Da Nang to Hoi An: Transport Options, Prices & Travel Time

Hoi An has no airport. Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the closest and only airport serving Hoi An, located about 25 kilometers north of Hoi An's Ancient Town. Travelers flying to Hoi An land in Da Nang and then continue by road. The airport code for flights to Hoi An is DAD, as confirmed by Vietnam Airports Corporation.

Most travelers from the US, Australia, India and Canada need a visa or e-visa for Vietnam; the official portal is evisa.gov.vn. If you prefer someone to handle the application, visa-vietnam.app can do it. visa-vietnam.app is run by the same publisher as this site.

01Grab or Taxi: The Most Convenient Option

Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app, similar to Uber) and traditional taxis are the most direct way to reach Hoi An from Da Nang. Travel time is typically 30 to 45 minutes outside rush hour, up to 60 minutes during peak traffic (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).

As of November 2026, a Grab Car from Da Nang city center to Hoi An Ancient Town costs approximately 200,000 to 280,000 VND (8 to 11 USD at the November 2026 Vietcombank rate of 25,000 VND per USD), while from Da Nang Airport the fare runs 250,000 to 350,000 VND (10 to 14 USD). Prices vary with demand and exact pickup/drop-off locations. GrabCar 4-seater is cheapest; GrabCar 7-seater costs about 30% more and is useful for groups or heavy luggage.

Traditional metered taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun) charge similar amounts: expect 250,000 to 350,000 VND from the airport, 200,000 to 300,000 VND from the city center. Always insist the driver uses the meter or agree on a price before departure. Airport taxis queue outside the domestic and international terminals.

Grab is generally more transparent and convenient: you see the price before booking, pay by card or cash, and track the route. Download the Grab app before arrival and add a payment method. For getting around Da Nang and the wider region, Grab is the most reliable everyday option.

02Private Car or Transfer: For Comfort and Groups

Private car services offer fixed-price door-to-door transfers, often pre-booked online. As of November 2026, a private sedan from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An costs approximately 400,000 to 600,000 VND (16 to 24 USD) for up to 3 passengers, while a 7-seater van runs 600,000 to 900,000 VND (24 to 36 USD). These prices are per vehicle, not per person.

Private transfers are worthwhile for families, groups of 3 or more, or travelers with significant luggage. The driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign, helps with bags, and drives directly to your accommodation. Many Hoi An hotels and guesthouses arrange airport pickups at similar rates; ask when you book.

The cost per person drops quickly with group size: a 600,000 VND van split four ways is 150,000 VND each, cheaper than individual Grab rides and far more convenient than shuttles with multiple stops.

03Shuttle Bus: Budget-Friendly Shared Rides

Several companies operate shared shuttle buses between Da Nang and Hoi An, stopping at major hotels and the Ancient Town area. As of November 2026, shuttle fares range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND (4 to 6 USD) per person one-way, depending on the operator and pickup/drop-off points.

Shuttles depart from Da Nang Airport and various city locations (often near hotels on Bach Dang Street or the main backpacker area) at scheduled times, typically every 1 to 2 hours from early morning to evening. Journey time is 45 to 75 minutes, as shuttles make multiple stops to collect and drop passengers.

Book shuttles online through operators' websites or at hotel reception desks in Da Nang. The main operators as of November 2026 include services marketed to travelers staying along Hoi An's An Bang Beach and the Ancient Town. Shuttles are slower than private transport but significantly cheaper for solo travelers.

Luggage space is limited; large backpacks and suitcases usually fit, but inform the operator if you have oversized items. Shuttles do not always run on exact schedules, so allow buffer time if you have onward connections.

04Public Bus: The Cheapest Option

The public bus (route 1) connects Da Nang and Hoi An for 20,000 to 30,000 VND (roughly 1 USD) as of November 2026, making it the cheapest transport option by far. Buses run approximately every 20 to 30 minutes from early morning (around 5:30 AM) until evening (around 6:00 PM), according to Da Nang Public Transport.

In Da Nang, route 1 buses depart from the main bus station on Dien Bien Phu Street (near the intersection with Hung Vuong Street) and stop at various points along the route, including near the airport entrance road. In Hoi An, the bus stops at the bus station on the northern edge of town, about 1 kilometer from the Ancient Town center; you can walk, take a xe om (motorbike taxi) for 20,000 to 30,000 VND, or catch a Grab.

Journey time is 60 to 90 minutes, longer than other options due to frequent stops and slower speeds. Buses are not air-conditioned (or have minimal cooling), seats are basic, and luggage space is limited. Large backpacks fit in the aisle or on your lap; suitcases may be refused or charged extra. This option works for budget travelers with light luggage and flexible schedules, but is impractical with heavy bags or tight timelines.

