After a few trips through central Vietnam — from exploring Da Nang's Marble Mountains to losing track of time under Hoi An's golden lanterns — this route has become something of a ritual for me.
I've taken it in every way possible: taxi, shuttle, scooter, even once balancing a backpack and camera bag on the back of a GrabBike (not my brightest idea).
But each time, that short stretch between Da Nang and Hoi An never feels like just a transfer — it's the transition between two very different moods of Vietnam.
Da Nang hums with energy — its coastline lined with cafés, surf spots, and modern towers — while Hoi An slows everything down the moment you arrive.
It's the perfect contrast, and if you're exploring Vietnam the way most travellers do — from north to south or along a two-week route that loops through Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City — you'll likely find yourself on this exact road sooner or later.
On my most recent trip, I realised just how many travellers overthink this short journey. The truth? It's only about 30 km, and you've got multiple easy, affordable ways to get there — some more scenic than others.
So in this post, I'm breaking down the best ways to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An — how long it takes, what it costs, and what to expect, whether you're coming straight from the airport, the beach, or a few nights in the city.
And if you're still piecing together your Vietnam itinerary — whether it's planning where to stay in Ho Chi Minh, sorting out your Vietnam eSIM before landing, or figuring out the best flow between Vietnam and Cambodia — this guide will slot right into that journey.
Why Visit Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is one of those places that makes you slow down — a riverside town where history, culture, and colour blend effortlessly.
Its ancient streets are lined with mustard-yellow shophouses draped in bougainvillaea, tailor boutiques humming with sewing machines, and cafés overlooking the Thu Bon River that comes alive at sunset.
Just 30 km south of Da Nang, Hoi An sits at the heart of central Vietnam and is famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where centuries of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences meet in one atmospheric maze.
You'll find lantern-lit nights, custom-made clothes, street food like cao lầu and white rose dumplings, and a slower rhythm that contrasts perfectly with Da Nang's urban energy.
The best part? Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An is both easy and scenic. The route winds through palm-fringed coastal roads, small fishing villages, and stretches of rice paddies that catch the afternoon light.
Depending on your mode of travel, the journey takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, making it a popular day trip or the next natural stop on any Vietnam itinerary.
Most travellers fly into Da Nang, then make their way down to Hoi An by car, shuttle, motorbike, or bus.
And while the distance is short, choosing the right transport can make a huge difference to your experience (and your sanity).
Book your Hoi An City and Countryside tour here
4 Ways To Get From Da Nang To Hoi An, Vietnam
There's no airport in Hoi An, so your journey will always start in Da Nang — either from Da Nang International Airport or from Da Nang City Centre. From there, it's a straightforward trip by road, about 30 km (45–60 minutes) depending on traffic.
Here are the best ways to go based on my own experience and what I've learned after several visits.:
1. Private Car Or Taxi – Most Convenient Option
Travel Time: 45–60 minutes Cost: From VND 350,000 / USD 14–20 (one way)
If you're travelling as a couple or group, booking a private car or taxi is by far the easiest and most comfortable way to reach Hoi An. It's door-to-door, air-conditioned, and perfect if you've just landed from a flight.
During my trip, I booked a GrabCar right from Da Nang Airport and arrived in Hoi An in under an hour. The ride followed a smooth coastal highway, passing by Marble Mountains — you can even stop there for a quick visit if you want to stretch your legs.
Pro Tip: Download Grab or Gojek apps for instant booking and fair pricing (you'll need mobile data — this is the best eSIM we recommend).
2. Shuttle Bus – Best Value For Money
Travel Time: 60–90 minutes Cost: From VND 120,000 / USD 5
If you're not in a rush and want something affordable yet reliable, the shuttle bus is a solid choice. These minibuses run frequently from Da Nang Airport and city hotels to Hoi An's Old Town, operating daily between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Most have air-conditioning, English-speaking drivers, and set schedules — you can easily book them online or local travel agencies.
During one of my earlier trips, I took a shuttle van at 9:00 am from My Khe Beach and arrived in Hoi An by 10:30 am. While it wasn't luxurious, it was smooth and easy — just make sure to confirm your pickup point and time (they're usually punctual).
Book your bus from Da Nang to Hoi An
3. Motorbike – For The Adventurous
Travel Time: 45–60 minutes Cost: VND 120,000–200,000 / USD 5–8 per day (rental)
Riding a scooter from Da Nang to Hoi An is easily the most fun and scenic way to go — especially if you love open roads and the freedom to stop anytime.
The route is short and scenic — coastal breeze, fishing villages, rice paddies, and roadside cafés where you can stop for Vietnamese coffee mid-way.
Rentals are widely available in Da Nang city or even at some airport counters. Helmets are mandatory, and you'll need a valid international driving permit.
I left Da Nang around 8:00 am on a rented scooter and followed Vo Nguyen Giap Road → Cua Dai Road. Along the way, I passed coastal stretches, rice paddies, and small fishing villages where locals were drying their nets in the morning sun. I even stopped for coffee at a roadside café near Non Nuoc Beach before continuing south.
