Lien Khuong International Airport – the main gateway to Dalat
Lien Khuong International Airport sits about 28 kilometers south of Dalat city center, roughly a 35 to 40-minute drive. It is a small airport by any standard — one terminal, a handful of gates, and a straightforward layout that makes the whole experience noticeably stress-free compared to larger Vietnamese airports.
The terminal was built in 2009 and is designed in the shape of a chrysanthemum flower, a nod to Dalat’s identity as the City of Flowers. It has two floors: arrivals on the ground floor and departures on the second. Despite its modest size, it handles both domestic and international flights and officially received international airport status in 2024.
The airport has roots going back to 1933, when the French built the original airstrip. For much of the twentieth century, Cam Ly Airport — closer to the city center — served as Dalat’s main civilian airfield. Lien Khuong eventually took over that role and has since grown into the primary gateway for the region.
In 2026, the airport closed for several months to carry out a long-overdue overhaul of the runway and taxiway system. The work included runway reinforcement, new taxiways, improved drainage, and updated aviation lighting. Post-renovation, the runway is rated to handle wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, setting the airport up for expanded international routes in the years ahead.
Direct flights to Dalat Airport
Lien Khuong Airport is well connected to the major Vietnamese cities, making it easy to include Dalat in a broader Vietnam itinerary without losing time on the road. International options are limited but growing.
Domestic flights
Most visitors fly into Dalat from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City takes around 45 minutes — a no-brainer compared to the 6 to 8 hours by bus. From Hanoi, the flight is about 1 hour 50 minutes. Both routes operate multiple times daily with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways.
Other domestic routes include:
- Ho Chi Minh City – ~45 minutes, multiple daily flights, Vietnam Airlines / Vietjet / Bamboo Airways
- Hanoi – ~1h50, multiple daily flights, Vietnam Airlines / Vietjet
- Da Nang – ~1h10, daily flights, Vietnam Airlines / Vietjet
- Hai Phong – ~1h50, less frequent, Vietjet
International flights
International connections from Dalat are limited. The most established route is to Kuala Lumpur, operated by AirAsia with a flight time of around 2 hours 15 minutes. A Seoul route via Jeju Air has also operated, though frequency can vary by season.
- Kuala Lumpur – ~2h15, AirAsia
- Seoul – Jeju Air, seasonal
Other international destinations including Singapore, Bangkok, and Chinese cities have appeared on the schedule at various points, but routes come and go. Check current availability when booking rather than assuming a specific route is active.
Departing from Dalat Airport
Lien Khuong is a small airport, and departures reflect that — the process is quick and rarely stressful. That said, a few things are worth knowing before you arrive.
Aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 2 hours before an international one. Check-in counters are on the second floor and move fast — 10 minutes is typical outside of peak travel periods. The airport is compact enough that there is no risk of getting lost between check-in and your gate.
Before passing through security, empty your water bottle. Drinking water dispensers are available on the other side, past immigration, so you can refill once you are through. Jackets need to come off for the security scanner — standard procedure, but worth knowing if you are traveling in layers, which is common given Dalat’s cooler climate.
The departure area has a small selection of shops and food counters. It is not a large duty-free setup, but there is enough to grab a coffee, a bowl of pho, or some last-minute souvenirs — Central Highlands specialties like coffee, tea, and artichoke products are available airside. If you want to pick up gifts before your flight, this is a reasonable place to do it, though prices will be slightly higher than in the city.
Arriving at Dalat Airport
Arrivals at Lien Khuong are refreshingly straightforward. The terminal is small, signage is clear, and the whole process from landing to exiting the building typically takes well under an hour — often much less.
For international arrivals, immigration is on the ground floor directly after disembarking. The process is generally fast. Baggage claim follows immediately after — there is one carousel, and luggage tends to come through quickly.
A few practical things to sort out before leaving the arrivals hall. If you need a local SIM card, look for the money changer counter near arrivals — SIM cards are sold there, not at a dedicated telecom stand. The currency exchange counter is also here, but it accepts USD only. There is one ATM on site, though it has been known to malfunction. It is worth having some cash on hand before you land, or being prepared to pay your onward transport by card or via a ride-hailing app.
The toilets near arrivals are clean and equipped with water taps — useful to know for Muslim travelers who require water for purification.
