How to get from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh

Why visit Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest and probably busiest metropolis. Formerly called Saigon, the city pulsates with energy and organised chaos. Its streets are packed with motorcycles day in and day out, we absolutely have no idea how everyone manages not to bump into each other!

Don’t miss a visit to the War Remnants Museum and Central Post Office, one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh. Shop (and prepare to haggle) at Ben Thanh Market, and explore the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels. When its bustling streets become too much, know that you can always find solace in one of its many cosy coffee shops.

There are 4 ways to travel the 305 kilometers (190 miles) from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, private transport and flight. The journey takes 2 hours 25 minutes to 9 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 371,000 VND ($14.30).

If you’re looking for budget-friendly transport, your best option is the bus. Since this route is very popular, there are several bus companies departing from and arriving at various areas in DaLat and Ho Chi Minh.

Travel time takes around 6 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours with fares starting from 371,000 VND ($14.30).

Departure and arrival station

Futa Buses depart from DaLat Intercity Bus Station in the south of the city centre. They offer multiple trips daily to Phuong Trang Bus Station in District 10 and An Suong Bus Station.

If you’re staying right at the heart of DaLat city centre, Phong Phu buses depart from the City Post and arrive at Tan Binh Exhibition & Convention Centre, which is also at the very centre of Ho Chi Minh.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Kim buses depart from their office in Duong Luong the Vinh and arrive at the bus station in District 1. It’s best to take this bus if you’re staying in the backpacker street in this area.

A minivan ride from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh costs around 555,000 VND ($21.50). The minivan journey takes about 6 hours to 6 hours 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

There are two companies operating on this route: Lac Hong and Ben Tre Limousine.

What we like about this option is that some minivan companies offer free hotel pickup and drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.

Shared Minivan options from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh

Both DaLat and Ho Chi Minh have their own airports, so taking a flight is possible and convenient for this route.

The flight itself from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh takes only one hour, but you will still need additional rides to and from the airport. The total travel time is around 2 hours 25 minutes.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

DaLat Airport is around 30 km away from the city centre, so you will have to take a shuttle bus. You can ask your hotel to book one for you or you can book one yourself from any local travel agency.

The shuttle bus ride takes 45 minutes and costs 40,000 VND ($1.50).

There are multiple flights from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh daily. Travel time is just around 55 minutes.

Vietjet Air offers the cheapest flights on this route with fares from 550,000 VND ($21). Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines are also available, but they are more expensive.

Ho Chi Minh Airport is just within the city centre, but you will still need to take a bus or a taxi to get to the main areas in the city centre.

Airport bus

The best option for tourists is the yellow Airport Bus 109. This bus goes through District 1 where the backpacker street is located. Its last stop is Saigon Bus Station, making it convenient for tourists who need to take an additional bus ride to other areas.

The airport shuttle bus costs 20,000 VND ($0.80) and gets you to the city centre in just 45 minutes. It runs only from 05:30 to 01:00 the next day.

Taxi

If the bus is unavailable at the time of your arrival at the airport, you can take a taxi instead. This option is more expensive though, with rates from 100,000 VND ($3.90).

See our page Ho Chi Minh Airport for more details.

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh.

Rates start from 3,504,000 VND ($135) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 1,168,000 VND ($45) per person. Travel time is around 6 hours to 6 hours 15 minutes.

Private Transport options from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh