This guide covers the practical side of arrival: which airlines fly where, how the train compares to flying, and what to do the moment you step out of Da Nang International Airport. No fluff, just the numbers, times and prices that matter.
Flying to Da Nang: airlines, routes and what tickets cost
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) handles both domestic and international flights. The airport is small by regional standards, with a single terminal for domestic arrivals and a separate international terminal next door. It works efficiently. Baggage arrives quickly. Immigration lines move faster than at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Domestic routes
Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways all fly to Da Nang. The two busiest routes are:
Hanoi to Da Nang
- Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Frequency: 15-20 flights daily across all carriers
- Price range: 800,000-2,500,000 VND (USD 32-100) one way
- Best carriers for comfort: Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways
Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang
- Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: 20-25 flights daily
- Price range: 700,000-2,200,000 VND (USD 28-88) one way
- Vietjet often runs promotions below 500,000 VND (USD 20) for early bookings
Other domestic routes with direct service include Hai Phong, Vinh, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Buon Ma Thuot and Can Tho. Flight times range from 45 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
International routes
Da Nang has direct connections to major Asian cities. Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Taipei, Shanghai and Guangzhou all have regular service. Several Chinese cities resumed routes in 2025 after the pandemic pause.
Flight times from Singapore are 2 hours 30 minutes. From Bangkok, 1 hour 50 minutes. From Seoul, 4 hours 30 minutes. From Tokyo, 5 hours 15 minutes.
International arrivals use the separate terminal. The walk from plane to baggage claim takes about 10 minutes. Immigration queues vary widely depending on arrival time. Morning flights from Northeast Asia tend to be busiest.
Booking tips for 2026
Book domestic flights 3-6 weeks ahead for the best prices. Last-minute fares run 2-3 times higher. Vietjet's promotional fares require flexibility on dates and times. Vietnam Airlines includes 20 kg checked baggage in standard fares; Vietjet charges extra unless you book a "SkyBoss" or "Deluxe" fare.
For international routes, compare fares on the airline's own website rather than third-party aggregators. Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways sometimes offer better prices directly, especially for round trips.
Check the domestic flights in Vietnam guide for a full comparison of carriers, baggage policies and on-time performance.
Taking the train: the Reunification Express option
The train to Da Nang is slower than flying but far more scenic. The route hugs the coast for long stretches, passing through Hai Van Pass and alongside beaches that roads and airports skip entirely.
From Hanoi
The journey takes 15-17 hours depending on the service. Trains depart Hanoi station in the late afternoon or early evening and arrive in Da Nang the following morning. The SE1, SE3 and SE19 are the main services.
Ticket prices:
| Class | Price (VND) | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard seat | 450,000-550,000 | 18-22 | Uncomfortable for overnight |
| Soft seat | 600,000-750,000 | 24-30 | Bearable but not recommended |
| 6-berth sleeper | 800,000-1,000,000 | 32-40 | Budget sleeping option |
| 4-berth sleeper | 1,000,000-1,400,000 | 40-56 | Better privacy and space |
| VIP 2-berth | 1,800,000-2,300,000 | 72-92 | Best option for couples |
From Ho Chi Minh City
The ride takes 17-19 hours. Trains depart in the afternoon and arrive in Da Nang the next morning. The SE2, SE4 and SE22 run this route.
Prices run slightly higher than from Hanoi due to the longer distance. A 4-berth sleeper costs 1,100,000-1,500,000 VND (USD 44-60).
Booking and practicalities
Book train tickets through the official website dsvn.vn or at the station ticket office. Third-party sites like 12Go Asia add a markup of 15-30 percent but offer English-language booking and instant confirmation.
The train arrives at Da Nang station on Hai Phong Street, about 2 km west of the Han River. Taxis wait outside. A ride to My Khe Beach costs 80,000-120,000 VND (USD 3-5). Grab is often cheaper.
For a full breakdown of train travel in Vietnam, including route maps and booking advice, see the Vietnam by train guide.
Buses to Da Nang: the budget option
Open-tour buses and sleeper buses connect Da Nang with cities across Vietnam. This is the cheapest way to arrive, but also the least comfortable.
