How to Get from Da Nang to Hoi An: 4 Best Ways
This in-depth transportation guide covers the four best ways to get from Da Nang to Hoi An, covering all options and travel budgets.
If you’re stressing, there’s no reason to stress, getting to Hoi An from Da Nang is easy and straightforward, and the best part is that the drive there is very scenic!
A Brief Description about Hoi An
Hoi An, nestled in central Vietnam, is a total charmer of a town that’s got travelers visiting it from all over the world. Every angle you look at in the town is like a physical breathing postcard in front of you!
After visiting, it was easy to see why the ancient town has become a must-visit on everyone’s Vietnam itinerary. Picture this: quaint little streets in the old quarter, packed with cozy cafes, stunning temples, and artisans crafting those iconic lanterns.
As evening approaches, the local river comes alive with a flock of lantern-lit boats with boarded passengers. The water turns into a canvas, and the sky looks like a painting that’d make Bob Ross proud, all while paper lanterns dance on the gentle waves.
Sure, you might bump elbows with other tourists now and then—Hoi An is quite touristy, and for good reason, it’s unmissable when visiting Vietnam. Let’s be real—Hoi An is magical, but you have to visit to truly experience it!
Hoi An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, primarily due to its exceptional preservation as a traditional Asian trading port. The town showcases a remarkable fusion of cultures, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences in its architecture and heritage.
Locals have done an exceptional job preserving Hoi An’s ancient characteristics, which is exactly why when you visit, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into time!
Distance from Da Nang to Hoi An
Typically, it takes 45 minutes to get to Hoi An from Da Nang, and the distance is around 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). Whether you’re leaving from Da Nang International Airport or in the city, it takes around the same time to get to Hoi An.
The coastal scenic drive only adds to the excitement of visiting Hoi An, the way there offers some beautiful coastline view, and once you get closer into Hoi An you’ll be met with plenty of charming countryside!
It’s not a long drive, by the time you have a few minutes to gaze out your window and admire the scenic drive, you’ll be in Hoi An in a flash!
Private Transfer Service
By far, this is the fastest and easiest way to get from Da Nang to Hoi An. Private transfers take you straight from Da Nang Airport or your hotel in the city to your hotel in Hoi An—a door-to-door service!
The cost for a private transfer is very reasonable, it’s $12 US per booking, with plenty of space. They operate 24 hours, so if you’re flying into Da Nang airport at an odd time, not to worry!
I’ve used this service from my apartment rental in Da Nang to Hoi An, and it was as smooth as can be. Carrying luggage around from place to place is never fun, especially if you’re with your family, and using this service makes that easy.
The best part about this private service transfer service is that they accept last minute reservations up to 20 minutes prior, you can book this service last minute and still be set for your transfer!
Take a Shared Transfer Service
If you’re on a budget, taking a shared shuttle bus is the best way to get to Hoi An.
This budget-friendly ride will set you back about $8-10 US per person, which is slightly cheaper than a private transfer. You will have to reserve your spot before if you choose to take the shared transfer.
Shared transfers operate throughout the day from early morning at 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, approximately every hour. So you’ll likely find a departure time that fits your arrival.
It’s a convenient option that balances cost and comfort, perfect for travelers who don’t mind sharing their ride with a few fellow adventurers. Just remember that you might need to wait a bit for the bus to fill up before heading to Hoi An.
Get Grab Car or Motorbike Taxi
Another easy way to get to Hoi An is by taking a Grab car or motorbike. If you’re unfamiliar, Grab is a popular ride-sharing company known across Southeast Asia and it’s very convenient!
Download Grab before visiting Vietnam, and set everything up with your card details. Once you’re in Da Nang, pull up the app and enter where you’d like to go. Then, you’ll be offered which type of vehicle you’d like and the cost of your trip. When your driver arrives, make sure to double-check that the license plate matches the car details on the app.
Like any ride-sharing app, the cost of trips on Grab fluctuates slightly throughout the day. When there’s traffic, and it’s busy, costs increase slightly, but it’s nothing like surge pricing on UBER in North America, let me tell you!
I took a Grab car back to Da Nang, and it cost around $13 US, which is quite similar to what I paid for a private transfer a few days before to get to Hoi An.
If you get to Da Nang and haven’t made any reservations about how to get to Hoi An, pull out Grab, and you’ll be on your way in minutes!
Day Trip Tour to Hoi An from Da Nang
If you’re staying in Da Nang and would much rather take a day trip to Hoi An, that’s also possible!
I get it, if Da Nang is your central Vietnam base and you’d like to see Hoi An but would prefer not to stay in a hotel there, a day tour would be perfect for you!
This fun afternoon Hoi An Tour gives you the chance to experience the best of Hoi An in only a short few hours. With your English-speaking guide, you’ll walk around and learn about the ancient town.
As the sunset sets in, you’ll have the chance to stroll the exciting Hoi An night market, walk over the bridge, and, best of all, you’ll board one of the many popular lantern-lit boats for a short ride!
Happy & Safe Travels
Planning Checklist
- Find the best Hotels/Resorts
- Book a Vacation Home Rental
- Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
- Find the best Hostels
- Find/Buy the Cheapest Flights
- Get Travel Insurance when traveling
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links shared in this article might be affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission for any sales generated through this article and/or this website.
We recommend products/services we’ve either used or researched thoroughly – Thank you for supporting me so we can continue to share helpful travel content!