Once you have cleared arrivals and collected your luggage, exit the terminal building. Grab works well here — there are typically plenty of drivers waiting in the car park, and getting matched to a ride is fast. The next section covers all transport options in detail.
Getting from Dalat Airport to the city
The airport is about 28 kilometers from Dalat city center, and the drive takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes on a clear highway. There are several ways to cover that distance, ranging from cheap to convenient.
Grab
The easiest option for most travelers. Exit the terminal, open the app, and request a ride from the car park — drivers are usually waiting nearby and pickup is fast. Expect to pay around 250,000 to 300,000 VND for a car to the city center. The ride takes about 40 minutes.
Taxi
A reliable alternative if you prefer not to use an app. Mai Linh, Lado, and Thang Loi are the established local companies. Taxis wait outside the arrivals exit. Agree on a price before getting in, or make sure the meter is running. Pricing is similar to Grab at around 250,000 to 350,000 VND one way.
Public bus
The cheapest way into town at around 50,000 VND per person. Buses run every 15 to 30 minutes and connect the airport to Dalat Market, Dalat Bus Station, and Xuan Huong Lake. The journey takes about an hour. A practical option for solo travelers with light luggage, less so for groups or anyone with large bags.
Hotel shuttle
Many hotels offer airport transfers, either free or for a fixed fee. Worth arranging in advance, particularly if you are arriving late or heading somewhere outside the city center.
Private transfer
A fixed-price door-to-door transfer booked through your hotel or a local operator. The most comfortable option for families, groups, or anyone with a lot of luggage. Prices vary depending on vehicle size and destination.
Tip: travel to Dalat with Local Vietnam
When you book a custom trip through Local Vietnam, airport transfers are included — no need to arrange anything separately. Get in touch to build a tailor-made Dalat itinerary, or add Dalat as part of a broader Vietnam trip.
Facilities at Dalat Airport
Lien Khuong is a small airport and the facilities reflect that — functional, adequate, and nothing more. Here is what to expect.
Food and drinks
Several counters operate in both the departure and arrival halls, run by Song Viet and Cherry. The menu covers the basics: pho, rice dishes, sandwiches, coffee, and smoothies. Prices are reasonable by airport standards. Note that Highlands Coffee appears on some maps of the airport but was not present as of mid-2025 — do not count on it being there.
Shops
A handful of small shops sell souvenirs, clothing, books, and Central Highlands specialty products. Coffee, tea, and artichoke-based products are the most popular picks. An Nam Bookstore is a pleasant surprise for an airport this size.
Wi-Fi and charging
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal — connect to the network named “LienKhuongAirport.” Free drinking water dispensers are available, primarily in the domestic areas. Charging stations exist but are limited in number, so do not rely on topping up your phone here before a long flight.
ATM and currency exchange
One ATM is on site but has been reported as unreliable. The currency exchange counter accepts USD only — no other foreign currencies. Arrive with cash or sort your money before reaching the airport.
Other facilities
Toilets are clean and equipped with water taps, which is appreciated by Muslim travelers. A medical room and ambulance are on standby. Business class passengers and VIP ticket holders have access to a dedicated lounge. Air conditioning in the terminal has been inconsistent — the airport can feel warm during hotter months, so dress accordingly.
Other ways to reach Dalat
Dalat has no train station and sits too far inland to be served by the coastal rail network. For travelers who cannot fly directly into Lien Khuong, the only alternatives are flying into a nearby airport or arriving by road.
Via Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang)
Cam Ranh International Airport near Nha Trang offers a wider range of international routes than Lien Khuong and is worth considering if you cannot find a direct flight to Dalat. From Cam Ranh, Dalat is roughly 140 kilometers away — about 3 to 3.5 hours by car through mountain roads.
From Nha Trang to Dalat
Nha Trang is one of the most popular jumping-off points for Dalat, whether you arrive by air or are already on the coast. Bus and private transfer options are both available for the journey inland.
Read more about getting from Nha Trang to Dalat
From Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat
The most traveled overland route to Dalat. Buses, sleeper coaches, and private transfers run daily and take around 6 to 8 hours depending on the option you choose.
read more about getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat
From Mui Ne to Dalat
A popular combination for travelers working their way along the south. The route takes around 3 to 4 hours by road and connects two very different landscapes.
Read more about getting from Mui Ne to Dalat
