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How to get from Dalat to Hoi An
The best way to travel the 635 km from Dalat to Hoi An is by flight. This flight journey takes around 3 hours, including transfers, and costs about $33.50 (795,000 VND). Alternatively, you can take a 15-hour train or an 18-hour bus.
Travelling by plane from Dalat to Hoi An can save you a lot of time compared to taking a train or a bus. When travelling outside the peak season, you can get combined fares from $33.50 (795,000 VND). Note that Hoi An does not have its own airport, so you will take a flight from Dalat to Da Nang.
The train is a good alternative during peak season when airfares are too expensive. It’s a long journey at around 15 hours, but you can travel overnight and also split your time on the road so that it won’t be too exhausting. This option is divided into 3 steps: a bus from Dalat to Nha Trang; a train from Nha Trang to Da Nang; and then a bus from Da Nang to Hoi An.
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Dalat to Hoi An. Be aware, though, that this bus journey takes 18 hours — 3 hours longer than the train and is nowhere near as comfortable. Take the bus only when you’re on a tight budget.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Dalat to Hoi An by Flight
We recommend taking a flight from Dalat 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.
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 $1.70 (40,000 VND). 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 $12 (290,000 VND).
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 range from $25.50 (600,000 VND) to $34.50 (820,000 VND). Note that during peak season (June to September), rates can go as high as $47 (1,110,000 VND).
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 $6.50 (155,000 VND).
If you’re in a group, it’s more convenient to take a taxi. Rates start from $13.50 (320,000 VND).
You can pre-book your shuttle bus or taxi ride online through BookAway. For more info, check out our guide for Da Nang Airport.
Dalat to Hoi An by Train
Dalat and Hoi An don’t have their own railway stations.
When travelling by train from Dalat 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 $8.50 (200,000 VND). You can also take a limo van with rates from $10 (240,000 VND).
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 $8.50 (200,000 VND) 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 5 trains operating daily from Nha Trang to Da Nang. But because this is a 10-hour journey, 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. See our recommended train schedules in the table below.
Prices start from $26.50 (627,000 VND) when you get a 4-berth sleeper. If you’re looking to save on costs, you can also get a cheaper yet less spacious 6-berth sleeper with fares from $23.50 (552,000 VND).
Train schedule from Nha Trang to Da Nang
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 $6.50 (155,000 VND) 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 $18.50 (440,000 VND). 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 (February 2023), 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.
Dalat to Hoi An by Bus
*COVID-19 UPDATE: Pre-pandemic, there used to be buses operating from Dalat to Hoi An via Nha Trang. But the last time we checked (February 2023), you can only take the bus from Dalat to Da Nang. Check BookAway to see if anything has changed.
To start, we don’t recommend taking a bus from Dalat to Hoi An.
There are no direct buses for this route. You will take a bus from Dalat to Da Nang and then another bus from Da Nang to Hoi An. The total travel time is around 18 hours.
Step 1: Dalat to Da Nang by Bus
From Dalat, it’s a 17-hour 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 $16 (387,000 VND). 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.
Bus schedule from Dalat to Da Nang
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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 $18.50 (440,000 VND) for the 1-hour ride. 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 $6 (150,000 VND).
IMPORTANT: Previously, there were cheap public buses operating direct trips from Da Nang Bus Station to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (February 2023), these were no longer available.
Our favourite 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
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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.