Just be cautious: Vietnamese traffic can be chaotic, especially near Da Nang city centre. But once you hit the quieter roads, it's pure freedom.
Rent your bike here
4. Local Bus – Cheapest Option (But Slowest)
Local bus, Da Nang, Vietnam
Travel Time: 60 minutes - 1 hour 20 minutes Cost: VND 30,000 / USD 1.20
If you're up for a bit of local flavour, take the public Bus No. 1 between Da Nang and Hoi An. It runs daily from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm, departing every 20–30 minutes from the Da Nang Bus Station and arriving at Hoi An Bus Station — about 1.5 km (15–20 minutes walk) from the Old Town.
It's basic: no air-conditioning, frequent stops, and limited space for bags. But it's a fun, authentic way to see how locals travel.
I once hopped on the 7:00 am bus and spent most of the ride chatting (through gestures) with friendly locals heading to the market.
Tip: Pay in cash directly to the conductor — keep small bills handy (VND 10,000–20,000 notes/ USD 0.38 – 0.76 )
How To Book Your Transport From Da Nang To Hoi An
You can easily arrange your transfer online, through an app, or directly once you arrive in Da Nang. Here's how each option works and what to expect:
1. Online (Most Convenient Option)
If you like having everything sorted before your flight lands, booking online is the easiest way to go. You can compare private cars, shuttles, and local buses — all in one place — and see live schedules and prices in Vietnamese đồng and USD.
I've booked through them several times while travelling across Vietnam, and they're reliable. You'll get an instant e-ticket you can show on your phone (no printing needed), and the driver will contact you via WhatsApp or SMS before pickup.
You can choose your pickup point — either Da Nang Airport, My Khe Beach area, or your hotel in Da Nang city centre.
Most rides take 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Check Da Nang to Hoi An schedules here
2. Grab Or Gojek (For On-the-Go Flexibility)
If you're landing in Da Nang and prefer to book on the spot, Grab is your best friends. You can choose between GrabCar (private car), GrabBike (motorbike taxi), or GrabTaxi (metered cab).
This is perfect for spontaneous travellers — I've used Grab straight from the airport before, and the ride took about 50 minutes to reach Hoi An. The app calculates the fare upfront, so there's no haggling.
You'll need mobile data to book, so having a Vietnam eSIM helps a lot. With coverage across central Vietnam, you can order a ride the moment you land without searching for Wi-Fi or local SIM stalls.
Pro tip: Grab pickup zones at Da Nang International Airport are clearly marked outside the Arrivals Hall. Follow the signs to the “Grab & Taxi Pickup Area.”
3. Hotel Concierge Or Local Travel Agencies (Pre-Arranged Transfers)
If you prefer things organised in advance, most hotels and tour agencies in both Da Nang and Hoi An can arrange transfers for you. Prices usually range from VND 350,000–400,000 / USD 14–16 per car, similar to Grab, and include door-to-door pickup.
When I stayed near My Khe Beach, my hotel arranged a private transfer that left at 8:30 am and dropped me off right at my homestay in Hoi An by 9:15 am — seamless and stress-free.
This is ideal if you're arriving late at night or want a fixed pickup time without using any apps. Some hotels even offer discounts for round-trip bookings or if you combine the ride with a tour package (like My Son Sanctuary or Marble Mountains).
Book your local tour travel agencies here
Da Nang Pickup Guide: Airport And City Departures
If Arriving At Da Nang International Airport (DAD):
The drive to Hoi An takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
Grab and taxi pickup areas are right outside the Arrivals Hall — follow the green “Public Transport” signs.
Official taxi counters like Mai Linh and Vinasun are also available inside the terminal if you prefer fixed fares.
If Leaving From Da Nang City Centre:
Most pickups are from the My Khe Beach, Han Market, or Dragon Bridge area. It takes about 10–15 minutes to reach the main coastal road connecting to Hoi An.
Morning transfers (before 9 am) are smoother, while 4–6 pm rides often hit rush-hour traffic near the bridge crossings.
Pro tip: If you're self-driving, download VietMap or Google Maps offline before leaving Da Nang — signage can be spotty once you exit the main highway.
And that's pretty much everything you need to know about getting from Da Nang to Hoi An.
It's a short, easy journey — but one that introduces you to Vietnam's beautiful rhythm right away: the sea breeze, motorbike hums, and that slow shift from city buzz to riverside calm.
Whether you arrive by shuttle, scooter, or private car, the moment you step into Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, you'll feel time slow down.
From here, you can easily continue your Vietnam adventure — head north to Hue's imperial city, south to Nha Trang's beaches, or stay put and soak in Hoi An's charm.
And before you go, don't forget to sort out your Vietnam eSIM and accommodation — we've got guides for both to make your trip as smooth as the ride itself.
A quick eSIM setup keeps you online the moment you land, perfect for maps, Grab rides, and last-minute plans.