From Hoi An
The most common bus route. Local buses run every 15-20 minutes from Hoi An's central bus station to Da Nang's city center. The trip takes 45-60 minutes and costs 20,000-30,000 VND (USD 1-1.20). Grab from Hoi An to Da Nang costs 250,000-350,000 VND (USD 10-14) and takes 40 minutes.
From Hue
Sleeper buses run frequently between Hue and Da Nang. The journey takes 3-3.5 hours through the Hai Van Pass. Prices range from 120,000-200,000 VND (USD 5-8). The bus passes through the tunnel under the pass, which saves time but skips the views.
From other cities
Long-distance buses arrive from Hanoi (16-18 hours, 400,000-600,000 VND or USD 16-24), Ho Chi Minh City (20-22 hours, 500,000-700,000 VND or USD 20-28) and Da Lat (10-12 hours, 300,000-450,000 VND or USD 12-18).
The sleeper bus guide covers what to expect on overnight routes, including seat sizes, luggage policies and safety considerations.
Da Nang airport transfers: every option compared
Da Nang International Airport sits only 3 km from My Khe Beach and 5 km from the city center. The short distance means transfer costs stay low. Here is what each option costs and how it works.
Grab and ride-hailing apps
Grab operates throughout Da Nang. The app works reliably, drivers arrive within 3-7 minutes, and prices are transparent.
- GrabCar to city center: 80,000-120,000 VND (USD 3-5)
- GrabCar to My Khe Beach: 100,000-150,000 VND (USD 4-6)
- GrabBike (motorbike taxi): 40,000-60,000 VND (USD 1.60-2.40)
The pickup point for Grab at Da Nang airport is outside the domestic terminal, near the taxi rank. Look for the green Grab signs. During peak hours (5-8 PM), wait times can stretch to 10 minutes.
Airport taxis
Licensed airport taxis queue outside both terminals. The two most reliable companies are Mai Linh (green cars) and Vinasun (white cars with red and green stripes). Both use meters.
- To city center: 120,000-180,000 VND (USD 5-7)
- To My Khe Beach: 130,000-190,000 VND (USD 5-8)
- To Hoi An: 350,000-450,000 VND (USD 14-18)
Always confirm the driver uses the meter before starting the trip. Fixed-price "airport taxis" that quote a flat rate before departure usually charge 20-30 percent more than metered fares.
Pro tip: Skip the drivers who approach you inside the arrivals hall. Walk past them to the official taxi queue. Licensed taxis are clearly marked and use meters. Unlicensed drivers often quote inflated fixed prices.
Private car services
Hotels and resorts can arrange private airport pickup. Prices range from 250,000-400,000 VND (USD 10-16) for a standard sedan. Luxury resorts like the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula charge 600,000-900,000 VND (USD 24-36) for their airport transfers. These services include a driver holding a name sign and cold towels.
Public bus
Da Nang's public bus system includes route 1, which runs between the airport and the city center. The fare is 8,000 VND (USD 0.30). Buses run every 20-30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The stop is outside the domestic terminal, across the parking lot.
This option works only for travelers with minimal luggage and no time pressure. For everyone else, Grab or a taxi is worth the extra cost.
Walking
The walk from the airport to the city center takes 45-60 minutes. It is not recommended. The route follows busy roads with limited sidewalks. The heat and humidity make it unpleasant for most of the year.
Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An and Hue
Da Nang is the gateway for two of Vietnam's most visited destinations. Both are easy to reach.
Da Nang to Hoi An
Hoi An sits 30 km south of Da Nang. The trip takes 40-50 minutes by car.
| Transport | Cost (VND) | Cost (USD) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GrabCar | 250,000-350,000 | 10-14 | 40-50 min |
| Taxi | 350,000-450,000 | 14-18 | 40-50 min |
| Local bus (route 1) | 20,000-30,000 | 1-1.20 | 60-75 min |
| Motorbike rental | 150,000/day + fuel | 6/day + fuel | 45 min |
The local bus from Da Nang's central bus station to Hoi An runs every 15 minutes. The drop-off point is on the edge of Hoi An's old town, a 10-minute walk from the main attractions.
