Overview Compare Train Flight Bus To Stay
How to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
Organized chaos. That’s the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Vietnam’s largest city is bustling with motorcycles day in and day out, we absolutely have no idea how everyone manages not to bump into each other!
When in Ho Chi Minh, don’t miss a visit to the War Remnants Museum and Central Post Office. Shop (and prepare to haggle) at Ben Thanh Market, and explore the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels. When its busy streets become too much, know that you can always find solace in one of its many cozy coffee shops!
3 ways to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
The most convenient way to travel the 435 km from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is by train. This train journey takes around 7.5 hours and costs about 502,000 VND ($20). Other options include a 3-hour flight (incl. transfers) and a 9-hour bus.
Travelling from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by train is very cost-efficient. If you travel by day, you get to enjoy scenic coastal views; if you travel overnight, you can save one night on accommodation. Either way, you will have a very comfortable 7.5-hour train journey.
Travelling by flight may seem like a faster alternative, but the flight doesn’t really save you a lot of time when you add other factors like waiting time at the airport, extra time to claim your luggage, etc. The entire flight journey may easily take 6 hours, and you’ll be moving around for the most part.
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, yet also the least comfortable way to get from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh. While there are overnight sleeper buses operating this route, it’s hard to find a bus with solid good reviews. For more value for money, just take the train.
Itinerary from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
Flight
- Nha Trang
- 1 hour
- Nha Trang Airport
- 1hr 10m
- Ho Chi Minh Airport
- 45 minutes
- Ho Chi Minh
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 7.5 hours, but if you travel during the day, you will be very entertained by the coastal and rural sites along the way.
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. Ticket prices start from 662,000 VND ($26.50). 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 schedules from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh (Sleeper berth)
Book your train ride online via Baolau so that you won’t have to queue for tickets at the train station. Also, train fares are often cheaper when you book early.
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 3 hours. 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.
Step 1: Nha Trang City Centre to Nha Trang Airport (Cam Ranh) by Bus
Nha Trang Airport (also called Cam Ranh) is located some 35 km south of Nha Trang city centre.
You can get to the airport in 2 ways: by airport bus for 1 hour or by taxi for 45 minutes. Rates start from 74,000 VND ($2.95) and 226,000 VND ($9), respectively.
You can book your ride online via BookAway, which offers both airport shuttles and private transfers from Nha Trang city Centre to Cam Ranh Airport.
See our page on Nha Trang Airport for more details.
Step 2: Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Flight
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 range from 630,000 VND ($25) to 750,000 VND ($30). It’s best to book your flight tickets well in advance to get these rates. Flight fares can go as high as 1,000,000 VND ($40) in peak season.
The flight time from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh is a little over an hour.
Step 3: Ho Chi Minh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Centre by Bus
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 6,000 VND ($0.20). 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 211,000 VND ($8.50) for a 3-seater car.
Check out our guide on Ho Chi Minh Airport for more transport options.
Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh by Bus
Travelling by bus from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh takes around 9 hours. 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 286,000 VND ($11.50).
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 schedules from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh
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.
Our favourite places to stay in Ho Chi Minh
Boholand Hostel
Want to enjoy a great atmosphere with a bit more privacy than the typical backpack hostel? Boholand hostel offers lovely decorated private rooms. The super friendly host will give you the best recommendations of where to go. And best of all, she serves a delicious home-made breakfast for a perfect start of the day!
Double rooms from: $24
Chez Mimosa
This boutique hotel is located just oustide of the center, but everything is still in walking distance, or just $1 by taxi to the center. Enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the balcony after a great night of sleep in the comfy beds. The very helpful owners also provide airport shuttle service.
Double rooms from: $32
SGN Living Artist Apartment
This apartment is located a few minutes walk from the backpacker street and offers great value for money. Expect stylish modern rooms with lots of space and very comfy beds.
Double rooms from: $40
Mekong Delta
One of the popular activities from Ho Chi Minh is visiting the Mekong Delta.
We recommend to check out Klook to get a better impression about this tour. Tickets start from $16.50 for a full day tour including entrance fees.
