Sleeper bus
Cheapest and most popular option
Flight
Fastest option (~1 hour)
Private car/taxi
Flexible but long journey
Train
No railway connection
Quick answer: From Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot you can travel by direct flight or sleeper bus. Flights take about 1 hour and cost around $40-110/pp, while sleeper buses take about 6.5-9 hours and cost around $12-24/pp. There is no railway to Buon Ma Thuot.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 330 km by road, 260 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: 1 hour (flight), 6.5–9 hours (sleeper bus)
- 💰 Price range: $12–24 (sleeper bus), $40–110 (flight)
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper bus
- ✈️ Best for speed: Direct flight
Last updated in March 2026
From Ho Chi Minh City to Dak Lak you can travel by bus or plane.
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- Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot in Dak Lak province covers about 330 km. The best transport options are a direct flight or a sleeper tourist bus. Direct flights from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Buon Ma Thuot take about 1 hour, while sleeper buses take about 6.5-9 hours.
- Bus tickets to Dak Lak cost around $12-24/pp and flights cost about $40-110/pp. Flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air or Bamboo Airways. There is no railway connection to Buon Ma Thuot, so buses and flights are the main transport options. You can search and book tickets online in advance.
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- Buon Ma Thuot is the capital of Dak Lak province in central Vietnam and is famous as Vietnam’s coffee region. The area is also known for waterfalls such as Dray Sap and Dray Nur, located south of the city.
- From Buon Ma Thuot you can also continue by bus to Nha Trang or other destinations in central and southern Vietnam.
| Transfer Mode – Saigon to Dak Lak | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 6.5-9 hours | $12-24 per person |
| Plane (direct flight) | 1 hour | $40-110 per person |
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Dak Lak?
1. BUS from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot
👉 Sleeper bus is the cheapest way from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and routes without railway access
- ✔️ Duration: ~6.5–9 hours
- ✔️ Price: $10–19 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to moderate (modern sleeper buses available)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper bus with companies like Futabus or Kumho Samco
- 💡 Tip: Expect delays and choose newer buses for better comfort.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Bring a light blanket—AC can be quite cold during overnight trips.
The most popular low-cost option from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak) is a sleeper bus. There is no railway to Buon Ma Thuot, so most travelers use buses or direct flights. Companies on this route include Futabus, Kumho Samco, Mai Linh, Long Van Limousine, Tien Oanh and others.
The bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot takes about 6.5–9 hours. Bus tickets cost around $10–19 per person, depending on the company and seat type. Futabus is one of the cheapest and most popular operators on this route.
Bus tickets to Buon Ma Thuot can be searched and booked online in advance. Some companies also accept mobile e-tickets. Buses usually depart from different stations in Saigon and arrive at different places in Buon Ma Thuot.
The bus is a popular transportation option in Vietnam, especially for solo and budget travelers. Modern sleeper buses are comfortable and usually include short refreshment or toilet stops during the trip.
