian language, electronic tickets, payment by card (except Russian). There is a markup, but it's worth it.
  2. Official Vietnam Railways website (dsvn.vn) — cheaper, but the interface is complicated, Russian cards don't work, and not even all foreign ones work. However, this has the most complete schedule.
  3. Ticket office at Da Nang Station — the cheapest option. The station is located in the center (on the map). Buy 1-2 days before the trip.
  4. Travel agencies in Da Nang — convenient if you don't want to figure it out yourself. The markup is usually small.

  Important from our experience: Tickets, especially for sleeping berths, sell out quickly. Don't leave the purchase until the last day, especially during the high season (December-January) and for Friday/Sunday departures.

• Stations: departure and arrival

  In Da Nang: The railway station is on Hai Phong St. (railway station on the map). You can get there by Grab taxi (from 80,000 VND from the tourist area) or by bus No.05.

  In Nha Trang: The station is very conveniently located, practically in the city center (on the map). From here, you can walk to many hotels on the embankment, or take a taxi for 30,000-50,000 VND.

Our verdict: A night train in Soft Sleeper is the ideal balance of savings, comfort, and time. You don't spend daytime hours on the road and save on one hotel night. Choose the daytime train if you are willing to sacrifice time for beautiful shots of the mountainous coast.

Bus from Da Nang to Nha Trang 🚌

This is the most budget-friendly way, which also often allows you to save a whole day in a hotel thanks to the night journey. Many companies operate on the Da Nang-Nha Trang route, offering night sleeper buses (Sleeper Bus) and more expensive and comfortable VIP ones. Travel time — 10-12 hours.

Practice: from ticket purchase to arrival

• Main carriers and where to look

  Trusted companies operate: Futa Bus Lines, The Sinh Tourist, Hanh Cafe. The price starts from 380,000 VND (14.45 USD). Departure is usually in the evening (19:00-23:00), arrival in Nha Trang early in the morning (6:00-8:00).

• Where to buy tickets in Da Nang

  • 12go.asia — a convenient online aggregator with reviews. Payment with foreign card.
  • Futa Bus Lines website: futabus.vn — this carrier often has a free transfer from the center of Da Nang to its office/bus station.
  • Da Nang Central Bus Station: (on the map). You need to visit several ticket offices to compare prices and departure times.
  • Travel agencies in the tourist area: Convenient, but compare prices. Caution with Russian-speaking offices — the markup may be unreasonably high.

• Where buses depart from and arrive

  In Da Nang: Most intercity buses depart from the Central Bus Station. You can get there by Grab taxi (from 100,000 VND) or by city bus No.16.

  In Nha Trang: The main arrival point for long-distance buses is the new Nha Trang Southern Interprovincial Bus Station, which is far from the center (on the map). A taxi to the center will cost from 160,000 VND (6.08 USD).

  Key point: Many companies (such as Futa) provide a free minivan from this bus station to your hotel in central Nha Trang! Be sure to inquire and book this service when purchasing your ticket.

Our verdict: The night sleeper bus is real savings. The main thing is to choose a reliable carrier and be prepared for a winding road and a sleepless night. For people taller than 185 cm, it may be a bit cramped.

What to choose? Final recommendations

Based on our personal experience of dozens of trips, here's how we would make a decision:

• "Time is money": Your option is a morning or afternoon plane. You will gain a whole day for rest in Nha Trang.
• "I want both to save and to be comfortable": Take the night train in a Soft Sleeper compartment. Fell asleep after dinner in Da Nang, woke up for breakfast already in Nha Trang.
• "Budget is minimal, but adventures — please": Your path is the night VIP Sleeper Bus. Savings on transport and accommodation, and in the morning you are already in a new place.
• "I am a photographer/curious tourist, I have plenty of time": Try the daytime train. Charge your power bank, take a good book, and enjoy the views.

Regardless of your choice, book tickets in advance. This is especially important for trains and popular evening buses on Friday and Sunday.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How much does a taxi cost from Da Nang center to the airport?

  A taxi ride (Grab or Mai Linh by meter) from the tourist area (My Khe beach) to Da Nang Airport will cost 70,000–100,000 VND (2.66 - 3.8 USD). Travel time 15-25 minutes.

• Can I buy a ticket for Futa bus from Da Nang to Nha Trang on the spot, on the day of departure?

  Usually yes, but it's risky, especially in the evening. Seats on popular night departures sell out quickly. We recommend buying at least a day in advance, ideally 2-3 days. You can do this at their office in Da Nang or online.

• Are there direct daytime buses from Da Nang to Nha Trang?

  Yes, but there are significantly fewer of them than night ones. A daytime departure is usually a seated bus, and a 10-12 hour trip in it will be quite tiring. The night sleeper bus on this route is a more logical and popular choice.

• What to take with you on a night bus or train?

  Mandatory items: a sweater or hoodie (air conditioners work at maximum), earplugs and sleep mask, water bottle, wet wipes. On the train, you can take a snack; on the bus, they usually make sanitary stops at shops and cafes for 20-30 minutes.

Whichever path you choose, the road from Da Nang to Nha Trang will become a bright episode of your Vietnamese journey. Have a good trip!

Transport schedule from Da Nang to Nha Trang 📅