The 35 km distance from Cam Ranh International Airport to Nha Trang means transport costs more than you might expect for Vietnam. Here is exactly what each option costs.
Price comparison by transport type
| Transport | Price (VND) | Price (EUR) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport shuttle bus | VND 60,000 | EUR 2.20 | 45–70 min |
| Grab (GrabCar) | VND 350,000–550,000 | EUR 13–20 | 35–50 min |
| Metered taxi (Mai Linh/Vinasun) | VND 500,000–700,000 | EUR 18–26 | 35–50 min |
| Private transfer (sedan) | EUR 20–35 | EUR 20–35 | 35–50 min |
| Private transfer (minivan) | EUR 28–45 | EUR 28–45 | 35–50 min |
Taxi fare breakdown
Vietnamese metered taxis charge by kilometer:
- Flag drop: VND 10,000–15,000
- Per km: VND 12,000–16,000 (varies by company)
- 35 km route: approximately VND 500,000–700,000
The fare varies because some drivers take the highway (faster, slightly shorter) while others use the coastal road (scenic, slightly longer). Insist on the highway route unless you specifically want the coastal drive.
Warning: Some taxi companies at CXR are not reputable. Stick to Mai Linh (green cars) and Vinasun (white cars). Other companies may have rigged meters, take unnecessarily long routes, or quote inflated flat fares.
Grab pricing
Grab is the Southeast Asian rideshare app and consistently offers the lowest car-based prices:
| Grab Option | Price Range (VND) | Price Range (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| GrabCar (4-seat) | VND 350,000–450,000 | EUR 13–17 |
| GrabCar 7-seat | VND 450,000–600,000 | EUR 17–22 |
| GrabCar Plus (premium) | VND 500,000–650,000 | EUR 18–24 |
Grab shows the fare before you confirm, so there are no surprises. You need the app, a phone number (local SIM or international), and mobile data. Buy a SIM card in the arrivals hall before trying to book.
Airport bus — the budget choice
The shuttle bus at VND 60,000 (about EUR 2.20) is by far the cheapest option. It runs from the airport to Nha Trang's central bus station on 23 Thang 10 Street. Frequency is roughly every 30–60 minutes during operating hours (approximately 6 AM to 10 PM).
From the bus station, you will need a short Grab or taxi to your hotel — add another VND 30,000–80,000 (EUR 1–3) depending on location. Total cost: under EUR 5.
The bus has air conditioning and luggage space, but it makes stops along the way and is not ideal if you are in a hurry.
Destination-specific pricing
| Destination | Taxi (VND) | Grab (VND) | Transfer (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nha Trang Beach / center | VND 500,000–700,000 | VND 350,000–450,000 | EUR 20–35 |
| Vinpearl ferry terminal | VND 450,000–600,000 | VND 300,000–400,000 | EUR 18–30 |
| Doc Let Beach (north) | VND 700,000–900,000 | VND 550,000–700,000 | EUR 30–45 |
| Ninh Van Bay | VND 300,000–500,000 | VND 250,000–400,000 | EUR 20–30 |
| Cam Ranh city | VND 100,000–200,000 | VND 80,000–150,000 | EUR 10–18 |
Bottom line
The airport bus is a bargain at EUR 2.20 if you are patient. Grab gives the best price-to-convenience ratio at EUR 13–20. Metered taxis are fine if you stick to reputable companies. Private transfers cost EUR 20–35 but include meet-and-greet and total price certainty. For the 35 km distance, even the most expensive option is reasonable by European standards.