Da Nang to Hoi An is just 30 km: Grab is easier, but the bus is cheaper

The drive from Dragon Bridge in Da Nang to the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An is roughly 28 km. Whether you're arriving at Da Nang Railway Station on Hai Phong Street or walking out of the airport arrivals hall, you can travel directly to Hoi An without going through a long-distance bus terminal. Grab and taxis make the most sense when you have luggage, while public bus 02 is a cheaper option for daytime travelers who don't mind a little extra walking.

How far is Da Nang from Hoi An?

Da Nang and Hoi An are approximately 25-35 km apart, depending on where you start and where you're going. Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, and Cua Dai Beach are in different locations, so the distance to one shouldn't be used for all three.

These are approximate road distances and driving times. They don't include waiting for a vehicle, collecting luggage, or finding parking.

Since July 1, 2025, Hoi An has officially become part of Da Nang following Vietnam's administrative restructuring. For travelers, however, central Da Nang and Hoi An Ancient Town remain two separate destinations, connected by a road journey of roughly one hour.

Which roads connect Da Nang and Hoi An?

There are two main routes.

The coastal route: From central Da Nang, travel along Vo Nguyen Giap, Truong Sa, and Lac Long Quan toward Hoi An. This route suits you if you're staying near My Khe Beach, visiting the Marble Mountains, or heading toward An Bang Beach.

Photo: Lê Huỳnh Bộ

The inland route via Le Van Hien and DT607: Travel from central Da Nang across Tien Son Bridge, continue along Le Van Hien and Tran Dai Nghia, then follow DT607 toward Hoi An. Public bus 02 also serves parts of this corridor.

You don't need to insist that your driver take the coastal road. Enter your exact destination and check the suggested route. During rush hour or roadworks, a slightly longer route can sometimes be faster.

A motorbike ride takes approximately 50-70 minutes, excluding stops.

Da Nang to Hoi An transport options: 2026 price comparison

How to read these prices: Bus fares are charged per person, while Grab and taxi prices cover the whole vehicle. Motorbike rental prices are usually quoted per day.

Car fares are approximate 2026 figures, not guaranteed rates for every pickup location or departure time.

For example, a Grab Standard Car from Da Nang Airport's domestic terminal to the edge of Hoi An Ancient Town costs around 306,000 VND in 2026. The taxi price board at the airport lists 400,000 VND for a five-seat vehicle to Hoi An Ancient Town.

So Grab isn't always cheaper than a regular taxi. Compare the actual prices when you're ready to travel.

A simple way to decide is to consider your group size. Traveling alone during the day? Check the buses first. Two or three people with suitcases? Compare Grab with private transfers. Traveling with children or a larger group? Choose a vehicle with enough seats and luggage space.

How to get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the closest airport to Hoi An. Hoi An does not have its own airport.

Da Nang Airport has two terminals:

• T1 - Domestic Terminal: For flights within Vietnam.
• T2 - International Terminal: For international flights.

The terminals are close to each other, but they have separate pickup areas. This matters when booking Grab or arranging a hotel transfer.

01

Grab from the airport to Hoi An

250,000-400,000 VND per car

Photo: Chainwit.

Grab is usually the first option worth checking if you have internet access and want to travel directly to your hotel without waiting for a scheduled shuttle.

A four-seat GrabCar from the airport to Hoi An Ancient Town generally costs around 250,000-400,000 VND.

Larger vehicles, periods of high demand, heavy rain, and airport-related charges can change the final price.

Grab fares from the airport to Hoi An in 2026, by service:

These fares change with the time of booking and any promotions, so they aren't fixed prices.

The international terminal T2 has a designated ride-hailing pickup area. Follow the directions from pillar 03 toward the waiting area in front of the glass building at the parking facility.

At T1, ride-hailing pickup areas are located outside the arrivals terminal, with signs directing passengers to the appropriate location.

Don't assume your Grab driver can stop immediately outside the arrivals door. The authorized pickup point may be a short walk away.

For international visitors, Grab is easy to use because the app supports English, shows prices in Vietnamese dong, and allows you to enter your destination directly.

Without a Vietnamese SIM card or eSIM, you can use airport Wi-Fi to book your ride, but keeping an internet connection while waiting makes it easier to contact the driver.

