Learn how exactly to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An. From the bus, taxis, private transfers, and more these are my top tips so you don’t miss checking out the beautiful tourist hangout of Hoi An, this ultimate guide absolutely has you covered!
Hoi An is one of the most popular places in Vietnam for people to travel to. It is a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage City famous for its old town. However, most longer transport options end in Da Nang, such as the train or flights.
This means to travel to Hoi An you need to figure out how exactly to get from Da Nang to Hoi An.
Luckily because Hoi An is a popular tourist town this is an extremely common route and there are plenty of options to choose from. No matter what time of day or night you arrive there will always be some sort of option available.
Whether that is a taxi, a private transfer, or a bus there is something for all budgets, and below I will talk you through each option. This way you can make the best choice for your journey, whether you decide to take the quickest or cheapest option to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An.
This is a journey I have made multiple times, and mainly on public transport as when I was backpacking Vietnam there is no way I was splurging on a taxi!
So, what is the best way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An, or even Hoi An to Danang? Taking a taxi can be expensive, though taking a local bus can be a bit daunting for the first time, how are you even meant to know which one to get on?
So let’s go through all the options from a taxi, bus, and private transfer to the taxis and buses to find the right option for you.
Note: Since 2020 the No. 1 public bus between Da Nang and Hoi An and Sinh Tourist Bus have stopped running. I will update this guide when they resume service.
| Transport Method | Time | Cost | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 45 minutes | from $13 | Fast journey |
| Private Transfer | 45 minutes | from $25 | Prebooked and reliable |
| Public Bus | 2 hours | from $1.30 | Cheap journey |
| Hoi An Express Bus | 1.5 hours | from $8.40 | Airport transport |
| Sinh Tourist Bus | 1.5 hours | from $10.80 | Travelers favorite choice |
How To Get To Hoi An From Da Nang: The 6 Best Ways To Travel
Need A Quick Answer?
If you perhaps don’t have time to read this entire guide on how to get from Da Nang to Hoi An, no worries, here are the top tips:
🚗 Easiest & Best Way to Reach Hoi An From Da Nang: I recommend booking a private or shared shuttle transfer with Hoi An Express. Book now with GetYourGuide.
🏠 Where to Stay in Hoi An: Top hostel choices for backpackers in Hoi An include Mad Monkey Hoi An (dorms start from $8.00) and Backhome Hostel Bar (dorms start from $6.50)
🍜 For Foodies: Take a Hoi An cooking class with a market tour and a basket boat trip. Book now with GetYourGuide.
🔎 Best Hoi An Day Trip: An early morning excursion to My Son Sanctuary is a must-do. Book here via GetYourGuide.
Da Nang To Hoi An Distance
Da Nang is relatively close to Hoi An, especially considering the other distances between popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.
In total, you will find the Danang to Hoi An distance is around 29 kilometers or 18 miles.
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia
Da Nang To Hoi An Travel Time
As I said the Da Nang to Hoi An time to travel is pretty quick and you have two different ways of transport available.
This is either the coastal route or inland on the main highway. However, honestly, the exact time it takes to travel depends on the route the driver takes, the type of car, as well as traffic.
At a minimum, it will take you 45 minutes from Da Nang to Hoi An when you are taking a taxi by the coastal road option.
In contrast, it takes slightly longer at 50 to 60 minutes to travel the inland road on the highway.
Is There A Train From Da Nang To Hoi An?
No, you can’t travel Da Nang to Hoi An by train. However, there are other modes of transportation available such as buses, taxis, private transfers, and Grab.
The 5 Best Ways How To Get From Da Nang To Hoi An
Perhaps you don’t have time to read this entire article. Fair. Here is a quick easy to read breakdown so you can find the best option for you:
1. BEST OVERALL OPTION
PRIVATE TRANSFER WITH HOI AN EXPRESS
- Pre-booked & reliable
- From $26.00
- 45 minutes travel time
2. SHARED OPTION
HOI AN EXPRESS AIRPORT SHUTTLE
- Travelers’ favorite choice
- From $6.00 per person
- 75 minutes travel time
3. GUIDED OPTION
HOI AN DAY TOUR
- Best choice for a quick visit
- From $40.00
- 6.5+ hours (with stops)
4. DIRECT CITY OPTION
TAXI
- Fast & comfortable journey
- From $16.00
- 45 minutes travel time
5. BUDGET OPTION
PUBLIC BUS
- Perfect Budget-friendly choice for Backpackers
- From 80 cents
- 2 hours travel time
6. GLAMPACKER OPTION
SINH TOURIST BUS
- Budget-friendly choice for tourists
- From $11.00 per person
- 1.5 hour travel time
Option 1. Private Transfer With Hoi An Express From Da Nang To Hoi An
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.
