Get from Da Lat airport (Lien Khuong) to the city: reopening updates, flights, and transport options

Search for airport code DLI when booking a flight, and you can find the available services to Lien Khuong Airport. The airport reopened on August 19, 2026, sits approximately 30 km from central Da Lat, and handles both domestic and international flights. After landing, allow another 35-50 minutes by car to reach the city.

Is Lien Khuong Airport open again?

Yes. Lien Khuong Airport officially reopened on August 19, 2026, following a closure of more than five months for runway and taxiway renovations.

This is the first thing to know if you are planning a trip to Da Lat in late 2026 or early 2027. The airport had been closed since March 4, 2026, forcing airlines to cancel flights or adjust their routes.

Here is the timeline:

The renovated runway and taxiway returned to service at 12:01 a.m. on August 19, 2026.

The renovation covered the 3,250-meter runway, taxiways, lighting systems, and other infrastructure essential for flight operations. The upgraded airfield infrastructure can accommodate larger aircraft types than before.

Some older travel articles and booking guides still say the airport was scheduled to remain closed until August 25, 2026. That was an earlier projected reopening date, not the actual date flights resumed.

Where is Lien Khuong Airport, and how far is it from Da Lat?

Lien Khuong Airport is located along National Highway 20 in Duc Trong Commune, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. It serves Da Lat and the surrounding highland region, but it is not inside the city center.

Older addresses may list the airport under Lien Nghia Town, Duc Trong District. These names reflect the previous administrative structure, so you may still encounter them on older websites and maps.

Search Google Maps for Lien Khuong International Airport or its Vietnamese name, Cảng hàng không quốc tế Liên Khương. The DLI code is useful when searching for flights, while the full airport name is better for road navigation.

How long does it take to reach Da Lat city center?

Accommodation near Da Lat Market, Xuan Huong Lake, Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, or Phan Boi Chau Street is approximately 40-50 minutes away by car.

The route follows National Highway 20 and the Lien Khuong - Prenn corridor toward Da Lat. Most of the journey is outside the urban center, with the final section passing through busier city streets.

Travel times can change because of:

• Peak traffic: Roads approaching the market and central intersections may become congested.
• Weekends and public holidays: More coaches and private vehicles travel into Da Lat.
• Rain or fog: Drivers may need to reduce speed.
• Hotel location: Narrow streets, steep slopes, and difficult access roads can add time.

Which airlines and domestic routes serve Lien Khuong Airport?

Following its reopening in August 2026, Lien Khuong restored air connections with several major Vietnamese cities.

The following routes have resumed service:

These routes resumed during 2026, but that does not mean every airline offers departures every day. Flight frequencies and schedules depend on the airline and travel date.

Flying from Hanoi to Da Lat

Hanoi is one of the departure points with the most airline options for direct flights to Da Lat.

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet resumed services after the airport reopened in August 2026. Vietravel Airlines subsequently restarted its Hanoi - Da Lat route on September 15, 2026, with an initial schedule of one round trip per day.

When searching for tickets, look for direct flights from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Lien Khuong (DLI). The flight generally takes around 1 hour 50 minutes to just over 2 hours, depending on the service.

Flying directly to Da Lat makes particular sense for a short three-day, two-night holiday. You avoid spending another half-day traveling from a different airport, and you can begin your trip shortly after checking into your accommodation.

Flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat

Flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Lien Khuong typically take about an hour.

However, the flight duration is only part of the journey. You also need to travel to Tan Son Nhat, complete airport procedures, wait for boarding, collect your luggage in Da Lat, and take a car into the city.

For travelers starting in Ho Chi Minh City, flying is therefore not always as much faster as the one-hour flight time might suggest. Your starting location, departure time, and airport transfer arrangements make a considerable difference.

Flying works best for families with young children, travelers who prefer not to spend several hours on a coach, or anyone who needs to arrive in Da Lat on a particular day.

