Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

How to Get From Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

4Options
2h 45mFastest
$12From
ElaMaartenWritten by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten ·

Bus · Train · Flight · Private Transport

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's biggest city, 317 kilometres (197 miles) south of Nha Trang. Locals still call it Saigon, and the street food alone is worth the trip. Flying is the quickest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh, taking 2h 45m. Overland, the bus is the cheapest at $12 (315,000 VND), though it takes 6h 25m - 10h. The train costs about the same, and a private car costs far more.

DISTANCE

Distance from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh are about 317 km (197 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 414 km by road. The quickest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 45m.

~317 km
Straight-line distance
~414 km
Route distance
2h 45m
Fastest
Map of Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh

4 ways to travel from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

There are four ways to travel from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh. You can choose between the bus, train, flight, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 45m – 11h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $12 (315,000 VND).

Busfrom$126h 25m – 10h27 options to bookBus6h 25m–10h$12Cheapest

Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Bus

Travelling by bus from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh takes around 6h 25m - 10h. That’s only an hour longer than taking the train. But buses are nowhere near as comfortable so the bus journey may be a bit exhausting.

Still, the bus is the cheapest option with ticket prices from $12 (315,000 VND).

If you take a night train, you can hopefully sleep for the most part of the journey. It’s worth noting that buses operating this route don’t really get good reviews. And if you want a guaranteed pleasant journey, we encourage you to take the train instead.

Departure and arrival station

Buses have varying departure and arrival points, usually at their own headquarters in Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh.

Some buses depart or arrive at the city centre, while others park at bus stations several kilometres away. This is why we highly advise that you pay attention to these details when booking your ride. Otherwise, you might end up taking a bus that departs or arrives miles away from your hotel.

Bus schedule from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

Phuong Nam · Sleeping$12
8h 5m
3H Chung cư CT2 → Thu Duc Crossroads
21:01
Tickets
Phuong Nam · Sleeping$13
8h 20m
3H Chung cư CT2 → Thu Duc Crossroads
20:4521:16
Tickets
Khanh Phong · Sleeping$13
6h 30m
Nha Trang Booking Office → Ho Chi Minh
20:4521:30
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Booking tip

Because there is no one specific terminal for buses operating from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh, it’s best to book your tickets online beforehand through BookAway. This way, you can easily compare prices and amenities before picking your ride.
Trainfrom$128h – 11h30 options to bookTrain8h–11h$12

Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Train

Travelling by train from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is very scenic, and also quite convenient because trains depart and arrive within the centre of the two cities.

The train journey takes around 8-11h, but if you travel during the day, you will be very entertained by the coastal and rural sites along the way. Ticket prices start from $12 (320,000 VND).

There are also several trains operating overnight if you prefer to sleep through the journey. Another advantage of this is you can save a night on hotel costs.

It’s still quite a long journey by train, so we recommend booking a 4-berth sleeper for the most comfort. If you’re looking to save on costs, you can also book a soft seat or a bunk in a 6-berth cabin.

Departure and arrival station

You can find Nha Trang Railway Station just within the city centre, about 2 km west of the main beach.

Your arrival point is Saigon Train Station, located in Ho Chi Minh’s District 3. From here, you can take a short taxi ride to Pham Ngu Lao Street, situated 3.5 km southeast.

Train schedule from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam Railways · Second Class Seat$12
8h 17m
Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City
09:53
Tickets
Vietnam Railways · Second Class Seat$14
10h 55m
Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City
22:20
Tickets
Vietnam Railways · Second Class Seat$15
8h 59m
Nha Trang → Ho Chi Minh City
20:19
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Booking tip

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.
Flightfrom$28700,000 VND2h 45m·incl. transfersTimes and ticketsFlightincl. transfers2h 45mFastest$28

Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Flight

Taking a flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh may seem like the fastest option at 2h 45m. However, there is still the extra time to check in, the waiting time for your flight, and then the additional time to claim your luggage.

In reality, this flight journey can easily take 6 hours. And you’ll be walking around to various transfers for a great part of that. With a train ride from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh, you can just sit back and relax, or even enjoy a few hours of sleep, for the direct journey.

If you still want to take a flight, read on for a detailed guide.

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

Step 1: Nha Trang City Centre to Nha Trang Airport (Cam Ranh) by Bus

1h · $2.50 (65,000 VND)

Nha Trang Airport (also called Cam Ranh) is located some 35 km south of Nha Trang city centre.

The cheapest way to get to the airport is by public airport bus. Travel time takes around 1 hour, and a ticket costs $2.50 (65,000 VND).

