Da Lat, nestled in Vietnam’s cool Central Highlands, is a haven of misty mountains, colonial architecture, and lush pine forests. While buses are the most common way to reach this charming city, taking the train from Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique travel experience filled with scenic views and adventure. There’s one catch, though: Da Lat doesn’t currently have an operating train station. But don’t let that stop you! A train-bus combination can get you there in comfort and style.
Here’s your ultimate guide on how to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by train—including route options, schedules, prices, seat types, and travel tips for a smooth and memorable journey.
How to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat by Train
Option 1: Ho Chi Minh City → Nha Trang → Da Lat
Leg 1: Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by Train
Start your journey by boarding a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. This route stretches around 411 km and takes roughly 7–9 hours, offering stunning views of Vietnam’s coastline along the way.
There are several daily departures, providing flexibility for your schedule. Ticket prices typically range from 200,000 VND for a hard seat to 600,000 VND for a comfortable sleeper berth.
Here’s a sample of train schedules for this route:
| Train No. | Departure (Saigon Station) | Arrival (Nha Trang Station) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE8 | 1:05 PM | 10:11 PM | 7h 39m |
| SE22 | 3:00 AM | 11:21 AM | 8h 13m |
| SE10 | 5:50 PM | 2:58 AM | 9h 06m |
| SE6 | 7:00 PM | 2:29 AM | 8h 21m |
| SE30 | 7:25 PM | 4:19 AM | 9h 08m |
| SE4 | 9:05 PM | 5:25 AM | 7h 29m |
| SE12 | 8:35 PM | 3:48 AM | 8h 54m |
| SNT2 | 10:50 PM | 8:29 AM | 8h 20m |
| SE2 | 1:05 PM | 10:11 PM | 7h 13m |
| SE28 | 3:00 PM | 11:21 PM | 9h 39m |
Once you arrive in Nha Trang, you can either spend some time exploring this coastal city or continue directly to Da Lat.
Leg 2: Nha Trang to Da Lat by Bus
From Nha Trang, hop on a bus for the final leg to Da Lat. This stretch covers about 134 km and takes approximately 3 hours. Several reputable bus companies operate on this route, including:
- Phuong Trang (Futa Bus)
- Catthienhai Travel
- TheSinhTourist
- Dalat Open Tour
- Minh Tri Limousine
Tickets range from 120,000 VND to 160,000 VND and can be purchased either at the Nha Trang Bus Station or online.
Alternative Route: Ho Chi Minh City → Phan Rang–Thap Cham → Da Lat
Another scenic option is to travel via Phan Rang–Thap Cham.
Leg 1: Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Rang–Thap Cham by Train
This leg takes around 6–7 hours with tickets priced between 290,000 VND and 850,000 VND, depending on seat type.
Sample train schedules:
| Train No. | Departure (Saigon Station) | Arrival (Thap Cham Station) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE8 | 6:00 AM | 12:01 PM | 6h 01m |
| SE22 | 10:20 AM | 4:48 PM | 6h 28m |
| SE10 | 12:20 PM | 6:23 PM | 6h 03m |
| SE6 | 3:00 PM | 9:06 PM | 6h 06m |
| SE12 | 7:25 PM | 2:33 AM | 7h 08m |
| SNT2 | 9:05 PM | 3:42 AM | 6h 37m |
| SE28 | 10:50 PM | 6:54 AM | 8h 04m |
Leg 2: Phan Rang–Thap Cham to Da Lat by Bus
From Phan Rang, buses such as Hien An and Quynh Nhu operate frequent services to Da Lat. This leg takes about 3 hours, with ticket prices ranging between 110,000 VND and 170,000 VND.
How to Book Train Tickets
Booking your train ticket is easy and flexible:
✅ Online: Use the official Vietnam Railways website for convenient online bookings and seat selection.
✅ In-Person: Visit the ticket counters at Saigon Station for direct purchases and inquiries.
✅ By Phone: Call the Vietnam Railways hotline at 1900 636 212 for assistance and reservations.
Seat Types on Trains from Ho Chi Minh City
Even though Da Lat itself lacks direct rail service, choosing the right seat for the Ho Chi Minh City → Nha Trang (or Phan Rang) leg makes a big difference:
- Hard Seat: The cheapest option, suitable for short journeys but less comfortable for longer trips.
- Soft Seat: Offers extra padding and better legroom for a more pleasant ride.
- Soft Sleeper: Reclining bunks in compartments, perfect for overnight journeys.
- Hard Sleeper: Bunk beds with basic bedding—a good budget-friendly choice for longer journeys.
Travel Tips for Your Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat Adventure
✅ Pack for the Weather: Da Lat is cooler than Ho Chi Minh City, especially in the evenings. Bring warm layers for comfort.
✅ Stay Hydrated: Bring bottled water for your train journey.
✅ Consider a Sleeper for Overnight Trips: It’s worth the extra cost for a good night’s sleep.
✅ Enjoy the Views: Vietnam’s rail routes are stunning—keep your camera ready for coastal and mountain views.
✅ Bring Entertainment: Books, music, or movies help pass the time on longer trips.
✅ Expect Possible Delays: Trains can sometimes run late—plan accordingly.
✅ Pack Essentials: Include sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a portable charger for your devices.
A Scenic Journey Worth Taking
While there’s no direct train into Da Lat, the combination of rail and bus makes for an unforgettable adventure. You’ll experience vibrant cities, rolling coastlines, and misty mountain passes—all part of the magic of Vietnam.
If navigating the logistics seems daunting, travel agencies like Lily’s Travel can help plan and book your entire journey, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience.
Get ready for a scenic ride and explore the best of Vietnam on your way to Da Lat!