Flights from Da Nang, Hai Phong, Vinh, and Can Tho

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet have restored Da Nang - Da Lat services. This route suits visitors combining central Vietnam's beaches with a few days in the Central Highlands.

Vietjet also resumed direct services from Hai Phong and Vinh on August 19, 2026.

The Can Tho route has an interesting history. VASCO restored Can Tho - Da Lat flights on August 19, 2026, after a suspension of nearly six years. On the first day of resumed operations, flight VN8020 departed Can Tho at 8 a.m. and landed at Lien Khuong at 9:20 a.m.

Those were the actual times for the reopening service, and subsequent months may run on a different timetable.

On routes with fewer weekly flights, choose your flight dates before booking a non-refundable hotel. It is frustrating to arrange a three-day stay and discover afterward that there is no suitable direct return flight on your intended departure date.

Does Lien Khuong Airport have international flights?

Yes. Lien Khuong is an international airport, and scheduled international services resumed in September 2026.

On September 2, 2026, AirAsia flight AK571 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, landed at Lien Khuong at 10:58 a.m. The return service, AK572 from Da Lat to Kuala Lumpur, departed at 11:40 a.m. the same day.

These flights marked the return of regular international passenger services following the airport's renovation closure.

Da Lat - Kuala Lumpur direct flights

AirAsia operates the direct route between Lien Khuong (DLI) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL).

In October-November 2026, the route operates approximately four times weekly, primarily on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The scheduled flight duration is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

Departure times and operating days may change, so confirm the actual timetable for your travel date before paying for tickets.

Malaysian visitors will find this route considerably easier than flying to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and connecting to another domestic flight.

Travelers from other countries may also consider Kuala Lumpur as a connecting airport. However, pay attention to the transfer time, baggage arrangements, and immigration requirements for your passport. A connection that appears convenient on a booking website may involve collecting your luggage and checking in again.

Are there direct flights from Singapore to Da Lat?

Scoot is expected to launch or resume Da Lat - Singapore services in December 2026, with a planned frequency of three flights per week.

This remains a planned service for now rather than a route already operating. To verify availability, search for Singapore (SIN) to Da Lat (DLI) on the airline's booking system using your exact travel dates.

The same distinction applies to destinations such as South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan. These markets have appeared in discussions about future international connectivity, but do not count them as regular direct passenger flights currently operating.

Always separate announced routes from flights that passengers can actually book.

Which international route should foreign visitors choose?

Travelers departing from Malaysia can start by checking the direct Kuala Lumpur - Da Lat service.

Visitors from other countries should compare available connections through Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Kuala Lumpur.

A slightly more expensive itinerary with a comfortable connection may be better than a cheaper option requiring a separate ticket, terminal change, or overnight transfer. With two independent tickets, you may be responsible for arranging a replacement flight if the first service is delayed.

On a short holiday, protecting your time is often more important than saving a small amount on airfare.

How to get from Lien Khuong Airport to Da Lat

There are three main options worth considering: taxi or app-based car, pre-booked private transfer, and airport bus. Some hotels and resorts also arrange airport pickups.

Choose based on your group size, luggage, arrival time, and accommodation address. A cheaper transfer stops being a better deal once you need another taxi after being dropped off.

Taxi or Grab from Lien Khuong Airport

The simplest option is to collect your luggage, leave the arrivals area, and find a taxi at the designated pickup area. Before entering the vehicle, confirm the total fare to your hotel.

On Grab or Xanh SM, enter your exact destination in the app to check the displayed price and whether drivers are available.

Since the airport is well outside central Da Lat, fares can vary according to demand, time of day, and holiday traffic. An app-based driver may not be available immediately, particularly after a late-night arrival.

Enter your central hotel's actual address rather than simply choosing Da Lat Market. A hotel several streets away may require you to carry luggage uphill if the driver drops you at the wrong location.

Detailed fare comparisons belong in a separate Da Lat taxi guide. The main things to confirm for the airport journey are the final price, pickup point, and exact destination.

Booking a private airport transfer

A pre-booked car is a sensible choice for families with children, older travelers, or groups carrying several suitcases.

