Ho Chi Minh to Danang: is sleeper bus or train better? [2024]

Ho Chi Minh City and Danang are two major tourist destinations in Vietnam. While Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC or Saigon) offers historic landmarks, bustling streets, and vibrant culture, Danang invites you to indulge in pristine beaches and breathtaking mountain views.

So how to travel from HCMC to Danang? And is it better to get from HCMC to Danang by sleeper bus or by train?

I will answer these questions in this post.

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1. How far is it from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang?

The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang is approximately 930km (577 miles). You can travel between these two destinations by flight, sleeper bus, or train.

Read more: Review Sai Gon Water Bus: timetable, tickets, my experience

2. From Ho Chi Minh to Danang by sleeper bus

Duration: 19-24 hours, depending on traffic.

Bus price: 400.000 vnd – 700.000 vnd – Each operator sets different pricing.

Where to take the sleeper bus?

There are 2 bus stations to take the HCMC- Danang bus: Ben Xe Mien Dong (Eastern Bus Station) and An Suong Bus Station.

• Bus operators at Western Bus Station: Futa, Dinh Nhan, Quynh Nhat, and others. 
• Bus operators at An Suong Bus Station: Hieu Vien, An Binh

After reading reviews of all the operators, I recommend Futa, which is a reliable and well-known bus operator in Vietnam. The other buses are more likely intended for locals. Thus, sometimes you have to wait hours for the bus, or the bus can be packed with passengers in the aisle during peak seasons. Futa bus, on the other hand, provides slightly better service. I have personally taken Futa bus several times. Overall, I would give it a rating of 7/10. The first ride was unpleasant due to the driver’s rude attitude, but the second ride was perfect with a newer bus and professional staff. Additionally, they are usually punctual.

How to buy tickets?

You can buy the HCMC –  Danang bus tickets at the bus stations or online via this link.

For the Futa bus, you can also purchase the Ho Chi Minh-Danang sleeper bus tickets via their official website (click here).

Read more: 12 Hidden gems & Unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Bus schedule from Ho Chi Minh to Danang

• Futa: 11:15, 11:30, 14:00, 15:30, 16:00, 18:00, 20:45 (drop-off point: Futa office at 18 Nam Tran, Hoa Minh, Lien Chieu)
• Dinh Nhan: 8:30, 10:30, 12:00, 12:30, 14:00 (drop-off point: Dinh Nhan office at 166 Dien Bien Phu Street)
• Quynh Nhat: 9:00, 10:00, 14:00, 15:00 (drop-off point: Danang Central Bus Station)

Pro tips: If you choose the Futa bus, check with the staff whether they provide free hotel pick-up and drop-off. Most likely, they do.

Read more: 10 Best budget hotels near Bui Vien Street

3. From Ho Chi Minh to Danang by train

For the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang, I think the train is a better option for two reasons. First, the train is usually on time and unaffected by traffic. Second, train stations are always located in the city center, making it easy for you to travel between your hotel and the train station.

• Sai Gon train station address:  1 Nguyen Thong St, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC
• Danang train station address: 791 Hai Phong St, Tam Thuan, Thanh Khe, Danang

Duration: 18-19 hours

Train schedule: 

The train stops between Sai Gon and Danang: Sai Gon – Bien Hoa – Binh Thuan -Thap Cham – Nha Trang – Tuy Hoa – Dieu Tri – Quang Ngai – Tam Ky – Danang

Train options and ticket prices: 

• Soft seat (2nd class AC seat): about 600.000 VND
• Room 6 beds (2nd class sleeper): about 800.000 VND
• Room 4 beds (1st class sleeper): about 1.000.000 VND

Pro tips:

• You might be better off choosing either the soft seat or the 4-bed room option. Avoid the 6-bed room as the space for each bed is very narrow and low. I had a personal experience with it once, and it was the worst train experience for me. It was really difficult to get on the bed, get down, and sit up, even though I’m only 160cm tall. 
• It is advisable to purchase train tickets at least 2 days before the departure date if you are travelling during weekends or holidays. If you are traveling during Tet holiday, it is recommended to plan your trip and purchase all types of tickets in Vietnam at least 2 months in advance.

How to buy the HCMC-Danang train tickets? 

You can buy the Sai Gon – Danang train tickets at the train station or online via 12go.asia (click here) or dsvn.vn (click here). 

What to expect when travelling from Ho Chi Minh to Danang by train?

• You can buy food and drink on the train. The price is just a little higher than the outside.
• It runs quite smoothly, so you can definitely get some sleep.
• The train stops at 8-16 stations in between.
• Some trains can be quite old and dirty. As I know, the SE2 and SE4 trains are in better condition.

4. Should I take a sleeper bus or train from Ho Chi Minh to Danang?

Below are the factors you need to consider before making your decision.

• The train is way safer than the bus because it has its own railway line, and Vietnamese bus drivers are said to be very ‘adventurous’.
• You can walk around the train when you feel tired of lying down, whereas you are not allowed to do so on a sleeper bus. This is a huge advantage because lying down for 20 hours is pretty boring and tiring.
• Eating food is allowed on the train, while some buses prohibit eating during the journey. You can only eat when the bus stops at a designated stopping point.
• Toilets are available on the train, but they may not be very clean. On the other hand, if you go by sleeper bus, the bus will make stops at restaurants where you can buy food and use the restroom.
• Sleeper buses tend to wobble quite often even if the road is not that bumpy.
• In most cases, trains are usually on time, while buses are more often delayed.
• Trains are more expensive than buses.
• If you want to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, it’s better to take a sleeper bus because there is no direct train to Hoi An.
• If you have a motorbike, you can send it on the train.

So that’s my guide on how to travel from HCMC to Danang by sleeper bus and by train. I hope it’s helpful for you. Thanks for reading!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the train stops between HCMC and Danang?

Below are the trains that offer routes from Saigon to Danang and the stops between the two stations: 

• Train: SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, SE10, SE12, SE22

• Train stops: Sai Gon – Bien Hoa – Binh Thuan -Thap Cham – Nha Trang – Tuy Hoa – Dieu Tri – Quang Ngai – Tam Ky – Danang

2. Is a sleeper train better than a sleeper bus?

Yes, it is.

First, sleeper trains run more smoothly than sleeper buses. Second, restrooms are available on all trains. Third, you can always eat and drink on the train, while some sleeper buses do not allow it. Fourth, you can walk around the train when you feel tired of lying down, whereas you are not allowed to do so on a sleeper bus.

3. How long is the bus ride from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang?

Travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang by bus takes about 19-24 hours, depending on the traffic situation. The total travelling distance is approximately 930km (577 miles).

4. How long is the train ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang?

The train ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang takes around 18-19 hours, covering a distance of 930km (577 miles). Many trains are running on this route such as SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8, SE10, SE12, SE22.

5. How much is the train from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang?

The train tickets from Ho Chi Minh to Danang range from 600.000 VND to 1.000.000 VND, depending on the seat options.