Cheap Ways from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

Quick Answer

The cheapest way from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An is Public Bus 1 ($0.50 USD / 12,000 VND) but it doesn't go directly from the airport - you need to get to Da Nang city center first. For most travelers arriving with luggage: Hoi An Express Shuttle ($6 USD / 140,000 VND) is the best value. For door-to-door convenience: Taxi or Grab ($15-25 USD / 350,000-600,000 VND). For late night arrivals (after 8 PM): Pre-booked private transfer ($25-35 USD / 600,000-850,000 VND). The 30km journey takes 30-50 minutes normally, 50-70 minutes during rush hour.

Bus Options from Da Nang to Hoi An: Reality Check

Many travelers search for "bus from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An" expecting a direct airport bus. There isn't one. The reality: you need to get to Da Nang city center first, then catch a bus. The internet says "take the yellow bus" - that's only true if you're already in Da Nang city, not arriving at the airport. Here are the actual bus options:

Transport Option	Travel Time	Cost (USD/VND)	Best For	Critical Notes
Public Bus 1 (Yellow Bus)	60-90 minutes	$0.50 (12,000 VND)	Extreme budget, no luggage	Doesn't go to airport, from city only
Hoi An Express Shuttle	40-60 minutes	$6 (140,000 VND)	Solo/couples, light luggage	Pickup at airport hotels, not terminal
Local Bus + Transfer	90-120 minutes	$0.80 (20,000 VND)	Adventurous, speak Vietnamese	Multiple transfers, confusing
Mai Linh/Vinasun Taxi	30-50 minutes	$15-25 (350,000-600,000 VND)	Most travelers, families	Door-to-door, official queue only
GrabCar	30-50 minutes	$12-20 (280,000-470,000 VND)	Tech-savvy, have local SIM	Peak pricing during rush hour
Private Transfer	30-50 minutes	$25-40 (600,000-950,000 VND)	Families, groups, late night	Pre-booked, includes child seats

The Truth About "Bus from Da Nang Airport"

Search results show "Public Bus 1 goes to Hoi An" but omit crucial details: 1) The bus doesn't go to the airport. 2) You need to take a taxi/bus to Da Nang city center first (4km, $2-4 taxi). 3) Buses are crowded with locals, no luggage space. 4) Last bus around 6:00 PM. For the $2-4 you save over the shuttle, you get 60+ minutes of hassle. Many people choose the bus based on these conditions, but I don't actually recommend it for airport arrivals.

Hoi An Express Shuttle: The Real Budget Winner

For $6 USD, the Hoi An Express Shuttle is the best budget option that actually works for travelers. It picks up from airport hotels (walking distance from terminal), has AC, and takes you directly to Hoi An hotels. Book online or at their airport counter. Runs 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. This is what most budget travelers should take, not the public bus.

Taxi from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An Ancient Town

Taking a taxi from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An is the most straightforward option. The 30km journey takes 30-50 minutes normally, 50-70 minutes during rush hour. Fare: $15-25 USD (350,000-600,000 VND) on meter including tolls. Only use Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) from official queues. Late night (10 PM-6 AM) adds 20-30% surcharge. Many travel sites say "taxis are easy" - that's only true if you avoid the touts and use the right companies.

How to Get a Safe Taxi at Da Nang Airport

Exit baggage claim and walk straight outside ignoring solicitors. Follow signs to official taxi queue. Join the line for Mai Linh or Vinasun. A dispatcher will assign the next car. Confirm the meter will be used. The driver should start meter immediately (starting fare 15,000-20,000 VND). The 30km ride includes 10,000-20,000 VND toll on the new bridge. Have your Hoi An hotel address ready in Vietnamese.

Late Night Taxi from Da Nang (After 10 PM)

For late night arrivals, the official taxi queue operates 24/7 but expect 15+ minute wait. The 20-30% surcharge applies. Have hotel address printed in Vietnamese. Alternative: Pre-booked transfer avoids queues. I've waited 30 minutes at midnight with tired family - the extra $8-10 for pre-booking would have been worth it. Some travelers try to save here and regret it.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You arrive at Da Nang at 11:00 PM. A friendly man approaches: "Taxi to Hoi An, good price - 400,000 VND." Seems reasonable (actual metered fare 350,000-450,000). You follow him to a private car. En route, driver says "night price 600,000" plus "toll fee 100,000" and "airport fee 50,000." You argue but it's midnight in a moving car. You pay 750,000 VND. Actual cost should have been 420,000 VND. This happens nightly.

