Are you planning to take a trip from Da Nang to Hoi An? That’s an excellent choice, as the Old Town of Hoi An is one of the best places in Central Vietnam, and you can’t miss it while traveling here.
But, if that’s your first time in the area, it can get confusing to get from Da Nang to Hoi An and the other way around. Having traveled around Central Vietnam for a while, I’m happy to tell you everything you need.
You can travel from Da Nang to Hoi An taking a day trip, booking a shared or private shuttle from the airport, calling a Grab taxi, or renting a motorbike and drive by yourself – That said, there’s so much more cover.
Whether you’re looking for the quickest way to get there or need some insider tips on transferring between the two cities, this comprehensive guide has everything you need!
We’ll discuss the complete journey and different options – from the distance to using private cars to taking day trips and more, this is the most complete itinerary you’ll find, so let’s jump right into it!
How to Get from Da Nang to Hoi An – Summary
Before going through all the details to travel between Da Nang and Hoi An, here are the best and safest options you have:
- CHEAPEST OPTION: Da Nang to Hoi An Shuttle Bus
- MOST CONVENIENT OPTION: Da Nang to Hoi Private Transfer
- BEST OPTION: Day Trip from Da Nang to Hoi An
Da Nang to Hoi An – Overview
Now that you know the best options, let’s cover the essentials you need to know before coming.
Da Nang to Hoi An Distance
The road from Da Nang to Hoi An is about 29km (18 miles), and you’ll be able to reach the ancient town in about 40 minutes.
Da Nang to Hoi An Travel Time
The best route to take to get to Hoi An is to follow the coastal road, which takes about 40 minutes and is an easy, straightforward drive.
Alternatively, you can take the inland route, which takes a bit longer, but the road isn’t as developed as the coastal route, so I recommend the first option.
How is the Road From Da Nang to Hoi An?
The road to Hoi An is pretty easy and straightforward as it follows the coast, so it’s mostly straight with little to no curves. This is great if you suffer from motion sickness, as you most likely won’t need medication.
How Long to Stay in Hoi An?
I personally stayed in Hoi An for 3 days, and that was more than enough. During these 3 days, I got to visit the ancient town, visit the different museums and assembly halls, and take a day trip to the Cham Islands and My Son Sanctuary.
If you have limited time available, a day trip from Da Nang covers the best spots in town and you won’t need to leave Da Nang, which is an excellent option.
How to Get From Da Nang to Hoi An
Da Nang and Hoi An are two of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. While Da Nang is famous for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and modern attractions, Hoi An is known for its ancient architecture, rich culture, and laid-back vibe.
Despite being only 30 kilometers apart, getting from Da Nang to Hoi An can be confusing for first-timers.
Here below, I’ll discuss the different ways to get to Hoi An, with insider tips to do it easily. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family or friends, or on a budget, I’ve got you covered.
OPTION 1: Private Transfers From Da Nang to Hoi An
- Price: Starts at $8 per person
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Best for: Families, couples, groups of friends
- Tickets: Book on GetYourGuide
Private transfers are an excellent way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An quickly and conveniently. They provide a stress-free, private travel experience with the freedom to choose when and what type of private vehicle you want.
Prices start at $8 per person for a sedan or SUV for 2 people, and can go up to $26 for a VIP minivan.
You can book and pay for them in advance online, and I recommend GetYourGuide as their customer service is on point, which is excellent when needed.
Also, if you’re flying in, a private car transfer from Da Nang airport to Hoi An is a great option as you won’t need to stop in town.
Where to Get Private Transfer to Hoi An?
If you’re looking for a hassle-free and comfortable way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An, booking a private transfer is a no-brainer, and I recommend GetYourGuide.
GetYourGuide offers a wide range of options for private transfers, with prices starting as low as $6 USD per person. You can choose from a variety of vehicles, including cars, vans, and minivans, depending on your group size and budget.
Booking a private transfer through GetYourGuide is incredibly easy. Check out the availability here below, choose the vehicle that best suits your needs, and confirm your booking.
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email along with the driver’s contact information.
