Wondering how to get from Hoi An to Da Nang? Compare the 5 best transport options including Grab, shuttle bus, and taxi with updated 2026 prices and times.(CLICK HERE)
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The journey from Hoi An to Da Nang is short, but it’s one almost every traveler ends up making at some point. Whether you’re heading to Da Nang to catch a flight after exploring Hoi An, or making a day trip in the other direction, this Hoi An to Da Nang route is one of the easiest transfers in central Vietnam.
There are several ways to make the trip, and which one makes sense depends mostly on your budget and how much convenience you’re willing to pay for. This guide compares every option, with real costs, travel times, and my own recommendation after making this trip myself.
How Far Is Hoi An From Da Nang
The distance between Hoi An and Da Nang is approximately 30 kilometers, making it one of the shorter and more straightforward transfers in central Vietnam. Most of the route follows a coastal road, so even though the distance is short, the exact travel time still depends heavily on which transport option you choose and what time of day you’re traveling.
In good traffic, the Hoi An to Da Nang journey takes as little as 35 minutes by car. During weekends, holidays, or rush hour around Da Nang city center, that same trip can stretch closer to an hour. The road itself is well paved and easy to navigate regardless of which transport you pick, so the variation in travel time comes down to traffic and the number of stops involved rather than road quality.
Hoi An to Da Nang at a Glance
| Transport | Travel Time | Estimated Cost | Best For | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grab | 35–45 min | 250,000–350,000 VND ($10–$14) | Convenience | Strong |
| Taxi | 35–45 min | 300,000–400,000 VND ($12–$16) | Reliability | Good |
| Shuttle Bus | 45–60 min | 100,000–150,000 VND ($4–$6) | Budget travelers | Strong |
| Local Bus | 60–75 min | 20,000–35,000 VND ($0.80–$1.40) | Extreme budget | Situational |
| Private Transfer | 35–45 min | 400,000–600,000 VND ($16–$24) | Families and groups | Good |
Option 1: Grab
Availability: Grab operates reliably along the Hoi An to Da Nang route, with drivers generally easy to find both in the Ancient Town and from most accommodation outside it.
Travel time: 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and which part of Da Nang you’re heading to.
Typical fare: 250,000 to 350,000 VND ($10 to $14) for a GrabCar covering the full distance.
Pros: Fixed price shown before you confirm, no negotiation, and door-to-door pickup from wherever you’re staying.
Cons: Prices can surge during peak hours or bad weather, and availability occasionally thins out during very early morning departures.
Option 2: Taxi
Reliable companies: Mai Linh and Vinasun are the two most trusted operators for the Hoi An to Da Nang journey, both known for honest metered fares.
Travel time: 35 to 45 minutes, similar to Grab.
Average fare: 300,000 to 400,000 VND ($12 to $16) on the meter.
Pros: Easy to flag down in the Ancient Town or arrange through your accommodation, and a familiar option if you’re not using the Grab app.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than Grab on average, and you’re relying on the driver to run the meter honestly rather than seeing a fixed price upfront.
Option 3: Shuttle Bus
Shared shuttle services: Several operators run shared shuttle buses specifically along the Hoi An to Da Nang corridor, often timed around common flight departure and arrival windows.
Hotel pickups: Many shuttle services include pickup directly from your accommodation, though this varies by operator, so confirm before booking.
Travel time: 45 to 60 minutes, slightly longer than Grab or taxi due to additional stops for other passengers.
Typical cost: 100,000 to 150,000 VND ($4 to $6) per person, making this one of the best value options for solo budget travelers.
Pros: Significantly cheaper than a private car while still offering hotel pickup in most cases.
Cons: Shared with other passengers, meaning extra stops and less control over your exact departure time.
One thing worth knowing: depending on where you’re staying, your hostel might arrange this transport for you directly. Some hostels organize a private car for a single guest or group, while others coordinate a shared shuttle that combines guests from multiple properties heading in the same direction. It’s always worth asking at reception before booking anything independently, since hostel-arranged transport is sometimes cheaper and almost always more convenient than sorting it out yourself.
Option 4: Local Bus
Cheapest option: The local public bus is by far the least expensive way to travel from Hoi An to Da Nang.
Route: Bus 2 (also referenced as LK02) runs between Hoi An and Da Nang city center, with regular stops along the way.
Travel time: 60 to 75 minutes, the longest of all the options covered here due to the number of stops.
Typical cost: 20,000 to 35,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.40), depending on distance traveled.
Who it’s suitable for: Budget backpackers with light luggage and no strict time pressure, particularly those not heading straight to the airport.
Things to know before using it: No dedicated luggage storage, so large bags can be awkward. Destination signage is sometimes only in Vietnamese, so confirm with the driver or conductor that the bus is heading to Da Nang before boarding.