These are Hoa Dalat Travel's 2026 base rates for one-way airport transfers:

These are rates from one transport provider, not fixed airport-wide prices. The final quote should be confirmed for your travel date, destination, passenger count, and luggage.

For example, four travelers carrying four large suitcases should not automatically choose a four-seat car. A seven-seat vehicle may be more practical because it provides additional luggage space.

When reserving your transfer, send the operator your flight number, landing date, passenger count, number of suitcases, and hotel address.

Request a child safety seat in advance and confirm availability. Without prior arrangement, the driver may not have an appropriate seat in the vehicle.

Taking an airport bus to Da Lat

An airport bus can be an economical choice, especially if you are traveling alone with a backpack or small suitcase.

Before the airport's renovation closure, airport bus fares were approximately 30,000-50,000 VND per passenger. The service departed from 1 Le Thi Hong Gam Street, with operating hours of approximately 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and departures every 15-30 minutes.

An airport shuttle is not the same as an ordinary local bus traveling through Duc Trong. A route using National Highway 20 may not stop at the passenger terminal.

A confirmed airport bus can save money when you are staying near Da Lat Market. Heading to Tuyen Lam Lake, Trai Mat, or another outlying area, you may still need to pay for a taxi after leaving the bus.

Using your hotel's airport transfer

Some Da Lat hotels, resorts, and homestays provide airport transportation on request. Ask about this when booking your room. Some properties charge per vehicle, while others include transfers with particular room categories or accommodation packages.

The advantage is that the driver already knows your accommodation's location and access arrangements. This can be useful for villas with narrow driveways, resorts with several entrances, or properties located far from the city center.

Confirm where you should meet the driver, whether someone will hold a name sign, and how to contact them. Inform the property of any delay as soon as you receive the updated arrival time.

Where do you find your transfer after landing?

Lien Khuong's passenger terminal uses the ground floor for arriving passengers, baggage collection, and related services. Departure check-in facilities are located on the second floor.

After landing, the usual process is:

1. Leave the aircraft and follow the signs toward baggage claim or immigration.
2. Collect checked luggage from the appropriate carousel.
3. Check that you have all your bags and personal belongings.
4. Continue to the ground-floor arrivals hall.
5. Contact your driver or locate the designated taxi or transport pickup area.

You can skip the second floor when leaving the airport after an arriving flight.

With a reserved private transfer, check your driver's messages after collecting your luggage. Some drivers wait at designated outdoor pickup points rather than directly beside the arrivals exit.

Keep a screenshot of your transfer confirmation and hotel address in case you do not have a Vietnamese SIM card yet. The airport has complimentary Wi-Fi, but having essential details saved offline is still useful.

What if you cannot find your driver?

Check your messages first. The driver may have sent a different meeting point or instructions about where to wait.

Then send your current location or a photograph of a nearby sign. Do not walk far away from the terminal before agreeing on a meeting point.

If you cannot make contact, call the transfer company's support number or ask airport information staff for assistance.

Avoid booking and paying for a second car while your original confirmed driver is still waiting. You could incur cancellation charges or end up with two drivers expecting to collect you.

Which airport transfer should you choose?

The best transport depends on how many people are traveling and when your flight lands. A mid-morning arrival is easier to handle than a flight landing close to midnight.

Solo traveler arriving during the day

If you have only hand luggage, are staying near Da Lat Market, and can confirm that an airport bus is operating, the bus is worth considering. It keeps transport costs down, although you may need to wait for departure and walk from the drop-off point to your hotel.

If the schedule is uncertain or your flight arrives late, a taxi provides more flexibility.

Two travelers staying in central Da Lat

A taxi or ride-hailing car is usually the most straightforward option.

Suppose your hotel is on Nguyen Chi Thanh, Phan Boi Chau, or Bui Thi Xuan Street. A car can take you directly to the property without another transfer.