Save your hotel's address in Vietnamese or keep a screenshot of your booking confirmation. Hotels with similar names in Hoi An can be several kilometers apart.

Grab Standard Car

306,000 VND

Grab EV

333,000 VND

Grab Plus Car

380,000 VND

Grab six-seat vehicle

392,000 VND

How to book Grab at Da Nang Airport:

1. Step 1

   Collect luggage

   Collect your luggage and exit into the public arrivals area.

2. Step 2

   Open Grab

   Open the Grab app and select a car service.

3. Step 3

   Enter your hotel

   Enter your exact hotel address in Hoi An rather than simply typing "Hoi An."

4. Step 4

   Pick a terminal

   Select Domestic Terminal T1 or International Terminal T2 as your pickup location.

5. Step 5

   Read the pickup note

   Follow the pickup instructions shown in the app.

6. Step 6

   Check the car

   Check the driver's details and license plate before getting into the vehicle.

Da Nang to Hoi An bus: route 02, tickets, and timetable

Public bus 02 is the cheapest practical way to travel from central Da Nang to Hoi An. The full-route fare is 30,000 VND per person.

There have been several important changes to the service.

On July 18, 2025, routes 02 and LK02 were merged. On August 28, 2026, route 02 began transitioning to electric buses, with its Hoi An terminus moved to the Hai Ba Trung parking area.

A further timetable adjustment took effect on November 1, 2026.

Bus 02 route

Bus 02 travels from Da Nang Central Bus Station through central Da Nang, along September 2 Street, across Tien Son Bridge, and through Le Van Hien and the Vietnam-Korea University area before reaching Hoi An.

Useful stops for travelers include:

The Hoi An terminus is the Hai Ba Trung parking area, commonly identified around 497 Hai Ba Trung Street.

From there, it's approximately a 1 km walk to the Japanese Covered Bridge, depending on your chosen walking route.

Some older travel websites still show Cua Dai as the final stop for route 02.

For travel in late 2026, prioritize the updated route information and contact the bus operator if you need to confirm a particular stop.

Bus 02 timetable

The revised bus 02 timetable takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Bus 02 timetable:

• First departure from Da Nang Central Bus Station: 5:15 AM.
• Last departure from Da Nang Central Bus Station: 5:40 PM.
• First departure from Hoi An's Hai Ba Trung parking area: 5:30 AM.
• Last departure from Hoi An: 5:50 PM.
• Typical frequency: approximately every 15-30 minutes.

These are departure times from the route terminals. Boarding at Tran Phu, September 2 Street, or Vietnam-Korea University means the bus arrives at a different time.

To plan a specific journey, check the timetable on Danabus before departure.

The Danabus customer service number is 0236 3711 468, with support hours from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Bus 02 ticket prices in 2026

Fares depend on the distance traveled.

For a full journey from Da Nang Central Bus Station to Hoi An, budget 30,000 VND per person.

Public bus 02 offers excellent value if you're traveling alone, carrying a small backpack, and leaving during the morning.

It's not suitable if you plan to spend the evening in Hoi An and return to Da Nang late at night.

Why do some websites still mention bus 1 or LK02?

Bus 1 and LK02 are old route names, so many guides haven't caught up. From central Da Nang, look for route 02 - Da Nang Central Bus Station to Hoi An (Hai Ba Trung parking area); for a direct ride from the airport, ask about Hai Van airport bus 01SB. These are different services with different pickup locations, ticket prices, and operating hours.

Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An: no need to go via the airport

Da Nang Railway Station is located at 791 Hai Phong Street, in the central urban area.

It is approximately 30-33 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, and the drive usually takes 45-60 minutes.

Photo: Christophe95

Once you leave the station, there are three practical options.

Grab or taxi from Da Nang Railway Station

This is usually the easiest option after a long train journey, when arriving early in the morning or late in the evening.

Leave the station toward Hai Phong Street, choose Da Nang Railway Station as your pickup point, and enter your Hoi An hotel address.

You can budget approximately 250,000-400,000 VND for a standard car.

The ride-hailing app will show the price for your departure time and exact destination.

