5 Ways to Travel From Da Nang to Hoi An in 2023: Detailed Guide

This detailed transport guide outlines the different options for travelling from Da Nang to Hoi An, from VIP to budget. Including bus schedules, what to expect from road conditions, where to stop along the way, and how to buy tickets online.

Lantern-lit Hoi An Ancient Town and the popular beach-side city of Da Nang (Danang) are two of South Vietnam’s must-sees.

With no airport or railway station in Hoi An, most visitors arrive via the city of Da Nang, which is 29 kilometres or 45-90 minutes north.

The two cities aren’t far very apart – but there are many different ways to travel between them depending on your comfort preference and budget.

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The transport guide compares 5 ways to go from Danang to Hoi An (and Hoi An to Danang), ranging from a public bus that will cost you little more than pocket change, to a private transfer that will make your experience completely seamless.

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In a hurry?

If you don’t have time to read my whole Da Nang to Hoi An guide, here are a few top tips and quick links:

Best Way to Reach Hoi An From Da Nang: Private or shared shuttle transfer with Hoi An Express. Book here via GetYourGuide.

Where to Stay in Hoi An: Little Riverside (boutique hotel-spa); The Corner Riverside (budget-savvy & family friendly); La Siesta Resort (for a treat!).

Don’t Miss: A Hoi An cooking class with market tour and boat trip. Use EMILYLUSH at checkout to save 10% when you book via Cookly.

Best Hoi An Day Trip: Early morning excursion to My Son Sanctuary. Book here via Viator.

Da Nang to Hoi An distance

The distance between Da Nang and Hoi An is 29 kilometres or 18 miles.

Da Nang to Hoi An travel time

There are two ways to travel from Danang to Hoi An: Via the coastal route, or inland on the DT607 highway. Travel time depends on the route your driver takes and the type of vehicle (cars and taxis are faster than minivans and coaches).

It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get from Da Nang to Hoi An when travelling on the coastal road by car.

On the inland road, it takes a little longer, approximately 50 to 60 minutes by car.

Da Nang to Hoi An map

Click to open an interactive Google Map.

Da Nang to Hoi An. Map data: Google Maps.

Da Nang to Hoi An transport guide

This comprehensive guide for getting from Da Nang to Hoi An is researched and up to date for 2023. In this section, I’ll provide a broad overview of the options before going into the detail on all 5 transport methods.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing your transportation is how you’ll be arriving in Danang.

As you’ll see, Hoi An transfers depart from both Da Nang Airport and Da Nang City. If you’re flying in, you’ll want a service straight from Da Nang International Airport so that you don’t have to fight through traffic to get into the city first.

Essential reading: How to spend 1-3 days in Hoi An.

If you’re arriving in Danang by train or bus, note that the railway station and bus depot are both located in Danang city. The railway station is conveniently located close to the centre of town, but the main bus station is behind the airport, roughly 5km from the centre.

Similarly, if you’re planning to spend a night or two in Danang before you continue on to Hoi An, you’ll want a transport service that departs from the city or offers hotel pick up.

If you need to travel within Da Nang – for example, to get from the train station to the bus depot – I highly recommend using Grab App (Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber) to book a taxi or motorbike taxi.

5 ways to travel from Danang to Hoi An

In a rush? Here is a quick overview of the different transport options discussed in this guide:

1. BEST OVERALL OPTION

PRIVATE TRANSFER WITH HOI AN EXPRESS

• Pre-booked & reliable
• From $26
• 45 mins travel time

Book a transfer

via GetYourGuide

2. SHARED OPTION

HOI AN EXPRESS AIRPORT SHUTTLE

• Travellers’ favourite
• From $6
• 75 mins travel time

Check availability

via GetYourGuide

3. GUIDED OPTION

HOI AN DAY TOUR

• Best option for a quick visit
• From $80
• 8+ hours (with stops)

Browse tours

on Get Your Guide

4. CITY-TO-CITY OPTION

TAXI

• Fast & comfortable
• From $16
• 45 mins travel time

Book a taxi

via 12GoAsia

5. BUDGET OPTION

PUBLIC BUS

• Budget-friendly & atmospheric
• From 80 cents
• 1.5-2 hrs travel time

Buy tickets

via 12GoAsia

Important note: Unfortunately the Sinh Tourist bus and the public bus #1 between Da Nang and Hoi An both stopped during COVID and have not started running again. I will update this guide when things change.