Option 5: Private Transfer
Convenience: A private transfer is the most hands-off way to make the Hoi An to Da Nang trip. A driver meets you at your accommodation and takes you directly to your destination in Da Nang, whether that’s the airport, a hotel, or somewhere else in the city.
Cost: 400,000 to 600,000 VND ($16 to $24) for the full vehicle, which becomes reasonable per person when split among a group.
Ideal for families or groups: The fixed cost per vehicle rather than per person makes this option far more efficient once you’re traveling with three or more people.
Hotel-to-hotel service: Most private transfer bookings include drop-off directly at your destination address, removing any need to arrange onward transport once you arrive in Da Nang.
Which Transport Option Should You Choose?

Backpackers
The local bus or shuttle bus. Both keep costs low, and the extra travel time rarely matters if you’re not racing to catch a flight.
Budget Travelers
Shuttle bus. It strikes the best balance between low cost and genuine convenience, particularly with hotel pickup included in many cases.
Families
Private transfer. The per-vehicle pricing works in your favor with multiple passengers, and the door-to-door service removes a lot of the stress of managing luggage and children through public transport.
Travelers Catching a Flight
Grab or private transfer. Both offer predictable, direct travel times without the extra stops that come with shared shuttles or the local bus, which matters when a flight departure is on the line.
Slow Travelers
Any of the mid-range options work well here, since time pressure usually isn’t the main concern. The shuttle bus in particular suits slow travelers who’d rather save money than shave off fifteen minutes.
My Experience Traveling From Hoi An to Da Nang
I didn’t personally make this specific trip during my time in Vietnam. But I stayed in Hoi An for nine days, and this route came up constantly in conversations with other travelers at my hostel, since so many people were either heading to Da Nang for a flight or coming from there after landing.
A lot of the backpackers I talked to had used the local public bus, and the consensus was pretty consistent: it’s the most convenient option for anyone traveling light and watching their budget. Several people mentioned they’d expected it to be confusing or unreliable, but found it straightforward once they knew which bus number to look for and roughly where to catch it.
The recurring theme was cost. At 20,000 to 35,000 VND for the entire journey, it’s a fraction of what Grab, taxis, or shuttle buses charge, and for most backpackers the extra 20 to 30 minutes on the road wasn’t a real downside. A few people did mention the lack of luggage space as a minor annoyance if you’re traveling with a full backpack, but nothing that put them off using it again.
Based on what I heard repeatedly from other travelers doing this exact route, the public bus is genuinely the smartest choice for backpackers unless you’re short on time or heading straight to catch a flight, in which case Grab or a private transfer removes that risk entirely.
Tips Before Traveling From Hoi An to Da Nang
Leave extra time if heading to the airport. Traffic can be unpredictable, and arriving with buffer time is always better than cutting it close on an international departure.
Book shuttles in advance during peak season. Between November and February, shared shuttle services fill up faster than usual, particularly around common flight times.
Grab availability. Generally reliable, but can thin out during very early morning hours or bad weather, so have a backup plan like a hotel-arranged taxi if you’re traveling at an unusual time.
Carry cash if using local transport. The public bus and some taxi drivers don’t accept cards, so keep small notes on hand.
Consider traffic during weekends and holidays. Travel times can stretch noticeably longer during Vietnamese public holidays or busy weekend periods, so factor this into your planning if timing matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Hoi An from Da Nang?
Approximately 30 kilometers, which typically takes 35 to 75 minutes depending on which transport option you choose.
What’s the cheapest way to travel?
The local public bus, Bus 2 or LK02, at around 20,000 to 35,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.40). The shuttle bus is a close second at 100,000 to 150,000 VND ($4 to $6) with considerably more convenience.
Is Grab available?
Yes. Grab operates reliably along the Hoi An to Da Nang route, with drivers generally easy to find in the Ancient Town and most surrounding accommodation areas.
How much is a taxi?
Metered taxis typically cost 300,000 to 400,000 VND ($12 to $16) for the full journey, similar to but slightly more expensive than Grab.
Is there a direct bus?
Yes, shuttle buses run directly between Hoi An and Da Nang, often with hotel pickup included. The local public bus also covers this route, though with more stops and a longer overall journey time.
How long does the journey take?
Around 35 to 45 minutes by Grab, taxi, or private transfer. The shuttle bus takes 45 to 60 minutes, and the local bus takes 60 to 75 minutes.
Planning Your Vietnam Trip?
If you’re building a bigger Vietnam itinerary, here’s what else I’ve written:
How to Get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An (2026 Prices & Tips)
Hoi An Travel Guide for Slow Travelers 2026: Beyond the Lanterns
Best Places to Stay in Hoi An 2026: A Guide to Every Neighborhood
Hoi An Budget Guide 2026: How much is the cost of visiting Hoi An?
Hue to Hoi An Transport Guide 2026: The Fastest, Cheapest and Most Scenic Ways to Travel





