How to Get from Da Nang to Hoi An: Complete Travel Guide

Understanding the basic logistics helps you choose the right option.

• 🛣️ Distance: ~30 km (18.6 miles)
• 🚘 Travel Time: 45–60 minutes (depending on traffic)
• 🛫 From Airport: Add ~10–15 minutes if traveling from Da Nang Airport

Most travelers use the coastal road or the highway via Marble Mountains, both offering scenic views.

📌 Good to know: There are no direct trains between Da Nang and Hoi An — all travel is by road.

Here’s a quick comparison before diving into the details:

Each option has trade-offs. Next, we’ll break them down one by one.

If you want the easiest and fastest way — especially with luggage or family — book a private car.

✅ Pros:

• Direct hotel-to-hotel service
• Air-conditioned and spacious
• Great for groups of 2–4 people
• No stress about finding parking or negotiating

❌ Cons:

• Slightly more expensive
• Prices vary depending on pickup point

📍 How to book:

• Via hotel reception or travel desk
• Through apps like Xanh SM, Vinasun, or Mai Linh
• Online through 12Go Asia

💡 Price range: 300,000 – 500,000 VND ($12–20) depending on vehicle and route

If you prefer flexibility and cashless travel, Grab (or Be) is a solid middle-ground between a private car and public transit.

✅ Pros:

• On-demand, no haggling
• Pay via app (cash or card)
• Available from airport, city, or beach area
• Can request GrabCar (private) or GrabBike (solo)

❌ Cons:

• Prices surge in bad weather or peak hours
• Drivers may cancel or call to confirm (language barrier possible)

📱 How to use:

• Download Grab or Be App
• Select destination: “Hoi An Ancient Town”
• Choose GrabCar 4-seater for 1–3 passengers

💡 Price range: 250,000 – 400,000 VND ($10–16)
🛵 GrabBike (motorbike taxi) for solo travelers: 80k–120k VND

📌 Tip: Enable Vietnamese SIM or eSIM (Airalo, Nomad) for smoother app use.

For budget-conscious travelers or solo explorers, shuttle buses are efficient and comfortable.

✅ Pros:

• A/C vans with 9–16 seats
• Direct drop-off at hotel or central stop in Hoi An
• Multiple departures per day
• Bookable online or through hostels/hotels

❌ Cons:

• Fixed departure times
• Possible delays if picking up many passengers
• May need to wait if full

🚐 Recommended operators:

• Hoi An Express
• The Sinh Tourist
• April Adventure

💡 Price range: 120,000 – 180,000 VND ($5–8)
📅 Best to book 1 day in advance, especially in high season

📌 Tip: Choose morning or late afternoon slots to avoid traffic.

If you’re on a tight budget or want a local experience, the yellow public Bus #1 is the way to go.

🚌 Route Details:

• Route: Da Nang Bus Station → Hoi An Bus Station
• Operating hours: 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes

✅ Pros:

• Cheapest option by far
• Local, authentic vibe

❌ Cons:

• No A/C, basic seats
• May stop frequently
• Not ideal with luggage or during rain
• Drop-off point may be far from hotel (extra walk or taxi)

💡 Price: 30,000 VND (~$1.25)
🚏 Catch the bus from Le Duan Street or Central Bus Station

📌 Tip: Tell the driver “Hoi An stop” and keep cash ready.

Want to ride the coastal road, stop at Marble Mountains, or feel the wind in your hair? Motorbike is the most fun option.

✅ Pros:

• Ultimate flexibility
• Stop anytime for photos or food
• Great for solo or couple travel
• Rental shops available all over Da Nang

❌ Cons:

• Not safe during rain or at night
• Requires basic experience with scooters
• Must wear helmet + carry license

🛵 Where to rent:

• Tigit Motorbikes
• Dragon Bikes Da Nang
• Many hostels offer daily rentals

💡 Price: 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day
🛣️ Scenic route: Via Vo Nguyen Giap → Lac Long Quan coastal road

📌 Tip: Use Google Maps offline and keep phone in a waterproof holder.

Cycling from Da Nang to Hoi An isn’t for everyone — but for slow travelers and adventure lovers, it’s a unique way to experience the countryside.

✅ Pros:

• Free (if included in homestay or hostel)
• Great scenery: rice fields, local villages, coast
• Zero emissions — eco-friendly

❌ Cons:

• Long and sweaty (~2–2.5 hours, one-way)
• Not safe during heat, rain, or at night
• Requires good fitness and road awareness

🚴 Route suggestion:

• Start early (6–7 AM) to beat the heat
• Follow the Lac Long Quan coastal road
• Stop at Marble Mountains or An Bang Beach along the way

💡 Tip: Wear a sun hoodie + reflective gear, and bring lots of water.

Just landed in Da Nang and want to skip the city entirely? You can go directly from the airport to Hoi An.

🚘 Best options from Da Nang Airport:

• Private car: Most convenient for first-timers
• Book via hotel or 12Go Asia
• Price: 350,000 – 500,000 VND
• Grab: Available from outside domestic terminal
• Avoid peak hour surcharges
• Price: 250,000 – 400,000 VND
• Shuttle service: Must book in advance
• Look for desks near the arrival zone
• Pickup every 1–2 hours

📌 Airport tip: Use Exit Gate A4 for ride-hailing pickup and avoid taxi touts inside the terminal.

💡 Bonus: Exchange small amounts of cash or buy a Vietnamese SIM card at the airport before leaving.

To save time and reduce stress, here’s where to book each transport option.

📌 Tip: Always confirm booking 24 hours before departure, especially during weekends or holidays.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of all major transportation methods:

Timing your trip right can make your transfer smoother, faster, and more scenic.

⏰ Best time of day to travel:

• Morning (7–9 AM): Cooler weather, lighter traffic
• Late afternoon (4–5:30 PM): Golden hour views along the coast
• Avoid 12–2 PM if biking or riding a motorbike (too hot)

🌧️ Weather considerations:

• Rainy season (Sep–Dec): Road can be slippery, check weather app
• Dry season (Feb–Aug): Best for cycling or scenic motorbike routes

📌 Tip: If flying into Da Nang, try to land before sunset to avoid night travel to Hoi An.

Traveling in Vietnam is safe, but here are quick tips to avoid surprises:

🛡️ Safety checklist:

• Only use official taxis or app-based rides
• Wear a helmet if riding motorbike
• Carry some cash (VND) in small denominations
• Avoid isolated routes after dark
• Always have a copy of hotel address in Vietnamese

💡 Bonus: Save your destination on Google Maps and download offline maps before leaving.

The trip from Da Nang to Hoi An is short, but surprisingly scenic.

🌅 Sights you may pass:

• Marble Mountains: Optional stop for a short hike or photo
• My Khe Beach: Blue sea views as you leave Da Nang
• Coastal roads: Lined with coconut trees, rice paddies, and locals riding bicycles
• Local villages: Great photo ops if you're on a bike or motorbike

📌 Tip: Want a scenic detour? Stop at An Bang Beach before entering Hoi An town center.

Here are frequent errors travelers make — and how to avoid them:

Choosing the right option depends on your budget, comfort level, and travel style:

• ✅ Private car: Best for families, groups, or comfort seekers
• ✅ Grab app: Best for tech-savvy solo or pair travelers
• ✅ Shuttle bus: Great balance for solo travelers on a budget
• ✅ Public bus: Only if you want to save every đồng
• ✅ Motorbike: Ideal for backpackers or scenic lovers
• ✅ Bike: For slow, ultra-local travel (not recommended in bad weather)

📌 Best overall choice for most: GrabCar or Shuttle Van