How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by plane, train or bus

How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang

Colorful, businesslike, and energetic are just three words you could use to describe Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam. Still widely known by its former name of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is filled with culture and great architecture, and it is a city that pulses with energy 24 hours a day. After seeing its bustling streets, a good respite is the coastal city of Nha Trang. Vietnam's main beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind on the gorgeous white sand beaches and enjoy the nightlife.

Wynperl in Nha Trang

Ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang

The shortest route from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang is over 430 kilometers (about 270 miles), so although Nha Trang is popular as a way to escape from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, it is still quite a long trip. The road trip is thus long, and with bus options it takes anywhere from 9.5 to 11 hours. The good news is that there are night buses if you just want to lie down and go to sleep.

A faster option is the train, although the travel time varies from 7 hours to more than 9 hours, so check the schedule carefully if you are interested in the time.

Another option is to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. This is the fastest way to get there, and surprisingly, not necessarily the most expensive. Below we will discuss the pros and cons of all three options.

Planes from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang

Fly from Tan Son Nhat Airport

Let's start with the fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by air. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the busiest in Vietnam and is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Flights to Nha Trang Cam Ranh International Airport are operated from here by three different airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar Pacific Airlines. Of these, VietJet Air has most flights and this airline is also usually the cheapest, so it is a good option as an alternative to bus and train.

Flying really isn't that expensive compared to some other transportation options. With VietJet Air the cost of a seat can actually be less than the price of a bed in a sleeping compartment on some trains, but the main advantage with flying is the time it takes: the flight itself is only about 1 hour, and even when you add a couple of hours to get to and from the airports and through security, flying is still the fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. It allows you to leave Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and be in Nha Trang by lunch!

From Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by train

Nha Trang Railway Station

As you read above, a plane is the fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang, and tickets can be cheaper than some train tickets. However, keep in mind that if you buy a sleeper ticket on the train, you are saving the cost of an overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, so although the flights may be cheaper, you will need to add an extra night in a hotel to that cost to make the comparison more realistic.

One of the great advantages of traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by train is that there are always many trains departing between the two cities. This gives you flexibility in time, as you can always find a train that fits your schedule, whether you prefer to travel at night or during the day. You can see a lot of scenery during the day that you would miss at night or by plane, so keep that in mind when choosing your tickets.

Vietnam Railways is the leading operator, and you can buy tickets directly from them if you are looking for the cheapest options - 2nd class seats or want sleepers. The service provided by Vietnam Railways is acceptable, but if you prefer a slightly more luxurious service and attentive staff, you can consider one of the private operators: Saigon Golden Train or Livitrans Express. You will still be on a Vietnamese railroad train, but the private operators have special cars with more comfortable sleeping berths. Of course, you will pay more for this privilege, but the extra comfort may be worth the cost.

From Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by bus

Vietnamese bus

This option is the cheapest and often the slowest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. So, weigh the pros and cons of taking the bus before choosing it.

Traveling by bus has its advantages: it's by far the cheapest way to travel, so it's great if you're spending time in Asia on a tight budget. Considering the distance you will be traveling, bus tickets are very good value for money, but going that long by bus is not suitable for everyone.

Two major companies transport passengers between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang: Hanh Cafe and SinhTourist. The buses operated by Hanh Cafe are much more modest than those of SinhTourist, providing only AC and standard seats for about a 9.5-hour trip, while with SinhTourist you will enjoy sleeping accommodations, TVs, steward and snacks, and in-flight restrooms, and get all this for only a few dollars more.
And if you fall asleep easily, night buses are a great idea, and besides, you don't need to spend the night in a hotel.

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