Da Nang Airport gives you three solid transport options. Unlike some airports where one option is clearly better, the best choice here depends on your destination.
For Da Nang city: Grab wins
The city is 3 km from the airport. A Grab ride costs 40,000-80,000 VND ($1.70-3.30 USD) and takes 10-15 minutes. A metered taxi costs slightly more at 60,000-120,000 VND. A pre-booked transfer to central Da Nang costs $5-10 USD and is somewhat overkill for such a short trip.
For Da Nang city hotels, Grab is the practical choice. It is cheap, transparent, and available within minutes. A metered taxi from Mai Linh or Vinasun is equally fine if you do not have the app.
For Hoi An: transfers make more sense
The 30 km journey to Hoi An is where the choice gets more interesting.
Grab to Hoi An costs about 280,000-400,000 VND ($11-16 USD). This is the cheapest option. However, some Grab drivers are reluctant to make the trip to Hoi An because they need to drive back empty - Da Nang-based drivers cannot easily get return fares from Hoi An. You may experience cancellations or longer waits.
Metered taxis to Hoi An cost 350,000-500,000 VND ($14-20 USD). Mai Linh and Vinasun drivers make this route regularly and will use the meter. The ride is straightforward.
Pre-booked transfers to Hoi An cost $15-25 USD. The driver is guaranteed, the price is confirmed, and they wait for your specific flight. If your flight is delayed, they adjust. No cancellations, no meter-watching.
Price comparison summary
Da Nang center:
- Grab: $1.70-3.30
- Taxi: $2.50-5
- Transfer: $5-10
- Grab: $11-16
- Taxi: $14-20
- Transfer: $15-25
- Grab: $14-20
- Taxi: $16-22
- Transfer: $20-30
Practical considerations
Grab requires a Vietnamese phone number or an international number that works with the app. You also need data or Wi-Fi. If you buy a SIM card at the airport before exiting, you are set. If not, the airport Wi-Fi can be used but it is unreliable.
Taxis require no technology. You walk to the rank and get in. The risk is using an unreputable taxi company - stick to Mai Linh or Vinasun.
Transfers require advance booking but nothing on the ground. You just walk out and find your name.
When each option makes sense
Grab: Da Nang city trips, daytime arrivals, budget-conscious solo travelers.
Metered taxi: When you do not have the Grab app set up, or for a quick ride without fuss.
Pre-booked transfer: Hoi An trips (especially late at night or with family), groups with lots of luggage, anyone who values certainty over saving a few dollars.
A note on motorbike taxis
Grab also offers motorbike taxis (GrabBike), which are very cheap. These are fine for Da Nang trips if you are traveling light with just a backpack. They are not suitable with airport luggage, children, or for the Hoi An journey.