Option 1: Private transfer from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An by car

• Perfect for families, groups & anyone with lots of luggage
• The best option for accessible travellers & travellers with kids
• Departs: 24/7 service on demand
• Price: From $26 per car
• Tickets: Book online through Get Your Guide

If you’re looking for a one-way transfer from Danang to Hoi An and you don’t want to mess around with buses and taxis or share the ride with other passengers, booking a private car and driver is the most efficient and comfortable option.

A door to door, meet and greet airport transfer from Danang to Hoi An is ideal if you’re arriving in Da Nang by plane and and you don’t want to waste any time in getting to the Ancient Town. I also recommend this option for families and groups, as the price works out better.

A private car from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An Ancient Town takes 45-50 minutes depending on traffic and the location of your hotel.

Hoi An.

How to book a private Da Nang to Hoi An transfer online

There are a couple of options for booking a private transfer from Da Nang Airport. Your accommodation in Hoi An can usually organise a car for you – but I often find the price is a bit high.

Instead, I recommend booking a car and driver through Get Your Guide. With this platform, you can book instantly and pay securely online. If you’ve left things to the last minute, you can usually book a same-day transfer (depending on availability). You also have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance if plans change.

Hoi An Express is the most reputable transfer company, with more than 1,000 positive reviews and an overall rating of 4.5/5 on Get Your Guide. They offer 4-seater cars, 7-seater minivans, and 16-seater minibuses.

Hoi An Express vans. Photo courtesy of Hoi An Express.

Their hassle-free private transfer is excellent value for money at just $26 per car (up to 3 people) or $37 per car (up to 5 people). Vehicles are modern, air-conditioned and importantly, wheelchair accessible.

Kids car seats are available on request. Drivers are professional and speak English.

When you book, you supply the company with your flight details so that your driver can meet you in the airport arrivals hall with a name card.

It’s a 24/7 service, so if your flight gets in late, you’ll have someone there to meet you. They’ll then drive you all the way to your hotel in Hoi An. You can stop anywhere you want along the way.

Check availability and book instantly here on Get Your Guide or use the calendar below to check your dates:

For a unique transfer experience, this airport transfer to Hoi An in a restored army era open-top Jeep is an unforgettable way to travel! Many of the drivers are vets.

Note that this service only operates during the day (starting from 8am) and cars can only hold 2 adults (perfect for couples, but families can always split up into pairs).

Check availability and book a Jeep instantly through Get Your Guide.

Tip: 12GoAsia also sells tickets for the Danang Hoi An bus via a local agent. Compare prices here on the 12GoAsia website.

Reverse route: Hoi An to Danang by private transfer

Both private car services recommended here also offer transfers in the opposite direction (Hoi An to Danang).

In this case, pick up will be at your hotel in Hoi An, and you’ll get dropped off at Danang Airport.

Option 2: Hoi An Express shuttle from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

• Perfect for mid-range travellers & solo travellers
• Less flexible than a private car; takes slightly longer
• Departs: Every 1-2 hours from 7am-9pm
• Price: From $6 per person
• Tickets: Book online through Get Your Guide

Hoi An Express also runs regular shared minivan shuttles between Danang International Airport and Hoi An Ancient Town.

The journey takes slightly longer, but because you’re sharing with other passengers, the price is lower – making this a great option for couples and solo travellers.

Shuttles leave the airport every 1-2 hours starting from 7am. Supply your flight details at the time of booking and Hoi An Express will recommend the most appropriate time slot (taking immigration and visa processing into account if you’re flying in from overseas).

When you land, a company representative will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name card. Vans are modern and air-conditioned with free WIFI on board.

When you get to Hoi An, they will drop you off at your hotel. (Note that an extra charge may apply if your accommodation is outside the city centre.)

Hoi An Express Airport Shuttle. Photo courtesy of Hoi An Express.

