How to Get to Hoi An: Transportation Options Explained

Hoi An has no airport or train station of its own, so every route into town passes through Da Nang first. This guide walks through each stage of the journey - flying or training into Da Nang, then covering the final 30 kilometers to Hoi An - so you can choose the combination that fits your budget, schedule, and comfort level.

For the wider planning picture, start with The Complete Hoi An Travel Guide.

Stage one: getting to Da Nang

By air

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the main gateway to Hoi An and one of Vietnam's busiest airports. It has strong domestic connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major Vietnamese cities, run by carriers including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines. A smaller number of direct international routes also serve Da Nang, including connections to Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, and a handful of other regional hubs, though international schedules change more often than domestic ones and should be checked directly with airlines or a flight search tool close to your travel dates.

If you're arriving from outside Asia, the more common approach is to fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first, then take a short domestic flight or a train south to Da Nang.

By train

Da Nang sits on Vietnam's Reunification Express line, the rail network connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City along the coast. Several train services run this route daily, and travel time to Da Nang depends heavily on your starting point:

• From Ho Chi Minh City, the journey takes roughly 15-17.5 hours depending on the specific train.
• From Hanoi, travel time is longer, generally in the range of 15-17 hours as well, since Da Nang sits roughly midway along the full north-south line.
• From Hue, the ride is much shorter, around 2.5-3 hours, and is a popular way to combine a Hue stopover with onward travel to Hoi An.

Trains offer several seat and berth classes, from hard seats to soft sleeper cabins, and are often booked through the state operator's counters, hotels, or third-party platforms aimed at foreign travelers. Reserve sleeper berths well in advance during peak travel periods, particularly around Tet.

By long-distance bus

Overnight and long-distance buses connect Da Nang to major cities, generally at a lower cost than flights or trains but with longer, less predictable travel times. This option suits budget-conscious travelers with flexible schedules more than those on a tight itinerary.

Stage two: getting from Da Nang to Hoi An

Once you're in Da Nang, you have four main ways to cover the roughly 30 kilometers (about a 40-50 minute drive) to Hoi An.

Taxi or private car

The most straightforward option, especially with luggage or after a long flight. Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport and around the city. Reported one-way fares generally fall in the range of 300,000-430,000 VND (roughly USD 11-16 at mid-2026 exchange rates), though prices can run somewhat higher or lower depending on the operator, time of day, and whether you book a metered taxi versus a pre-arranged private car. Booking a private transfer in advance (through your hotel or a transport app) typically gives you a fixed price and avoids any negotiation.

Ride-hailing apps (Grab)

Grab operates in both Da Nang and Hoi An and is widely used by travelers for its fixed, upfront pricing. Fares for a Da Nang-to-Hoi An trip are typically quoted in a similar range to taxis, sometimes somewhat lower, and a GrabBike (motorbike taxi) option exists for solo travelers with light luggage at a reduced cost, though it's less practical with suitcases.

Public bus

The cheapest option by a wide margin, though slower and with less flexibility on timing:

• Route 1 runs from Da Nang's central bus station to Hoi An, operating roughly 5:30 AM to 5:30-6:00 PM with buses every 20-30 minutes. Fares are typically 17,000-30,000 VND (well under USD 1.50) for the roughly 60-90 minute ride.
• Route 14 offers an alternative path, connecting downtown Da Nang to Cua Dai Beach and Hoi An's eastern edge, useful if your accommodation is outside the Old Town core, with fares around 30,000 VND.
• Other local routes (including services numbered 9 and LK02) connect different parts of Da Nang to Hoi An, with fares generally in the 20,000-40,000 VND range.

Public buses do not typically stop at the airport terminal itself, so factor in a short taxi or rideshare hop to the central bus station first if you're arriving by air and want to use this option.

Shuttle and shared van services

A middle-ground option between taxis and public buses: private tour operators and travel agencies run scheduled shuttle vans between Da Nang and Hoi An, typically priced from around 100,000-320,000 VND depending on the operator, comfort level, and whether the service is shared or exclusive. These usually run on fixed daily schedules rather than continuously, so check departure times in advance if you want to use one.

Comparing your options

All prices and schedules are approximate and change with fuel costs, season, and operator competition. Confirm current fares shortly before travel. Last verified: July 2026.

Practical tips

• Book airport transfers in advance if you're arriving late at night or want price certainty, especially during peak travel periods like Tet or major holidays.
• Public buses run less frequently in the off-season (roughly October to December), so build in extra buffer time if relying on them during the rainy months.
• If you're combining Hoi An with Hue, the short train ride between Hue and Da Nang is a scenic, practical way to link the two without backtracking by air.
• Once you've arrived, see Getting Around Hoi An: On Foot, By Bike, or By Boat for how to move around the town itself.

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