Is there a public bus from Da Nang to Hoi An?

Public Bus from Da Nang to Hoi An: 35,000 VND vs 380,000 VND

Taking the public bus from da nang to hoi an is a budget-friendly choice that lets you experience local life without haggling. Frequent departures and modernized service ensure a comfortable journey without breaking the bank. Learn the schedule and fare details below to plan your trip effortlessly.

Is there a public bus from Da Nang to Hoi An?

This question has a layered answer because the transportation network in Central Vietnam has seen significant upgrades recently. Yes, there is a public bus from da nang to hoi an, but if you are looking for the famous yellow Route 01 mentioned in older guidebooks, you are going to be waiting a very long time - because that bus no longer exists.

In early 2026, the local government fully transitioned to a more modern, air-conditioned fleet. The old system was notorious for inconsistent pricing and lack of comfort, so the shift to the new LK-02 and Route 02 lines has been a massive relief for both locals and travelers. However, there is one specific bus stop in downtown Da Nang that almost every tourist misses because of a persistent Google Maps glitch. I will reveal exactly where that is in the boarding section below so you do not end up standing on the wrong side of the road for an hour.

Understanding the New System: Route 02 and LK-02

The public transport path from Da Nang to Hoi An is now technically split into two connected segments, though for most travelers, it feels like a single journey. Route 02 covers the city center of Da Nang, running from the Central Bus Station down to the Vietnam-Korea University area. From there, the da nang to hoi an lk-02 bus takes over to complete the trip into the heart of Hoi An.

These new buses are operated by a professional carrier (easily recognizable by their bright orange uniforms) and are a significant step up from the old yellow vans. Rarely do you see a public transport system in Southeast Asia modernize this quickly while keeping prices so low. The total distance is about 30 kilometers, and the buses run with a frequency of every 15 to 30 minutes,^[2] which means you never have to plan your entire day around a rigid departure schedule.

Boarding Locations: Finding the 'Ghost Stop'

To catch the bus, you need to find the designated bus shelters - and this is where it gets tricky - because the old Route 01 stops are still physically there but are no longer serviced. If you are staying in the city center, the most reliable boarding point is near the Museum of Cham Sculpture or along the main Dien Bien Phu thoroughfare.

Here is the resolution to that Ghost Stop I mentioned earlier: Many travelers follow digital maps to a stop near the Dragon Bridge, but the actual pick-up point for the LK-02 has moved approximately 150 meters further south to accommodate the new traffic flow.

This confusion is why many visitors still ask, is the yellow bus still running from da nang to hoi an, but the reality is that the route has been replaced with the updated system. Look for the orange bus signage rather than the old faded yellow stickers. I learned this the hard way - standing in the humidity for 40 minutes watching orange buses sail right past me while I stood at what I thought was the official stop. Look for the newer, cleaner shelters; that is where the real action is.

Cost and Payment: The 35,000 VND Experience

One of the best things about the update is the standardized pricing. You no longer have to haggle with a conductor who thinks tourist price is a legitimate business model. The standard fare for the full trip on the public bus from da nang to hoi an is 35,000 VND per person. ^[1] This is an incredible bargain for a journey that takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day.

The payment process is straightforward. You board the bus, find a seat, and a conductor (usually wearing a branded uniform) will come to you to collect the cash and issue a paper ticket.

It is important to keep this ticket until you get off, as inspectors occasionally hop on to check. Just a heads-up: if you have a massive suitcase that takes up an extra seat, you might be asked to pay a small surcharge of around 15,000 VND. I initially thought this was a scam, but it turns out to be a standard policy for the smaller shuttle-style buses used on this route.

Public Bus vs. Shuttle Bus: Which should you choose?

While the public bus is the undisputed champion of budget travel, it is not always the best choice for everyone. For many backpackers, it remains the cheapest way from da nang to hoi an, but timing and luggage can change that equation. The public buses operate from 5:15 AM to 6:00 PM. If you are arriving at the airport late at night or heading to a very specific resort on the outskirts of Hoi An, a shared shuttle bus might save you a lot of headache. Shuttles typically cost around 120,000 VND but provide door-to-door service and fileciteturn0file0 much stronger air conditioning.

Then there is the third option - the electric taxi. Companies like Xanh SM have become a staple in Da Nang by 2026. A private electric taxi trip to Hoi An usually costs about 380,000 VND.^[3] It is quiet, eco-friendly, and perfect if you are traveling in a group of three or four. If you are solo and have nothing but a backpack, the public bus is a great way to see the local life. If you have three kids and five bags of luggage, just take the taxi. Trust me on this one.

Transport Options: Da Nang to Hoi An Comparison

Public Bus (Route LK-02)

• Basic air conditioning, can be crowded during rush hours

• 60-90 minutes (due to frequent stops)

• Designated city bus stops only

• 35,000 VND per person

Shared Tourist Shuttle

• Modern vans, guaranteed seating, strong A/C

• 45-60 minutes

• Hotel pick-up or airport terminal

• 120,000 - 150,000 VND per person

Xanh SM (Electric Taxi)

• Private, silent electric ride, premium comfort

• 35-45 minutes

• Door-to-door anywhere in the city

• 380,000 - 450,000 VND per vehicle

Hùng’s 2026 Bus Journey: The 15-Minute Wait

Hùng, a 24-year-old backpacker visiting Da Nang, wanted to reach Hoi An for the Lantern Festival but was determined to keep his daily budget under $20 USD. He headed to a bus stop near the Dragon Bridge using an old blog post as his only guide.

First attempt: He waited at a faded yellow sign for 30 minutes, waving at several orange buses that didn't stop. He felt frustrated and almost booked a Grab, which would have cost ten times more than the bus fare.

A local street food vendor noticed his confusion and pointed toward a newer shelter 150 meters down the street. Hùng realized the stops had been updated for the new 2026 routes and quickly walked over to the correct spot.

The LK-02 arrived within 5 minutes, and Hùng reached Hoi An in under an hour for just 35,000 VND. He used the money he saved to buy a premium dinner by the river, proving that a little local advice goes a long way.