One useful question to ask is whether the driver can stop outside the hotel entrance. Some properties are located in narrow lanes or on steep streets, so vehicles may need to stop a short distance away.

Family of four with children

Book ahead and give the transport company an accurate luggage count.

Four people with two medium suitcases have different space requirements from four people with four large cases, a stroller, and several smaller bags. A seven-seat car may cost more than a four-seat vehicle, but it is worth choosing a suitable vehicle rather than trying to squeeze everything into the smallest option.

Arrange the correct type of child safety seat with the transport provider before traveling.

Group of six to ten people

Compare a 16-seat minibus with booking two smaller vehicles.

A minibus works well if everyone is staying at the same hotel and wants to travel together. Two cars may be better if group members are staying in different parts of Da Lat.

Agree on any additional stops and charges in advance rather than assuming the driver will visit several hotels for the original quoted price.

Evening or late-night arrivals

A confirmed private transfer or hotel pickup is generally the safer planning choice than relying on a bus timetable you have not confirmed.

Restaurants, shops, and some transport services may close earlier in the evening. Check your accommodation's reception hours, particularly if you are staying in a homestay or apartment with self-check-in.

Da Lat evenings can be cool, especially toward the end of the year. Keep a jacket in your hand luggage rather than packing it at the bottom of a large suitcase.

Transfers to different areas of Da Lat

Not everyone stays near Da Lat Market. Your accommodation's location affects the journey time, transport choice, and likely price.

Hotels near Da Lat Market

This area is one of the easiest for a first visit. You have easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, shops, and central attractions without needing to rent a vehicle immediately.

Staying centrally can save considerable time on a short two-day or three-day trip.

A lunchtime landing gives you time to head to your hotel and leave your bags before going out for a meal. There is little reason to carry a suitcase directly to a sightseeing stop.

Resorts around Tuyen Lam Lake

Tuyen Lam Lake is away from Da Lat's central market area.

Send the exact resort name, map pin, or entrance location to your driver. Do not enter just “Tuyen Lam Lake” as your destination, because the area is extensive and accommodation properties are spread across several access roads.

Some resorts provide their own airport transfers. That often suits families, older visitors, and anyone carrying substantial luggage.

Homestays in Trai Mat, Cau Dat, and Ta Nung

These areas appeal to travelers who prefer a quieter setting, agricultural landscapes, and accommodation away from the busiest streets. The trade-off is additional travel time.

Do not use a standard airport-to-market taxi fare to estimate the price of a transfer to Cau Dat or Ta Nung. Ask for a complete one-way quote to the exact property.

It is also worth checking whether the road allows cars to reach the entrance. Some homestays have narrow or steep access roads that are unsuitable for larger vehicles.

What should you prepare before flying to Lien Khuong?

There is no need for complicated planning, but a few details should be saved before your departure day.

Check that your destination airport is DLI

When booking, confirm that your destination is DLI - Lien Khuong, Da Lat.

Do not confuse it with Cam Ranh (CXR) or Buon Ma Thuot (BMV). Both airports were considered alternative arrival points by travelers during the 2026 closure.

Neither is close to central Da Lat. Flying into one of them means arranging a much longer road transfer instead of the short journey from Lien Khuong.

Review your latest confirmed itinerary if you hold a ticket that was changed during the 2026 renovation period. Do not rely on the first schedule-change email if your airline subsequently issued a different booking confirmation.

Save your flight number

A flight number such as VN1380 or AK571 helps a transfer provider identify your flight and check its arrival status.

Simply telling a driver that your aircraft lands at 10 a.m. is not enough. Several flights may arrive around the same time, and schedules can change.

Include your arrival date, especially when the same flight operates on multiple days.

Save your hotel details

Keep your hotel's name, address, telephone number, and map location available.

Several properties can have similar names, and a map pin is more reliable than sending only the hotel name. This is particularly helpful for small homestays and villas in residential streets.

International visitors should keep the address in Vietnamese. There is no need to translate street names into English for a local driver.