Three people with one suitcase each need a car that fits the luggage more than the cheapest fare.

Pre-booked private transfer from the station

A private transfer is useful when you have several suitcases, are unfamiliar with the area, or want to reach your hotel directly. Provide your train number, expected arrival time, passenger count, and hotel address when booking. Ask the operator to confirm exactly where the driver will meet you outside the station.

Public bus 02 from central Da Nang

Bus 02 doesn't start directly outside Da Nang Railway Station. You can travel to an appropriate stop on Tran Phu Street or September 2 Street and continue toward Hoi An. Another option is to reach Da Nang Central Bus Station, but that often involves traveling away from Hoi An before heading south again.

For someone with a light backpack, a short transfer to the correct stop on Tran Phu Street may be worthwhile. With large suitcases, however, taking another vehicle just to reach a bus stop can become unnecessarily complicated.

Make sure you're waiting on the side of the road for buses heading toward Hoi An, not the opposite direction.

Getting to Hoi An from different parts of Da Nang

Dragon Bridge, Han Market, and Bach Dang Street

The Hai Chau area works well for public bus 02 because the route passes along Tran Phu and September 2 Street.

Near Da Nang Cathedral, check the stop opposite 151 Tran Phu.

For hotels near the western end of Dragon Bridge, stops along September 2 Street may be closer.

Photo: Kuroczynski

Walking to a bus stop can keep travel costs low.

With another person, luggage, carrying luggage, and hoping to check into your Hoi An hotel before lunch, Grab is often the faster choice.

My Khe Beach and An Thuong

Traveling from My Khe Beach to Hoi An is relatively straightforward because the area lies near the coastal road heading south.

You can arrange a car from your hotel and travel toward Hoi An along Truong Sa. There's no need to go to Da Nang Central Bus Station first.

Several commercial shuttle operators also provide shared transport from selected hotels or meeting points in the coastal area.

For example, in 2026 the services of iHome and Barri Ann Travel include some pickup points near Da Nang's beachfront hotels.

Shared-vehicle tickets are around 130,000-150,000 VND per person, depending on the service. Check the actual pickup location, timetable, and fare for your travel date before booking.

For one passenger, a shared shuttle may be substantially cheaper than hiring an entire car. For three passengers, compare the total shuttle cost with a Grab fare. A direct car may work out better.

Marble Mountains area

The Marble Mountains area is closer to Hoi An than central Da Nang.

After the Marble Mountains, there's no reason to return to Dragon Bridge. You can continue south by car or motorbike.

Photo: Christophe95

Public bus 02 also travels through the Le Van Hien corridor, making it a possible choice if you have light luggage.

Buses stop at designated locations. They cannot pick up passengers anywhere along the road. Check both the nearest stop and the correct direction of travel.

Is renting a motorbike worth it for Da Nang to Hoi An?

Yes, but mainly for travelers who are comfortable riding motorbikes, hold the appropriate license, and want control over their schedule.

Da Nang and Hoi An aren't particularly far apart. In decent weather, a daytime ride with a small backpack can be manageable for an experienced rider.

You can stop at the Marble Mountains, visit the coast, or decide when to return without relying on a bus schedule.

Motorbike rental prices in Da Nang in 2026

Gia Huy, a Da Nang motorbike rental business, lists these daily rates for 2026:

These are Gia Huy's listed prices, not standard rates across every rental company.

Some rentals include two helmets, raincoats, and an initial amount of fuel.

You should still confirm delivery charges, rental duration, and return conditions directly with the operator.

In addition to the rental fee, budget for fuel, parking, and the time required to ride.

Can you rent a motorbike at Da Nang Airport?

Some Da Nang rental companies offer motorbike delivery to the airport or railway station.

You may be able to arrange a pickup after landing.

This is mainly useful if you're planning to ride for several days, have little luggage, and already have experience riding in Vietnam.

Landing after a flight with a large checked suitcase and immediately riding more than 30 km to Hoi An is a poor plan for most travelers.

Can foreigners legally ride motorbikes in Vietnam?

Having a foreign car driving license does not automatically authorize you to ride a motorbike in Vietnam.

