Whether you’re heading from the bustling streets of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to the cool highlands of Dalat, or traveling in the opposite direction, there are several transport options to choose from. This guide will help you compare the quickest, most affordable, and most comfortable ways to travel between these two popular destinations.
Dalat – Ho Chi Minh City route
Ho Chi Minh City
As the largest city in Vietnam and its economic powerhouse, Ho Chi Minh City—commonly referred to as Saigon—is a significant domestic and international transportation hub.
Name of airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Dalat
Dalat, nestled in the Central Highlands, is a favorite getaway for travelers from Ho Chi Minh City. Although it’s not along the coast, making train travel impossible, Dalat offers plenty of options by road, including buses, cars, and vans. Additionally, Dalat has its own domestic airport, which offers convenient flight connections.
Name of airport: Lien Khuong Airport
Distance & Time
- Travel time: 6 – 7 hours (depending on specific start and end points)
- Travel distance: 325 km
Option 1: Flight Saigon – Dalat
The quickest way to travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat is by flight. With a flight time of under an hour, it’s much faster than any road option. In fact, the combined taxi rides to and from the airports might take longer than the actual flight. Budget airline VietJet Air often offers low-cost fares, while Vietnam Airlines provides a more premium service, both of which are reasonably priced for such a short journey.
Flight information
- Airlines: VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines
- Price: From 35 euros with VietJet Air (up to 65 euros with luggage or Vietnam Airlines)
- Duration: 1 hour (or less)
Option 2: Limousine van
If you prefer to travel by road during the day, the best option is taking a limousine van. These vans are designed for comfort, with spacious seating for around nine passengers, offering reclining seats, and sometimes charging ports and Wi-Fi. While it’s a shared ride, limousine vans often offer the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off, especially in Dalat. In Ho Chi Minh City, this service is available from some locations but not all.
Route information
- Bus schedule: 20+ departures daily (during the daytime)
- Price: 12 to 15 euros
- Travel time: 7 hours
Option 3: Sleeper bus
The most popular option for budget travelers is the sleeper bus. These buses allow you to travel overnight, saving you daytime hours for exploring, and even doubling as accommodation for the night, helping you save money. VIP sleeper buses offer more space and privacy for a small additional fee. However, not everyone finds sleeper buses comfortable, and some travelers have concerns about safety when traveling at night.
Bus information
- Bus schedule: 100+ departures daily
- Classes: Standard, Limousine, and VIP
- Price: From 9 euros to 27 euros, depending on the type of bus
- Travel time: 7 to 9 hours
Option 4: Private car
For the ultimate convenience and flexibility, a private car with a driver is the best option. While it is the most expensive choice, it offers door-to-door service, allowing you to choose the exact pick-up and drop-off locations as well as any stops along the way. This is ideal if you value comfort and control over your travel schedule. While prices are higher compared to buses or vans, they may still be more affordable than you think, especially when shared among a group.
Car information
- Car types: 4-seater (best for 3 people), 7-seater (best for 4-5 people), 9-seater, 16-seater
- Price: From 100 euros
- Travel time: 7 hours