Grab & Ride-Hailing from Da Nang to Hoi An

Grab works well in Da Nang. To Hoi An: GrabCar $12-20 USD (280,000-470,000 VND), GrabBike $4-8 USD (100,000-190,000 VND) for backpack only. Pickup location: Designated Grab zones outside terminals. You need Vietnamese SIM with data. Late night availability drops. Many travelers assume Grab is always available, but that's only true during daytime. At 10 PM, you might wait 20+ minutes.

Grab vs Taxi: When Each Wins

Choose Grab when: You have local SIM/data, want fixed price upfront, traveling 1-2 people. Choose taxi when: No local SIM, 3-4 people, late night, lots of luggage. For families, Grab 7-seater ($20-30 USD) can be better than taxi van. I've compared 20+ rides: Grab averages 10-20% cheaper but availability varies, especially during rain.

Grab Peak Pricing & Airport Pickup

During rush hours and rain, Grab prices surge 1.5-3x normal. Airport trips may have small surcharge. If the app shows 500,000 VND during peak, a metered taxi at 450,000 might be cheaper. Always check both. Many tourists assume Grab is always cheapest - not during surge.

Grab Motorbike (GrabBike) Reality Check

GrabBike costs $4-8 USD (100,000-190,000 VND) to Hoi An. Only consider if: One small backpack, experienced with motorbikes, daytime, good weather. Never with: Suitcases, families, elderly, rain, night. The 30km ride on Highway 1 with trucks is intense. Travel blogs romanticize this, but it's impractical and dangerous for most visitors.

Hoi An Express Shuttle: Best Value Option

How the Shuttle Actually Works

The Hoi An Express Shuttle is a shared minivan service. Cost: $6 USD (140,000 VND) per person. Must book in advance online or at their airport counter. Pickup is at airport hotels (Majestic, Brilliant, etc.), not at the terminal - you walk 3-5 minutes. Drop-off at your Hoi An hotel. Runs 8:00 AM-8:00 PM, every 1-2 hours. Travel time: 40-60 minutes. This is what most budget travelers should use.

Who Should Take the Shuttle?

Yes if: Solo traveler or couple, light luggage (backpack + small suitcase), arriving 8 AM-6 PM, want to save money but avoid public bus hassle. No if: Family with children, lots of luggage, arriving after 7 PM, mobility issues. The shuttle doesn't have child seats and has limited luggage space.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You read about the $6 shuttle and book it. Your flight arrives at 7:00 PM. You rush to the shuttle counter at 7:20 PM - it's closed (last booking 7:00 PM). You ask at information - "shuttle finished." You now need a taxi at 8:00 PM, paying $25 instead of $6. You should have checked the schedule or booked a taxi from the start. This happens often with late arrivals.

Private Transfer with Child Seats for Families

Why Families Need Private Transfers

If traveling with children, private transfer with child seats is essential. Vietnamese law requires child seats, but 90% of taxis don't have them. Pre-booked services provide appropriate seats. Cost: $30-40 USD (700,000-950,000 VND) for 4 passengers + luggage. Includes meet-and-greet at arrivals. While more expensive, it's non-negotiable for safety. Many families arrive unaware of this issue.

Booking Private Transfers

Book online before arrival. Reputable companies: Hoi An Transfer Service, Vietnam Airport Transfers. Specify child ages for correct seats. Driver meets you with sign, helps with luggage. For groups 5+, book a van ($40-60 USD). This is the most stress-free option after long flights with tired children.

Late Night & Early Morning Arrival Strategies

Arriving After 8 PM at Da Nang

Options diminish after 8 PM: Shuttle stops, Grab availability drops, taxi queue grows. Best practice: Pre-book transfer. Alternative: Official taxi queue (expect wait +20-30% surcharge). Avoid: Random solicitors. Many budget travelers plan to "just take Grab" but find no cars at 10 PM. I've seen this repeatedly - pre-booking costs slightly more but guarantees transport.

