Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations, but it doesn’t have its own major transportation hub. Most travelers heading to Hoi An pass through Da Nang, which is only a short distance away. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to travel between Da Nang and Hoi An, making your journey easy and stress-free.
An overview of Da Nang – Hoi An
Da Nang and Hoi An are closely connected, making it convenient to explore both cities during your trip. While many people stay in Da Nang and visit Hoi An on a day trip, most travelers prefer to stay in Hoi An itself. Da Nang is a major transportation hub with an international airport, train station, and several bus stations, but Hoi An lacks these facilities. This is why most people traveling to Hoi An pass through Da Nang first. Thankfully, the distance between them is short, and there are several easy ways to complete this final stretch of your journey.
- Distance: Around 30 km, depending on the exact locations
- Travel time: 30 – 50 minutes
Da Nang transfer hubs
Da Nang serves as the primary gateway to Hoi An, with various transportation options connecting the two cities. Here are the three main hubs in Da Nang where you can start your journey to Hoi An:
Da Nang International Airport
Located in the center of the city, Da Nang International Airport is well-connected to domestic and international destinations. It offers multiple daily flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as flights to other Vietnamese cities like Dalat, Can Tho, and Hai Phong. International flights to Manila, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo, and more make this airport a significant hub for both regional and long-haul travelers.
Da Nang Railway Station
Situated in the heart of Da Nang, the railway station connects the city with other key destinations along Vietnam’s coastal rail line. You can take a train from Da Nang to southern cities like Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet (Mui Ne), and Ho Chi Minh City, or head north to Hue, Dong Hoi (Phong Nha), Ninh Binh, and Hanoi.
Da Nang Central Bus Station
Located to the west of Da Nang’s city center, the Central Bus Station provides connections to destinations across Vietnam. Major bus routes include services to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Ninh Binh, Hai Phong, and Dalat. While many buses do not go directly to Hoi An, some buses from southern destinations may drop you off at crossroads leading to Hoi An, where you can take a taxi for the final part of your trip.
Option 1: Pre-booked car
Pre-booked cars are often cheaper than taxis and provide a convenient option for traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An. Prices start at around €10 for a standard 4-seat car.
You can book through your hotel or an online service to be ensured that you know the price upfront. This is particularly useful if you prefer to avoid negotiating with drivers or figuring out directions. With a pre-booked car, the driver will pick you up directly at the airport, train station, or your hotel in Da Nang and drop you off at your exact destination in Hoi An, making it a hassle-free option.
Option 2: Taxi
Taxis are readily available at all major transportation hubs in Da Nang, including the airport, train station, and bus station. No matter the time of day or night, you can easily find a taxi to take you to Hoi An. If you’re in Hoi An, your accommodation can call a taxi for you. Taxis in Vietnam operate on meters, so the fare is not fixed, but expect to pay between €14 and €18, depending on your pick-up and drop-off locations.
Recommended taxi companies:
- Mai Linh Taxi
- Vinasun Taxi
- Tien Sa Taxi
These companies are known for their reliable service and fair pricing.
Option 3: Ride Hailing Apps
Using ride-hailing apps like Grab can be a convenient and sometimes cheaper alternative to traditional taxis when traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An. One of the key benefits is that you can see the price upfront, so there are no surprises. Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam, but other options include Be, Gojek, and Xanh SM (an electric taxi company).
To use these services, it’s important to have a Vietnamese SIM card, which allows you to stay connected to the internet and have a local phone number. This is not only helpful for booking rides but also for navigating, checking reviews, and finding places to eat or things to do during your trip. Getting a Vietnamese SIM card is easy, and there are many benefits beyond just using ride-hailing apps. You can check our guide on how to get a SIM card for more details.
Option 4: Bus
Taking a bus is the most affordable option for getting from Da Nang to Hoi An, especially if you’re traveling solo. There are two main bus options to choose from:
Shuttle bus
Shuttle buses offer a convenient and relatively comfortable way to travel between Da Nang and Hoi An. They can pick you up directly from Da Nang International Airport, Da Nang Train Station, or your hotel in Da Nang and drop you off at your hotel in Hoi An or a nearby location. This door-to-door service is a great option for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of arranging additional transportation.
- Departure points: Da Nang International Airport, Da Nang Train Station, or your hotel in Da Nang
- Arrival points: Your hotel in Hoi An or the vicinity
- Operating hours: Every hour from 05:00 to 23:00
- Travel time: 45 – 65 minutes
- Fares: 115,000 – 250,000 VND (€4 – €10)
Public bus
For those on a tight budget, the public bus is the cheapest way to travel between Da Nang and Hoi An. Bus route 1 runs between the two cities, but it requires you to get to one of the designated bus stops, as there is no door-to-door service. The DanaBus app (available on both iOS and Android) is useful for checking the route and locating the closest bus stop.
- Bus route: Da Nang to Hoi An (Route 1)
- Operating hours: 05:30 – 19:50
- Travel time: 40 minutes
- Bus frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Price: 18,000 VND (less than €1)
