Ultimate Transfer Guide: Nha Trang To Hoi An For Indian Tourists

A classic and wonderful journey that many of our Indian guests take is the trip from the vibrant, sunny coastal city of Nha Trang to the charming, cultural heart of Central Vietnam, Hoi An. This is a beautiful journey that takes you up our stunning coastline, covering a distance of approximately 500 km. Because this is a long-distance trip, planning your transportation is one of the most important parts of your itinerary. As your expert guide at Vietnam Story, we have created this definitive guide to detail all your options, from the fastest and most comfortable to the most scenic and budget-friendly, to ensure your transition from the beaches of Nha Trang to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An is completely seamless and enjoyable.

Tourists from Nha Trang to Hoi An have many means of transportation to choose from based on their own preferences.

Table of Contents

The budget and comfort champion: The overnight sleeper bus

For the vast majority of travelers, especially those who are budget-conscious, the overnight sleeper bus is the most popular, practical, and budget-friendly choice. The biggest advantage of this option is that you travel while you sleep, which means you cover the long distance without losing a precious day of sightseeing, and you also save money on a night’s hotel accommodation. Are sleeper buses a good option? Yes, especially if you choose the right kind! Let’s look at the details.

Bus details and your comfort options

Types of buses

Standard sleeper buses (Xe giuonng nam): This is the standard option, with fixed, three-row reclining bunk beds.
VIP cabin sleeper: For just a small amount more, we highly recommend you choose a VIP Cabin Sleeper bus. Instead of open bunks, these modern buses feature individual, private, fully reclining cabins, each with its own curtain for privacy. This is by far the most comfortable and hygienic bus option, and it is perfect for Indian families and couples who value their personal space.

Travel time

The journey is an overnight one, typically taking between 9 to 12 hours. Most buses depart from Nha Trang in the evening (around 7:00 PM) and arrive in Hoi An the next morning (around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM).

Cost

This is a very budget-friendly option.

A standard sleeper bus ticket will cost between 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND (approximately $8 – $16 USD).
A much more comfortable VIP cabin will cost only slightly more, around 550,000 VND (approximately $22 – $28 USD). The extra comfort is well worth the small price difference!

Top companies

Always choose a reputable and well-reviewed bus operator. Some of the best include Hanh Cafe, An Phu Travel, The Sinh Tourist, and Cuc Tung Limousine (which specializes in VIP cabins).

The fastest option: Flying to Da Nang

For travelers who are short on time or who simply prioritize a speedy and comfortable arrival above all else, flying is the quickest and most efficient option. Is flying a convenient option? Yes, it is the fastest, but it requires a final transfer. Here’s how it works.

The flight route and logistics

You will fly from Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), which is the airport that serves Nha Trang, to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). The flight itself is very short, typically just 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

When you factor in the time it takes to get to the airport, check-in, and then transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An upon arrival, the total journey time is about 3 to 4 hours. This is the most expensive option. Flight prices usually start from around 900,000 VND (approximately $36 USD), plus any additional fees for your checked baggage.

READ MORE: Your Essential Guide to International Airports in Vietnam for Indian Traveller

The final step: Da Nang Airport to Hoi An transfer

It is very important to remember that Hoi An does not have its own airport. The Da Nang airport is the gateway, located about 30 km away.

Private Car/Taxi: The fastest, most comfortable, and most direct way to get to your hotel in Hoi An is by a pre-booked private car or a taxi. The journey takes about 45 minutes and will cost around 400,000 – 550,000 VND (approximately $16 – $22 USD) per car.
Shuttle bus: You can also find affordable shared shuttle vans at the airport, which will cost around 150,000 – 250,000 VND (approximately $6 – $10 USD) per person.

The scenic route: Taking the train to Da Nang

Passengers on a Nha Trang to Hoi An train

For those who love the classic and romantic experience of train travel, the journey from Nha Trang to Da Nang offers a wonderful opportunity to see the stunning Vietnamese countryside and coastline. Are there direct trains to Hoi An? No, but the train journey to Da Nang is a beautiful experience.

The train route and your comfort

You will take the train from Nha Trang Railway Station to Da Nang Railway Station. Please remember, there is no train station in Hoi An itself. This route is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery and mountain views. If you travel during the day, you will be treated to some absolutely breathtaking landscapes.

The train journey takes approximately 8 to 10 hours. For a long journey like this, we highly recommend you book the Soft Sleeper class. This will give you a private berth in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4- or 6-bed cabin.

Access to Hoi An and the cost

Upon arriving at the Da Nang Railway Station, you will need to take a final 45-minute transfer by taxi or private car to reach your hotel in Hoi An. Train tickets offer a good middle-ground price, ranging from 500,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND (approximately $20 – $50 USD), depending on the class of seat or sleeper you choose.

The ultimate convenience: A private car transfer

For the ultimate in door-to-door comfort, luxury, and personalized service, you can hire a private car with a driver for the entire journey. This is the ideal choice for families traveling with children or for those who are carrying a significant amount of luggage. This is the most luxurious and flexible way to travel overland.

A private car offers a true door-to-door transfer, picking you up from your hotel in Nha Trang and dropping you off directly at your accommodation in Hoi An. The direct driving time is about 10 to 12 hours.

The biggest advantage of a private car is its flexibility. You can ask your driver to stop at scenic coastal viewpoints or other interesting attractions along the way, effectively turning your transfer day into a customized mini-tour. This is the most expensive land option. You can expect to pay from 5,000,000 VND to 8,000,000 VND (approximately $200 – $330 USD) for the entire car.

READ MORE: The definitive travel guide: Hanoi to Hoi An for Indian travelers

Practical travel tips and a quick comparison

To help you make the final decision, here is a simple comparison of all your options.

Option	Cost (Per person)	Travel time (total)	Key feature	Best for
Sleeper Bus (VIP Cabin)	≈ $20 – $28 USD	9-12 Hours	Travels overnight, saves money on a hotel, and is the most comfortable bus option.	Budget Travelers
Flight	≈ $50 – $150 USD	3-4 Hours	The fastest overall travel time.	Time-Conscious Travelers
Train (Soft Sleeper)	≈ $30 – $50 USD	10-12 Hours	Offers beautiful scenic coastal views if you travel during the day.	Scenery Seekers
Private Car	≈ $200 – $330 per car	10-12 Hours	Offers complete door-to-door service and the flexibility for customized stops.	Families, Groups, & Luxury Travelers

Booking advice: Tickets for the trains and especially for the comfortable VIP sleeper buses can sell out quickly. I highly recommend you book your tickets at least 1-2 weeks in advance through a reliable online platform or a trusted travel agent like Vietnam Story.
Safety tip: For any overnight travel, please keep your valuables, such as your passport, cash, and phone, secure and close to you at all times.

Conclusion

The journey from the sun-drenched, energetic beaches of Nha Trang to the serene, lantern-lit alleyways of Hoi An is a beautiful transition between two of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations. Each mode of transport offers its own unique experience, and by choosing the one that best fits your priorities, be it the speed of a flight, the scenery of a train, or the incredible value of a VIP sleeper bus—you are ensuring that this part of your journey is as enjoyable and comfortable as the destinations themselves.

At Vietnam Story, our expertise lies in helping you make that perfect choice. Let us handle all the booking and logistics for you, ensuring a seamless and stress-free transition so you can arrive in Hoi An relaxed, refreshed, and ready to be enchanted. Contact us today, and let’s start planning your perfect coastal journey.