For the best time to visit Hoi An, check the weather guide before booking. The lantern festivals happen on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month.
Da Nang to Hue
Hue lies 100 km north of Da Nang. The journey takes 2-2.5 hours by road or 2.5-3 hours by train.
- Train: 80,000-150,000 VND (USD 3-6) for a seat, 200,000-350,000 VND (USD 8-14) for a sleeper
- Bus: 120,000-200,000 VND (USD 5-8)
- Private car: 800,000-1,200,000 VND (USD 32-48)
The train between Da Nang and Hue is one of the most scenic stretches of the Reunification Express. It climbs over Hai Van Pass and hugs the coastline for 30 minutes. Worth taking even if you are not continuing further north.
What to know before you arrive
Visa requirements
Vietnam requires visas for most nationalities. The e-visa system covers 80+ countries and takes 3-5 working days to process. The cost is 25 USD for a single entry, valid for 90 days.
Check the Vietnam e-visa guide for the application process and common rejection reasons.
Currency and payments
Vietnam uses the dong (VND). Cash is king at local restaurants, markets and street stalls. Cards work at hotels, mid-range restaurants and larger shops. ATMs are everywhere in Da Nang, with most dispensing up to 3,000,000 VND (USD 120) per transaction.
The exchanging money guide covers the best rates and where to avoid getting ripped off.
SIM cards and connectivity
Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone all offer tourist SIM cards at the airport. Prices range from 200,000-350,000 VND (USD 8-14) for 30 days with 30-60 GB of data. The airport kiosks charge slightly more than city stores but save a trip.
The wifi and internet guide compares SIM and eSIM options in detail.
Weather and what to pack
Da Nang has two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from February to August, with temperatures between 25-38°C (77-100°F). The rainy season runs from September to January, with peak rainfall in October and November.
The best time to visit Da Nang guide breaks down each month's conditions. For the October specifics, the Danang weather in October article covers what the rain actually feels like.
Pack light cotton clothing, a rain jacket from September to January, and sunscreen year-round. The heat and hydration guide has practical advice for the hotter months.
Accessibility considerations
Da Nang is one of Vietnam's more accessible cities for travelers with disabilities. The airport has ramps and elevators. Most newer hotels include accessible rooms. The sidewalks along Bach Dang Street and the beachfront are wide and mostly flat.
The accessibility guide covers what to expect across Vietnam. For seniors, the senior travelers guide has specific advice on pacing and transport choices.
FAQ
Q: How far is Da Nang airport from the city center? The airport is 3 km from My Khe Beach and 5 km from the Han River bridge area. A Grab ride takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
Q: Which is better, flying or taking the train to Da Nang? Fly if time matters. The flight from Hanoi takes 1 hour 20 minutes versus 15-17 hours on the train. Take the train if the coastal scenery matters more than speed, or if traveling overnight to save a hotel night.
Q: How much does a taxi from Da Nang airport to Hoi An cost? A metered taxi costs 350,000-450,000 VND (USD 14-18). Grab runs 250,000-350,000 VND (USD 10-14). The trip takes 40-50 minutes.
Q: Is there a direct bus from Da Nang airport to Hoi An? No direct bus. Take route 1 into Da Nang city center, then transfer to the Hoi An bus. Total cost is under 50,000 VND (USD 2) and takes about 2 hours.
Q: What airlines fly internationally to Da Nang? Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Korean Air, Asiana, Japan Airlines, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Express and several Chinese carriers operate direct international flights.
Q: How early should I arrive at Da Nang airport for a domestic flight? Arrive 90 minutes before departure. The airport is efficient, but security lines can back up during morning rush hours (6-9 AM) and before holiday weekends.
Q: Can I book train tickets from Hanoi to Da Nang online? Yes. The official website dsvn.vn accepts international cards. Third-party sites like 12Go Asia also work but add a markup. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for sleeper berths, especially on weekends and holidays.