This can be booked through your hotel in Da Nang prior to arriving or online in advance with GetYourGuide.
A great company to choose is Hoi An Express, which is travelers’ favorite choice as they are affordable, safe, and reliable. They have over 1,000 reviews by fellow travelers and an excellent rating!
Booking with GetYourGuide means you can book instantly and pay securely via their website. If you are like me and have left things to the last minute, you can even do a same-day transfer!
Also, being a backpacker things easily can change last minute and the benefit of booking through them is that you have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Hoi An Express offers 4-seater cars, 7-seater minivans, and 16-seater minibusses. The travel time is around 45 minutes to Da Nang and prices start from $20.00.
If you are interested in taking a private transfer with Hoi An Express you can book them here:
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia
Option 2. Shared Shuttle From Da Nang To Hoi An
Next up we have another awesome option for travelers from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An Old Town is taking the Hoi An Express shared shuttle.
They are the same company mentioned above, though they also have shuttle buses departing every hour between 5 am and 11 pm daily from Da Nang Airport.
However, depending on what time your flight arrives you may find yourself waiting a little while for the next bus to depart. Nevertheless, if you are arriving from an international flight you may find yourself waiting a while to get your visa on arrival anyway.
The journey on the Hoi An Express Bus costs $8.40 per person making it a great option for solo travelers or those on a mid-range budget such as myself. When you prebook a representative will meet you at arrivals with your name on a place card and take you to the bus.
If you are not overly confident about traveling and navigating airports this provides an excellent option.
The buses also have air conditioning and free wifi on board. Lastly, they will also drop you off right outside of your hotel in Hoi An.
Just be aware that if it is outside of the main city center there may be an extra charge.
If you think the Hoi An Express shuttle bus is the perfect choice for you to get from Da Nang to Hoi An Vietnam then you can book tickets over at Get Your Guide. You will see there are over a thousand reviews showing just how popular this method of transport is!
If you are interested in taking a shared shuttle with Hoi An Express you can book them here:
Option 3. Day Tour To Hoi An
Now, another option is simply doing a day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An. This is an excellent option if you plan to base yourself in Da Nang, though don’t want to miss out on exploring this beautiful town.
Even though one day in Hoi An doesn’t seem like long, you will be able to see all the highlights in the Old Town and really soak up the atmosphere. Seriously it’s incredible here.
Alternatively, you could even organize in advance with your tour provider to leave you in Hoi An at the end. You will need to bring your luggage with you, so you need to speak with the company to ensure they have room.
This is something I have done numerous times before when traveling and it allows you to experience the best of a destination on a tour, and then explore at your own pace the following day.
Option 4. Taxi From Da Nang To Hoi An
A super easy and convenient way to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An is by taxi. This is the perfect choice if you are looking for something that is comfortable, private, and efficient.
Whether you are already in Da Nang at a hostel or hotel, or perhaps you want to travel to Hoi An from the airport or train station in Da Nang there will be plenty of taxis around who can take you the distance.
I mean if you have either traveled to Vietnam or anywhere in Southeast Asia, you will know how easy taxis are to come by.
A taxi will take you approximately 45 minutes to travel to Hoi An. You can also organize your taxi to pick you up from wherever you are, making it perfect if you are traveling at an awkward time of the day.
How Much Is A Taxi
Depending on your exact location in Da Nang, the time of day, the taxi company that you book with, and even the mood of the driver can and will affect the end price that you will pay.
You can also find yourself spending more than necessary when finding a driver in popular locations such as Da Nang Airport or train station. If possible, in such situations, you are best off walking a short distance away and then getting a taxi.
Nevertheless, you can expect the Da Nang to Hoi An taxi cost to be between 350,000 to 450,000 VND or $14.00 to $18.00.
Should You Prebook Your Taxi
To keep things stress-free you may decide you want to instead pre-book your taxi rather than just trying to find one on the side of the road.
12.Go Asia is my favorite way of booking transport in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. They offer instant confirmation, secure online payment, and decent prices.
This is a good method when you are worried about getting ripped off, something which unfortunately is a common occurrence in Vietnam.