Pay the conductor on board (cash only). Route numbers and destinations are marked in Vietnamese; confirm with the driver or conductor that the bus goes to Hoi An ("Hoi An" is recognizable, or show them the name written down).

05Motorbike: For Experienced Riders

Renting a motorbike in Da Nang and riding to Hoi An is possible for travelers with valid motorcycle licenses and experience riding in Vietnamese traffic. The route follows National Highway 1A south; the road is busy with trucks, buses, and fast-moving traffic, especially near Da Nang city limits.

Motorbike rental in Da Nang costs approximately 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day (4 to 6 USD) for a semi-automatic scooter, 150,000 to 250,000 VND for a manual motorbike, as of November 2026. Fuel for the round trip costs roughly 50,000 VND. Most rental shops require a passport or deposit; read the contract carefully and photograph the bike's condition before departure.

Travel time is 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and your speed. The route is straightforward: take Nguyen Tat Thanh Street south from central Da Nang, which becomes Highway 1A, and follow signs to Hoi An. A GPS app (Google Maps, Maps.me) is essential.

Riding a motorbike in Vietnam requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the A category or a Vietnamese motorcycle license, as stated by travel.state.gov. Police checkpoints are common on this route; riding without proper documentation results in fines and confiscation. Vietnamese traffic is chaotic by Western standards; if you are not confident riding in dense, fast traffic, choose another transport option. More details on motorbike rules are in the getting around Da Nang guide.

06From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

Da Nang International Airport is 25 kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town. After clearing immigration and customs, exit the arrivals hall to find:

• Grab pickup point: Walk to the departures level (one floor up) for easier Grab pickups, as some drivers avoid the arrivals area due to airport fees. Book your Grab as you exit baggage claim; the app shows the pickup location.
• Taxi rank: Official metered taxis queue outside both domestic and international arrivals. Mai Linh and Vinasun are the most reliable companies; their cars are clearly marked. Agree the driver will use the meter before getting in.
• Shuttle bus: Some shuttle operators have desks inside the arrivals hall or outside near the taxi rank. Book and pay there, or pre-book online.
• Public bus: Route 1 does not enter the airport itself. To catch it, exit the airport, turn right, and walk approximately 500 meters to the main road (National Highway 1A); the bus stop is near the intersection. This is inconvenient with luggage.

For most travelers arriving by air, Grab or a pre-booked private transfer is the most practical choice. The airport is modern and well-signposted in English; free WiFi is available to download Grab or contact your accommodation if you have not arranged transport in advance.

07Which Transport to Choose

Your best option depends on budget, luggage, and travel style:

• Solo traveler, light luggage, tightest budget: Public bus (20,000 VND) if you have time and patience. Shuttle bus (100,000-150,000 VND) for more comfort.
• Solo or couple, moderate budget: Grab or taxi (200,000-350,000 VND) for speed and convenience.
• Group of 3 or more, or heavy luggage: Private car or van (400,000-900,000 VND total), split among passengers.
• Experienced rider with proper license: Motorbike (100,000-150,000 VND rental per day plus fuel) for flexibility and the scenic ride.

If you are staying in Hoi An for more than a day trip, read the full visit Hoi An complete guide from Da Nang for what to see, where to stay, and how long to spend there.

08Practical Tips for the Journey

• Book ahead for airport pickups: If you land late at night or very early morning, pre-book a private transfer or confirm with your hotel that they can arrange a pickup. Grab and taxis are available 24/7, but supply is lower outside daytime hours.
• Traffic timing: Avoid departing Da Nang between 5:00 and 7:00 PM on weekdays if possible; this is rush hour and the journey can take 60+ minutes. Midday and early afternoon are quietest.
• Currency: Carry small bills (50,000 and 100,000 VND notes) for taxis, buses, and xe om. Grab accepts card payment if you add one in the app.
• Luggage: If you have large suitcases or sports equipment (surfboards, bikes), confirm in advance that your chosen transport can accommodate them. Shuttles and public buses have limited space; private cars and Grab 7-seaters are more flexible.
• Return journey: All these options work in reverse from Hoi An to Da Nang. Grab is available throughout Hoi An; the public bus departs from Hoi An bus station; shuttles and private cars can be booked through hotels.

09Conclusion

Da Nang to Hoi An is a short, straightforward journey with transport options for every budget. Grab or taxi (200,000-350,000 VND) offers the best balance of speed, convenience, and price for most travelers. Shuttles (100,000-150,000 VND) suit solo budget travelers, while private cars (400,000-900,000 VND) are ideal for groups. The public bus (20,000 VND) is cheapest but slowest and least comfortable. Hoi An has no airport; all flights land at Da Nang International Airport, 25 kilometers away. Your next step: decide your transport based on your budget and luggage, then book ahead if you are arriving by air or traveling during peak hours.