The stretch between Da Nang and Nha Trang draws many travelers who want to experience more of Vietnam’s central coast. With beaches, culture, and easy connections, it has become a popular route worth adding to your journey.
Overview Of Da Nang To Nha Trang
Da Nang to Nha Trang is a coastal trip that shows the best of Central Vietnam. Da Nang is famous for its long sandy beaches like My Khe and Non Nuoc. Visitors can also explore Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, and the nearby ancient town of Hoi An. The city combines natural beauty, history, and a modern lifestyle, making it a highlight for many travelers.
A Nha Trang trip gives you turquoise bays, offshore islands, and a lively town full of resorts and seafood restaurants. You can enjoy diving, island-hopping, mud baths, or simply relax by the sea. Traveling between the two cities also lets you see mountain passes, fishing villages, and quiet coastal areas that make the route even more attractive.
How Far Is It From Da Nang To Nha Trang?
Covering the stretch between Da Nang and Nha Trang, there are approximately 530 kilometers of road to travel. The journey by car or bus can take between 9 and 12 hours, depending on the route taken. Travelling by train typically takes 10 to 12 hours, and overnight trains are quite popular. The direct flight offers the most speedy transport, taking merely an hour, though there is some extra waiting time to get into the city from Cam Ranh airport.
The route is practical but also has breathtaking views, as it follows the coast of Vietnam. Travellers get to pass along the Hai Van Pass, coastal lagoons, and stretches of rural countryside, culminating in the beaches in Khanh Hoa Province. You have the choice to take the long-distance bus and train to view more of the countryside, or for flights to make more of your time. Multiple modes of transport allow you to balance speed, comfort, expense, and experience, in accordance with your Da Nang schedule.
How to Travel From Hue To Da Nang?
The route from Hue to Da Nang is short but very scenic, taking you across the famous Hai Van Pass and along the central coastline. Depending on your budget and travel style, you can go by train, bus, private car, or even motorbike for a memorable ride.
By Motorbike
For people who love riding, choosing a motorbike from Da Nang to Nha Trang is bold. It is a long journey, and of course, more than 500 kilometres. It also offers a prize, which is the best coastal views of Vietnam. To avoid main roads on this journey and have a laid-back ride, you can skip National Highway 1A and go through the less-trafficked coastal routes of Quy Nhon and Tuy Hoa.
You get to decide where and when to stop, and enjoy the freedom that a fishing village, a deserted beach, and viewpoints offer. On the other hand, this riding journey requires stamina and the relevant riding skills, as the distance is long and the coastal weather can change abruptly. If you have a lot of luggage or lack confidence in long-distance riding, a different mode of transport might be a better option.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route | The classic coastal route: Da Nang → National Highway 1A → Quy Nhon → Tuy Hoa → Nha Trang. This road gives you a mix of mountain passes and ocean views.
Alternative: Detour via smaller coastal roads (QL19B, DT640) to reach beaches like Ky Co and Ganh Da Dia before continuing south. This adds time but offers unique scenery and local stops. |
| Distance | Da Nang to Nha Trang is around 530 km in total. |
| Travel Time | 11 – 13 hours if ridden without long stops. Most travelers split the trip into 2 – 3 days, stopping overnight in Quy Nhon or Tuy Hoa. |
| Suggested Stops | Quy Nhon – a coastal city known for Eo Gio cliffs and Ky Co Beach.
Tuy Hoa – quiet beaches and the striking Ganh Da Dia rock formations. Dai Lanh Beach – located just north of Nha Trang, a good final stop before reaching the city. |
By Bus or Minivan
Among the cheapest and most convenient means of travel, the journey from Da Nang to Nha Trang by bus or minivan takes place. This option is preferred by local passengers and tourists alike, as they do not need to change modes, as this gives direct routes via the central coast. Minivans and buses are halfway between the problems of self-driving and air travel costs.
The journey by the Da Nang and Nha Trang bus is predominantly between 9-12 hours. This is massively based on the nature of the service and the flow of traffic in the location. The most cost-effective ratings are the basic buses. Conversely, limo minivans offer superior seats; they carry fewer passengers, and therefore, they provide smoother rides. Most of the departures are in the evenings, so the travel experience will involve sleeping to wake up in Nha Trang the following morning.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| Standard Sleeper Bus (40 – 45 seats) | ~350,000 – 450,000 VND | 10 – 12 hours | A budget-friendly choice with wide availability. Buses usually stop at roadside stations for short breaks. Expect more passengers on board. |
| Tourist Sleeper Bus | ~400,000 – 500,000 VND | 10 – 11 hours | Designed for long-distance travelers with cleaner interiors and reclining beds. Good for overnight travel, but schedules may be less flexible. |
| Limousine Minivan (9 – 16 seats) | ~450,000 – 650,000 VND | 9 – 10 hours | Fewer passengers, larger reclining seats, and better onboard comfort. Often includes hotel pick-up in Da Nang and drop-off closer to the center of Nha Trang. |
By Private Car
Families or groups that desire a straight ride would feel most relaxed and stress-free when they book their own ride with a private car service from Da Nang to Nha Trang. This option is most suitable for those people whose main priorities are comfort and privacy. Although using public transport may be a hassle, having access to your own vehicle will allow you to dictate your own pace and use it as an opportunity to stop somewhere interesting.