You can also book a private car online via BookAway or 12Go.Asia. Rates start from $11 (280,000 VND) for a 3-seater car. A Grab car costs around $12 (300,000 VND).

See our page on Nha Trang Airport for more details.

Step 2: Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Flight

1h · $25 (630,000 VND)

Vietjet Air often offers the cheapest flights from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh. Other carriers for this route are Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines, although they are usually more expensive.

Airfares start from $25 (630,000 VND). It’s best to book your flight tickets well in advance to get these rates. Flight fares can go as high as $39 (1,000,000 VND) in peak season.

The flight time from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is a little over 1 hour.

Step 3: Ho Chi Minh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Centre by Bus

45m · $0.20 (6,000 VND)

Ho Chi Minh Airport (Tan Son Nhat) is located 8 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh city centre. You can cross this distance in about 45 minutes by bus or taxi.

If you’re a solo traveller, we recommend taking Public Bus #152, which only costs $0.20 (6,000 VND). This bus offers a good level of comfort and is convenient because it drops you off right smack in the city centre – particularly at Ben Thanh Market. From here, Pham Ngu Lao is just 10 minutes away on foot.

Alternatively, you can book a private transfer with BookAway. Rates start from $8.20 (212,000 VND) for a 3-seater car.

Check out our guide on Ho Chi Minh Airport for more transport options.

Private Transportfrom$145per car6h – 9h10 options to bookPrivate Transport6h–9h$145per car

Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Private Transport

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

Rates start from $145 (3,650,000 VND) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $48 (1,220,000 VND) per person. Travel time is around 6-9h.

Mui Ne Private Car · Standard Car 3 PAX$145
9hper car
Any time you choose
Tickets
G5Car · Comfort Car 3 PAX$155
9hper car
Any time you choose
Tickets
Mui Ne Private Car · SUV Car 5 PAX$155
9hper car
Any time you choose
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

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STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is home to around 9 million people. To fit that many people, it has got to be a pretty big city, which can make choosing the right area a little overwhelming.

Here is a quick rundown of the best districts for you to stay in:

  • District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and is a popular choice for tourists due to its proximity to major attractions like the Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, and the War Remnants Museum.
  • Pham Ngu Lao is located within District 1 and is popular amongst budget travellers due to its nightlife, street food and cheap accommodations.
  • District 3 is less touristy but still relatively central and offers a more local experience. It's known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and French colonial architecture.
  • District 5 (Chinatown) offers a unique cultural experience with its bustling atmosphere, Chinese temples, and a wide variety of delicious street food.
  • District 7 is more modern and upscale. There are plenty of international restaurants, shopping centres and green spaces.

Check out our favourite places to stay in these areas:

Budget

Vy Khanh Guesthouse

Vy Khanh Guesthouse may not be the fanciest place in Ho Chi Minh, but what it lacks in glitz and glamour, it makes up with its hospitality. Vy is one of the best hosts that you'll experience in Vietnam, offering you recommendations for not just the city but the entire country.

She'll make sure you have the best experience and that starts with the guesthouse's location. It's situated in the heart of the city in District 1.

  • Amazing host
  • Great location
  • Clean and comfortable rooms
  • Good value for money

Double rooms start from $15 (385,000 VND) per night.

Check availability
Mid-Range

Golden Tree Hotel and Apartment

Golden Tree Hotel stands out amongst the rest due to its perfect ambient lighting both inside and outside. This hotel feels face fancier than its price tag.

The rooms are spacious and modern, with most rooms offering a private kitchen and large colonial-style windows. Stay here and you'll be located in District 7.

  • Spacious and modern rooms
  • Great location
  • Beautiful decor
  • High speed internet

Double rooms start from $31 (790,000 VND) per night.

Check availability
Treat Yourself

Silverland Mây Hotel

One look at Siverland Mây Hotel's swimming pool and you won't be able to resist booking here. It's surrounded by lush greenery hanging from the ceiling, hammocks and there's a pool-side bar.

The rooms live up to this standard boasting a beautiful ultra-modern decor. You'll never want to leave this place.

  • Beautiful swimming pool
  • Pool-side bar
  • Stunning rooms
  • Great location

Double rooms start from $80 (2,060,000 VND) per night.

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh, roughly 317 kilometres (197 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $12 (315,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 2h 45m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh?

The distance from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is 317 kilometres (197 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh?

The fastest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is by flight and takes 2h 45m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh?

The cheapest way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 315,000 VND.

CHANGELOG

Route Update History

Updated flight prices.

About the Authors

Ela
Ela

Senior Travel Writer

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.

Maarten
MaartenReviewer

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

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