How to buy tickets for the Da Nang to Hoi An shuttle bus

Tickets for the Hoi An Express shuttle can be purchased in advance through Get Your Guide. Hit ‘Check availability’ then select your route (‘From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An: Transfers by Shuttle’) from the drop down menu.

If you’re flying out of Danang, you can buy your tickets for the return trip at the same time (although no discount is applied).

Remember that Hoi An Express also offers private minivan, van and sedan transfers starting from $26 per car – so if the shared van schedule doesn’t match up with your flight times, you can always book a private on-demand transfer instead.

Check availability and book instantly here on Get Your Guide.

Reverse route: Hoi An to Danang Airport by shuttle bus

Travelling from Hoi An to Da Nang, shuttle buses run every hour between 6am and 8pm. A ticket includes pick-up at your central hotel in Hoi An and drop off at the domestic or international departure hall at Danang Airport.

Check availability and book instantly through Get Your Guide.

Option 3: Guided tour from Da Nang to Hoi An

• Perfect if you want to take a day trip from Danang to Hoi An
• Great flexibility, and the added benefit of a private guide
• Departs: Choice between morning, noon & evening departures
• Price: From $80 per person
• Tickets: Browse itinerary options on Get Your Guide

If you plan on staying in Da Nang and just you want to visit Hoi An as a day trip, an accompanied tour with an English-speaking guide and private transportation is by far the most convenient way to travel.

One day in Hoi An is enough to see some of the major highlights and soak up the atmosphere of the UNESCO-Listed Ancient Town.

Or, if your intention is to stay overnight in Hoi An, it might be possible to make it a one-way tour by bringing your luggage with you on the day and getting dropped off in Hoi An at the end of the tour.

I’ve done this once or twice in the past. Just enquire with the tour operator first to double check.

Hoi An Ancient Town.

I recommend booking a tour through either Viator or Get Your Guide. Both platforms have a huge variety of itinerary options at competitive prices, excellent customer support, and a generous refund policy if plans change.

Look for tours that combine Hoi An with other attractions in the area, including the Marble Mountains or My Son. (See more recommendations on where to stop on the way to Hoi An from Da Nang in the next section below.)

Top-rated Hoi An tours

• From Da Nang: Full-Day My Son and Hoi An Tour with Hoi An Express: This full-day tour with an English-speaking guide covers two of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The archaeological site of My Son, and Hoi An Ancient Town. The program is all-inclusive and also features a traditional Vietnamese lunch and hotel pick-up/drop-off in Danang. → Check prices & availability here on Get Your Guide.
• From Da Nang: Private Tour to Hoi An and Marble Mountains with TripGuru: This 8-hour tour from Danang stops at the majestic Marble Mountains and Non Nuoc stone-carving village on the way to Hoi An. Ample time is set aside for wandering Hoi An’s weathered streets and visiting some of Hoi An’s key landmarks, including the Covered Bridge and the local market – but note that lunch is not included. → Check prices & availability here on Get Your Guide.

Option 4: Taxi from Danang city to Hoi An

• Perfect for mid-range & budget-savvy travellers
• Ideal if you’re already in Da Nang city (i.e. not coming straight from the airport)
• Departs: Flexible 24/7 service on demand
• Price: From $16 per car
• Tickets: Book online through 12GoAsia

If you’re looking for a way to travel between Da Nang and Hoi An that’s comfortable, efficient and has a slightly lower price tag, a taxi is a good compromise between private transfer and taking the bus.

If you’re already in Da Nang, you can use this door-to-door taxi service to travel from anywhere in the city to your hotel in Hoi An.

Similarly, you can organise to be picked up at the airport, the bus station or Danang Railway Station. In other words, it’s more flexible than the shuttle.

How much is a taxi from Danang to Hoi An?

There are lots of different factors that determine the price of a taxi from Danang to Hoi An, including time of day, how much luggage you have, and what kind of a mood the driver is in!

If you’re hailing a taxi off the street or at Danang Airport/station (which I don’t recommend!), it’s very easy to get talked into paying more than you should.

Generally speaking, a taxi from Danang to Hoi An should cost somewhere in the neighbourhood of 350,000-450,000 VND ($14-$18). Some companies charge up to 600,000 VND.

