Getting There & Away: Dalat

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is the only commercial airport serving Dalat, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the city center.

Flight Information

Domestic airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines.
Popular routes: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), Hue (HUI), Can Tho (VCA).
International flights: Limited direct charters; most international travelers connect via SGN or HAN.

Airport Transfers & Tips

Lien Khuong Airport is a small, modern facility with basic services: ATMs, currency exchange, cafes, souvenir shops, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options

Airport Bus: Approx. 40,000-50,000 VND to city center (near Xuan Huong Lake).
Taxi: Licensed taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun) for about 250,000-350,000 VND.
Grab: Ride-sharing app (car or motorbike) with fixed prices.

Flight Price Trends

Flight prices increase during peak season (Nov-Mar) and holidays (Tet, Reunification Day). Booking early is advisable. Low season (Jun-Sep) typically sees lower prices.

Flight Deals

Explore flight deals via services like Dollar Flight Club or comprehensive search engines like Skyscanner for potential savings.

Car Rental Search

For car rental options, though less common for self-drive, you can search platforms like DiscoverCars.com for general vehicle availability.

Land Transportation: Buses

Bus Travel to Dalat

Buses are a main and cost-effective mode for inter-city travel. Sleeper buses are common for longer journeys.
Popular routes: Ho Chi Minh City (6-8 hrs, ~200k-300k VND), Nha Trang (3-5 hrs, ~120k-180k VND), Mui Ne/Phan Thiet (4-6 hrs, ~150k-250k VND).
Main hub: Dalat Bus Station (Bến xe Đà Lạt), a few kilometers from city center.
Booking: At bus stations, travel agencies, or online (e.g., Phương Trang/Futa Bus Lines). Book a day or two in advance during peak times.

Other Land Transport Notes

Road Conditions: Generally paved and good, but can be winding and steep from coastal areas. Within Dalat, roads are mostly well-maintained.
Train Connections: Dalat's historic railway station no longer serves long-distance routes. A short tourist train to Trai Mat is for scenic journeys.
Self-Driving: Not generally recommended for foreign tourists due to complex rules and varying road conditions. Hiring a car with a local driver is a safer alternative.
Motorbike/Scooter Rental: Widely available. An IDP with motorbike endorsement is technically needed. Roads around Dalat are often winding and hilly.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable for Dalat

Ferry Services

Not applicable for Dalat as it is an inland city.

River Transportation

No river transportation options serve Dalat for passenger travel.

Seaport Immigration

No immigration procedures at seaports relevant to Dalat travel.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are collected separately at Vietnamese airports for departing passengers; these costs are typically part of your airline ticket price.

Timing Your Departure

Domestic Flights (Lien Khuong Airport): Arrive at least 1.5 - 2 hours before scheduled departure.
International Charter Flights (Lien Khuong Airport): Allow at least 2 - 3 hours before departure.
Security: Standard airport security checks apply; electronics and liquids from carry-on.

Bus Station Departures

Bus travel from Dalat offers a flexible departure option.

Departing by Bus

Bus Departures: Arrive at Dalat Bus Station (Bến xe Đà Lạt) at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
This timing gives room for check-in, luggage loading, and finding your bus.
Facilities: Bus stations have more limited amenities, often with small shops and restrooms.

Considerations for a Smooth Departure

Plan ahead for a stress-free exit from Dalat.

Final Departure Notes

Pre-book your airport or bus station transfer a day before your departure.
Confirm the exact location of your departure point.
Double-check ticket details for any last-minute changes.

Important Reminders

No separate exit fees at Vietnamese airports.
Allow sufficient time at the airport or bus station.
Contact your airline or bus company for any queries.

Secure your belongings throughout your journey.
Keep digital backups of all travel documents.
Familiarize yourself with routes to the airport/bus station.

Getting Around Dalat

Public Transportation

Dalat has a public bus system, but it is not typically the main mode of transport for tourists due to limited coverage of attractions and language barriers.

Bus System Overview

Mainly serves local residents, connecting city center to outer districts.
English route maps are not widely available or regularly updated for tourists.
Fares are very low, typically paid in cash directly to the driver upon boarding.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps provide convenient and reliable transportation options in Dalat.

Hailing & Safety

Licensed Taxis: Identifiable by company logos (Mai Linh, Vinasun). Metered fares. Hail on street or at stands.
Grab: Most popular ride-sharing app (GrabCar, GrabBike). Fixed fares displayed in-app for transparency.
Safety: Stick to reputable taxi companies. Grab is generally safe with rating systems and GPS tracking.

Car with Driver

Renting a car with a local driver is highly advisable for comfort and local expertise on tours outside the city center.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Widely available for rent (~100k-150k VND/day). An IDP with motorbike endorsement is technically needed. Always wear a Helmet.

Bicycle Rentals

Available around Xuan Huong Lake and at hotels (~30k-60k VND/hour). Good for lake path and flatter areas.

Transportation Tip

For flexibility, consider renting a scooter if you are an experienced rider. Otherwise, Grab is a safe and transparent alternative for getting around.

Getting There & Away