How to Get from Da Nang Airport to City Center: A Local's Guide (2025)

Hello! As someone who's lived in Da Nang my whole life and has been showing tourists around our beautiful city for over 12 years, I'm super excited to help you figure out the best way to get from Da Nang Airport to city center.

I've picked up hundreds of friends and clients from our airport over the years, so trust me when I say I know every possible route and transportation trick! The good news? Da Nang International Airport is actually really close to downtown – just about 2-3 kilometers away – which means getting to your hotel is quick and affordable.

Let me walk you through all your options for Da Nang Airport transportation based on my personal experience helping visitors just like you!

Quick Answer: Best Ways to Get from Da Nang Airport to City Center

Before diving into details, here's a quick summary of your options:

Now let's talk about each option in detail!

Taking a Taxi from Da Nang Airport to City Center

This is what I recommend to most of my friends visiting for the first time. It's simple, convenient, and not very expensive.

Where to Find Taxis at Da Nang Airport

When you exit the arrival hall (whether from the domestic or international terminal), you'll see the official taxi stand right outside. You can't miss it! There's usually a staff member in a uniform helping direct people to available taxis.

How Much Does a Taxi Cost from Da Nang Airport?

A taxi from Da Nang Airport to downtown typically costs between 60,000-120,000 VND (about $2.50-$5.00 USD). The price depends on exactly where in the city center you're headed – hotels near the Han River might cost a bit more than those closer to the airport.

One thing I love about Da Nang is that, unlike some other Vietnamese cities, our airport taxis are very honest. They all use meters, so you don't need to worry about bargaining or getting overcharged.

The taxi fare from Da Nang Airport to the city center ranges from 60,000-120,000 VND (about $2.50-$5.00 USD)

Which Taxi Companies to Choose?

After picking up tourists for years, I strongly recommend these reliable taxi companies:

• Mai Linh (green taxis) - my personal favorite, very professional

• Vinasun (white taxis with green and red stripes)

• Song Han (yellow taxis)

• Tien Sa (blue taxis)

These companies have proper training for drivers and clean, well-maintained vehicles. I've used them countless times with no problems!

Travel Time by Taxi

From my experience picking up guests, a taxi ride from Da Nang Airport to city center hotels usually takes just 10-15 minutes. Even during rush hour (around 7:30-8:30 AM and 5:00-6:30 PM), it rarely takes more than 20-25 minutes.

Using Grab from Da Nang Airport (My Secret Tip!)

As a local, this is actually how I personally get to and from the airport most often! Grab is Southeast Asia's equivalent of Uber, and it works fantastically in Da Nang.

How to Use Grab at Da Nang Airport

1. Download the Grab app before arriving in Vietnam

2. Connect to the free airport Wi-Fi

3. Enter your destination (hotel address)

4. Choose GrabCar (for comfort) or GrabBike (for adventure and cheaper fare!)

5. Follow the in-app directions to the pickup point

Where is the Grab Pickup Point?

This is important! The Grab pickup area is NOT in the same place as the regular taxi stand.

• For International Terminal: Head to Lane 1 or Lane 2 outside the terminal

• For Domestic Terminal: Look for the area near the Food & Drinks shop, then follow signs to pillars 2-3

There are usually Grab staff in green shirts who can help if you're confused.

How Much Does Grab Cost?

Based on my hundreds of airport pickups, Grab usually costs:

• GrabCar: 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-4)

• GrabBike: 25,000-50,000 VND ($1-2) – but not recommended with large luggage!

One advantage of Grab is that you know the exact price before you book. No surprises!

Passengers can book private cars on the Grab app from the airport to their desired location

Public Bus from Da Nang Airport to City Center (Budget Option)

If you're traveling super light and on a tight budget, the public bus is unbelievably cheap. However, as someone who helps tourists daily, I don't usually recommend this option unless you're an experienced traveler.

Which Bus Routes Go from the Airport to City Center?

The main routes that serve the airport area are:

• Bus No. 1: Airport area to city center

• Bus No. 6: Airport to Non Nuoc Beach

• Bus No. 12: Airport area to central areas

Where is the Bus Stop at Da Nang Airport?

Here's the tricky part – the bus stop is NOT right at the terminal. You'll need to walk about 5 minutes to reach it. Exit the terminal and head to Nguyen Huu Tho Street where you'll find the bus stops.

Honestly, this can be confusing for first-time visitors, especially with luggage. That's why I usually only recommend the bus to backpackers or those familiar with Vietnam.

How Much is the Bus Fare?

The regular city bus costs just 5,000-10,000 VND (about $0.20-0.40) per trip. It's incredibly cheap!

Bus Travel Time

The bus takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the city center, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Traveling by bus is a good way to save on expenses

Private Car Transfer from Da Nang Airport (Luxury Option)

For my VIP clients or families with kids, I often arrange a private car transfer from Da Nang Airport. This gives you the most comfort and personalized service.