On their site, you will easily be able to book with Ouros Travel, who are travelers’ preferred transport method. They are a professional taxi company that is registered with the Ministry of Tourism.
Ouros runs sedans, SUVs, and minivans, starting from $14.00. These taxis run 24/7 and offer a door-to-door service, so all the hard work is done for you.
To check availability and book a taxi here on 12Go Asia.
Booking a Grab Taxi
Another option is to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An grab car.
Grab is a mobile app similar to Uber. It is used widely in Southeast Asia and often will provide you with better rates than getting a taxi by the meter.
It also takes away the stress of having to negotiate a rate or make sure you are using a reputable company.
I have also used Grab throughout Vietnam and it is an excellent way to travel. I also quite like that it predetermines your rate so you know what to expect and that you are receiving a fair price.
If you are not staying over in Hoi An, perhaps just wanting to do a day trip, you can also book a motorbike via the Grab app, since you won’t be traveling with luggage. This will be cheaper again than booking a vehicle.
To use Grab you will need a Vietnamese sim card, eSim, or download the app before you leave home so you can register your phone number.
I always try to get a local SIM card wherever I am traveling as it makes it easy to use apps like these when on the road and they are usually pretty affordable, especially in Southeast Asia.
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia
Option 5: Da Nang To Hoi An Bus
Note: Since Covid hit unfortunately the public bus between Da Nang and Hoi An has been out of service. Hopefully, with increased tourism, this will restart again, but as of current, we are still waiting.
A budget-friendly option to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An, perfect for backpackers, is taking the public bus. This is also the option I chose, simply because it was the cheapest. However, that doesn’t mean it is for everyone.
This is definitely the local way to travel. Expect plenty of stopping along the way, picking up and dropping off passengers. Also, there isn’t air conditioning.
However, if it’s warm they will drive with the doors open, just make sure your bags don’t fall out.
Where To Catch The Bus From
You will want to take bus #1, also known as the yellow bus, to get from Da Nang to Hanoi. This is a local bus that just drives between Da Nang and Hoi An throughout the day. You can catch it from the museum, Cho Market, the Cathedral, and a few other stops in town as well.
We caught it the block over from the train station, just head over to the next street away from the train station, and the bus drives through here. You can find the exact bus stop locations on Google Maps.
Though the locals are friendly enough to point you in the correct location, at least they were with us.
The bus runs from 5.30 am to 6 pm, departing every 20 minutes in the high season and every 40 minutes in the low season.
In Hoi An the bus stops at Bến xe Hội An Nguyễn Tất Thành bus station, 1.5km north of the Ancient Town. Though it is a flat and pathed walk into the city center, which makes it a lot easier to navigate.
How Much Are Bus Tickets
It costs 18,000 VND / $0.80 per person to take the bus from Da Nang to Hoi An. However, be aware that it does cost extra if you are traveling with luggage. Instead, a ticket will cost 30,000 VND / $1.30 with luggage.
This is simply because you are taking up extra space with your luggage and they won’t be able to fit as many people on the bus. Be aware this is the cost for one large suitcase or backpack.
If you are traveling with multiple pieces of luggage by yourself you may want to look at a different option as you will need to be able to get your bags on and off quickly depending on where you are stopping and starting.
My Experience Taking The Public Bus
Note: Since Covid hit unfortunately the Da Nang to Hoi An bus (and vice versa) has been out of service. Hopefully, with increased tourism, this will restart again, but as of current, we are still waiting.
After taking the train from Hue to Da Nang we needed to take some sort of transport from Da Nang to Hoi An. Doing some prior research I decided against taking a taxi, simply because this would be too expensive for my Vietnam travel budget.
Since it was only midday we decided we could travel from Da Nang to Hoi An public bus. We had a semi idea where the bus stop was, and if the bus never came then we had plenty of time to come up with a plan B.
Luckily there were a few groups from the train who all had the same idea and we all started to cross the road away from the train station entryway and head to the next street over.
We all kind of bunched together in a spot we thought was the stop by the traffic lights. But a local soon came over and pointed us in the correct direction about 50 meters or so down the street.
Soon enough the bus came along and we all jumped on board. We paid the 30,000 VND which is the ticket price including bags and found a spot at the back of the bus with a few other travelers. Our bags were piled up on a large space on the floor as the bus continued down the street.
I sat back and watched the sights go past. The bus stopped and started again a few times in the city of Da Nang, though as soon as we were out of there it was an easy drive alongside the coastline to Hoi An.
