From 22 h March 2, Saigon‑Nha Trang expressway toll adds VND 219,000. See the new rates, reasons and travel tips. Learn more now!
Effective from 22:00 on 2 March, the Ministry of Transport confirmed that five state‑funded sections of the North‑South Expressway East (Đường cao tốc Bắc‑Nam phía Đông) will begin charging tolls.
Which sections affect the Saigon‑Nha Trang route?
The two sections that lie on the most popular Saigon‑to‑Nha Trang corridor are:
- Vĩnh Hảo – Phan Thiết (over 100 km)
- Phan Thiết – Dầu Giây (about 99 km)
New toll rates for private cars (Group 1)
Group 1 covers passenger cars with fewer than 12 seats, light trucks under 2 tonnes, and public‑service minibusses.
| Section | Length (km) | Maximum Toll (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Vĩnh Hảo – Phan Thiết | ~100 | 90,555 |
| Phan Thiết – Dầu Giây | 99 | 128,700 |
Adding the two amounts, a private car traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang now pays an extra VND 219,255 in tolls.
Overall cost impact
Before the change, the total expressway fee for this route was VND 297,904. After 22 h on 2 March, the amount rises to VND 517,159 – a jump of 73.6 %.
Should you still take the expressway?
Even with the higher price, many drivers prefer the expressway because it shortens travel time, offers a smoother ride, and keeps cars separate from the densely packed motorbikes on the national road.
Maintaining a steady speed of 80–120 km/h on the toll road also improves fuel efficiency. On the older national route, frequent stops, traffic lights, and residential sections force drivers to brake and accelerate repeatedly, which burns more gasoline.
Tips for a cost‑effective road trip
- Plan your departure early to avoid peak‑hour congestion on the expressway.
- Check the latest toll calculator on the official Ministry of Transport site before you leave.
- Consider sharing the ride with fellow travelers to split the toll cost.
- If budget is the primary concern, the national road remains an option, but expect a longer journey and higher fuel consumption.
In short, the VND 219,000 increase translates into a faster, safer trip between Saigon and Nha Trang. Weigh the extra fee against the time saved, and choose the route that fits your travel style.