Route
Da Nang to Hoi An: The 30-Minute Transfer
Updated April 24, 2026
- From
- Da Nang
- To
- Hoi An
- Mode
- Car
- Typical duration
- 45m
- From
- USD 15
Da Nang to Hoi An is 30 km and takes 30 to 45 minutes. There's no train or flight. A Grab car costs around 350,000-450,000 VND, a metered Mai Linh or Vinasun taxi similar, and hotel private transfers $20-30. Avoid unmetered taxis quoting flat rates at the airport — they're double the fair price.
The short answer
Da Nang to Hoi An is a 30 km taxi ride that takes 30-45 minutes. There is no train, no flight, no sleeper bus — just cars, the public yellow bus, or a motorbike. Most travellers take a Grab or a metered Mai Linh/Vinasun taxi for 350,000-450,000 VND ($15-18). Hotels sell pre-booked private transfers from $17 — often the simplest option from the airport.
Comparison at a glance
| Mode | Time | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab car | 30-45 min | 350,000-450,000 VND | Most travellers |
| Metered taxi (Mai Linh/Vinasun) | 30-45 min | 350,000-450,000 VND | No-app backup |
| Pre-booked private transfer | 30-45 min | $17-25 | Airport arrivals, families |
| Public bus #1 | 1-1.5h | 30,000 VND | Budget solo, no luggage |
| Motorbike | 45 min | $5-7/day rental | Confident riders |
By Grab or taxi
Grab is the default. Fares are transparent in the app, drivers don't negotiate, and GrabCar is typically slightly cheaper than a metered taxi for this route. Expect 350,000-450,000 VND for a 4-seat car, 450,000-550,000 for a 7-seat.
If your data isn't working, Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white with red logo) are the trustworthy metered operators. Flag one on the street in Da Nang; insist on the meter ("dong ho"). Refuse any driver who offers a "special price" — the meter is always cheaper.
From the airport, Grab pickups use a dedicated bay to the right of arrivals. Alternatively, walk past the taxi touts and find the official fixed-rate taxi counter — currently around 450,000 VND to Hoi An Old Town.
By private transfer
Every Hoi An hotel of $30/night and up offers pre-booked transfers, typically $17-20 for an airport pickup. It's a sign-holding driver in a clean 4-seat Innova, fixed price, no app, no negotiation. For families with kids or anyone landing after a 12-hour flight, this is the path of least resistance.
A few online booking platforms sell the same service for similar prices. Don't overthink it.
By public bus
The yellow Bus #1 runs every 20 minutes between Da Nang's central bus station and Hoi An bus station from around 5.30am to 6pm. Fare is 30,000 VND for foreigners (locals pay less; this is Vietnam's longstanding two-tier reality). Journey is slow — 1 to 1.5 hours with many stops.
From Hoi An bus station you're 1.5 km from the Old Town; a xe om costs 20,000-30,000 VND. Use this only if you're travelling light. Not recommended from the airport — the airport is another 3 km from the bus station.
By motorbike
The coast road from Da Nang's My Khe beach past the Marble Mountains and An Bang to Hoi An is one of central Vietnam's easiest scenic rides. Flat, wide, and usually low-traffic. Rentals are 100,000-150,000 VND/day from any hostel or shop. Several operators let you rent in Da Nang and return in Hoi An for a small drop-off fee. See motorbike rental in Vietnam for licences, insurance, and police stops.
Which should you pick?
- Airport arrival, first night in Hoi An: Pre-booked hotel transfer. $17-20, sign-holder, no stress.
- Hotel-to-hotel within Da Nang/Hoi An: Grab. Fast, cheap, transparent.
- Day trip to Da Nang from Hoi An: Grab out, Grab back, budget 900,000 VND round trip.
- Backpacker, travelling light: Yellow bus #1.
- Confident motorbike rider: Rent in Da Nang, drop in Hoi An, detour through Marble Mountains.
Gotchas
- Airport taxi touts. They'll quote 700,000-900,000 VND in cash. Walk past them to the official counter or open Grab. The fair price is under 500,000 VND.
- Two Hoi An drop-off zones. The Old Town is pedestrianised during the day; most taxis drop at one of several gates. Tell your driver your hotel name — they'll know where to stop.
- No train. Travellers regularly ask about this. Da Nang station is as close as the rail network gets to Hoi An; from there, you still need the 30 km transfer.
- Return-trip savings. If you're only visiting Da Nang for the day from Hoi An, a private car with waiting driver runs about 1,200,000 VND for the round trip — sometimes cheaper than two Grabs if you're staying late.
For the wider picture, read our Hoi An destination guide, Da Nang guide, and Vietnam transport guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Hoi An from Da Nang?
About 30 km via the coast road (My Khe beach to An Bang) or 25 km via the inland route. Both take 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
How much does a taxi cost from Da Nang to Hoi An?
A metered Mai Linh or Vinasun taxi runs 350,000-450,000 VND (around $15-18). Grab cars are similar. Fixed-price private transfers from hotels or online start at $17-25.
Is there a train from Da Nang to Hoi An?
No. Hoi An has no train station. Trains terminate at Da Nang; from there it's a 30 km taxi or shuttle to Hoi An.
Is there a bus from Da Nang to Hoi An?
Yes. Yellow public bus number 1 runs from Da Nang's central bus station to Hoi An bus station every 20 minutes for 30,000 VND. Slow (1.5 hours) and not recommended with luggage or for airport arrivals.
Do I need a transfer from Da Nang airport to Hoi An?
Yes. Airport taxis use a fixed rate of around 450,000-500,000 VND to Hoi An. Grab works from the airport. Many Hoi An hotels offer $17-20 pre-booked pickups — usually the smoothest option after a flight.
Can I motorbike from Da Nang to Hoi An?
Yes, and it's a great beginner ride. The coast road via My An and An Bang is flat, wide, and well-paved. Rental is $5-7/day. Drop-off services let you pick up in Da Nang and leave the bike in Hoi An for a small fee.
What's the cheapest way from Da Nang to Hoi An?
The yellow bus number 1 at 30,000 VND, then a 20,000 VND xe om from Hoi An bus station to the Old Town. Fine for backpackers travelling light; not worth the hassle with bags or kids.