Contact us
Follow us:
Many travellers ask whether there is an expressway from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat yet. The honest answer is partly. This guide explains where things stand, the drive today and how to travel safely on the mountain road.
Photo: Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat by P. Hughes, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The Nha Trang-Da Lat expressway, 4 lanes and about 81 km, was still completing procedures in mid-2026 (Bao Xay Dung). Once finished, travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat is expected to fall from about 7 hours to a little over 3 (Thanh Nien). Phase 1 of the Dau Giay-Tan Phu expressway has about 95 percent of site clearance done (Lao Dong).
Most drivers use the expressway toward Dau Giay and then National Highway 20 through Bao Loc. Expect 6.5 to 8 hours including a rest stop. Read our full HCMC to Da Lat private car guide.
Mountain passes are tiring and foggy in the wet season. A professional driver reduces risk, and one-way pricing is usually cheaper than a round trip if you stay several days.
Because the full expressway is not finished, plan a long day: leave early, stop in Bao Loc for lunch and aim to reach the mountain passes in daylight. A family with children should add extra rest breaks and keep the afternoon light for the final climb.
Only part of the route; the Nha Trang-Da Lat section was still finishing procedures.
Plan 6.5 to 8 hours including a stop.
One-way is often cheaper if you stay several days.
You can also read How to Book a Private Car for an Expressway Trip when planning your trip.
Tell us your date and group size for HCMC to Da Lat, and we will reply with a suitable vehicle and a written quote. Price list.
Start early, plan a break before the pass and keep the fuel tank well filled. In the rainy season, allow extra time and avoid driving the pass late in the evening.
A car with a driver who knows the pass makes the trip easier for families.
See 45-seater to Da Lat and car rental in Da Lat.
How long does it take? Around 7 hours by road today, plus breaks.
Is the pass safe? Yes with care; drive slowly in fog.
Real cars at the Car Rental Vietnam depot
Travel guides for this trip
Private cars with driver from 4 to 45 seats, including Limousine vans and 29- and 45-seater coaches. Tolls, trip insurance and the driver's pay are included:
Book a car