Lanterns in Hoi An.

Can you use Grab to get to Hoi An?

Grab (Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber) is a popular transport app that can be used to book taxis, ride-share cars and motorbikes in Vietnam. Grab works in Danang, so it is possible to book a ride to Hoi An Ancient Town through the app.

To use Grab, you’ll either need to pick up a Vietnamese sim card or preferably an eSIM and download the app before you leave home and register with your usual phone number.

There is free WIFI at Danang Airport, so you can get online to book a ride when you land.

Expect to pay slightly less for a Grab taxi compared to a street taxi.

How to book a Da Nang to Hoi An taxi online

To avoid confusion and eliminate the possibility of getting ripped off, I highly recommend pre-booking a taxi through a reputable company in advance.

12Go Asia, my preferred agent for organising taxis in Vietnam, offers instant confirmation, secure online payment, and a guarantees the price.

12Go work with Ouros Travel, a professional taxi company that is registered with the Ministry of Tourism. Ouros runs sedans (up to 3 people), SUVs (4 people) and minivans (up to 9 people). Taxis run 24/7, and offer a door-to-door service. When you book online, you input all your travel details and addresses to ensure a smooth ride.

Check availability and book a taxi here on 12Go Asia.

Ouros taxi. Photo courtesey of 12GoAsia.

Another reputable company is Dichung Taxi, which is the leader in offering shared taxis to Hoi An. They too offer fixed pricing, so you won’t get ripped off.

Prices start from 370K VND for a 4-seater sedan. You can reserve a spot online in advance, but payment is made on the day directly to the driver (note that drivers only accept Vietnamese dong, not dollars). If you opt for the shared sedan, be aware that luggage space is limited.

Ride sharing with Dichung operates 24/7.

Reverse route: Hoi An to Danang by taxi

Both Ouros and Dichung can offer taxi services back to Danang Airport from Hoi An.

Book a taxi from Hoi An to Danang instantly through 12Go Asia.

Option 5: Public bus from Da Nang to Hoi An

• Perfect for backpackers & budget travellers
• Slow but atmospheric!
• Departs: Every 20 minutes between 5.30am and 6pm
• Price: 18K VND per person
• Tickets: Buy tickets at the station

Important note: Unfortunately, the public bus between Da Nang and Hoi An stopped during COVID and has not started running again. I will update this guide when things change.

If you don’t mind spending a bit longer in transit, a great budget-friendly way to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An is by bus.

Bus #1, colloquially known as ‘the yellow bus’, is a local coach that loops from Da Nang to Hoi An and back.

Buses run from 5.30am and there is one departure every 20 minutes during high season, and buses every 30-45 minutes during low season.

This is definitely the local way to travel! There are lots of stops along the way, but it can be a fun experience – just don’t expect the AC to be working.

Tickets cost a low 18K VND (72 cents) per person without luggage or 30K VND ($1.20) with luggage. Tickets can be bought from the steward once you board the bus.

In Danang, the #1 stops outside the museum, the Cho Market, the Cathedral, and at a dozen other roadside stops in town. Conveniently, it’s all linked up with Google Maps, so you can use the app to find the nearest stop to you (see here for the route).

Note that the closest stop to the airport is 3km away, so you’ll have to walk or take a second local bus from out the front of the airport (see here for the route).

In Hoi An, the bus terminates at the Bến xe Hội An Nguyễn Tất Thành bus station, 1.5km north of the Ancient Town (see the exact location here).

Reverse route: Hoi An to Danang by public bus #1

Bus #1 originates at Bến xe Hội An Nguyễn Tất Thành in Hoi An and stops at all the same stops before terminating near the Cathedral in Da Nang.

Danang-Hoi An transport FAQ

How much does it cost from Da Nang to Hoi An?

It costs anywhere from 80 cents to $26 to get from Da Nang to Hoi An. The cheapest option is the public bus, which costs just 18,000 VND or 80 US cents. A taxi to Hoi An costs $16, while a private transfer by VIP minivan costs $26.

What is the road from Da Nang to Hoi An like?