Early Morning Flights (4-6 AM Departure from Hoi An)

For early departures from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport: Book Grab the night before (scheduled pickup) or ask hotel to arrange taxi. Regular taxis available 24/7 but charge 20-30% extra before 6 AM. Allow extra time - Highway 1 can have fog delays. Don't assume you can hail a taxi at 4 AM - schedule it.

Peak Hour Traffic (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM Weekdays)

Highway 1 between Da Nang and Hoi An has heavy traffic during rush hours. The 30km journey can take 50-70 minutes. Strategies: 1) Allow extra 30 minutes minimum. 2) Consider taking the coastal route via Son Tra (scenic but longer). 3) If you have time, wait out the traffic at airport. Many travelers miss flights because they didn't account for this.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You need to catch a 7:00 PM flight from Da Nang. You leave Hoi An at 4:30 PM, thinking "90 minutes is plenty." At 5:00 PM, you're crawling in rush hour traffic. By 6:15 PM, you're still 8km from airport. You arrive at 6:45 PM, stressed and nearly miss your flight. Reality: Should have left at 4:00 PM or taken the coastal route. The internet rarely mentions how traffic changes everything.

Public Bus 1: Complete Route & All Stops

If you do choose Public Bus 1, here's the complete route from Da Nang to Hoi An:

Complete Bus 1 Stop List (Da Nang to Hoi An)

1. Da Nang Bus Station (Tram Da Nang) - Starting point
2. Han Market (Chợ Hàn) - Central Da Nang
3. Dragon Bridge (Cầu Rồng) - Iconic bridge
4. Son Tra District - Coastal area
5. Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) - Tourist attraction
6. An Bang Beach - Popular beach near Hoi An
7. Cua Dai Beach - Another beach area
8. Hoi An Central Bus Station (Bến xe Hội An) - Main station
9. Hoi An Ancient Town (Phố cổ Hội An) - Final stop

How to Actually Take Bus 1 from the Airport

1. Take taxi from airport to Da Nang Bus Station ($2-4 USD). 2. Find Bus 1 (yellow bus). 3. Pay conductor 12,000 VND (exact change helpful). 4. Journey takes 60-90 minutes. 5. Tell conductor "Hoi An" or show your hotel address. 6. Get off at Hoi An Central Bus Station. 7. Take taxi/xe om to your hotel (20,000-50,000 VND). Total cost: ~$3-5 USD, total time: 90-120 minutes.

Why Most Travelers Shouldn't Take This Bus

For the $10-15 you save over a taxi, you get: 1) 60+ extra minutes travel time. 2) Hassle of multiple transfers. 3) No luggage space. 4) Crowded bus. 5) Possible scams (overcharging tourists). The internet says it's "easy" - that's only true if you're a backpacker with one bag and unlimited time.

Da Nang Airport to Hoi An Route Map

The map below shows the primary route from Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An Ancient Town. The main road is Highway 1 (QL1A), with the alternative coastal route via Son Tra Peninsula.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An on Google Maps

The distance from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An is approximately 30km (19 miles). The route passes through urban Da Nang, crosses the Han River, passes Marble Mountains, and follows the coastline to Hoi An. During peak hours, the coastal route via Son Tra may be faster despite being longer.

Da Nang Airport to Hoi An: Complete Cost Comparison

Money Exchange at Da Nang Airport

Multiple ATMs in arrivals hall (Vietcombank, Techcombank, etc.). Currency exchange counters: Rates 3-6% worse than city banks. Recommendation: Withdraw 2-3 million VND ($85-130) for initial expenses. Have 50,000, 100,000 VND notes for taxi. Some taxis claim no change for 500,000 VND notes - this is often a scam.

What Locals Actually Pay

Locals pay: Bus 1 - 12,000 VND. Motorbike taxi to Hoi An - 150,000-200,000 VND. Car taxi - 300,000-350,000 VND. As a tourist, expect to pay 10-30% more. The difference is usually $2-5 - sometimes worth paying to avoid stress.