How to Book a Private Car

You can book a private transfer in several ways:

• Through your hotel (many Da Nang hotels offer this service)

• Online platforms like Klook or Agoda

• Local travel agencies

Cost of Private Car Transfers

Private cars typically cost:

• Sedan (1-3 people): 150,000-250,000 VND ($6-10)

• SUV/Minivan (4-7 people): 250,000-350,000 VND ($10-15)

This is more expensive than a regular taxi, but your driver will be waiting for you with a name sign, help with luggage, and often provide cold water and refreshing towels.

Airport Shuttle Bus Options

Some people ask me about airport shuttles. There are a few options:

Airline Shuttles

Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Vietjet sometimes operate shuttle services for their passengers. These cost around 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.25-2.00) and drop off at various points in the city.

To be honest, I find these less convenient than taxis or Grab since they follow specific routes and schedules.

Airport shuttle bus services are also a suggestion you should consider

Local Tips for a Smooth Trip from Da Nang Airport to City Center

After helping hundreds of visitors navigate from our airport to their hotels, here are my insider tips:

Best Option for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first time in Da Nang, just take a metered taxi from the official stand. It's straightforward, reasonably priced, and you don't need to arrange anything in advance. Look for Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) taxis for the best experience.

Best Option for Return Visitors

If you've been to Vietnam before and are comfortable using apps, Grab offers the best combination of convenience and value. This is what most locals use!

Best Option for Families or Groups

For families with children or groups of 4+, planning a Da Nang itinerary for families with a pre-booked private transfer is worth the extra cost. The driver will handle all your luggage and take you directly to your hotel entrance.

Money-Saving Tips

• Exchange just a small amount at the airport (enough for transportation) and change the rest in the city for better rates

• Download Grab before arriving to compare prices with regular taxis

• Share a taxi with other travelers heading to the same area

• Have your hotel address written in Vietnamese to avoid confusion

Local Insider Tips

• Avoid using non-official taxis outside the designated taxi stand

• Keep small bills (50,000 and 100,000 VND notes) for taxi fare

• Take a photo of the taxi's license plate (just as a precaution)

• The ride from Da Nang Airport to city hotels is so short that even the most expensive option won't break the bank

Booking a private car or hiring a taxi is a fast and cost-effective way to travel for groups or families​​​​​​​

FAQs About Transportation from Da Nang Airport to City Center

As someone who answers these questions daily for my tour clients, here are the most common questions:

How far is Da Nang Airport from city center?

Da Nang Airport is just 2-3 kilometers from the city center – one of the closest airport-to-city distances in Southeast Asia!

Is it safe to take a taxi from Da Nang Airport?

Absolutely! Da Nang is very safe, and the official airport taxis are reliable and honest. Just stick with the reputable companies I mentioned.

Do Da Nang taxis accept credit cards?

Most don't, unfortunately. It's best to have Vietnamese Dong (VND) ready for your taxi fare. There are ATMs and currency exchange counters right in the airport.

Is Grab cheaper than taxi in Da Nang?

Usually, yes. Grab is typically about 10-20% cheaper than regular taxis, which is why most locals (including me!) use it regularly.

How much should I pay for a taxi from Da Nang Airport to My Khe Beach?

My Khe Beach is still part of the city center area, so expect to pay around 80,000-100,000 VND ($3.50-4.50).

Do I need to tip my driver?

Tipping isn't expected in Vietnam, but it's always appreciated. Rounding up the fare or adding 10,000-20,000 VND is a nice gesture for good service.

Can I get a SIM card at Da Nang Airport?

Yes! There are several counters selling SIM cards right in the arrival area. I recommend Viettel or Mobifone, which offer good coverage in Da Nang.

Are there any other transportation options for us to explore the city?

If you're looking for the best way to explore the city like a local, Da Nang motorbike rent is a fantastic option. Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to visit stunning beaches, famous attractions like Marble Mountains, and hidden local spots at your own pace. With affordable daily rates and plenty of rental shops near My Khe Beach and the city center, getting a bike is easy and convenient. Just make sure to wear a helmet, follow local traffic rules, and enjoy the ride!

My Final Thoughts as a Local

After living in Da Nang my whole life and helping countless visitors, I can honestly say that transportation from our airport is one of the easiest and most affordable airport transfers you'll find anywhere in Southeast Asia.

The close proximity of Da Nang Airport to downtown means you'll be checking into your hotel or perhaps the best resort in Da Nang Vietnam, and enjoying our beautiful city in no time! Whether you choose a taxi, Grab, or private transfer, you really can't go wrong.

If you have any more questions about getting from Da Nang Airport to city center or anything else about my hometown, feel free to ask in the comments below!