How to Get from Da Nang Airport to the City (Safely!)

Welcome to Da Nang! Whether you’re here to explore the beach, meet up with the digital nomad community, or experience local culture, your adventure starts the moment you step off the plane.

Da Nang International Airport is actually very close to the city, only a few miles away, but getting from there to your hotel can be confusing.

This guide will walk you through the various options available—private transfer, rideshare, public bus and even walking—so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. I’ll also talk about potential scams to look out for, and give safety tips for solo travelers.

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Quickest & Easiest: Private Transfer

• Cost: VND 200,000-350,000 ($8-15 USD)
• Duration: 10-20 minutes
• Best For: Tired travelers, families, or those who value convenience and comfort.

A private transfer is the easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel. Have it ordered a few days before you arrive, and all you need to do is find your driver once you get your luggage and exit the arrivals hall.

Tip: A potential scam to watch out for is fake drivers with your name on a sign. Apparently, they copy the name from your real driver and then use it to lure you into their taxi, where they’ll ask for payment.

Private pickups will have your name and then a code on their phone to confirm they’re your driver. The code will match what you’re given by the driver or their company, so you know you’re with the right person.

Anyway, once you get into the right car you’ve got a short ride to the city, and in air conditioned comfort as well!

If you’re arriving late at night or with lots of luggage, a private transfer is the easiest way to get to your hotel quickly and comfortably. It’s a little more expensive than other options, but the peace of mind is well worth the price.

Pros:

• Door-to-door service
• Comfortable and private
• No need to worry about navigating public transport with luggage

Cons:

• More expensive than public transport
• You miss out on the local experience

Easy & Cheap: Rideshare (Grab)

• Cost: VND 100,000-200,000 ($4-8 USD)
• Duration: 10-20 minutes
• Best For: Travelers who want a balance between cost and convenience.

Rideshare services like Grab are incredibly popular in Vietnam, and they’re a great option for getting from Da Nang Airport to the city. I use Grab all the time in Vietnam and haven’t had any problems.

This is how I got from the airport to my AirBNB in Da Nang, so I have personal experience!

There’s a Grab pickup location just outside of the arrival area. Once you get your bags, go out the doors and straight ahead, crossing the road. You might be stopped by taxi drivers or airport staff; just tell them you’re going that way and point to the green umbrellas, and they’ll leave you be.

Bonus: this same part is where you can pick up a pre-ordered SIM card from Klook! That’s what I did, and then I was able to order my Grab right away.

Once you’re at the Grab pickup, order a Grab and wait for your driver. CONFIRM the license plate number AND that your driver looks like the profile picture BEFORE you get into the car.

Tip: One of the scams I’d heard about was this: a fake Grab driver takes your phone while pretending to help, cancels your ride and then tries to get you to go into their car instead. Luckily nothing like that happened to me and in fact the Grab pickup area was basically deserted, but it’s a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and don’t let someone take your phone from you.

Grab cars in Da Nang are clean, air-conditioned, and driven by locals who know the city like the back of their hand. The app shows you the estimated fare upfront, so there are no surprises when you reach your destination. Plus, you can choose to pay with a foreign credit card via the app, which means you can’t get scammed by a currency swap.

Pros:

• Affordable and convenient
• Reliable with easy payment options
• Chance to interact with a local driver

Cons:

• Minor walk to the pick-up area
• Subject to surge pricing during peak hours
• Not as luxurious as a private transfer

Lowest Cost: Public Bus

• Cost: VND 5,000-30,000 ($0.20-1.30 USD)
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a bit of extra time on the road.

If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a bit of adventure, taking the public bus from Da Nang Airport to the city is a great option. It’s by far the cheapest way to get into town, and it gives you a chance to experience local life right from the start.

To catch the bus, head out of the terminal and look for the bus stops nearby. The most convenient bus route is Bus No. 12, which connects the airport to various parts of the city. The buses are basic but comfortable enough, with air conditioning and plenty of seating—though it can get crowded during peak times.

If you’re headed over to the beach area, you’ll pass by local shops, bustling markets, and residential areas in the denser inner part of the city. Great views and a good introduction to the city! Just keep in mind that the bus probably won’t drop you directly at your hotel, so you may need to walk a bit from the nearest stop.

Pros:

• Extremely cheap
• Offers a local, authentic experience
• Great for travelers with time to spare

Cons:

• Slower and less direct than other options
• May require a transfer or short walk
• Limited space for luggage

Extreme Backpacking Style: Walking

• Cost: Free
• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Best For: Adventurous travelers, those who pack light, and anyone who enjoys a good walk.

If you’re up for a LOT of adventure and don’t mind stretching your legs (or sweating), walking from Da Nang Airport to the city center is definitely an option. While it’s not the most common choice, it’s certainly doable, especially if you’re traveling light and don’t mind dealing with weather.

The walk from Da Nang International Airport to the city center takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how fast you are. The route is straightforward—head out of the airport and follow the main roads into the city. You’ll likely be walking along Nguyen Van Linh Street, a major thoroughfare that leads directly to the heart of Da Nang.

Da Nang sidewalks are wide and relatively kept up well, but be aware that locals park their motorcycles, hang laundry, and put table on the sidewalks so it can take a bit of maneuvering to get around everything. You’ll also need to be comfortable crossing Vietnamese streets, which often don’t have working pedestrian crosswalk lights.

Also, about that weather: Da Nang is in a tropical climate and it’s basically always hot and humid, especially during the day. If you’re not used to the heat, it’s best to attempt the walk early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes.

Pros:

• Completely free
• Immersive way to experience the city right from the start
• Good exercise after a long flight

Cons:

• Can be challenging in the heat, especially with luggage
• Takes longer than other transportation options
• Not great if you’re in a hurry or carrying heavy bags

Final Thoughts

So, which option is right for you? It really depends on your budget, schedule, and how you like to travel:

• For the most comfortable and hassle-free experience, a private transfer is your best bet. It’s ideal for those who want to start their trip in style, with a guaranteed smooth and quick journey to their hotel. This is also a good option for nervous travelers who get panicked at airports (it happens!)
• If you’re looking for convenience without spending too much, Grab is a great middle-ground. It’s easy, affordable, and allows you to travel at your own pace. If you’re a regular user of rideshare apps, then this will be a snap for you.
• If you’re on a tight budget and up for a bit of local flavor, the public bus is an excellent choice. It’s the cheapest option by far and offers a unique way to see the city as you make your way to your hotel. If you’re a hardcore backpacker type who wants to save as much money as possible, then this is for you.

Getting from Da Nang Airport to your hotel in the city is easy, with options for every budget and type of traveler. No matter what you choose, you’ll soon be enjoying all that Da Nang has to offer. Safe travels, and enjoy your stay in this beautiful city!