OPTION 2: Shuttle Bus From Da Nang to Hoi An
- Price: From $6 per person
- Duration: 1h30 minutes
- Best for: Couples, friends, solo travelers
- Tickets: Book on GetYourGuide
While taking a private transfer is the most convenient option, the shuttle bus is a good alternative for those traveling on a budget.
There are a few shuttle buses leaving each day from Da Nang International Airport, starting at 7.00 AM until 9 PM, and it only costs a few dollars per person.
Note that, while this is slightly cheaper than the first option, some buses and van may get delayed to wait for other passengers, which is the downside.
Still, you’ll get to Hoi An easily and won’t spend a ton of money, which is the goal!
Where to Get Bus Tickets to Hoi An?
If you’re looking for an affordable and hassle-free way to get to Hoi An, taking a shuttle bus is a great option. One of the easiest and cheapest ways to book a shuttle bus is through Viator.
Viator offers various shuttle bus options with prices starting at $6 per person. The shuttle buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, making the journey from Da Nang a pleasant experience.
The buses pick up and drop off passengers at Da Nang Airport, making it convenient since it’s minutes away from the downtown area.
Check out the availability here below!
OPTION 3: Taking a Day Trip from Da Nang
- Price: From $59 per person
- Duration: 9 hours
- Best for: Families, couples, groups of friends, solo travelers
- Tickets: Book on GetYourGuide
Taking a day trip from Da Nang to Hoi An is a great way to explore the ancient town and learn about its rich history.
This option offers the convenience of having a guide who can take you to all the must-see spots in Hoi An and provide you with fascinating insights into its culture and heritage.
While spending a few days in Hoi An is great, you’ll be able to see most of the ancient town on a day trip, and it’s a convenient option if you’re based in Da Nang, like I did.
On the tour, you’ll get to see some of the most famous spots in Hoi An, like the Japanese Covered Bridge, the meeting place for the Fujian Chinese group, and the old Tan Ky House.
You’ll also get to explore Hoi An’s charming streets and alleys, lined with traditional shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Of course, day trips to Hoi An cost slightly more, but it’s all worth it if you have limited time in the area or want to know the best spots with a local!
Where to Get a Day Tour to Hoi An?
If you’re planning a trip to Da Nang and want to visit Hoi An, I recommend booking a day tour on Viator, as it’s the best tours you’ll find and cost much less than others.
The tours include transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide who will take you to the town’s most iconic landmarks, and free time to explore the streets and markets on your own.
One of the advantages of booking a day tour through Viator is the quality of the tours. Viator works with reputable tour operators who have years of experience and excellent reviews from past customers.
Plus, you’ll stop at the Marble Mountains on the way, and that is an experience you don’t want to miss!
OPTION 4: Public Bus From Da Nang Bus Station
- Price: From $4 per person
- Duration: 1 hour
- Best for: Budget travelers
- Tickets: Book on 12Go.asia
Another way to get to Hoi An from Da Nang is to take the public bus, which takes on from Da Nang City, and you can get your ticket on 12Go.asia.
This is the cheapest option, but I only recommend it when traveling on a budget, and for 2 reasons.
First of all, the ticket office and departure point is a little out of town, so you’ll have to get a taxi to get there.
Secondly, the arrival point in Hoi An is also a little far from the ancient town, so again, you’ll have to taxi to get there.
That being said, it’s a great way to save money if you have time in the area!
Where to Get a Bus to Hoi An from Da Nang Airport or Train Station?
I recommend using 12Go.asia to get your tickets as it’s the best platform and you can pay with a credit card and PayPal.
Also, you’ll have the option to select different times, which is always convenient.
The average price for a ticket is around US$4 per person, without counting the taxi to get there and from Hoi An to the ancient town.
OPTION 5: Grab Cars from Da Nang
- Price: From around $15
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Best for: Couples, friends, small groups
The next option you have to get to Hoi An from Da Nang is to call a Grab taxi, which is convenient, and you can get picked up at your hotel.
Grab is the equivalent of Uber in Southeast Asia, and they have reliable drivers with modern, clean cars.
