Things To Do in SapaHanoi to Hoi An: Flight, Train or Bus (via Da Nang) 2026 | Sapa Nomad
Here’s the thing nobody tells you up front: Hoi An has no airport and no train station. Every route from Hanoi actually goes to Da Nang first — then it’s a short 45-minute ride down the coast.
So the real choice is how you cover the 740 km to Da Nang: fast by air, slow and scenic by train, or cheap by overnight bus.
First, the Key Thing: Hoi An Goes Via Da Nang
Hoi An sits about 30 km south of Da Nang — roughly a 45-minute drive. There’s no airport or railway in Hoi An itself, so flights and trains all land in Da Nang. From there you grab a taxi, shuttle or private transfer for the last stretch.
The one exception is the direct sleeper bus, which runs all the way from Hanoi to Hoi An without you changing in Da Nang.
Compare Your Options at a Glance
| Mode | Time | Price (one-way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fly to Da Nang + transfer | ~2.5 h total | ~$35–70 | Most travelers — fastest |
| Train to Da Nang + transfer | 17–19 h | ~$30–55 | Scenery lovers |
| Direct sleeper bus | ~18 h | $45 | Budget, no transfers |
Fastest: Fly to Da Nang, Then Transfer
For most travelers, this is the easy answer. The Hanoi–Da Nang flight is 1 hour 20 minutes (VietJet, Bamboo, Vietnam Airlines, often $30–60), then a 45-minute transfer to Hoi An by taxi or pre-booked car. Door to door, you’re in Hoi An in about half a day.
Scenic: Train to Da Nang, Then Transfer
If the journey is part of the trip, take the SE train to Da Nang — 16–17 hours of north–south Vietnam, with the spectacular Hai Van Pass near the end. From Da Nang, it’s the same 45-minute transfer to Hoi An.
→ Full details on classes, fares, and timing are in our Hanoi to Da Nang train guide.
The Transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An
No matter how you get to Da Nang, you’ll still need a transfer to Hoi An. It’s an easy journey, but choosing the right ride can make a big difference, especially after a long flight or train trip. Below are three options to help you decide: a shared limousine ($12), a VIP limousine 28-seat ($9 – $11), or a private car ($15 – $18).
| Option | Best for | Seats | Price |
| G8 Limousine VIP | Budget travellers who still want extra comfort | Rear bench / VIP seat | $9 / $11 |
| Vietnam Travel Limousine | Travellers who prefer a shared premium ride | 9–11 seats | From $12 |
| Private Car | Couples, families, and anyone wanting full flexibility | 4 or 7 seats | $15 / $18 |
Not sure which one to choose? If you’re travelling as a couple or family, a private car offers the best value. Solo travellers will save money with the shared limousine, while G8 VIP strikes a nice balance between comfort and price.
Cheapest & Simplest: The Direct Sleeper Bus
The one option that skips the Da Nang change is a direct sleeper bus from Hanoi straight to Hoi An — about 18 hours overnight. We book G8 Open Tour on this route from $45.
It’s the budget pick and saves you arranging a transfer, but it’s a long haul — most travelers who can afford the flight take it and transfer.
How to Book
- Decide your Da Nang leg — fly (fast), train (scenic), or take the direct bus (cheap, no transfer).
- Book ahead — flights cheapest 2–3 weeks out; trains and buses sell out on weekends and Tet.
- Arrange the Hoi An transfer if flying or training — a pre-booked car beats negotiating a taxi at Da Nang airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight or train to Hoi An?
No — Hoi An has no airport or train station. Flights and trains go to Da Nang (~45 minutes away); only the sleeper bus runs direct from Hanoi to Hoi An.
What’s the fastest way from Hanoi to Hoi An?
Fly to Da Nang (1h20m) then transfer ~45 minutes — about half a day door to door, versus 17–19 hours by train or bus.
How much is the bus from Hanoi to Hoi An?
A direct sleeper bus runs about $45 one-way and takes roughly 18 hours overnight.
How do I get from Hoi An back to Hanoi?
The same options in reverse: transfer to Da Nang (~45 minutes), then fly (1h20m) or take the SE train — or catch the direct sleeper bus. Flying is the fastest way back too.
How far is Hoi An from Hanoi?
Around 770 km — essentially the 740 km to Da Nang plus the 30 km hop down to Hoi An.
The Honest Verdict
After booking this route for years, here’s what I’d pick:
- Most travelers → fly to Da Nang + a pre-booked transfer. Fastest by far.
- Want the journey → the SE train to Da Nang, then transfer. The Hai Van Pass is worth it.
- Budget, no transfers → the direct sleeper bus ($45).
Whatever you choose, remember the last 45 minutes from Da Nang — book that transfer ahead so you’re not haggling at the airport after a long trip.
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