How to get from Dalat to Hoi An
Why visit Hoi An?
Hoi An is a charming city on Vietnam’s central coast. Once a major port, the mixed influences of Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants are still visible here.
Its Old Town is a well-preserved fusion of foreign and indigenous architecture, laid out in a small-scale model of a 15th to 19th-century trading hub. No wonder it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Travelling to Hoi An feels like walking back in time.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Da Lat to Hoi An?
There are 3 ways to travel the 635 kilometre (395 miles) distance from Da Lat to Hoi An. You can choose between the bus, train and flight. The journey takes 3 hours to 17 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 698,000 VND ($26.50).
Where to stay in Hoi An?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Hoi An at the bottom of this page.
Da Lat to Hoi An by Bus
To start, we don’t recommend taking a bus from Da Lat to Hoi An. It will be an exhausting journey of around 13 hours 30 minutes to 17 hours 30 minutes.
Still want to take the bus? You have two options. Read on for a step-by-step guide.
Option 1: Direct Bus from Dalat to Hoi An
A direct bus is an affordable way to get from Da Lat to Hoi An. Bus fares start from 698,000 VND ($26.50), but be prepared for a long journey that takes around 10h 30m - 14h.
Bus options from Dalat to Hoi An
Option 2: Indirect Bus via Da Nang
If there are no direct buses available on your preferred schedule, you can take a bus from Dalat to Da Nang and then a taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An.
Step 1: Dalat to Da Nang by Bus
From Dalat, it’s a 12h 30m - 16h 30m bus ride to Da Nang. That alone makes us want to push you to look the other way and just take a flight or the train.
But the bus has one strong advantage: it is the cheapest option with fares from 512,000 VND ($19.60). That’s half the price of the other choices.
Still, we have to reiterate that bus travel in Vietnam is neither as safe nor as comfortable as taking the train. The bus makes a few stops for food and toilet breaks. But it will be such a long trip that laying on your sleeper bunk for so many hours may become too exhausting.
PRO TIP: Use the free N26 debit card to avoid the extra fees charged by your bank. This N26 debit card is becoming very popular among travellers, because they don’t charge any fees on payments in foreign currencies (most banks charge 3%-5%). New members can order one for free on the N26 website
Futa Bus departs from Dalat Intercity Bus Station, 3 km southeast of the city centre. It arrives at Da Nang Central Bus Station, from where you can also find the buses going to Hoi An.
Thanh Thuy departs from its terminal along Nguyen Tu Luc Street, 5 km north of Dalat centre and 10 minutes away by taxi. It parks at Nguyen Tri Phuong across the Park Lake in Da Nang city centre. From here, the best way to get to Hoi An is by taxi.
Step 2: Da Nang to Hoi An by Taxi
From Da Nang Bus Station, you can take a taxi to Hoi An. Fares start from 440,000 VND ($16.80) for the ride that takes 1 hour. There are taxis waiting at the bus station, but drivers here are known for driving too fast. For a more comfortable private transfer, book your ride through BookAway.
If you’re travelling light, you can consider taking a motorbike taxi. You will find plenty of choices at the bus station or you can book one through Grab. Motorbike taxi rates start from 150,000 VND ($5.70).
IMPORTANT: Previously, there were cheap public buses operating direct trips from Da Nang Bus Station to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (November 2024), these were no longer available.
Da Lat to Hoi An by Flight
We recommend taking a flight from Da Lat to Hoi An when you’re short on time. This flight journey takes only around 3 hours, already including the transfers going to and from the airports.
Also, when you book in advance or when you’re travelling during off-peak season, airfares aren’t that expensive and well worth the time you get to save.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Dalat City Centre to Dalat Airport by Bus/Taxi
The nearest airport to Dalat is Lien Khuong Airport (also called Dalat Airport), 30 km away. You can get there via a 1 hour bus or taxi.
The bus is the cheaper option — a ticket only costs 40,000 VND ($1.50). It departs from Ngoc Phat Hotel near Xuan Huong Lake, generally 2 hours before every flight. But we recommend confirming this with the staff to make sure you arrive at the airport on time.
If you’re already in a hurry, it’s best to just take a taxi with rates from 290,000 VND ($11.10).
Visit our page on Dalat Airport for more details.
Step 2: Dalat Airport to Da Nang Airport by Flight
You can choose from three carriers when flying from Dalat to Da Nang: Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines. Vietjet Air usually offers the cheapest fares but unlike the other two airlines, it is only available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Flight time is around 1 hour and airfares start from 600,000 VND ($23). Note that during peak season (June to September), rates can go as high as 1,110,000 VND ($42.50).
