Da Nang is a modern, friendly, and rapidly developing city with a public transport system that is convenient, safe, and incredibly affordable. Whether you want to relax on the famous My Khe Beach, explore the city’s stunning attractions, or make the essential journey to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, getting around is surprisingly easy.
This guide, brought to you by Vietnam Story, is your ultimate resource for navigating the city like a local. We will cover the essentials of the local bus network, the convenience of ride-hailing apps like Grab, and our expert tips to ensure your travels around Da Nang are completely seamless and stress-free.
Da Nang’s public transport
City bus system (DanaBus)
For the budget-conscious traveler, the city’s subsidized public bus system, known as DanaBus, is the most affordable way to travel. The buses are modern, clean, air-conditioned, and follow fixed routes across the city.
| Feature | Details | Expert tip for tourists |
| Operating hours | The buses generally run from 05:00 AM to 07:00 PM, with some popular routes extending to 09:00 PM. The frequency is usually every 15-30 minutes. | We highly recommend you check the schedule on the DanaBus app, especially in the evenings and on weekends, as services can be less frequent. |
| Bus fares | The subsidized city routes have a very cheap flat fare of 7,000 – 8,000 VND (less than ₹30) per ride. It’s amazing value! | Always carry small bills! It is very important to have small denominations of VND (like 5,000 or 10,000 VND notes) as the ticket collectors on the bus may not have change for large bills like 500,000 VND. |
| Ticketing | It’s very simple. You just pay the fare in cash directly to the ticket collector who will come to your seat after you board the bus. | While monthly passes are available for locals, they are not a cost-effective option for short-term visitors. |
| Key routes | There are many routes covering the city. For tourists, look for buses that connect the city center with key landmarks like My Khe Beach and the Marble Mountains. | Route 06 is highly useful! It connects the Da Nang Airport directly to Non Nuoc Beach, which is right next to the Marble Mountains, making it a super-cheap option for backpackers. |
To make using the bus system even easier, Vietnamstory.in recommends downloading one of these apps on your phone:
- DanaBus app: This is the official app for the bus system. You can use it for route planning, and it displays the real-time location of the buses on a map.
- BusMap app: This is another popular third-party app that also provides real-time tracking and is very helpful for navigating Da Nang’s transit system.
Our honest advice: While these apps are very useful, sometimes the real-time tracking can be a little unreliable. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, like checking your route on Google Maps, or being prepared to take a Grab if you are in a hurry.
Da Nang Train
Da Nang train, often an integral part of Vietnam’s scenic railway network, offers travelers a unique way to experience the country’s central coast. Connecting various destinations, it provides not only practical transport but also breathtaking views of lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant local life, making the journey itself a memorable part of any Da Nang adventure.
Train travel from Da Nang to iconic Vietnamese cities like Hue, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City offers a range of options to suit every budget and comfort preference. Fares are determined by factors such as seating class, train type, and booking time.
Here’s a breakdown of the available ticket types:
- Hard Seat: The most economical choice, featuring basic, uncushioned seating ideal for shorter journeys.
- Soft Seat: A more comfortable upgrade, these seats include cushioning and come at a slightly higher price point.
- Hard Sleeper: Designed for longer overnight trips, this option provides a bunk in a 6-bed compartment, typically with a thin or no mattress, offering a cost-effective sleeping arrangement.
- Soft Sleeper: The premium sleeping option, these tickets secure a more comfortable bed in a 4- or 6-bed compartment, complete with a thicker mattress for enhanced rest during extended travel.
- Da Nang Airport (DAD) connections
Da Nang Airport (DAD) connections
Your journey begins the moment you land. Getting from Da Nang International Airport (DAD) to your hotel is quick, easy, and you have options for every budget.
| Transport option | Typical cost (VND) | Travel time | Expert recommendation |
| Public bus (Route 06) | 8,000 VND | 20–30 minutes | This is the cheapest option, perfect for solo travelers with light luggage. The bus stop is a short walk from the terminal building on Nguyen Huu Tho Street. |
| Grab (Ride-hailing) | 50,000–100,000 VND (Car) | 10–15 minutes | This is our top recommendation for Indian travelers. It’s just like using Uber or Ola. You get a fixed, fair price in the app, there is no language barrier for the destination, and it offers a comfortable, door-to-door service. |
| Taxi (Mai Linh/Vinasun) | 60,000–120,000 VND | 10–15 minutes | The traditional taxis from reputable companies like Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white) are reliable, but you must always ensure the driver uses the meter to avoid being overcharged. |
| Private transfer (Vietnam Story) | 150,000–250,000 VND | 10–15 minutes | For families or groups with significant luggage, this is the best, most stress-free option. The car is pre-booked at a fixed price, and your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate. |
READ MORE: Your Essential Guide to International Airports in Vietnam for Indian Traveller
The essential Da Nang to Hoi An link
Almost every traveler visiting Da Nang will also make the beautiful journey to the ancient town of Hoi An. Here’s how you can do it.
The local bus option
- Route details: There is a public bus route that connects Da Nang and Hoi An.
- Fare: The total fare is approximately 31,000 VND.
- Journey time: This journey takes around 75–90 minutes.
Our tip: While this is the absolute most budget-friendly choice, we must be honest and say it is also the most time-consuming and least direct option. It can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors.
The recommended alternative: Grab or Private Car
- GrabCar: A Grab car from Da Nang to Hoi An will have a fixed fare of approximately 300,000–400,000 VND (around ₹1000-₹1400) for the entire car, which can fit up to 4 people. For a group or family, this is excellent value. The journey is a comfortable, air-conditioned, door-to-door trip that takes only 45–60 minutes.
- Shuttle buses: Several private companies offer shared shuttle bus transfers for around 150,000 VND per person. This is a good middle-ground option that offers a good balance of cost and convenience.
Other flexible transportation options and tourist tips
For short trips around the city, these options offer great flexibility.
| Mode | Best used for | Practical advice |
| GrabBike (Motorcycle Taxi) | Short city hops (1-3 km), navigating traffic quickly, and for solo travelers with minimal luggage. | This is an affordable and exciting way to see the city! Always book via the official Grab app to get a fixed price and for the safety of trip tracking. |
| Xe Om (Traditional Motorcycle Taxi) | A more local, cash-based experience. You’ll find them on many street corners. | This requires you to bargain the price before you start the trip. For most tourists, GrabBike is a safer and more transparent option. |
| Cyclo (Cycle Rickshaw) | Short, scenic tours around the Han River or the city center. | This is more of a cultural experience than a practical transport option. It’s a lovely, slow way to see the sights. Always negotiate the price and the duration of the ride before you get in. |
Safety and accessibility
- Safety: The transport system in Da Nang is generally very safe. Our top safety tip is to always use the official Grab app for any ride-hailing services to ensure fair, fixed pricing and a digital record of your trip.
- Accessibility: Please note that the public buses are generally not wheelchair accessible. For differently-abled passengers, VietnamStory.in highly recommends booking private transfers or using reliable taxi services.
Future outlook
Da Nang is a city that is always looking to the future. There are exciting plans to continue improving the public transport system, including the possibility of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and a greater focus on eco-friendly transport to support our city’s growth as a sustainable, modern destination.
Conlusion
Let Vietnam Story handle all your transportation needs, from comfortable airport pickups to private car transfers between Da Nang, Hoi An, and the imperial city of Hue. You can focus on enjoying the spectacular scenery and the incredible culture, and we will manage all the logistics. Contact us today to integrate seamless and stress-free travel into your Vietnam Tour Package from India!