Under the licensing system effective from 2025, category A1 covers motorcycles with engine capacities up to 125cc. Larger motorcycles require an appropriate license category. Licenses issued under earlier rules are subject to transitional provisions. Foreign visitors need a valid license for the type of motorcycle they intend to ride.

Where an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention is recognized, the rider must also carry the corresponding valid national driving license.

Before renting, check your license category, the motorcycle's engine capacity, and the rental company's insurance conditions.

Should you ride from Hoi An back to Da Nang at night?

Many visitors spend the day in Hoi An and wait until the lanterns come on before leaving.

On a motorbike, allow another hour or so to return to Da Nang.

Many parts of the route have streetlights, but there are still busy intersections, trucks, and sections with less lighting than the city center.

For a short day trip focused on spending the evening in the Ancient Town, taking a car both ways is generally easier to manage.

Should you visit Hoi An for a day or stay overnight?

This decision has a direct effect on which transport option makes sense.

Option A: a day trip to Hoi An

If you're staying in Da Nang and want to spend an afternoon and evening in Hoi An, this is a practical schedule:

1. 2:00 PM

   Leave Da Nang

   Leave your Da Nang hotel by Grab or private car.

2. 3:00 PM

   Arrive in Hoi An

   Arrive in Hoi An.

3. 3:30 PM

   Walk the old town

   Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tran Phu Street, and Nguyen Thai Hoc Street.

4. 5:30 PM

   Dinner

   Have dinner in Hoi An.

5. 6:30-8:00 PM

   Lanterns

   Walk along the Hoai River and see the lanterns.

6. 8:30 PM

   Head back

   Leave Hoi An for Da Nang.

7. 9:30 PM

   Back at the hotel

   Expected arrival at your Da Nang hotel.

This itinerary works well if you want to see Hoi An after the daytime heat begins to ease and the streets start lighting up.

Photo: lumoplank

Grab or a pre-arranged return transfer is more suitable than public buses.

Don't rely on bus 02 for both directions if you plan to stay until 8 PM. The final bus leaves much earlier.

Confirm whether a private driver's return quote includes the time spent waiting while you explore Hoi An.

A quote described as "round trip" does not necessarily include several hours of free waiting.

Option B: stay one night in Hoi An

An overnight stay is a better choice if you want to explore the Ancient Town at a slower pace, visit the morning market, or spend time at An Bang Beach the following day.

A simple plan would be:

Day 1: Travel directly from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An, check into your hotel, rest, and explore the Ancient Town in the late afternoon and evening.

Day 2: Have breakfast, walk around Hoi An, or visit An Bang Beach before continuing your trip.

This suits international visitors arriving in Vietnam after a long flight.

You avoid making a 60 km round trip simply to spend a few hours in the Ancient Town.

If your Hoi An hotel offers airport transfers, ask for its price before booking with an outside operator.

Some hotels work with transport providers offering reasonable rates, especially when you book both arrival and departure transfers.

Where should you get dropped off in Hoi An?

A common mistake when booking Grab is entering "Hoi An Ancient Town" and leaving the app to choose a general destination.

Hoi An Ancient Town includes pedestrian streets and areas where motor vehicle access is restricted during certain hours.

Cars cannot always stop directly outside your hotel's entrance.

There are three areas worth distinguishing.

Hoi An Ancient Town

This includes streets near the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tran Phu, Nguyen Thai Hoc, and Bach Dang.

Photo: YukioSanjo

Drivers may need to drop you off at the edge of the vehicle-restricted area, leaving you to walk the final stretch.

Ask your hotel about the nearest suitable vehicle access point when carrying several large suitcases.

Hai Ba Trung parking area

This is the relevant arrival area when taking public bus 02.

From here, you can walk approximately 1 km toward the Japanese Covered Bridge, depending on the route you choose.

It works for visitors traveling light, but less comfortable if you're pulling several suitcases.

An Bang Beach and Cua Dai

These are outside the central Ancient Town area.

Enter the exact hotel name and address for a beachfront hotel or resort, rather than a generic Ancient Town landmark.

Photo: Edgardo W. Olivera

For example, if your accommodation is in An Bang but you get dropped off near the Japanese Covered Bridge, you'll need another transfer to reach your hotel. That means extra travel time and possibly another fare.

