Nha Trang sends travelers two ways: up into the hills to Da Lat, or north along the coast to Hoi An and Da Nang. Da Lat is a short daytime van ride, and in 2026 it has to be daytime, because the Khanh Le Pass is closed to vehicles at night. Going north, the flight from Cam Ranh saves most of a day over the sleeper bus or train.
How we built this guide: this page summarises our two route guides from Nha Trang, which checked fares and timetables on Vexere, 12Go and Daytrip on 2 October 2026, and Vietnamese news reports on the Khanh Le Pass up to 26 September 2026. Follow the links for the full detail behind each number.
Where do you leave from?
It depends on the direction. Limousine vans to Da Lat offer hotel or office pickup in town, per the listings in our Nha Trang to Da Lat guide. Trains north leave from Nha Trang's station on the North-South line (12Go). Flights use Cam Ranh International Airport, about 30 km from the city (Wikipedia), so add that drive to any flight time.
Up to Da Lat: why you should go by day
The Khanh Le Pass is the direct road to Da Lat, and its opening hours are the first thing to check. Landslides hit the pass hard in November 2025. It reopened in stages, and since 13 February 2026 all vehicles may use it from 5:00 to 18:00, per Tuoi Tre. On 26 September 2026, Dan Tri reported the night ban still in force.
Within that window, a limousine van takes about 3 to 4.5 hours and cost 180,000 to 600,000 VND (about US$7 to US$23) on Vexere. A private car is quicker, at about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. If a booking site offers a night departure, ask which road it takes: the detour through Phan Rang is much longer.
North to Hoi An and Da Nang: fly or ride overnight?
Fly if you want the day; ride overnight if you want to save money. The direct flight between Cam Ranh and Da Nang takes 1 hour 15 minutes in the air (12Go). Sleeper buses to Hoi An take roughly 7 hours 45 minutes to 11 hours for 266,000 to 800,000 VND on Vexere, and trains to Da Nang take 9 to 11.5 hours. A night in Quy Nhon splits the coast into two daytime rides.
| Going to | Best option | Time | Price seen on 2 October 2026 | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da Lat | Limousine van, by day | About 3 to 4.5 hours | 180,000 to 600,000 VND on Vexere | Nha Trang to Da Lat |
| Da Lat | Private car | About 2.5 to 3.5 hours | US$35 to US$63 per car on 12Go | Nha Trang to Da Lat |
| Hoi An and Da Nang | Flight Cam Ranh to Da Nang | 1 hour 15 minutes in the air | About US$45 on 12Go (14 October) | Hoi An to Nha Trang |
| Hoi An | Sleeper or cabin bus | About 7 hours 45 minutes to 11 hours | 266,000 to 800,000 VND on Vexere | Hoi An to Nha Trang |
| Da Nang | Train | 9 to 11.5 hours | About US$23 for a seat on 12Go | Hoi An to Nha Trang |
Heading south to Ho Chi Minh City? One way is to go via Da Lat; our Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat guide covers the second leg. For the cities themselves, see our Nha Trang and Da Lat guides.
Key facts at a glance
- The Khanh Le Pass is open to all vehicles from 5:00 to 18:00 since 13 February 2026 (Tuoi Tre).
- The night ban was still in force on 26 September 2026 (Dan Tri).
- The pass is 33 km long, per VnExpress.
- Cam Ranh airport is about 30 km from Nha Trang (Wikipedia).
Limitations
Road rules on the Khanh Le Pass have changed several times since November 2025, and repairs were due to finish in early October 2026, so the opening hours may change again soon. Check Khanh Hoa's latest notice or ask your operator on the day. Prices and times come from booking sites on 2 October 2026, not from our own trips, and rise around Tet, which falls on 6 February 2027 per Wikipedia.
