How to getting Da Nang

Planning a trip to Central Vietnam often starts with one practical question: what is the best way of getting to Da Nang without wasting travel time, overpaying, or dealing with last-minute transport stress? Many first-time visitors find themselves torn between booking a short domestic flight, taking the overnight coastal train, or catching a sleeper bus—and once they arrive, figuring out a reliable Da Nang airport transfer to their hotel or onward to Hoi An and Hue can be just as confusing due to language barriers and unpredictable taxi fares.

As a local transport team operating daily across Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, we have helped thousands of travelers navigate their arrival smoothly. In this updated guide on how to get to Da Nang, we break down every transport option—by plane, cruise ship, train, sleeper bus, and private car service in Da Nang—complete with real travel times, estimated costs, and local tips so you can choose the best route for your itinerary and budget.

BY PLANE

Taking a flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Da Nang, especially if you are coming from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or neighboring Asian hubs. Located just 3 km from the city center and about 30 km (45 minutes by car) from Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the busiest aviation hub in Central Vietnam and the third-largest international airport in the country, after Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) and Noi Bai (Hanoi).

Daily flights to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City take only about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with dozens of departures from early morning until late evening. Reputable domestic and international airlines—including Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and AirAsia—operate direct routes connecting Da Nang with major cities such as Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Taipei, and Tokyo, alongside seasonal charter flights.

To check real-time flight schedules, baggage allowances, and ticket fares, simply search on the official websites or mobile apps of Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, or your preferred international carrier.

TO/FROM DA NANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Once you land at Da Nang International Airport, getting to your hotel in the city center, Hoi An, or Hue is straightforward, though choosing the right vehicle depends on your luggage and group size. Solo backpackers traveling light can catch a local motorbike taxi (xe ôm) outside the terminal, while families, couples, or groups with suitcases will find it much safer and more comfortable to pre-book a Da Nang airport transfer with a reputable local transport company. A private airport pick-up starts from 14 USD for a 4-seat sedan, with a driver waiting for you at the arrival gate holding a welcome name board—so you never have to haggle over fares or worry about language barriers after a tiring flight.

Depending on where you are staying in Central Vietnam, keep these distances and departure buffer times in mind so you never miss a flight:

• Da Nang Airport to/from Hoi An (30 km – 45 to 60 minutes): Booking a Da Nang Airport to Hoi An transfer takes about 45 minutes along the coastal road. If you are traveling from Hoi An to catch a flight in Da Nang, plan to leave your hotel at least 2.5 to 3 hours before a domestic flight (or 3.5 hours before an international flight).
• Da Nang Airport to/from Hue (110 km – 2.5 to 3 hours): The drive between Hue and Da Nang by private car covers roughly 110 km via the Hai Van Tunnel or Hai Van Pass. If your flight departs from Da Nang International Airport, make sure to leave Hue at least 3.5 to 4.5 hours before departure time to allow enough buffer for the 3-hour drive and airport check-in.

BY TRAVEL CRUISE

Arriving in Central Vietnam by sea is an unforgettable experience, with international cruise liners docking at Tien Sa Seaport in Da Nang (about 10 km from the city center) or nearby Chan May Port (for larger vessels visiting Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue). Over recent years, Tien Sa Port in Da Nang has upgraded its passenger terminal, piers, and dedicated lanes for tourist vehicles and electric shuttles to welcome luxury ships such as Costa Fortuna, Azamara Journey, Voyager of the Seas, Star Cruises SuperStar Gemini, Seabourn Legend, and Le Soléal.

Because cruise ships typically dock for only 8 to 12 hours, relying on last-minute taxis at the pier can be risky and overpriced. To make the most of your time ashore visiting the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, or the Imperial City of Hue, we strongly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An or Hue before your ship arrives.