Three common travel situations and what to choose

Situation 1: one traveler lands at Da Nang Airport at 10 AM with a backpack

Start by checking the Hai Van 01SB airport bus.

A ticket costs 120,000 VND, and the route goes directly toward Hoi An.

Choose a suitable stop near Hai Ba Trung or another confirmed stop along the route, then continue to your accommodation.

This is straightforward to budget for and doesn't require changing buses.

Compare shared commercial shuttles or Grab when the bus schedule doesn't match your arrival.

There's no reason to take a taxi into central Da Nang simply to start another journey to Hoi An.

Situation 2: two international travelers arrive at 10 PM

Choose GrabCar or a pre-booked private transfer.

With Grab, connect to the internet, select T2 if you've arrived on an international flight, and enter your Hoi An hotel.

With a private transfer, provide the flight number and ask the operator to confirm the meeting point in English.

Do not plan around the 01SB airport bus or public bus 02 in this situation. Their operating hours end well before 10 PM.

Situation 3: a family of four staying in Da Nang wants dinner in Hoi An

A private car is usually more practical than the public bus.

A family with large suitcases or a stroller needs a vehicle with suitable luggage capacity.

With only small day bags, compare Grab's larger-vehicle options with a private seven-seat transfer.

You could leave Da Nang around 3 PM, explore Hoi An as the weather cools, have dinner, and return later in the evening. Arrange your return transport before leaving Da Nang, especially on weekends, holidays, or days with heavy rain in the forecast.

Extra costs and travel time people often forget

The displayed transport fare isn't always the total cost of getting from one place to another.

A few details are worth checking.

Airport charges: Some taxi and ride-hailing journeys include airport entry or exit fees. Check whether these are already included in the displayed price or the private transfer quote.

Getting from the bus stop to your hotel: A ticket on bus 02 may cost only 30,000 VND, but you still need to reach your accommodation after getting off. Travelers with large luggage may need to book a short additional ride.

Waiting time: Grab vehicles may arrive quickly or take longer during busy periods. Shared shuttles operate on fixed schedules, while public bus 02 makes multiple stops.

Late-night pickup charges: Private transfers may charge more for flights arriving late at night. Confirm any surcharge before paying.

Returning to Da Nang Airport: The drive from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport usually takes around 40-60 minutes when traffic is moving normally. You also need to allow time for airport check-in, security, immigration for international departures, and possible traffic delays.

Weekends and holidays: Ride-hailing prices can change according to demand, weather, and vehicle availability. A fare seen midweek isn't guaranteed to remain the same on Saturday evening.

For motorbike rentals, add fuel, parking, and any additional charges for returning the motorbike outside the agreed location.

Some companies may charge extra if you want to return a bike in Hoi An instead of Da Nang.

Which transport option should you choose?

There isn't one best vehicle for every traveler.

Your starting point, arrival time, group size, and luggage are usually enough to narrow down the choices.

• From the airport, traveling alone during the day: Check the Hai Van 01SB first. The fare is 120,000 VND and it travels directly toward Hoi An.
• From the airport, two or more people with suitcases: Compare GrabCar and private transfers. Look at the total vehicle price rather than the price per passenger.
• From Da Nang Railway Station after a long train ride: Grab or a taxi is generally the easiest way to reach your hotel directly.
• From central Hai Chau with a small backpack: Public bus 02, costing up to 30,000 VND, is an economical choice.
• For exploring both the Marble Mountains and Hoi An independently: A motorbike may suit experienced riders with the required license.
• For seeing Hoi An's lanterns at night before returning to Da Nang: Arrange a car for the return journey instead of relying on a late public bus.

Whatever you choose, save your destination address before leaving.

It also helps to check whether your hotel is inside the Ancient Town pedestrian area or on a road accessible to cars.

That small detail can save you an unnecessary transfer or a long walk with luggage.

Just landed in Da Nang and heading straight to Hoi An? Enter your hotel address in Grab to check the current fare, then compare it with the Hai Van 01SB shuttle or a private transfer. Once you reach the Ancient Town, start at the Japanese Covered Bridge, walk along Tran Phu Street, and make your way toward the Hoai River in the late afternoon.