Short answer: Hoi An is about 30 km south of Da Nang International Airport, a 40–50 minute drive in normal traffic. The easiest way to get there is a pre-booked private car (from about US$22 per car) or a Grab car booked in the app (roughly 250,000–350,000 VND). Metered taxis wait outside arrivals, and budget travellers can take a shared shuttle or a local bus with a change on the way. Below we compare each option with estimated October 2026 prices, so you can pick the one that fits your flight time, luggage and budget.
Da Nang Airport to Hoi An at a glance
| Option | Time (approx.) | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked private car | 40–50 min | from about US$22 per car (5 seats), US$26 (7 seats) | Families, groups, late-night arrivals, lots of luggage |
| Grab / ride-hailing car | 40–60 min | about 250,000–350,000 VND (4 seats); 350,000–450,000 VND (7 seats) | Travellers with a working SIM or eSIM on landing |
| Metered airport taxi | 40–60 min | about 300,000–450,000 VND | When your phone has no data and you need to leave now |
| Shared shuttle van | 60–75 min | about 130,000–150,000 VND per seat | Solo travellers on a budget |
| Local bus | 60–90 min + transfers | about 30,000–35,000 VND per seat | Backpackers with light bags and plenty of time |
All prices are estimates gathered in October 2026. Fares change with season, fuel prices, time of day and demand, so always confirm before you ride.
How far is Hoi An from Da Nang Airport?
The drive is roughly 30 km. Most cars take the coastal road past My Khe and Non Nuoc beaches, then turn inland towards the Ancient Town. In normal traffic it takes 40–50 minutes. Allow about an hour around 5 pm, and up to 90 minutes in heavy rain during the wet season (roughly September to December).
Your exact time also depends on where you are staying. Hotels near the Ancient Town and An Bang Beach are about the same distance. Resorts at Cua Dai beach are a few minutes further south. Cars cannot drive into the pedestrian core of the old town, so if your homestay is on a walking street, your driver will stop as close as possible and help with bags.
Option 1: Pre-booked private car – the stress-free choice
If you have just stepped off a long-haul flight, a driver waiting with your name on a sign is hard to beat. You walk out of arrivals, the driver takes your bags, and you are on your way without searching for Wi-Fi, comparing apps or haggling.
- Price: a fixed price per car, not per person. Our Da Nang airport transfer to Hoi An is US$22 for a 5-seat car and US$26 for a 7-seat car, with tolls, parking and fuel included.
- Flight tracking: the driver follows your flight, so a delay does not cost you extra. We include 60 minutes of free waiting after landing.
- Late arrivals: the price is the same day or night, which matters when you land after midnight and the taxi queue is short.
- Stops on the way: you can add a short stop at the Marble Mountains, which sit right on the route.
The trade-off is that a private car usually costs a little more than a Grab for two people. For a family of four with big suitcases, or anyone landing late at night, it is often the best value.
Option 2: Grab and other ride-hailing apps
Grab works well in Da Nang, and Xanh SM (an electric taxi company) is also popular. The fare is shown before you confirm, which removes most of the worry about being overcharged.
- Estimated fare: about 250,000–350,000 VND for a standard car to the Ancient Town, and 350,000–450,000 VND for a 7-seat car. Prices rise at peak times and when it rains.
- Pick-up point: ride-hailing cars collect passengers from a set pick-up area outside the terminal, not at the arrivals door. Follow the signs and check the car plate in the app before getting in.
- You need data: buy a SIM card or set up an eSIM before you leave the terminal. The airport Wi-Fi can be slow at busy times.
- Payment: cash in Vietnamese dong is the simplest. Card payment works if your card is accepted in the app.
Option 3: Metered airport taxi
Licensed taxis from well-known companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun queue outside arrivals. Expect roughly 300,000–450,000 VND to Hoi An on the meter, plus any airport fee shown at the exit.
Tips to avoid problems:
- Use the official taxi queue. Ignore people who approach you inside the terminal offering a "taxi".
- Check that the meter is switched on when you start, or agree a fixed price before you get in.