Common Real-Life Mistakes Travelers Make

Mistake 1: Assuming Buses Go from Airport

Most travelers arrive expecting a direct airport bus to Hoi An. There isn't one. They end up confused at the airport, then take an overpriced taxi anyway after wasting 30 minutes.

Mistake 2: Trusting Airport Taxi Touts

"Hello sir, taxi to Hoi An - good price 400,000!" Sounds reasonable but is actually the starting point for a scam that ends at 700,000+ VND. Official queue only.

Mistake 3: Bus with Large Luggage

Backpackers with massive suitcases trying to board crowded local buses, blocking aisles for 60+ minutes, annoying locals. If you have more than a backpack, take a taxi or shuttle.

Mistake 4: Late Night Shuttle Assumption

Assuming the $6 shuttle runs 24/7. It stops at 8:00 PM. Arrive at 8:30 PM and you're paying $25 for a taxi instead.

Mistake 5: Underestimating Traffic

"Google says 35 minutes" doesn't account for Highway 1 rush hour traffic. Add 50-100% buffer during peak hours.

Traveler Experience: Da Nang Airport Arrival Reality

Arriving at Da Nang International Airport is relatively smooth. The airport is modern and well-organized. After disembarking, immigration takes 15-30 minutes, baggage claim 10-20 minutes. Taxi touts are present but less aggressive than Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh. The key: Have a plan before you land. Know which transport you're taking and how much it should cost. The first 30 minutes set the tone for your Hoi An trip.

First-Time Visitor Walkthrough

Deplane → immigration (fill out forms if needed) → baggage claim → customs (green channel) → exit arrivals. If taking taxi: go to official queue. If taking shuttle: look for Hoi An Express counter. If taking Grab: go to designated pickup zone. Total time from plane to transport: 30-60 minutes.

Highway 1 Traffic: Mental Preparation

The road to Hoi An is a mix of highway and local roads. Traffic includes trucks, buses, motorbikes, and occasional livestock. Your driver will likely honk frequently and overtake aggressively - this is normal. During rain, flooding can occur on some sections. The journey is generally safe but can feel intense for newcomers.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake

You read online that Bus 1 is "easy and cheap." You have two rolling suitcases and a backpack. You take a taxi to Da Nang Bus Station ($4). At the station, you struggle to find Bus 1. When it comes, it's crowded. You squeeze on with your bags blocking the aisle for 70 minutes while locals glare. At Hoi An station, you need another taxi to your hotel ($3). Total cost: $7, total time: 2 hours, total stress: high. The $6 shuttle would have been door-to-door in 45 minutes. Sometimes "cheapest" has hidden costs.

Practical Tips for Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

• With children under 7: Pre-book private transfer with child seats. Don't assume taxis provide them.
• Late night arrival (after 8 PM): Pre-book or use official taxi queue (expect wait +20-30%).
• Peak traffic hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM): Allow extra 30 minutes minimum.
• Large luggage: Taxi, private transfer, or shuttle (limited space). Not public bus.
• Group of 3-4: One taxi or Grab 7-seater. Cheaper per person than shuttle.
• Extreme budget: Bus 1 ($3-5 total) but prepare for 2+ hour journey.
• SIM card: Buy at airport (Viettel best coverage) for Grab and maps.
• Hotel location in Hoi An: Ancient Town area most convenient but no cars allowed inside - get dropped at edge.
• Return to airport: Allow 2.5 hours before domestic, 3.5 hours international flights.
• Payment: Taxis accept cash only. Have 400,000-500,000 VND in mixed bills.
• Scam prevention: Only official taxi queue. Never follow solicitors inside.
• Language barrier: Have hotel address in Vietnamese on phone or paper.
• Rainy season (Sep-Jan): Traffic worse, possible flooding. Taxi with AC worth premium.
• Hot season (Feb-Aug): Bus 1 has AC but can be crowded and hot at stops.
• Early flight (4-6 AM): Schedule Grab night before or hotel taxi.
• Money exchange: Withdraw from ATM, not exchange counters.
• Tipping: Not expected. Round up fare or keep small change.
• Safety: Generally safe. Normal precautions against pickpockets.
• Navigation: Download offline Google Maps area.
• Emergency: Police 113, Ambulance 115 (English speakers limited).

Frequently Asked Questions: Da Nang to Hoi An