How to get from Da Nang to Hoi An?

You've just landed at Da Nang International Airport (DAD) — the main gateway to Central Vietnam. Hội An, the UNESCO-listed ancient town famous for its coloured lanterns, tailor shops, and White Rose dumplings, sits just 30 kilometres to the south. There's no direct train or local metro, but the route is well-served and surprisingly easy to navigate even on your first visit to Vietnam. Here's everything you need to know.

First thing to do on arrival: Pick up a local SIM card or eSIM. There are several counters in the baggage claim area selling them for around $5–10. Having mobile data makes every transport option below significantly easier.

Best ways to get from Da Nang to Hoi An

1. Private car transfer

• Most recommended
• Stress-free
• Cost: ~700,000–1,300,000 VND ($28–52) for the car
• Time: 40–50 min
• Available: 24/7 (pre-book required)

For most international arrivals — especially those travelling with family, multiple bags, or after a long-haul flight — a pre-booked private car is the gold standard. A driver holding a sign with your name meets you at arrivals, loads your luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel door. No negotiating, no waiting, no guesswork.

Many Hội An hotels offer complimentary or paid airport transfers — contact your accommodation before you fly and ask. If yours doesn't, services like GetYourGuide, Welcome Pickups, or 12Go Asia all offer fixed-price private car bookings. Child seats can be requested in advance. For a greener option, Xanh SM operates all-electric VinFast vehicles with a premium private car service bookable via their app or hotline 1900 2088.

2. Xanh SM or Grab (ride-hailing apps)

• Best value for solo travellers
• Cost: ~250,000–350,000 VND ($10–14)
• Time: 40–50 min
• Available: 24/7

If you're travelling solo or as a couple and want a fast, transparent, and affordable ride without pre-booking, ride-hailing apps are your best friend. Grab — Southeast Asia's most popular ride-hailing platform — shows you a fixed upfront price before you confirm. No meter anxiety, no haggling. Simply open the app at arrivals, enter your Hội An address, and a driver will come to you.

Xanh SM, Vietnam's first all-electric taxi app, is a great eco-conscious alternative with fixed fares and modern VinFast EVs. Both apps work seamlessly from Da Nang Airport and accept card or cash payment. Connect to the airport's free Wi-Fi or your new SIM to book.

3. Metered taxi

• No app needed
• Cost: ~350,000–450,000 VND ($14–18)
• Time: 40–45 min
• Available: 24/7

If you'd rather not fuss with apps, official metered taxis queue directly outside the arrivals exit of both the domestic and international terminals. This remains a reliable and straightforward option, particularly useful if your phone battery is low or your SIM isn't yet active.

Stick to the two most trusted companies: Mai Linh (green cars) and VinaSun (white cars). Always confirm the meter is switched on before the car moves — if a driver insists on a fixed verbal price instead, politely decline and take the next cab. Be cautious of unlicensed touts who may approach you inside the terminal offering "cheap taxi" deals; these almost always cost more than a legitimate metered fare.

4. Public bus

• Cheapest option
• Cost: ~35,000 VND bus + ~70,000 VND Grab to station (~$4 total)
• Time: 1.5–2 hrs total
• Hours: 5:45 AM – 6:00 PM only

The most budget-friendly way to reach Hội An, though it requires a two-step journey. The old Route 1 yellow bus no longer runs, but since April 2024 the new LK-02 DanaBus line connects Da Nang to Hội An reliably. Note that the bus departs from Da Nang Central Bus Station on Nguyễn Trị Phương Street — not from the airport itself.

Take a short Grab ride from the airport to the bus station (~70,000 VND), then board the air-conditioned LK-02. Buses run every 15–30 minutes from 5:45 AM to 6:00 PM and terminate at Hội An Bus Station on Nguyễn Tất Thành Street, about a 10-minute walk or quick xe ôm ride from the Old Town. Pay the driver in cash. This option suits backpackers with time to spare — not ideal for late-night arrivals or those with a lot of luggage.

5. Motorbike rental

• For the adventurous
• Flexible
• Cost: ~150,000–200,000 VND/day ($6–8)
• Time: 45–60 min (scenic route)
• Requires: IDP + riding experience

Renting a motorbike in Da Nang and riding to Hội An is an exhilarating way to experience the coastal road — especially the scenic stretch along Trường Sa Street with Mỹ Khê Beach to your left and rice paddies opening up as you head south. It's also an incredibly affordable way to get around once you're in Hội An, where traffic is lighter and distances are short.

There are no motorbike rental counters at the airport itself, so this option works best if you're spending a night in Da Nang first, or if a friend drops you at a rental shop in the city. Reputable rental shops near the airport include Tuan Motorbike Rental and Huu Vy. Rental costs around 150,000–200,000 VND per day. An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is technically required for a motorbike licence in Vietnam. Avoid riding at night, especially on unfamiliar roads, and be prepared for Vietnam's fast-paced and unpredictable traffic.

Watch out for: Unlicensed touts inside the terminal who approach passengers offering "cheap taxi." Always exit the building first and use official taxi ranks, or book via Grab or Xanh SM. Prices offered inside the terminal are consistently higher than legitimate fares.

Side-by-side comparison

Step-by-step: first-timer's arrival routine

1. Clear immigration and collect your luggage at baggage claim.
2. Buy a SIM card or eSIM from one of the counters near the baggage carousel (~$5–10).
3. If you pre-booked a private car, look for your name sign just outside arrivals.
4. Download and using Grab or Xanh SM, connect to free airport Wi-Fi, open the app, and request a car.
5. For a metered taxi, walk to the official rank outside arrivals — look for Mai Linh (green) or VinaSun (white).
6. Confirm the meter is running before the car moves, sit back, and enjoy the coastal scenery south to Hội An.

Arriving late at night? The public bus stops at 6:00 PM. After that, your best options are Grab, Xanh SM, a metered taxi, or a pre-booked private car — all available around the clock.

A local's tip on the route itself

The coastal road via Trường Sa Street passes some of Da Nang's best beaches — if it's your first time, consider asking your driver to take this scenic route. It adds only a few minutes but the views of Mỹ Khê Beach (voted one of Asia's finest) make for a spectacular introduction to Central Vietnam. Most drivers are happy to oblige.

Prices are approximate and subject to change. Exchange rate reference: 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND. Always verify fares with your chosen provider before travel.