Flight
Fastest and most convenient
Flight + transfer
Smooth journey with minimal hassle
Bus
Cheapest option, long travel time
Train
Indirect and impractical route
Quick answer: If you’re travelling from Da Lat to Phnom Penh, your best option is to combine a flight (usually via Ho Chi Minh City) with land travel segments. A direct overland route is impractical due to distance and terrain, so flying plus ground transport offers the best balance of speed and convenience.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~600–700 km (approximate air + land route)
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~5–8 hours (flight via Ho Chi Minh City plus transfer) | ~20+ hours (bus + train overland, if possible)
- 💰 Price range: ~US$100–250 for the flight + ground segments | ~US$30–80 or more for long-distance bus/train
- ✈️ Best for speed & convenience: Flight from Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom Penh
- 🚌 Best for budget & adventure: Long-distance bus/train through Vietnam and Cambodia (more complex)
Last updated in March 2026
Da Lat to Phnom Penh: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight via Saigon | 6–10 h | $80–200 / person | ★★★★★ | Speed & comfort |
| 🚌 Bus + Train | 17–20 h | $25–90 / person | ★★★★☆ | Budget & variety |
| 🚌 Bus via Saigon | 13–15 h | $18–40 / person | ★★★☆☆ | Lowest price |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ moderate.
Travel from Da Lat to Phnom Penh is easiest by flight via Ho Chi Minh City. Bus travel is the cheapest option, while bus + train offers an alternative for travelers who prefer a mix of transport and more flexibility.
How do I get from Da Lat to Phnom Penh?
1. FLIGHT from Da Lat to Phnom Penh (via Saigon)
👉 Flight via Ho Chi Minh City is the fastest and most comfortable way from Da Lat to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and travel conveniently
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–10 hours (with stopover)
- ✔️ Price: $80–200 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (2 flights with modern airlines)
- ✅ Best option: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City + connecting flight to Phnom Penh
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance and consider flexible routes via Saigon for better availability.
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable option from Da Lat to Phnom Penh. Most flights connect via Ho Chi Minh City, although other Southeast Asian cities may also be possible.
The journey takes about 6–10 hours and costs around $80–200 per person. Flights depart from Lien Khuong Airport and arrive at Techo International Airport (KTI) in Phnom Penh, opened in September 2025.
Airlines include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways and Cambodia Angkor Air. You can also book separate flights, for example Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom Penh.
2. BUS + TRAIN from Da Lat to Phnom Penh (via Nha Trang)
👉 Bus + train via Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City is a cheap and varied way from Da Lat to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who want a mix of transport options
- ✔️ Duration: ~17–20 hours (3 steps)
- ✔️ Price: $25–90 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus + train + bus transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Nha Trang + train to Ho Chi Minh City + bus/minivan to Phnom Penh
- 💡 Tip: Book all tickets online in advance and choose sleeper train options for better comfort on longer segments.
1. Bus or Taxi from Da Lat to Nha Trang
Buses from Da Lat to Nha Trang take about 4 hours and cost around $5–11 per person. A private taxi or car is also available. See Da Lat to Nha Trang – Bus Schedule for more details.
2. Train from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City
Trains from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City take about 7–9 hours. There are around 5–6 trains daily with seats or sleeper berths, costing about $9–60 per person.
Trains depart from Nha Trang Railway Station and arrive at Saigon Railway Station. E-tickets can be booked online and shown on your phone when boarding.
3. Bus or Minivan from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Tourist buses and minivans from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh take about 6 hours and cost around $10–20 per person. Several companies offer seats, sleeper buses and modern minivans.
For more details, see How to get to Phnom Penh from Saigon?
3. BUS from Da Lat to Phnom Penh (via Saigon)
👉 Bus via Ho Chi Minh City is the cheapest way from Da Lat to Phnom Penh.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers with more time
- ✔️ Duration: ~13–15 hours (2 steps)
- ✔️ Price: $18–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (long bus journey with transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Bus to Ho Chi Minh City + bus/minivan to Phnom Penh
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and consider sleeper buses or minivans for better comfort.
1. Bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City
Buses from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City take about 7–8 hours. You can choose between tourist sleeper buses and private minivans, with tickets costing around $8–20 per person.
For schedules and more details, see Da Lat to Saigon – Bus Schedule.
2. Tourist Bus or Minivan from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
There is no train from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, so bus or minivan is the main overland option. The journey takes about 6–7 hours and tickets cost around $10–20 per person.
Several companies operate the route with standard seats, sleeper buses and modern minivans.
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Da Lat to Phnom Penh
How long does it take to get from Da Lat to Phnom Penh?
Flights via Ho Chi Minh City take about 6–10 hours. Bus journeys usually take around 15–20 hours.
What is the distance from Da Lat to Phnom Penh?
The route covers approximately 550 km via Ho Chi Minh City.
How much does it cost to travel from Da Lat to Phnom Penh?
Flights typically cost $80–200 per person. Bus tickets start at around $20–35 per person.
What is the fastest way to travel from Da Lat to Phnom Penh?
The fastest option is a flight via Ho Chi Minh City. It is also the most comfortable way to travel.
What is the cheapest way to get to Phnom Penh?
A tourist bus via Ho Chi Minh City is usually the cheapest option, with fares starting at about $20.
Where to stay in Phnom Penh?
Choose from budget guesthouses, hostels, or luxury hotels. See Cheap Hotels and Luxury Hotels.
Where can you travel from Phnom Penh?
Popular destinations include Sihanoukville, Battambang, and Mondulkiri.
How do you get to Lien Khuong Airport from Da Lat?
You can travel by shuttle bus, taxi, Grab, or private transfer. The journey takes about 30–45 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Da Lat to Phnom Penh?
No, there is no direct train connection. Travel by rail requires a transfer in Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City.
🧭 Popular travel routes in Vietnam from Da Lat:
If you’re planning your next trip from Da Lat, here are other popular routes in southern Vietnam:
These are the most popular travel routes from Da Lat for visitors exploring Vietnam.
From Da Lat to Phnom Penh you can travel by plane, bus, or bus + train.
The distance from Da Lat to Phnom Penh in Cambodia is about 550 km via Ho Chi Minh City. The fastest and most comfortable option is a flight with a stopover in Ho Chi Minh City.
Flights from Da Lat to Phnom Penh take about 6–10 hours, including the connection, and cost approximately $80–200 per person. Flight schedules can be limited depending on the season.
Budget travelers can use buses via Ho Chi Minh City. Travel by bus takes about 15–20 hours and costs around $20–35 per person. Another option is to travel by bus to Nha Trang, continue by train to Ho Chi Minh City, and then take a bus to Phnom Penh.
Tickets and flights from Da Lat to Phnom Penh can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
Phnom Penh is the capital and main transport hub of Cambodia. From the city, you can travel to Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, and other destinations across the country. Before your visit, check the guide to the best time to visit Phnom Penh.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Da Lat to Phnom Penh
Traveling from Da Lat to Phnom Penh is possible by plane, bus, or a combination of bus and train via Ho Chi Minh City.
- Fly for Speed: Flights via Ho Chi Minh City take about 6–10 hours.
- Save Money by Bus: Tourist buses are usually the cheapest transport option.
- Expect a Long Journey: Overland travel can take 15–20 hours or more.
- Prepare for the Border: Most buses cross at the Moc Bai–Bavet border crossing border crossing.
- Keep Documents Ready: Have your passport, visa, and tickets easily accessible.
- Bring Essentials: Water, snacks, and a power bank are useful for long journeys.
- Book in Advance: Flights and buses can fill up during holidays and peak seasons.
Tip: Flights, buses, and combined tickets from Da Lat to Phnom Penh can be searched and booked online in advance.