Flight via Saigon
Fastest and most practical
Flight + private transfer
Smooth, minimal hassle
Bus + ferry
Cheapest via Saigon / Vung Tau
Direct transport
No direct train or ferry
Quick answer: Traveling from Nha Trang to Con Dao involves either a flight via Ho Chi Minh City, or a combination of train/bus or private car/taxi with driver and ferry via Vung Tau. The flight is by far the fastest and most comfortable option, while the land-and-sea route is the budget-friendly yet lengthy adventure.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~760 km by land via Ho Chi Minh City & Vung Tau
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~6–8 hours (via Saigon) | Train/Bus + Ferry ~16–20 hours | Bus + Ferry ~20 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$100–180 | Train/Bus + Ferry US$40–130 | Bus + Ferry US$45–90
- ✈️ Best for speed: Flight via Ho Chi Minh City → Con Dao
- 🚆 Best for economy & experience: Train/Bus or car to Saigon/Vung Tau + ferry to Con Dao
- 🚌 Best for lowest budget: Bus from Nha Trang to Saigon + ferry to Con Dao
Last updated in March 2026
From Nha Trang to Con Dao, you can travel by plane or train/bus + ferry.
The distance from Nha Trang to Con Dao Islands is about 760 km. The fastest and most convenient option is a flight via Ho Chi Minh City. This transfer usually takes about 6–8 hours, including the stopover, and costs around $100–180/pp.
Another option is to travel by train or bus to Ho Chi Minh City, continue to Vung Tau, and then take a ferry to Con Dao. This route takes about 16–20 hours and costs approximately $40–130/pp. It is the cheapest way to reach the islands, but it requires more travel time.
Con Dao is one of the most beautiful island destinations in southern Vietnam.
You can also travel by sleeper bus and ferry via Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau. This option takes about 20 hours and costs around $45–90/pp. Although scenic, it is much slower than flying.
Con Dao consists of 16 islands, with Con Son Island being the largest. The islands are accessible by ferry from Vung Tau, Soc Trang, and Can Tho, or by flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Can Tho. From Con Dao, you can also travel to Ho Chi Minh City by ferry or plane. Before your trip, check Weather in Con Dao for the best travel season.
| Transfer Mode – Nha Trang to Con Dao | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (with stopover in Saigon) | 6-8 hours | $100-180 per person |
| Train + Bus + Ferry (via Saigon, Vung Tau) | 16-20 hours | $40-130 per person |
| Bus + Ferry (via Saigon, Vung Tau) | 20 hours | $45-90 per person |
How do I get from Nha Trang to Con Dao?
1. FLIGHT from Nha Trang to Con Dao (via Saigon)
A) FLIGHT from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City
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- airlines to Saigon from Nha Trang: VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific
- direct flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 1 hour
- direct flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City costs about $20-70/pp
- direct flight is the most fastest way of transfer between Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City
- read this article: How to reach Saigon from Nha Trang?
B) FLIGHT from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Airport
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- direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Airport (Con Son Island) takes about 1 hour
- flights is the most comfortable and fast option of getting to Con Dao – Con Son Island
- travel by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Airport costs about $75-90/pp
- this route is operated by airlines of Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways
- you can check this article: Airports in Vietnam
- Book your direct flight from Ho Chi Minh to Con Dao on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜
2. TRAIN + BUS + FERRY from Nha Trang to Con Dao
A) TRAIN from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City
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- from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City you can travel by train
- travel time by train from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City is about 7-9 hours
- transfer by train from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City costs about $8-25/pp (seat, sleeper)
- there are also some tourist luxury sleeper trains (ticket costs about $60-80/pp)
- read this article: How to get to Saigon from Nha Trang?
B) BUS or MINIVAN from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau
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- transfer by bus or private minivans is the most popular option of transfer
- travel by tourist bus or minivan from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau takes about 2-3 hours
- one-way bus ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau costs about $5-12/pp
- there are various private bus companies between Saigon and Vung Tau
- read this article: How to reach Vung Tau from Saigon?
- there is no train to Vung Tau city
C) FERRY / BOAT from Vung Tau to Con Dao – Con Son
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- from Vung Tau to Con Dao Islands (Con Son) you can travel by ferry/boat
- private transport company from Vung Tau to Con Dao: Phu Quoc Express
- travel time by ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dao is about 3.5 hours
- transport by ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dao costs about $28-55/pp
- ferries depart from this port: Express Ship Harbour (126 Hạ Long, Phường 2, Vũng Tàu, Tỉnh Bà Rịa)
- ferries arrive to Ben Dam Port (Đảo Côn Sơn, Côn Đảo)
- arrive about 60 minutes before departure of the boat, it is recommended to print you ferry ticket
- read this article: How you can get to Con Dao from Vung Tau?