Prepare a suitable payment method

Ask the transport provider whether they accept cash, bank transfer, or card payment.

Bring a payment method that works in Vietnam, since some local drivers cannot accept an overseas credit card.

Carrying small Vietnamese dong notes is handy for bus travel. Confirm the current fare before paying, particularly because the bus services and prices above date from before the reopening.

What time should you leave Da Lat for Lien Khuong Airport?

The return journey deserves more careful timing than the arrival transfer. You must reach the airport before the airline's check-in deadline and have enough time for security screening and boarding.

The fastest estimated driving time shown on a map is a poor basis for planning your departure.

A sensible planning target is arriving approximately two hours before a domestic flight and around three hours before an international one, or following the airline's specific requirements if they differ.

Add another 45-60 minutes for the drive from central Da Lat under ordinary conditions. Include extra time during busy weekends, public holidays, heavy rain, or poor visibility.

For example, suppose your domestic flight departs at noon.

• Aim to reach the airport around 10 a.m.
• Allow roughly one hour for the drive.
• Consider leaving your hotel between 8:45 and 9 a.m. for additional margin.

If your airline instructs you to arrive earlier, follow its guidance.

Should you book your return transfer the day before?

Yes, for an early-morning flight.

Advance booking matters even more in an outlying area such as Tuyen Lam Lake or Cau Dat. You cannot rely on finding an app-based driver immediately at every location.

Confirm the pickup time, passenger count, baggage allowance, and meeting point.

Before checking out, make sure you have your passport or other required travel documents, phone, wallet, chargers, and checked luggage. Earphones and charging cables are easy to leave behind in hotel rooms.

What to know about check-in at Lien Khuong Airport

Departure check-in facilities are located on the terminal's second floor.

When your car arrives, make sure the driver takes you to the departures entrance rather than dropping you at the ground-floor arrivals area.

Inside the terminal, check the flight information screens and find the correct airline counter. The usual departure process involves check-in, baggage drop if needed, security screening, and proceeding to the boarding gate.

Can you check in online at Lien Khuong Airport?

Vietnam Airlines introduced online check-in at Lien Khuong in 2022 and the airport is still among its supported locations.

For other airlines, confirm online check-in availability for your specific service.

Completing online check-in does not always let you skip every airport counter. Passengers with checked baggage or documents to verify may still need to visit a staffed counter.

International passengers should prepare their passports and any entry documents required for their destination.

What facilities are available at the terminal?

Lien Khuong has several passenger facilities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, drinking water, medical assistance, food services, and retail areas. You may be able to buy a drink or have a light meal while waiting for your flight.

However, do not arrive at the last minute simply because Lien Khuong is smaller than major airports such as Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai. Check-in queues, security procedures, and gate changes can still take time.

Contact your airline in advance to arrange wheelchair assistance or other support for reduced mobility.

Common mistakes when flying to Da Lat for the first time

Using the wrong reopening date

The actual reopening date was August 19, 2026. Pages still stating that the airport remained closed until August 25 may be using the earlier renovation timetable.

For upcoming journeys, the airline's confirmed flight schedule is what matters most.

Assuming the airport is inside Da Lat

Lien Khuong is approximately 30 km from central Da Lat. Landing does not mean you will reach Da Lat Market ten minutes later.

For an evening arrival, add baggage collection and road travel to your itinerary before arranging dinner or check-in.

Assuming all international routes have returned

The airport has international status and resumed Kuala Lumpur flights, but that does not mean it offers direct services to every major Asian city.

There is an important difference between an operating route, an announced future route, and a destination under consideration. Only count a flight as available when you can verify it for your travel date.

Booking a car without considering luggage

Four passengers with four large suitcases need more space than four travelers carrying small backpacks. Give the operator accurate luggage details so they can arrange a suitable vehicle. Changing vehicles at the airport may cost more or increase waiting time.

Forgetting to check hotel reception hours

Some homestays have limited reception hours or use self-check-in systems. Tell your accommodation in advance if your flight lands at 10 p.m. Arriving late and discovering that the host cannot be reached is an avoidable problem.

