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Finished your holiday on the beaches of Da Nang and it's time to head to the bustling, energetic Ho Chi Minh City? Or do you need to go south to connect with an international flight? The route from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City is well-established, and there are plenty of options. We have covered these 800 km many times and are ready to share the most up-to-date experience.
Ahead of you is a journey from a calm resort center to Vietnam's largest metropolis. The choice of transport, as always, boils down to three pillars: time, comfort, and budget. In this article, we will examine each method thoroughly, with specific prices, departure points, and our personal recommendations.
Useful links for trip planning:
Comparison of All Methods: Quick Summary
To get your bearings quickly, here is our comparison table with data relevant for 2025.
| Method | Travel Time | Approximate Price (one way) | Main Pros | Main Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plane | ~1.5 h + travel to airports | from 1,200,000 dong (45.59 USD) | Speed, comfort, several flights per day | The most expensive option |
| Train (overnight sleeper) | ~17-20 hours | from 1,300,000 dong (49.39 USD) | Reliability, saving on a hotel night, you can sleep | Very long, tickets need to be booked in advance |
| Bus (overnight sleeper) | ~14-16 hours | from 500,000 dong (19 USD) | Cheapest, night trip saves time | Least comfortable, shaky roads |
Our opinion: If your goal is to get to Ho Chi Minh City quickly (for example, for a connection or to start excursions), take a plane. If you have time and want to stretch your budget, an overnight train in a sleeper compartment becomes a good adventure. The bus is the choice for the most economical travelers, ready to sacrifice comfort for significant savings.
Plane from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City ✈
This is the fastest way to get to the southern capital. Direct flights from Da Nang Airport (DAD) to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) are operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways several times a day. Flight time is about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Practical Details: from Departure to Arrival
Lifehack from our experience: Keep an eye on Vietjet promotions. It is on this route that we most often catch discounts. We've seen tickets drop to 800-900 thousand dong. Install the airline's app and turn on notifications about sales. Often the best prices appear 4-6 weeks before the departure date.
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Where to search and buy tickets
Prices start from 1.2 million dong. For comparison and finding the best price, we use aggregators Aviasales and Trip.com. They show all flights from different airlines on one page.
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How to get to Da Nang Airport
The airport is located within the city limits, which makes it much easier.
- Taxi (Grab, Mai Linh, Vinasun): Most convenient. A trip from the My Khe beach area will cost 70,000–100,000 dong (2.66 - 3.8 USD) for 15-20 minutes.
- City Bus: Most economical. Buses #06 and #10 go to the airport. The fare is only 8,000 dong. Ideal if you are traveling light.
- Pre-booked Transfer: Convenient for early flights or large groups. Can be booked through the hotel or on Kiwitaxi.
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How to get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to central Ho Chi Minh City
The airport is within the city limits (airport on the map).
- Taxi (Grab, Mai Linh): Optimal. A trip to the tourist area of Pham Ngu Lao will cost 100,000 – 150,000 dong (3.8 - 5.7 USD) for 20-30 minutes.
- City Bus #152 or #109: Best budget option. Bus #152 costs 5,000 dong (runs until 19:00). Comfortable bus #109 costs 15,000 dong (runs until 21:30). Both go to Ben Thanh Market in the very center.
- Motorbike Taxi (Grab Bike): Cheap and fast for one passenger with a backpack. Price about 50,000 dong.
Our verdict: Flying is our choice when time is short or when we see a good promotion. The difference of 15+ hours saved on the road is especially valuable if you have plans or a connecting flight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Train from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City 🚆
Traveling by train on the Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City route is a classic way to see the changing landscapes from the central coast to the southern plains. The night train is especially logical here: you depart after sunset, go to sleep, and wake up in the morning already approaching Saigon. Travel time is from 17 to 20 hours.
All About Trains: from Classes to Buying Tickets
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Wagon Classes: What to Choose for a Long Journey South
- Soft Sleeper (4-berth compartment): The best choice for an overnight journey. Air conditioning, power outlets, you can lie down at full length. Price Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City — from 1,300,000 to 1,800,000 dong.
- Hard Sleeper (6-berth compartment): 20-30% cheaper. Bunks in three tiers, the top one is very low. Suitable for budget travelers.
- Soft Seat / Hard Seat: For a 17-20 hour journey we strongly do not recommend. This is an option for the most extreme case.
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Where to Buy Tickets and How Not to Get Into Trouble
- 12go.asia — the best site for tourists. Russian language available, e-tickets. Russian cards do not work, a foreign card is needed.
- Official Vietnam Railways website (dsvn.vn) — cheaper, but the interface is complicated, Russian cards do not work, and not even all foreign ones work. However, it has the most complete schedule.
- Ticket office at Da Nang Station: The cheapest way. The station is located in the center on Hai Phong Street (station on the map). Buy at least 2-3 days before the trip, especially for sleeper berths.
- Travel agencies in Da Nang: Convenient if you don't want to go to the station. The markup is usually small, but always clarify the wagon class.
Important from our experience: Tickets for night trains in sleeper compartments, especially on weekends (Friday-Sunday), sell out very quickly. If your trip is planned for a weekend, buy tickets at least 4-5 days in advance, or better yet, a week.