BOOK BUS TICKETS on 12go.asia ➜
| Bus Company | Departs in Saigon | Arrival in Buon Ma Thuot | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 08:00 | 16:00 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 10:15 | 18:15 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 12:15 | 20:15 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 14:00 | 22:00 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 16:00 | 00:00 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 18:00 | 02:00 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 20:00 | 04:00 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 21:00 | 05:00 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 22:00 | 06:00 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 23:00 | 07:00 | From $10.80 |
| Futabus (Phuong Trang) | 23:55 | 07:55 | From $10.80 |
| Tien Oanh | 11:30 | 19:30 | From $12.60 |
| Tien Oanh | 19:30 | 03:30 | From $12.60 |
| Tien Oanh | 22:15 | 06:15 | From $12.60 |
| Tien Oanh | 22:30 | 06:30 | From $12.60 |
| Tien Oanh | 22:45 | 06:45 | From $12.60 |
| Long Van | 00:00 | 06:05 | From $19.00 |
| Long Van | 08:00 | 14:35 | From $19.00 |
| Long Van | 11:00 | 17:35 | From $19.00 |
| Long Van | 13:00 | 19:35 | From $19.00 |
| Long Van | 15:00 | 21:35 | From $19.00 |
| Long Van | 21:30 | 04:05 | From $19.00 |
| Long Van | 22:30 | 04:35 | From $19.00 |
| Long Van | 23:30 | 05:35 | From $19.00 |
| Tien Oanh | 11:30 | 19:30 | From $13.00 |
| Tien Oanh | 17:45 | 02:35 | From $13.00 |
| Tien Oanh | 19:30 | 03:30 | From $13.00 |
| Tien Oanh | 22:15 | 06:15 | From $13.00 |
| Kumho Samco | 21:30 | 06:30 | From $12.00 |
| Kumho Samco | 22:15 | 07:15 | From $12.00 |
| Vietnam Travel Bus | 08:30 | 16:30 | From $22.00 |
| Vietnam Travel Bus | 11:45 | 17:45 | From $22.00 |
| Vietnam Travel Bus | 19:00 | 03:30 | From $17.00 |
| Vietnam Travel Bus | 22:15 | 06:45 | From $17.00 |
2. FLIGHT from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot
👉 Flight is the fastest way from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers short on time and seeking comfort
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour flight (~3.5 hours total)
- ✔️ Price: $40–110 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft, mostly Economy class)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight with Vietnam Airlines or VietJet Air
- 💡 Tip: Flights are limited, so plan your timing carefully.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Sit on the left side for views of the Central Highlands during landing.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot is by direct flight. Flights operate from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Buon Ma Thuot Airport, located about 15 km from the city center (see the Vietnam airport map).
The direct flight takes about 1 hour, while the total transfer time is around 3–4 hours including airport transfers and waiting time. Flying is the fastest option to reach Dak Lak Province.
BOOK FLIGHTS to Buon Ma Thuot ➜
Direct flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Hanh Air Systems. VietJet Air usually offers the cheapest flights, while Vietnam Airlines is often rated as the best full-service airline in Vietnam.
There are usually several direct flights daily and ticket prices range from $40–110 per person. Flights to Buon Ma Thuot can be searched and booked online in advance.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot
How to book tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot?
How long does it take to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot?
Travel by bus or minivan takes about 6.5–9 hours. Direct flights take about 1 hour.
How much does travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot cost?
Bus tickets cost about $12–24 per person. Direct flights cost about $40–110 per person.
What is the distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot?
The distance is about 340 km by road or 260 km by air.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Buon Ma Thuot?
The cheapest option is usually a sleeper bus operated by Futabus (Phuong Trang).
What is the fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot?
The fastest option is a direct flight to Buon Ma Thuot Airport.
Is there a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot?
No, there is no railway connection to Buon Ma Thuot.
How to travel from Buon Ma Thuot to Hanoi?
The best option is a direct flight. Read more: Buon Ma Thuot to Hanoi
How to get back from Buon Ma Thuot to Ho Chi Minh City?
You can return by sleeper bus, minivan, or direct flight.
Is Buon Ma Thuot suitable for solo travel?
Yes, it is a good place for solo travelers interested in coffee, waterfalls, and local culture. Read more: Solo travel in Vietnam
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot is a popular route to Vietnam’s Central Highlands. You can travel by sleeper bus, minivan, private car, or direct flight.
- Overnight Buses: Sleeper buses save time and one night of accommodation.
- Direct Flights: Flights are the fastest and most comfortable option.
- Cooler Climate: Buon Ma Thuot is usually cooler than Ho Chi Minh City, especially at night.
- Mountain Roads: Roads near the Central Highlands can be winding and bumpy.
- Motion Sickness: Front seats are usually more comfortable on highland roads.
- Bring Snacks: Some bus routes have limited refreshment stops.
- Book Early: Tickets can sell out during weekends, holidays, and Tet.
Tip: Bus, flight and private transfer tickets to Buon Ma Thuot can be searched and booked online in advance.