When I first visited Vietnam back in the early 2000s, I was quite anxious about road safety and getting car sick. On my last few trips, I’ve noticed that road conditions have improved quite a bit across the country.

The road between Da Nang and Hoi An is fairly uneventful. Because it hugs the coast, it’s flat and relatively straight the whole way. If you suffer from motion sickness, I still recommend carrying your regular remedy. But you shouldn’t have any major problems.

Road safety is still a concern in Vietnam, especially on busy highways like this one. I highly recommend choosing a reputable transport company with a good safety record and professional drivers (read on for my recommendations).

Avoid travelling after dark, and remember to wear your seat belt!

Pro tip: Choose a seat on the right side of the bus or van so you’re not looking into incoming traffic.

Where to stop between Da Nang and Hoi An?

The scenery between Da Nang and Hoi An is quite pleasant, especially when you’re travelling the reverse route (south to north) and you can look out the right-hand window towards the East Vietnam Sea. Leaving Danang, the trip starts by crossing the magnificent Trần Thị Lý Bridge.

There aren’t many places you’d want to stop along the way, apart from the Marble Mountains, a limestone rock formation with caves and shrines just outside of Da Nang.

If you’re travelling by Da Nang airport shuttle or on a bus, it won’t be possible to stop off for sightseeing or photos. There may be one rest stop at the halfway point, but only for 10 minutes or so.

If you’re in a taxi or private car, you can stop as often as you like for photos (and/or food, bathroom breaks, and whatever else you need!).

And if you decide to join an organised tour to get from Danang to Hoi An, you’ll be stopping off at various points of interest with your guide.

Is there a train from Da Nang to Hoi An?

No, there is no train service between Hoi An and Danang.

The closest train station to Hoi An is in Danang, so if you’re coming from elsewhere in Vietnam on the Reunification Express, you’ll need to transfer to one of the road options outlined above to travel the rest of the way to Hoi An (this is exactly what I did on my first trip to Vietnam).

Should I tip my taxi driver?

Tipping is a big part of the culture in Vietnam. Although it’s not mandatory, it is increasingly expected – especially from foreign tourists.

If you’re travelling from Da Nang to Hoi An by private car, taxi, or as part of a guided tour, it would be customary to leave your driver and/or guide a small tip (50K–100K VND) – provided you are happy with the service.

It’s not necessary to tip on buses, the shuttle, or when using Grab (although Grab drivers do appreciate it if you round the fare up to the nearest 10K VND).

How many days do you need in Hoi An?

Another factor that will determine which transportation you use is how long you intend to stay in Hoi An. Will you visit as a day trip and return to Da Nang in the evening? Or will you stay in Hoi An for a couple of nights?

Personally, I recommend staying in Hoi An for 1-2 nights. The Old City gets crowded (and extremely hot) in the middle of the day – thus if you stay overnight, you can get up early to explore in the quieter, cooler hours.

There are plenty of things to do in Hoi An to keep you occupied for 2 or more full days, including some fantastic cooking classes.

If you’re on a tight schedule or you just prefer to stay at the beach and do your sightseeing during the day, you can easily do a Da Nang to Hoi An day trip. If this is your preference, you’re better off organising a private car or taxi rather than using the bus. It will be a bit more expensive, but the trip will be quicker, maximising your time in Hoi An.

Another option is to join a guided tour from Da Nang to Hoi An. This is a very convenient way to travel between the two cities while incorporating some sightseeing along the way.

Where to stay in Hoi An

Where to stay in Da Nang

Minh Boutique is a great mid-range hotel with clean, contemporary apartments and a leafy pool. Check rates and availability on Agoda.

If you want to stay near the water, Sala Danang Beach Hotel is 100m from My Khe Beach. There’s an ocean-facing infinity pool, panoramic water views from the high-rise restaurant, and the modern suites are beautifully decorated. Check rates and availability on Agoda.

For budget travellers, Hanami Hotel and OYO 711 Otium Hostel both offer great value for money. Hanami is a little closer to the beach, making it my first choice.

Other useful transport guides for Vietnam

Have you travelled between Da Nang and Hoi An recently? Please share any tips for other travellers in the comments below.