Honestly, the drive itself is rather uneventful, there are not any spectacular landscapes along the way. Though soon enough the bus pulled into a small little depot seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
Looking at our phones it was only a short walk from here to our accommodation, so we headed on the way to our homestay. It was a super easy walk with wide footpaths and minimal obstructions.
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia
Option 6: Sinh Tourist Bus From Da Nang To Hoi An
Note: Unfortunately since Covid, the Sinh Tourist bus between Da Nang and Hoi An has been out of service. Hopefully, with tourism increasing again this will restart, but as of current, we are still waiting.
Last but not least is the option to take the Sinh Tourist bus Danang to Hoi An. This is a great choice if you are already in the city of Da Nang or perhaps arrived at the train station.
The bus departs from The Sinh Tourist office located at 16, 3 Thang 2, Thuan Phuoc in the north-western part of the city. It is 8 kilometers from the main bus terminal and 2 kilometers from Con Market in the center of the city.
The Sinh Tourist bus departs twice daily, in the morning at 10 am and in the afternoon at 3.30 pm. You can expect the journey to take around an hour and a half depending on traffic.
The cost of the ticket from Da Nang to Hoi An with the Sinh Tourist is 250,000 VND / $10.80 per person. You can either book online at 12.Go Asia or Baolau. Alternatively, if you’d like to book in person, you can do so at their office when you arrive in Da Nang.
They are a popular bus company with travelers and I have used them numerous times in my Vietnam travels. They are always professional, reputable, and reliable.
Many times I have chosen to pay a little bit more to travel with them than a random company. There will be air conditioning, plenty of luggage space, and extra legroom.
For the Da Nang to Hoi An route, The Sinh Tourist uses sleeper buses with lie-down seats. I am not always the biggest fan of these, but it is a short distance, and this company has taken extra steps to make their buses as comfortable as possible.
The journey finishes at The Sinh Tourist office in Hoi An. This is located at 646 Hai Ba Trung, 1.5km north of the Night Market and 600m from the Ancient City.
Where To Stay In Hoi An?
There are countless 5-star resorts, locally run guesthouses, and hostels in Hoi An. No matter your budget or the type of traveler you are there is something to fit all needs.
There are also plenty of different landscapes to choose from whether that is something in the city, beachside, or in the countryside. Personally, I choose to stay in a homestay near the old quarter in Hoi An.
It’s not hard to find a good location here. You will easily find yourself within walking distance of great shopping, restaurants, and those incredible sights this place is known for.
A common thing in Hoi An is that your accommodation will include bicycle use, so if possible try to book somewhere that includes this.
A fun and tropical hostel with a pool. Dorm rooms start at $8.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
A family-style hostel for more of a relaxed stay. Dorm rooms start at $6.50 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW |
Hoianese Center Hotel – Truly Hoi An A social hotel stay with plenty of activities. Rooms start from $21.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
A lovely and affordable homestay in Hoi An. Prices start from $24.00 per night. BOOK NOW |
Things To Do In Hoi An
Hoi An is a bustling city with plenty of attractions, there are so many things to do here that will keep you busy throughout your stay. This is just a small overview, so for more information on be sure to check out my guide on things to do in Hoi An.
Hoi An Old Town: No doubt exploring the Old Town is the number one thing to do in Hoi An, and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam.
This fact is proven true by it being granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through Hoi An Old Town you will be in awe.
My Son Sanctuary: Located in a rainforest-like setting, the amazing complex of the My Son Sanctuary is incredible. It will transport you from the busy Vietnam city life to a Jurassic park setting rich in history.
The grounds are a UNESCO world heritage site and it is marketed as the Angkor Wat of Vietnam.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Easy to reach on bicycle or motorbike is Thanh Ha Pottery Village. It is an integral place of Vietnamese history. The skilled craftsmen who lived here even contributed pieces in the Imperial City of Hue when it was under the control of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Night Market: Located within the Hoi An Old Town in the Night Market you could find any Vietnamese souvenir your heart requires. Held every night from 5 pm to 11 pm you will no doubt be spending your nights exploring the many stalls.
Beach Day: This coastal town is lucky enough to be close to some amazing beaches. The most popular beach is definitely An Bang.
Tra Que Vegetable Village: Sometimes you just need to get out of the city and a visit to Tra Que Vegetable Village is the perfect way to do this! It is extremely accessible and soon enough you will find yourself in a slower pace of life surrounded by workers and delicious produce.