Whereas the price of a personal automobile is often more than that of a bus, it comes with its own set of benefits, such as door-to-door transport, air conditioning, and spacious luggage. This type of service is especially beneficial when you are in a non-family (with children, aged parents, or even a small group of friends). You can also book a personal vehicle either through travel agents and hotels or even through the various online travel portals.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-seater sedan | ~2,600,000 – 3,000,000 | 9 – 10 hours | Solo travelers or couples looking for a comfortable, private, and flexible trip |
| 7-seater SUV/MPV | ~3,000,000 – 3,500,000 | 9 – 10 hours | Small families or groups of 3 – 4 people who need more luggage space and comfort |
| 16-seater minivan | ~3,500,000 – 4,500,000 | 9 – 11 hours | Larger groups or friends traveling together offer a convenient way to split the cost |
By Train
The Da Nang to Nha Trang train offers the comfort of a train ride while giving you the chance to admire the stunning views of Vietnam’s central coastal area. The train follows the coastline and passes by fishing villages, alongside mountain slopes, and over broad areas of the countryside. A lot of tourists claim that this train route is one of the most magnificent train routes in Vietnam.
Trains on this route operate daily with both daytime and overnight departures. Travel time is usually between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the train number and the number of stops. While it is slower than flights or buses, the train offers more space, the chance to sleep comfortably overnight, and a peaceful ride to enjoy the landscape.
| Aspect | Details |
| Travel Time | About 10 – 12 hours, depending on the train schedule. Delays may happen, especially during the rainy season. |
| Cabin Types | Hard seat: Cheapest option, but basic and not very comfortable for long rides.
Soft seat (with AC): Comfortable and air-conditioned, good for daytime trips. Hard sleeper (6-berth cabin): Affordable choice for overnight travel, with shared berths in each cabin. Soft sleeper (4-berth cabin): More privacy and comfort, suitable for families or those who want better rest. |
| Estimated Price | From 400,000 – 700,000 VND, depending on seat type and booking time. |
| Best For | Travelers who want a slow but scenic journey, enjoy the countryside views, or prefer the comfort of sleeping berths instead of sitting overnight. |
| Notes | Tickets can be booked online, at Da Nang Railway Station, or through agencies. Foreign travelers should carry passports. Bringing water, snacks, and motion sickness pills is recommended. |
By Flight
An urban airliner’s flight from Da Nang to Nha Trang represents an excellent and efficient choice. The flight is one and a half hours, which is superior to a bus or train journey of more than five hours. There are several carriers, all of which operate daily, enabling travelers to find suitable travel times. The planes land at Cam Ranh International Airport, which is around 35 kilometers south of Nha Trang.
From the airport, travelers can take a private car, taxi, or airport shuttle to the city center, which takes 45 minutes to one hour. Though flying can be pricier than the bus or train, special offers and low-cost carriers often make it quite reasonable.
| Aspect | Details |
| Flight Duration | About 1 hour in the air. Transfer from Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang takes 45 – 60 minutes. |
| Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways. Multiple daily flights are available. |
| Estimated Price | From 800,000 – 1,800,000+ VND per person, depending on the season, promotions, and booking time. |
| Best For | Travelers with limited time, families with kids, or anyone who prefers a fast and hassle-free trip. |
| Notes | Cam Ranh Airport is the only airport serving Nha Trang. Booking early during peak seasons (summer, Tet holiday) is highly recommended. |
Tips For Traveling From Da Nang to Nha Trang
The Da Nang to Nha Trang route lies further than others along the coast, so a little planning will help to make it all the better. These pointers are on the basis of the actual experiences of the traveller and can help one avoid pitfalls along the way.
- Book tickets in advance during the summer or holiday in Tet holiday, especially if your Da Nang schedule includes the most sought-after things to do in Da Nang, like Ba Na or the Marble Mountains.
- Flights arrive at Cam Ranh Airport, which is 35km outside of Nha Trang city, so you should keep in mind the additional transfer fee and time.
- Buses and trains are a great way to save accommodation costs, but bring a little piece of clothing that can wrap you, such as a light blanket or jacket, as the air conditioning can get chilly at night.
- Travelling on wavy coastal roads may lead to motion sickness; sitting in the middle rows of buses or taking a train compartment may alleviate the sickness.
- Make sure to read the weather before your trip begins. Between September and December, heavy rain and storms may cause delays or unsafe riding.
- On the trains, ask to be given a soft sleeper berth in case one is staying overnight. It is very comfortable to sit compared to hard seats on a long ride.
Final Thoughts
The trip from Da Nang to Nha Trang is not just about getting from one city to another but about choosing the journey that fits your style. You can go fast by flight, enjoy the views by train, or take the adventure of a motorbike. With the right choice, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. If you need advice, ticket booking, or a tailor-made itinerary, Seni World is here to help you plan and enjoy your Vietnam trip with ease and confidence.