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Stations: Departure and Arrival
In Da Nang: All trains to the south depart from the main railway station. You can get there by Grab taxi (about 80,000 dong from the tourist area) or by bus #05.
In Ho Chi Minh City: Trains arrive at the main station Ga Sai Gon (Ga Sài Gòn), which is not far from the center (station on the map). From here, you can take a taxi to the Pham Ngu Lao tourist area for 40,000 - 50,000 dong or walk for 25-30 minutes.
Our verdict: A night train in a Soft Sleeper is an excellent choice for those who are not in a hurry and want to save on one hotel night while getting relatively comfortable conditions. You don't spend daytime on the road and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City already rested.
Bus from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City 🚌
This is the most budget-friendly way to get to the south. Prices start from 500,000 dong for a regular sleeper bus. VIP options with cabins can cost from 800,000 dong. These are night trips that allow you to leave in the evening and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the morning. Travel time — 14-16 hours.
Practice: Buying Tickets and Logistics
Our advice: If the budget allows for an extra payment, get a ticket for a bus with separate cabins ("Cabin Bus" or "VIP Sleeper"). In a regular sleeper bus, three rows of beds are located very close together, and there is almost no personal space. Cabins provide an illusion of privacy and are more comfortable for sleeping.
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Main Carriers and Prices
Trips are operated by companies Futa Bus Lines, The Sinh Tourist, Hoang Long. Prices start from 500,000 dong for a regular sleeper bus. VIP options with cabins can cost from 800,000 dong. Departure is usually between 18:00 and 22:00.
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Where to Buy Tickets in Da Nang
- 12go.asia — a convenient online aggregator with reviews. You can immediately see the bus type (regular or with cabins).
- Da Nang Central Bus Station: (on the map). Lowest prices here. You need to visit several ticket offices of different carriers.
- Travel agencies in the Da Nang tourist area (near My Khe beach): The most convenient option. Many offer free transfer from the office to the bus station — be sure to ask!
- Carrier offices: For example, The Sinh Tourist has its own office in Da Nang.
Read more about Da Nang bus station in our guide: Transport in Da Nang.
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Where Buses Depart From and Arrive
In Da Nang: Almost all intercity buses, including trips to Ho Chi Minh City, depart from the Central Bus Station. You can get there by Grab taxi (from 100,000 dong) or by city bus #16.
In Ho Chi Minh City: The endpoint depends on the carrier. Many tourist buses bring passengers directly to the Pham Ngu Lao area or nearby mini-stations. Some (especially scheduled buses) arrive at large bus stations on the outskirts (Mien Dong), from where the carrier usually provides a free minivan transfer to the center. Clarify the arrival point when buying the ticket!
Our verdict: A night sleeper bus is the choice for those for whom economy is the top priority. Even considering the higher starting price of 500,000 dong, it is still the cheapest way. But be prepared for a long, shaky road and spartan conditions. Don't forget warm clothes, earplugs, and patience.
Final Recommendations: What to Choose for a Trip to Ho Chi Minh City?
Based on our experience, here is how we would choose:
- "I have a connection in Ho Chi Minh City or little time": Only plane. The risk of being late or spending an extra day on the road is too high.
- "I want to save money, but still have a chance to sleep normally": Your option is an overnight train in a Soft Sleeper compartment. More expensive than a bus, but more comfortable.
- "Budget is limited, but I'm ready for hardships": Then your way is a night sleeper bus, preferably with a cabin. Savings compared to a plane — over 50%.
- "I am traveling with children": Definitely plane. A long overland journey will be a tough ordeal for everyone.
Regardless of the choice, buy tickets in advance, especially during the high season (December-February) and for Friday/Sunday trips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is the cheapest way to get from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City?
The cheapest is a night sleeper bus (Sleeper Bus). Prices start from 500,000 dong (19 USD). This is 2-2.5 times cheaper than the most budget flight.
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Can I buy a train ticket on the day of departure from Da Nang?
There is a chance, but it is minimal for sleeper berths (Soft/Hard Sleeper). Most often, on the day of departure, only seated tickets (Hard Seat) remain available. Traveling in them for 17-20 hours is extremely uncomfortable. Our advice: buy at least 3 days in advance.
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How is a VIP bus with cabins different from a regular sleeper bus?
In a VIP bus with cabins, the reclining seats are separated by high partitions or even have a small door, creating a semblance of personal space. In a regular sleeper bus, the beds are arranged in three open rows, the feet of passengers on the upper bunks are often at the level of the heads of those below. The VIP option is more comfortable, quieter, and offers more privacy.
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How to get to Da Nang Airport early in the morning?
City buses #06 and #10 start running from ~5:30. If your flight is earlier, the only option is a taxi (Grab). Grab works 24/7, you can order a car for any time. Just do it with a 15-20 minute lead time for the car to arrive.
Need more details? You will find all information about hotels, food, beaches, and attractions in our big guides: Complete Guide to Da Nang and Big Guide to Ho Chi Minh City. And ask your questions in the comments under the article or visit our Telegram chat about Vietnam!
Whichever route you choose, the journey from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City will be a vivid contrast — from a measured beach holiday to the rhythm of Vietnam's largest city. Have a good trip and bright impressions in Saigon!