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia
FAQs About Traveling Danang To Hoi An
How much is a taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An?
The Da Nang to Hoi An taxi fare varies depending on the taxi company, the type of car, and the time of day. The fare can range from $13.00 to $25.00. The distance is approximately 29 kilometers, and travel time is around 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Is it better to stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?
Both Da Nang and Hoi An are popular tourist destinations in Central Vietnam, with a distance of roughly 30 km between them. Da Nang is the capital city of the region, with a contemporary appearance, while Hoi An is a well-preserved heritage city. Both cities are tourist centers, attracting millions of visitors every year. If you prefer a modern city with a vibrant nightlife, Da Nang is the place to be. If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere with a European feel, Hoi An is the perfect destination.
How long is the bus from Da Nang to Hoi An?
The cheapest way to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An is by taking Bus 1, also known as the Yellow Bus. The bus caters mostly to local commuters but also gets its fair share of budget-conscious travelers. The bus ride takes approximately an hour and costs 18,000 VND / 0.80 USD. This service has been suspended since 2020.
Can you do a day trip to Hoi An from Da Nang?
Yes, you can do a day trip to Hoi An from Da Nang. There are many options available for day trips to Hoi An from Da Nang. You can choose from bus tours, private sightseeing tours, walking tours, full-day tours, historical tours, cultural tours, adventure tours, and nature walks.
How to get from Danang airport to Hoi An?
There are three ways to travel the distance of 30 km from DaNang Airport to Hoi An: by airport shuttle, taxi, and public bus. The journey takes between 1h – 1h30m and the quickest way is by airport shuttle. The Hoi An Express shared shuttle is one of the most popular options for travelers.
How long does it take from Danang airport to Hoi An?
There are three ways to travel the distance of 30 km (19 miles) from DaNang Airport to Hoi An: by airport shuttle (1 hour), taxi (1 hour), and public bus (1.5 hours) 1. The quickest way is by their shared airport shuttle, which costs around $6 and takes about an hour.
How far is Ho Chi Minh City from Hoi An?
The distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An is approximately 897 kilometers. There are several modes of transportation between these two cities, including flights, trains, buses, and cars. The most convenient way to travel is by flight, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. However I recommend the train, but you will need to travel Hoi An to Da Nang first.
Which airport is closer to Hoi An?
The nearest airport for Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport with the airfield code DAD, which is located in Da Nang City. It is approximately 30 km distance from Danang to Hoi An. You can either book a private transfer, taxi or bus from Danang airport to Hoi An.
Wrap-Up: How To Travel To Hoi An
If you’re planning to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An, there are several options available to you. You can choose to travel by private transfer, which is the most convenient and fastest option.
You can also opt for a GrabBike or GrabCar, which is extremely cheap and convenient for solo travelers with a single backpack. Taxis are also available everywhere in Da Nang, and you can call a traditional taxi if you don’t know how to use the app.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can take a public bus from Da Nang to Hoi An. There are several routes available, and you can choose the one that suits you best.
The distance between Da Nang and Hoi An is only 30 kilometers, so it’s a short trip that you can easily make with the trips in this travel guide.
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
Want more Vietnam Inspiration? Check out….
- BACKPACKING HANOI
- TRA QUE VEGETABLE VILLAGE IN HOI AN, VIETNAM
- 2 DAYS IN HUE BACKPACKING ITINERARY
- A MORNING AT THE MY SON TEMPLES IN HOI AN, VIETNAM
- EXPLORE THE IMPERIAL CITY OF HUE IN VIETNAM
- HANOI TO SAPA
- SURVIVING A VIETNAM SLEEPER TRAIN
- TAKING A VIETNAM SLEEPER BUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN SAPA
- TRAVELING FROM HANOI TO SAPA
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.
Related Posts
Explore Ha Long Bay On A Budget, Vietnam
Choosing a Ha Long Bay Budget Tour One of the most popular things to do [...]
39 Comments
3 Days In Hanoi Itinerary For The Ultimate Visit (2023)
Planning on spending 3 days in Hanoi, but not sure what exactly to do, Come [...]
Discovering Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Discovering Cat Ong Island and Cat Ba Island in Lan Ha Bay With Ocean Tours [...]
36 Comments
I really enjoyed reading your blog post about how to travel by bus, taxi or transfer in Da Nang to Hoi An. It was very informative and I learned a lot about the different options available. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Great work !