Photo: Thangphan / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Contents
Phong Nha has no railway station, so the trip to Da Nang is a choice between a direct bus or private car from Phong Nha and a transfer to Dong Hoi for the Reunification Express.[1] The road and the railway both run south through the narrow middle of Vietnam.
Phong Nha to Da Nang by Bus
Booking platforms list direct sleeper and cabin buses from Phong Nha to Da Nang, with several departures a day and a journey time of about 6 to 7 hours. In October 2026 fares were about US$13 to US$21 (12Go shows fares in Thai baht; converted to US dollars at the ECB rate of 15 October 2026).[2] A direct bus saves the transfer to Dong Hoi station and usually drops you in Da Nang itself, so confirm the drop-off point when you book.
Phong Nha to Da Nang by Train (via Dong Hoi)
The nearest station is Dong Hoi, which lies on the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City line.[1] Vietnam Tourism lists local buses from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha that take 45 to 90 minutes, so allow that time before an early train.[1]
Five Reunification Express pairs stop at both Dong Hoi and Da Nang. Southbound, the Vietnam Railways timetable shows these trains:[3]
| Train | Departs Dong Hoi | Arrives Da Nang | Time on board |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE3 | 04:57 | 10:43 | 5 h 46 min[3] |
| SE1 | 07:33 | 13:29 | 5 h 56 min[3] |
| SE7 | 16:27 | 22:30 | 6 h 03 min[3] |
| SE5 | 18:11 | 00:36 (next day) | 6 h 25 min[3] |
| SE9 | 23:57 | 06:03 (next day) | 6 h 06 min[3] |
Fares depend on the train and class, from seats to four-berth sleepers. Check the price for your date on the Vietnam Railways booking site, dsvn.vn.[4] Between Hue and Da Nang the line follows the coast and is described as one of Vietnam's most scenic train segments.[4]
Phong Nha to Da Nang by Private Transfer
For groups or anyone who prefers door-to-door travel, booking platforms list private cars from Phong Nha to Da Nang at about US$143 to US$295 per vehicle in October 2026, from a small economy car to a 10 to 14 seat van. The listed journey time is roughly 5 to 6 hours.[2] Ask the driver in advance if you want to stop on the way.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Fare (October 2026) | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Phong Nha | About US$13 to US$21 per person[2] | About 6 to 7 hours[2] |
| Train from Dong Hoi | Depends on class, see Vietnam Railways | 5 h 46 min to 6 h 25 min[3] |
| Private transfer | About US$143 to US$295 per vehicle[2] | About 5 to 6 hours[2] |
Timetable
| Bus Phong Nha - Da Nang $ 12.90–20.28 6h – 7h | |
|
|
| Taxi Phong Nha - Da Nang $ 141.88–292.81 4h 55m – 6h | |
|
| Train Dong Hoi - Da Nang $ 10.71–249.26 5h 30m – 6h 30m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Phong Nha to Da Nang, including current prices and schedules.
A direct bus is usually the cheapest door-to-door option. Booking platforms listed fares from about US$13 per person in October 2026, well below private car fares. Train fares depend on the class you choose, and you also need to reach Dong Hoi station first.
A private car is the fastest door-to-door option, listed at roughly 5 to 6 hours. The train takes between 5 hours 46 minutes and 6 hours 25 minutes from Dong Hoi, but you must add the trip from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi.
Plan on about 5 to 6 hours by private car and about 6 to 7 hours by direct bus. By train it is 5 hours 46 minutes to 6 hours 25 minutes from Dong Hoi, plus the transfer from Phong Nha.
Between Hue and Da Nang the line follows the coast and is described as one of the most scenic train segments in Vietnam. On trains that run in daylight you can see this stretch from your seat.
Yes. Phong Nha has no railway station, and Dong Hoi is the nearest one. Local buses from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha take 45 to 90 minutes, so a taxi or the bus is needed to reach the station.
Five Reunification Express trains stop at both stations: SE3 (04:57), SE1 (07:33), SE7 (16:27), SE5 (18:11) and SE9 (23:57) from Dong Hoi, according to the Vietnam Railways timetable in October 2026. Timetables can change, so check before you travel.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Vietnam Tourism (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism): A complete guide to Phong Nha. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Phong Nha to Da Nang. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Vietnam Railways (Đường sắt Việt Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Reunification Express (SE) trains. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Vietnam Airlines: Overnight Train in Vietnam: Ticket Classes, How to Book & Notes. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.