Local Tip on Seaport Pick-up & Port Entry Fees:

• Pick-up inside the seaport (near the ship gangway): If you want a private car waiting right beside your cruise ship, port authorities charge a mandatory seaport security and administration fee of around 20 to 25 USD per person, and you must send your passport details at least 3 to 5 days in advance for port clearance.
• Pick-up outside the main port gate (No extra port fee): To save the 20 USD/person port fee, you can take the free port shuttle or walk about 500 meters to the Main Gate of Tien Sa Port (or Chan May Port), where our driver will be waiting for you with a welcome name board for a smooth, on-time shore excursion.

BY TRAIN

Da Nang Railway Station is one of the most important stops along Vietnam’s North–South Reunification Express railway, with daily passenger trains pausing here long enough for travelers to board and disembark comfortably. A common mistake many first-time visitors make is searching for a “Hoi An train station”—in fact, Hoi An does not have a railway line. If you are traveling to Hoi An by train, you must disembark at Da Nang Railway Station (about 30 km away) and continue your journey by local bus or pre-book a private car transfer from Da Nang Station to Hoi An, where our driver greets you right at the station exit with a name board.

Choosing the Best Train Seat or Sleeper Berth:

• Long-distance overnight trains (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang): The rail journey takes approximately 14 to 20 hours, passing through peaceful countryside and coastal scenery. For an overnight trip, we strongly recommend booking an air-conditioned 4-berth soft sleeper (or 6-berth sleeper) so you can rest comfortably.
• Short scenic coastal trips (Hue to Da Nang or Nha Trang to Da Nang): For shorter daytime journeys—especially the famous coastal train ride over the Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang—most travelers prefer an air-conditioned soft seat, or you can combine the rail ride with a private car on our Da Nang to Hue Scenic Train & Private Car Day Trip. Budget travelers can also opt for a hard seat to save money on short legs.

Major Railway Stations, Train Schedules & Estimated Fares:

• Da Nang Railway Station: 791 Hai Phong Street (formerly 202 Hai Phong), Thanh Khe District, Da Nang – Tel: (+84) 236 3823 810 / (+84) 235 3752 333.
• Hanoi to Da Nang Trains (Hanoi Station – 120 Le Duan Street, Tel: +84 243 9423 697): Daily Reunification Express trains stopping at Da Nang include SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, and the popular tourist train SE19 (departs around 19:30). Ticket fares typically range from 600,000 VND to 950,000 VND depending on seat or sleeper class.
• Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang Trains (Saigon Station – 01 Nguyen Thong Street, District 3): Daily northbound trains to Da Nang include SE2, SE4, SE6, and SE8, with fares ranging from 450,000 VND to 1,250,000 VND.
• Hue Railway Station: 01 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Hue City (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours by scenic train to Da Nang).

Local Tip for Buying Train Tickets:

• You can check official timetables and ticket prices on the Vietnam Railways portal (dsvn.vn) or purchase tickets directly at the station counter. Keep in mind that ticket counter staff at local train stations often speak limited English, so if you buy tickets in person, have your destination, travel date, train code (such as SE19 or SE2), and preferred berth class written down clearly on your phone.
• If you travel on vietnam holidays (Lunar New Year – 30 Apr – National day): you should book on offical web before 1-2 months, don’t use OTA, ticket is not acceptable or no-show

BY BUS

From most of the big cities in Vietnam, there are always open bus, high-quality bus, sleeping bus to Da Nang and vice versa. You can find on the internet the sleeping bus of the travel companies such as Futa bus, the Sinh tourist, An Phu Bus, Trekking bus… is also a convenient way to travel with the price from 250.000 VND – 600.000 vnd (the fares depend on Vietnam’s holiday)

TAXI/CAP PRIVATE CAR SERVICE IN DA NANG

There are many companies operated in Danang at the moment. They often park along the streets or tourists can make a phone call to order a car.

You can connect Da Nang from Hue: 55 USD/ sedan or transfer Da Nang to Hoi An  from 14 USD/ sedan.