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How to get from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a high-rise resort town in southeast Vietnam. Its sandy coast is regarded as one of the most beautiful bays in the world – thanks to its crescent-shaped white sand beach and clear turquoise waters.
Also known as the seafood capital of Vietnam, Nha Trang is bustling with many offerings – from dining choices to pagodas and sculpture gardens as well as a very vibrant nightlife. Island hopping is another popular activity here and you can reach the many nearby islands by boat or by cable car.
Visit from March to September for the best weather!
3 ways to get from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang
The best way to travel the 435 km distance from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang is by train. This train journey takes about 8 hours and costs around 436,000 VND ($18). Alternative options include a 3-hour flight (incl. transfers) and a 9-hour bus.
Travelling by train is the most cost-efficient way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang. If you travel during the day, you can enjoy a scenic ride along the coast. And if you take an overnight train, you can save on hotel costs. So although the train ride takes 8 hours, you will enjoy every minute of it!
Travelling by flight is faster than taking the train, but not exactly more convenient. You’ll need airport transfers, as well extra time to check-in, wait for your flight, and get your luggage. All of that can take up to 6 hours.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
The bus is the cheapest option when travelling from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang. However, the small savings don’t make up for the extra time and less comfort when travelling by bus.
Itinerary from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang
Flight
- Ho Chi Minh City Centre
- 45 minutes
- Ho Chi Minh Airport
- 1hr 10m
- Nha Trang Airport (Cam Ranh)
- 1 hour
- Nha Trang City Centre
Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang by Train
Taking the train is a very picturesque way to get from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang.
The train journey takes around 8 hours. And although this looks more than double the travel time with a flight, it will be time well spent.
When you want to catch up on some sleep, you can take an overnight train from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang. This way, you won’t lose a day on travelling and can also save a night on accommodation.
Travelling by day is not a bad idea too. The train ride from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang passes along the coast and is very scenic!
Train fares start from 436,000 VND ($18) for a very comfortable bunk at a 4-sleeper cabin. You can also consider booking a soft seat or a 6-sleeper berth if you want to save on costs.
Departure and arrival station
Trains depart from Saigon Railway Station in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh, some 3.5 km northwest of Pham Ngu Lao Street.
You are to get off at Nha Trang Train Station, located 2 km west of the main beach.
Train schedules from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang (Sleeper berth)
Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang by Flight
Travelling by flight is the fastest option from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang, at least on paper.
But when you consider the travel time when going to and from the airports, the waiting time for your flight, and the time you spend on getting your luggage, then we’re looking at about 6 hours on this flight journey.
We think that taking a direct train would be a better value for money when travelling from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang.
But if you still prefer to take a flight, read on for a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: City Centre to Ho Chi Minh Airport by Bus
Ho Chi Minh Airport (also called Tan Son Nhat) is located 45 minutes from the city centre. We recommend taking Public Bus #152 to the airport. A ticket only costs 6,000 VND ($0.20) and the buses offer a good level of comfort.
Public Bus #152 departs from across Ben Thanh Market, which you can reach in just 10 minutes on foot from the backpacker area in Pham Ngu Lao.
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer online via BookAway. Rates start from 260,000 VND ($11) for a 3-seater car.
Visit our guide on Ho Chi Minh Airport for more transport options.
Step 2: Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang (Cam Ranh Airport) by Flight
There are many flights leaving from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang every day. These are operated by Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines.
Flight fares range from 570,000 VND ($24) to 730,000 VND ($30.50). Do note that ticket prices can go over 1,000,000 VND ($42) when you book close to your desired date. This is why we highly recommend always buying your plane tickets well in advance.
The plane ride from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang takes a little over an hour.
Step 3: Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang by Bus/Taxi
Cam Ranh Airport and Nha Trang city centre are separated by a 35 km distance.
To get to your hotel, you can either take the airport bus for 74,000 VND ($3.10) or a taxi for 226,000 VND ($9.50). Travel time is 45 minutes to 1 hour.
To skip the lines at the airport as well as avoid touts trying to offer expensive taxi rides, it’s best to pre-book your bus or private transfer online through BookAway.
See our page on Cam Ranh Airport for more details.
Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang by Bus
On a budget? The bus is the most affordable choice when travelling from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang.
Bus rates start from 286,000 VND ($12). You can choose from a variety of companies. Among these are Viet Nhat, Phuc An Express, Futa Bus, and Kumho Samco.
The bus journey from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang takes around 9 hours, but you can travel overnight so that you won’t lose a full day on the bus ride. It’s still worth noting that bus travel is neither as safe nor as comfortable as a train ride.
We think that a few dollars more on the train is well worth the money when travelling from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang!
Departure and arrival station
When booking your ride, make sure to take note of the departure and arrival points.
Buses depart and arrive at varying locations in Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang. Usually, that’s at their own headquarters in the two cities. If you’re staying in Pham Ngu Lao, Viet Nhat and Phuc An Express depart from the backpacker area.
Sometimes, one bus company has several pick-up locations. It’s very important to pick a bus with the most convenient bus stops for you. This way, you won’t have to spend unnecessary costs and time on finding your way to and from bus stations!
Bus schedules from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang
There are plenty of bus companies operating on this route so you can basically “shop around” depending on your budget and preference. You can do that via the booking platform BookAway, which offers over a dozen of bus selections from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang.
Our favourite places to stay in Nha Trang
John Homestay
John’s Homestay is a charming yet low-priced homestay right in the heart of Nha Trang.
The shared lounge and terrace are the perfect place to socialize with other guests and rooms are clean and tidy. Dorms come with an electric plug, lamp and curtain for each bed and another plus: You can use the washing machine free of charge!Room $14; Dorm: $6 (+ free breakfast)
Mojzo Inn
Want to wake up in a stylish & spacious room and enjoy a tasty breakfast on the rooftop restaurant?
Mojzo Inn is located close to the restaurants, bars and just a few minutes walk from the beach. When you stay at Mojzo, make sure you don’t miss out on the delicious (and free) home-baked cake served at tea time between 15:00-17:00.Private room: $30 (+ free breakfast)
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About the author(s)
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.