3. BUS + FERRY from Nha Trang to Con Dao (via Saigon)
A) BUS from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City
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- from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh you can also travel by sleeper tourist bus
- transfer by tourist bus from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 10-12 hours
- bus tickets from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City costs about $9-12/pp
- bus companies to Saigon: TheSinh Tourist, Phuong Trang (Futabus), Hanh Café…
- read this article: How do you get to Saigon from Nha Trang?
B) FERRY / BOAT from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau
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- there is a high speed ferry/boat of the Greenlines DP Ferry company
- travel by ferry/boat from Saigon to Vung Tau takes about 1.5 hour
- travel by ferry from Saigon to Vung Tau costs about $9-14/pp
- boat departs from Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal and arrives to Greenlines DP Seaport Vung Tau
- read and check this article: How to travel to Vung Tau from Saigon?
C) FERRY / BOAT from Vung Tau to Con Dao – Con Son
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- transfer by ferry/boat to Con Dao from Vung Tau
- this route from Vung Tau to Con Dao is operated by Phu Quoc Express
- travel time by ferry/boat from Vung Tau to Con Dao – Con Son is about 3.5 hours
- ferry/boat tickets from Vung Tau to Con Dao – Con Son cost about $28-55/p
- read this article: How do you get from Vung Tau to Con Dao?
4. TAXI + FERRY from Nha Trang to Con Dao (via Vung Tau)
A) PRIVATE CAR/TAXI from Nha Trang to Vung Tau
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- from Nha Trang to Vung Tau you can also travel by private taxi/car with a driver
- transfer by private car from Nha Trang to Vung Tau takes about 5 hours
- transfer by taxi/car from Nha Trang to Vung Tau costs about $140-240/car
- taxi companies to Vung Tau: Mui Ne Private Car
- book your private car/taxi from Nha Trang to Vung Tau on 12go.asia ➜
B) FERRY / BOAT from Vung Tau to Con Dao – Con Son
-
- transfer by ferry/boat to Con Dao from Vung Tau
- this route from Vung Tau to Con Dao is operated by Phu Quoc Express
- travel time by ferry/boat from Vung Tau to Con Dao – Con Son is about 3.5 hours
- ferry/boat tickets from Vung Tau to Con Dao – Con Son cost about $28-55/p
- read this article: How do you get from Vung Tau to Con Dao?
❓ FAQ – Travel from Nha Trang to Con Dao:
How to book tickets or flights from Nha Trang to Con Dao?
How long does it take to travel from Nha Trang to Con Dao?
Flights via Ho Chi Minh City take about 6–8 hours. Train/bus + ferry transfers via Saigon and Vung Tau take about 16–20 hours.
What is the travel distance from Nha Trang to Con Dao?
The distance is approximately 760 km via Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau.
How much does it cost to travel from Nha Trang to Con Dao?
Flights via Saigon cost about $100–180/pp. Train/bus + ferry transfers cost about $40–130/pp.
What is the cheapest way to get from Nha Trang to Con Dao?
The cheapest option is usually a train or bus to Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dao.
What is the fastest transport option?
A flight with a stopover in Ho Chi Minh City is the fastest and most convenient option.
Is there a direct flight from Nha Trang to Con Dao?
No, there are currently no direct flights from Cam Ranh Airport to Con Dao. Flights require a stopover in Ho Chi Minh City.
Are there other ferry routes to Con Dao?
Yes, besides Vung Tau, ferries also operate from Soc Trang and Can Tho to Con Dao.
What are the top attractions in Con Dao?
Popular places include Con Dao National Park, Dam Trau Beach, Nhat Beach, Con Dao Prison and Ong Dung Beach.
How do you get to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City?
The fastest way is a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City. You can also travel by bus and ferry via Vung Tau, Soc Trang or Can Tho.
When is the best time to visit Con Dao?
The best period is usually from November to April, when rainfall is lower and sea conditions are better for island travel.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Nha Trang to Con Dao
Traveling from Nha Trang to Con Dao requires a combination of transport, usually by flight via Ho Chi Minh City or by train/bus and ferry via Vung Tau.
- Choose Flights for Speed: The fastest option via Ho Chi Minh City.
- Book Ferry Tickets Early: Ferries can sell out quickly.
- Allow Transfer Time: Leave enough time between connections.
- Pack Light: Easier for transfers and ferry boarding.
- Check the Weather: Sea conditions may affect ferries.
- Arrive Early: Be there 30–60 minutes before departure.
- Plan Island Transport: Taxis and motorbikes are available.
Tip: Flights, train, bus and ferry tickets from Nha Trang to Con Dao can be searched and booked online in advance.