How to get from Da Nang to Nha Trang
Da Nang to Nha Trang is a classic Vietnam coastal hop. Your main choices are the scenic Reunification Express train, a short flight to Cam Ranh (CXR) with a transfer into Nha Trang, comfortable overnight/sleeper buses, or a private car/DIY drive if you want freedom to stop at beaches along the way. Pick based on time, budget, and how much you want to see between the two cities.
At A Glance (Da Nang to Nha Trang)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Reunification Express Train (Da Nang → Nha Trang) | ~9–11h (day or overnight) | Comfort + scenery, city-center to city-center |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~VND 450k–1.2m (seat/berth) » compare trains | ||
| ✈️ Flight (DAD → CXR) + Transfer | ~1h20 flight + ~40–60m road | Fastest overall |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~VND 900k–2.6m one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Sleeper / Executive Bus | ~10–12h (often overnight) | Budget, saving a hotel night |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~VND 300k–600k » compare buses | ||
| 🚐 Private Car / Charter (Door-to-door) | ~9–11h (stops traffic-dependent) | Families, lots of luggage, custom stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~VND 4.5m–9m per vehicle » get quotes | ||
| 🛵🚘 Self-Drive Car / Motorbike | ~9–12h (break into 2 days recommended) | Experienced riders/drivers, adventure |
| 🏷️ Cost: Bikes from ~VND 150k–350k/day; cars vary » compare bikes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & most time-efficient: Flight DAD→CXR then transfer to Nha Trang beachfront.
- Most comfortable without flying: Train with soft berth—sleep through the night and wake up in Nha Trang.
- Cheapest: Overnight sleeper bus (basic but saves a hotel night).
- Most flexible/scenic: Private car or self-drive—stop at Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa, or whale-temple villages en route.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy early on weekends/holidays: Trains and flights sell out—compare on 12Go, Trip.com, or Booking.com Flights.
- Local rides: Grab works well in both cities for station/airport transfers. For fixed long-distance quotes, use GetTransfer.
- Luggage: Store bags if sightseeing pre-departure via Radical Storage Da Nang or Radical Storage Nha Trang.
- Seat choice: On trains, pick soft-berth for overnight comfort; on buses, upper berths feel bumpier but have more airflow.
- Monsoon caution: Heavy rain can delay buses/trains; flights are generally punctual but can be wind-affected—build buffer time.
🚆 Option #1 — Reunification Express Train (Comfortable & Scenic)
Scenic City-center to city-center Fixed schedule
- Overview: Direct trains connect Da Nang Station to Nha Trang Station several times daily. Choose soft seat for day views or soft-berth sleeper for overnight comfort.
- How to book (with price): ~VND 450k–1.2m depending on seat/berth/date. Compare and pay online via 12Go (trains). Official site: Vietnam Railways (DSVN).
- Pros: Spacious, smoother than bus, power outlets on many coaches. Cons: Longer than flying; popular berths sell out.
Step-by-step: Reunification Express Train
- Get to Da Nang Station by Grab/taxi from your hotel (arrive 30–45 minutes early).
- Book your preferred train/berth on 12Go or DSVN; keep passport handy for ID checks.
- Board your coach (number printed on ticket). Keep valuables with you; order snacks or bring your own.
- Arrive at Nha Trang Station; use Grab/taxi to your beachfront hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Da Nang Station / Nha Trang Station)
- Da Nang Station: Central location—short cab/Grab from most areas (Hai Chau, My Khe).
- Nha Trang Station: 1–2 km to the beach strip; hotels often 5–10 minutes away.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #2 — Flight to Cam Ranh (CXR) + Transfer (Fastest)
Fast Many daily flights Airport transfer needed
- Overview: Fly Da Nang (DAD) → Cam Ranh (CXR), then road transfer 35–40 km into Nha Trang (40–60 minutes by taxi/shuttle).
- How to book (with price): From ~VND 900k–2.6m one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Arrange transfers via hotel, Grab at the curb, or fixed-rate car on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Short travel time; frequent schedules. Cons: Transfer adds cost; luggage limits vs. train.
Step-by-step: Flight DAD → CXR
- Travel to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) by Grab/taxi (15–25 minutes from beach areas).
- Compare fares and book on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check in online and arrive ~2 hours before departure.
- Land at Cam Ranh (CXR); follow signs for taxis/shuttles or meet your prebooked car.
- Ride 40–60 minutes to your Nha Trang hotel; confirm drop-off location with the driver.