- Have the hotel address written down or on your phone, ideally with a map pin.
- Some taxis add a small surcharge for card payment, so carry some cash.
Option 4: Shared shuttle van
Several companies run shared vans between Da Nang and Hoi An, and some collect passengers at the airport. Seats cost about 130,000–150,000 VND, and the ride takes 60–75 minutes because the van drops off other passengers first. Book a day ahead and send your flight number. If your flight is badly delayed, you may miss the departure, so this suits daytime arrivals best.
Option 5: Local bus – cheapest, but not easy from the airport
Local buses link Da Nang and Hoi An for about 30,000–35,000 VND, but they do not run from the arrivals hall, and route numbers have changed in recent years. In practice you usually need a short ride to a city bus stop first, and the bus ends at Hoi An bus station, about 2 km from the Ancient Town. With a backpack and a free afternoon it is a fun local experience. With suitcases or after a night flight, it rarely makes sense. Ask at your hotel or check the latest route before you go, and carry small notes because fares are paid in cash.
Which option should you choose?
- Family or group with luggage: a private car. One fixed price covers everyone, and a 7-seat car fits big suitcases.
- Arriving late at night: a pre-booked car, so someone is definitely waiting for you.
- Couple with carry-on bags and a SIM card: Grab is quick and good value.
- Solo traveller on a tight budget: a shared shuttle, or the local bus if you have time and light bags.
- Phone not working on arrival: the official taxi queue.
Arrival checklist at Da Nang Airport
- Visa first. Check whether you need a visa before you fly. Many nationalities need an eVisa, which you apply for online in advance. Our Vietnam eVisa assistance page explains how we can help.
- Get some dong. There are ATMs and exchange counters in the arrivals area. Small notes are useful for tips and snacks.
- SIM or eSIM. Mobile network kiosks are just after customs if you plan to use Grab.
- Know your hotel location. Many Hoi An homestays sit on narrow lanes, so share a map pin with your driver.
- Check the weather. From September to December, heavy rain can slow the drive and flood low streets near the river. See our Da Nang weather by month guide.
Going back: Hoi An to Da Nang Airport
For the return trip, plan to leave Hoi An about 3 hours before an international flight and about 2 hours before a domestic flight. That allows 45–60 minutes on the road plus time for check-in and security. Most hotels can call a taxi, and Grab works from Hoi An too. If you prefer a fixed price and a driver who knows your flight time, book the same transfer in reverse: the price is the same in both directions.
Spending a few days in Hoi An?
Once you have checked in, the Ancient Town is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Start with our Hoi An travel guide, take an early walk through the Ancient Town before the crowds, and see the Japanese Covered Bridge lit up at night. If you are based in Da Nang instead, our Hoi An day trip from Da Nang guide shows how to plan a relaxed day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An?
About 40–50 minutes by car in normal traffic. Allow up to an hour in the late afternoon and up to 90 minutes in heavy rain.
How much is a Grab from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An?
Roughly 250,000–350,000 VND for a standard car and 350,000–450,000 VND for a 7-seat car (October 2026 estimates). The exact fare is shown in the app before you confirm.
Is there a direct bus from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An?
Not a public one from the terminal. Local buses between Da Nang and Hoi An leave from city stops, so you need a short ride first. Shared shuttle vans are the closest thing to a direct bus.
Is it better to stay in Da Nang or Hoi An?
Stay in Hoi An for the old town atmosphere, tailors and quiet beaches. Stay in Da Nang for the city beach, nightlife and easy day trips to Ba Na Hills and the Hai Van Pass. Many travellers split their time between both.
Can I book a private car from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An at night?
Yes. Our private transfers run around the clock at the same price, and the driver tracks your flight so you are not charged if it is late.
Book your Da Nang Airport to Hoi An transfer
Send us your flight number, arrival time, hotel in Hoi An and number of passengers. We confirm within 24 hours and send your driver's name, WhatsApp and car plate before you fly. Book your airport transfer to Hoi An or ask us a question.