Scheduling sightseeing too close to landing

A flight landing at 9 a.m. is not a good reason to book an attraction for 9:30 a.m. After collecting luggage, traveling into Da Lat, and leaving your bags at the hotel, it may already be close to lunchtime.

Pick a nearby attraction or a relaxed activity for the first day. Save distant destinations for another day rather than rushing from the airport.

What if your flight is delayed or rescheduled?

First, check the latest information directly from your airline.

A 30-minute delay may not affect your holiday significantly, but it can interfere with an airport pickup or a late hotel check-in.

Send your car operator the flight number and revised arrival time. Ask whether the service includes complimentary waiting time and whether additional waiting charges apply.

Contact your accommodation about your hotel transfer using the same channel through which you arranged the pickup.

If the flight is canceled or moved to another day, resolve the airline booking before rearranging accommodation and ground transport. Do not rush to purchase a replacement ticket without checking the original airline's rebooking or refund options.

If your checked baggage does not appear at the carousel, contact your airline's baggage assistance desk or its ground-handling representative before leaving the baggage claim area. Keep your baggage tag and flight details available.

Questions about airport facilities can go to Lien Khuong International Airport on +84 263 384 3373.

Should you fly to Lien Khuong or choose another airport?

Lien Khuong is the natural first choice for a trip where Da Lat is the main destination.

The road transfer to the center is only about 30 km. Flying into Cam Ranh or Buon Ma Thuot involves a considerably longer overland journey. This makes a meaningful difference when you only have a few days available.

A two-day, one-night trip to Da Lat

Prioritize a direct flight to Lien Khuong that arrives early enough to use the first day. A short overnight trip is not well suited to spending several additional hours traveling from another airport.

One night goes quickly. Central accommodation and a limited sightseeing schedule are usually more practical than trying to include distant destinations such as Cau Dat and Ta Nung.

A three-day, two-night trip

This gives you more flexibility. You could choose a morning or lunchtime arrival, head to your hotel, and spend the first afternoon around Xuan Huong Lake and the central streets. Use the second day for attractions farther away, and keep the final day light enough to allow a comfortable journey back to Lien Khuong.

Combining Nha Trang and Da Lat

Consider arriving and departing through different airports when your itinerary includes both Nha Trang and Da Lat. For example, you might fly into Cam Ranh, spend time in Nha Trang, travel overland to Da Lat, and fly home from Lien Khuong.

This avoids returning to Nha Trang solely to catch a flight. However, compare one-way fares, baggage costs, and the road journey between the two destinations before committing.

Staying at a resort outside Da Lat

Book a direct transfer from Lien Khuong to the property when you plan to spend several days at a resort near Tuyen Lam Lake. There is little advantage in going to Da Lat Market first and then arranging a second car to the resort. That only adds time and another round of luggage handling.

Ticket prices and airfare comparisons are covered in a separate guide to flights to Da Lat. Once you have selected Lien Khuong, your immediate priorities are the airport transfer and accommodation address.

Sample arrival schedule for first-time visitors

Suppose your domestic flight is scheduled to land at Lien Khuong at 10:30 a.m., and your hotel is near Da Lat Market.

A reasonable planning schedule would look like this:

Without checked baggage, you may leave the terminal sooner. A late flight or baggage collection that takes longer than expected will delay your arrival in the city.

For your first afternoon, consider having lunch near your accommodation, walking around Xuan Huong Lake, or resting before exploring later in the day.

Land after 6 p.m. and the evening is best kept simple. Getting to your hotel, having dinner, and preparing for the following day is usually better than squeezing in several attractions immediately after arrival.

Whether you return to Da Lat for wild sunflower season, the Da Lat Flower Festival, or a Lunar New Year holiday, the same planning method works: verify your flight to DLI, confirm the operating schedule, and book a transfer to your exact accommodation address. Allowing for the road journey from Lien Khuong to the city makes your first day much easier to organize.