Getting to the main embarking points (DAD / CXR)
- DAD departures: Compact airport; cafés and ATMs airside; Grab/taxis plentiful.
- CXR arrivals: Taxi counters outside; hotel/resort shuttles common along Nguyen Tat Thanh road.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Sleeper / Executive Bus (Budget & Frequent)
Budget Overnight Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Numerous operators run overnight sleepers between Da Nang and Nha Trang with reclining berths and rest stops. Pick reputable brands and mid-bus berths for a smoother ride.
- How to book (with price): ~VND 300k–600k. Compare routes, times, and reviews on 12Go (buses) or curated options on Trip.com activities.
- Pros: Cheapest and frequent; saves a night’s accommodation. Cons: Sleep quality varies; arrival times can shift with traffic.
Step-by-step: Sleeper Bus
- Choose a reputable operator/time on 12Go and buy your e-ticket.
- Get to the Da Nang boarding office/stop by Grab/taxi 30–45 minutes early; pack a light jacket and earplugs.
- Board, stow big bags below, keep valuables with you; expect 1–2 comfort stops.
- Arrive at the Nha Trang drop-off office/terminal; use Grab/taxi to reach your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Operator offices / Nha Trang drop-offs)
- Da Nang: Many bus offices cluster near the center or highway—your voucher shows the exact pickup.
- Nha Trang: Drop-offs are usually along Tran Phu/Nguyen Thi Minh Khai areas or the northern highway.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Car / Charter (Door-to-Door, Most Flexible)
Door-to-door Custom stops Higher cost
- Overview: A driver picks you up at your Da Nang address and drops you at your Nha Trang hotel. Ideal for groups, lots of luggage, or making photo stops along coast/highway QL1A.
- How to book (with price): ~VND 4.5m–9m per vehicle depending on size/date. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. For short city hops, Grab cars are cheaper.
- Pros: Zero transfers; choose your pace. Cons: Costly vs. train/bus; long day if done straight through.
Step-by-step: Private Car / Charter
- Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and departure time on GetTransfer; confirm inclusions (tolls, fuel, waiting).
- Share map pins with the driver and agree on rest/photo stops (e.g., Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa).
- Ride Da Nang → Nha Trang via QL1A; plan meal/fuel breaks every 2–3 hours.
- Arrive at your hotel; pay remaining balance if required and confirm receipt.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Pickup: Any Da Nang hotel/airport/home; drivers often message on WhatsApp/Zalo before arrival.
- Drop-off: Any Nha Trang address along/near Tran Phu Beach or the northern stretch.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛵🚘 Option #5 — Self-Drive Car / Motorbike (Adventure)
Freedom Photo stops For experienced only
- Overview: Follow QL1A with optional detours to lagoons and fishing villages. Consider breaking the trip with an overnight in Quy Nhon or Tuy Hoa for a safer, more enjoyable ride.
- How to book (with price): Motorbikes from ~VND 150k–350k/day on BikesBooking; car rentals vary on Booking.com Car Rental. Ensure license/insurance compliance.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility; great coastal scenery. Cons: Long distance, variable road conditions; weather exposure.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your bike/car in Da Nang; check brakes, lights, tire tread, and include rain gear/phone mount.
- Plan a 2-day route (e.g., Da Nang → Quy Nhon → Nha Trang). Prebook lodging on Booking.com if traveling peak season.
- Follow QL1A and coastal spurs; fuel up often and avoid riding after dark.
- Arrive in Nha Trang; return vehicle as arranged and photograph the bike/car on handover.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental depots & route)
- Da Nang rentals: City/airport counters; confirm helmet sizes and delivery options.
- Route: QL1A is fastest; scenic alternates branch to lagoons/beaches—add time.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Da Nang to Nha Trang)
Train or flight—which is better?
Train is relaxed and city-center to city-center with sleeper options; flight is fastest but adds a road transfer from CXR.
How far is Cam Ranh Airport from Nha Trang?
About 35–40 km; allow 40–60 minutes by taxi/shuttle depending on traffic.
Are sleeper buses comfortable?
Quality varies by operator; bring a light layer, eye mask, and earplugs. Upper berths can feel bumpier.
Can I bring big luggage on trains?
Yes—within practical limits. Keep valuables on you; store larger bags at the carriage ends.
What’s the best area to stay in Nha Trang?
Tran Phu Beach for convenience, northern Hon Chong for quieter vibes. Compare stays on Booking.com.
Any rainy season considerations?
Central coast rains (roughly Sep–Dec) can cause delays; check forecasts and build buffer time, especially for buses/trains.