Step 3: Da Nang Airport to Hoi An by Shuttle Bus
From Da Nang Airport, you will find Hoi An 30 km south. When travelling solo, the best way to cross this distance is by shuttle bus. This will take you from the airport to Hoi An city centre for 155,000 VND ($5.90).
If you’re in a group, it’s more convenient to take a taxi. Rates start from 320,000 VND ($12.20).
You can pre-book your shuttle bus or taxi ride online through BookAway. For more info, check out our guide for Da Nang Airport.
Da Lat to Hoi An by Train
Dalat and Hoi An don’t have their own railway stations.
When travelling by train from Da Lat to Hoi An, you will first take a bus to Nha Trang. Here, you can transfer to a train bound for Da Nang. And then, take a bus to Hoi An.
With this option, you have the chance to spend a few hours along Nha Trang’s coast before moving on to explore Hoi An’s ancient town.
Step 1: Dalat to Nha Trang by Bus
From Dalat, there are plenty of buses and limo vans departing for Nha Trang daily. Trips are available from 06:00 to 17:00.
If you take a morning bus to Nha Trang, you have the opportunity to spend a few hours by the beach before boarding your train. You can even spend a day in Nha Trang and then just take the train the next day!
Bus fares from Dalat to Nha Trang start from 200,000 VND ($7.70). You can also take a limo van with rates from 240,000 VND ($9.20).
Buses and limo vans depart from Dalat Intercity Bus Station. They arrive at Nha Trang Central Bus Station, 7 km west of the main beach. That’s about 200,000 VND ($7.70) by taxi.
For more on the bus schedules, visit our guide for Dalat to Nha Trang.
Step 2: Nha Trang to Da Nang by Train
There are several trains operating daily from Nha Trang to Da Nang. But because this journey takes 11h 30m, we advise that you take an overnight train. This way, you don’t lose an entire day on the train journey and you also save a night on accommodation.
Train ticket prices start from 632,000 VND ($24) for a second-class AC seat. But for the most comfort for this long journey, we recommend getting a bunk in a 4-berth cabin.
If you’re looking to save on costs, you can also get a cheaper yet less spacious 6-berth sleeper with fares from 552,000 VND ($21).
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We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
Trains depart from Nha Trang Train Station, which is within walking distance from the city centre or a short taxi ride from the beach. You are to get off the train at Da Nang Railway Station.
Step 3: Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An by Minivan
From Da Nang Railway Station, Hoi An is 1 hour away by shared minivan or taxi.
A minivan is a good option if you’re travelling solo or with just one other companion. Fares start from 155,000 VND ($5.90) per person and minivans are available daily from 07:00 to 21:00.
If you’re carrying bulky luggage or travelling in a small group, it will be more convenient to take a taxi for around 440,000 VND ($16.80). See our page on Da Nang Railway Station for more details.
IMPORTANT: There used to be cheap local buses operating from Da Nang to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (November 2024), these were no longer available. Some drivers try to take advantage of this situation by luring tourists to take overpriced taxis. This is why we recommend that you pre-book your minivan or private transfer online through BookAway, which offers fixed rates and comfortable cars.
Best places to stay in Hoi An
HaLo HomeStay - Budget Friendly
HaLo Homestay is an incredible budget option. You won’t quite believe the standard of the rooms for the price you’re paying. They’re large, modern and very clean. The owners serve a delicious breakfast and will do everything they can to guarantee you a perfect stay. They even have free bikes for you to use. From the homestay you can reach the Old Quarter or beach within 5 minutes.
Double rooms from: $11
Flame Flowers Homestay - Mid Range
Expect a warm welcome when you arrive at Flame Flowers Homestay. The owners feel like family from the moment you meet them. Guests have been known to extend their stays here as they just can’t face leaving. The spacious rooms provide you with everything you need – a good nights sleep and ultimate comfort!
Double rooms from: $25
Vina Beach Pool Villas - Mid Range
Dreaming of a luxurious retreat right next to the beach? Vina Beach Pool Villas tick all the boxes. There’s a relaxing pool, lush gardens and it’s only steps away from the beach. And after a hard day of relaxing, their super comfortable beds offer the best nights sleep. On top of that, the owners can’t do enough to ensure you have an unforgettable stay.
Double rooms from: $40
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Da Lat to Hoi An. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Da Lat to Hoi An
What is the distance from Da Lat to Hoi An?
The distance from Da Lat to Hoi An is 635 kilometre (395 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Da Lat to Hoi An?
The fastest way to get from Da Lat to Hoi An is by flight and takes 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Da Lat to Hoi An?
The cheapest way to get from Da Lat to Hoi An is by bus with ticket costs starting from 698,000 VND ($26.50).
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
