How to get to Da Lat as airport closes for upgrades

The airport, the main gateway to the popular mountain town in Lam Dong Province, which is famous for its year-round cool climate and French heritage sites, will be closed for six months for undergoing extensive maintenance and upgrades, including renovation of the runway and taxiways and installation of a new drainage system, lighting and updated warning technology.

Traveling by road from HCMC

HCMC is around 300 km from Da Lat, and several transport companies operate buses on this route with fares ranging from VND250,000 to 350,000 (US$9.63–13.48) one way, depending on whether it is a sleeper bus or "limousine."

The trip typically takes six to eight hours depending on traffic.

The buses depart from the new Eastern Bus Station in Thu Duc City and have designated pick-up points around HCMC.

It is recommended to book tickets in advance via e-wallet apps or bus company websites.

Alternatively, visitors can hire a private taxi or rent a car for VND1.5-3.5 million one way.

The route starts from National Highway 20 and runs through Lien Khuong and the Prenn Expressway, offering scenic views of mountains but requiring caution.

A route runs through Prenn Pass, Da Lat, Lam Dong Province, January 2024. Photo by Khanh Huong

Travel from nearby airports by road

Travelers can also fly into nearby airports and continue their journey to Da Lat by road, especially those coming from the north.

Cam Ranh Airport, Khanh Hoa

Cam Ranh Airport, around 160 km from Da Lat, is served by multiple flights daily from Hanoi and HCMC operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways.

Round-trip fares cost VND4-6 million from Hanoi and VND2-3 million from HCMC.

Morning flights are recommended to allow sufficient daylight for onward travel to Da Lat.

From Cam Ranh, visitors can take a connecting bus to Da Lat, which takes three to four hours. Tickets cost VND150,000-250,000 one way.

Buses depart from Nha Trang Southern Bus Station and have pick-up points in the city.

Those driving their own vehicles should go along Vo Nguyen Giap and Cao Ba Quat streets and provincial road 652 to the foot of Khanh Le Pass before taking National Highway 27C to Da Lat through Khanh Vinh and Lac Duong districts.

Buon Ma Thuot Airport, Dak Lak

Buon Ma Thuot Airport lies about 160 km from Da Lat. The road trip between the two places takes three to four hours along National Highway 27 through Phi Nom Pass and Lac Duong District. Travelers from Hanoi and northern provinces will prefer this route since the road travel distance is less than from Cam Ranh. But flights to Buon Ma Thuot are less frequent than to Cam Ranh or HCMC.

Buses between Buon Ma Thuot and Da Lat cost VND120,000-200,000 one way.

Traveling by train

The nearest train station to Da Lat is Nha Trang Station about 134 kilometers from Da Lat. Visitors from Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang and elsewhere can take a train to Nha Trang for VND400,000-1.5 million.

The trip takes 24-26 hours from Hanoi to Nha Trang, seven hours from HCMC, and four to 10 hours from central cities such as Da Nang and Hue.

After arriving at Nha Trang Station, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Da Lat.