The price for a Grab taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An is about 350,000 VND (or about $15), which is similar to what you’d pay for a private transfer.
The only downside to picking Grab over a day trip to Hoi An is that you’ll only get the transfer there and no information or insight is offered.
Of course, that’s more than enough if you like traveling on your own or know the area already.
How to Call a Grab Taxi in Da Nang?
Calling a Grab taxi in Da Nang is as easy as it gets. Download the Grab App on your phone, sign up for an account, and call a car from your location to Hoi An.
Before confirming the ride, you’ll see the estimated price as well as the duration, which is excellent.
OPTION 6: Renting a Scooter in Da Nang
- Price: From $5 per scooter
- Duration: Around 45 minutes
- Best for: Solo travelers, Couples
Getting a motorbike or scooter taxi from Da Nang can be an incredibly convenient and affordable way to travel – That is, if you can drive a scooter.
In fact, while it’s cheap and convenient, I only recommend driving a scooter if you’ve driven before, as traffic in Vietnam is chaotic and messy, and definitely not first-timer friendly.
If you’re willing to take the risk, the price for a motorbike for the day is around 100,000 VND, or about $5, without counting the gasoline.
You can rent a motorbike pretty much anywhere in Da Nang, which is the great part!
Da Nang to Hoi An – FAQ
Now that we’ve covered all the options, let’s go through some frequently asked questions from first-timers, and I’m sure these will be useful to you too!
How Much is the Transfer Between Hoi An and Da Nang?
The cost depends on how you want to get to the ancient town of Hoi An, and ranges anywhere between $4 and $100. The public bus will cost you around $4, while a private transfer will set you back around $9 per person.
Alternatively, to make the most of your time, a day trip to Hoi An from Da Nang will cost you around $100 per person, which is more, but it covers all the areas you have to see, as well as a boat trip in Hoi An and a stop at the Marble Mountains.
How Long Is the Bus From Da Nang to Hoi An?
The bus to Hoi An takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour from Da Nang and is a convenient way to get to the ancient town from the bus station (location near Da Nang train station).
Should You Stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?
While Hoi An is a stunning place, I recommend staying in Da Nang, as you’ll be centrally located to see the Marble Mountains, the Son Tra Peninsula, as well as the imperial city of Hue.
If you want to avoid flying to Da Nang, you can get a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, but it’s worth noting that the trip takes around 18 hours, so that’s not the best option if you have limited time in Vietnam.
Is There a Train From Da Nang to Hoi An?
No, there is no train between Da Nang and Hoi An, so you’ll have to take a bus from the bus station, a private transfer, or a day trip to get to the ancient town.
Is There a Train From Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An?
Yes, there is a train from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An. The journey takes around 12-13 hours and the train leaves from Ho Chi Minh city every day in the evening.
Is There a Bus From Da Nang to Hoi An?
Yes, there is a bus that goes from Da Nang to the ancient town. It runs about every 20 minutes, with the journey taking just over an hour.
More Vietnam Travel Guides
- All Vietnam Travel Guides
- Awesome Things to Do in Hoi An
- Amazing things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Plan the Perfect 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary
- Plan The Perfect 5-Day Da Nang Itinerary
- Plan the Perfect 7-Day Central Vietnam Itinerary
- Dragon Bridge in Da Nang: Visitors’ Guide
- Ba Na Hills Tour – Complete Travel Guide
- Da Nang Cathedral – Visitors’ Guide
- Lady Buddha in Da Nang – Visitors’ Guide
Conclusion – Hoi An to Da Nang City
Now that you know the best ways to get from Da Nang to Hoi An, including from the airport or railway station, it’s time to start planning your trip!
Whether you prefer a hassle-free private transfer, an affordable shuttle bus, or an enjoyable day tour with a knowledgeable guide, there’s an option that will suit your needs and budget.
Booking through platforms such as GetYourGuide and Viator makes the process of organizing your transportation seamless and straightforward.
Remember to book in advance, especially during peak travel season, as availability may be limited.
So why wait? Book your transportation today and get ready to discover one of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations in Vietnam.
