Hanoi to Da Nang Vietnam: Transport Guide
Da Nang is one of my favorite stops in central Vietnam because it gives you a bit of everything. You’ve got My Khe Beach, great food, the mountains nearby, and Hoi An just down the road.
It’s a long way from Hanoi, though, so getting there is something worth planning properly. The journey can look very different depending on what suits your trip best.
Here’s how I’d plan Hanoi to Da Nang and what I’d look at before booking.
Hanoi to Da Nang overview
| Transport | Travel time | Good to know | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1 hour 25 minutes + airport time | Quickest option | Check flights |
| Overnight train | 15–18 hours | Sleep on the way and arrive in central Da Nang | Check train tickets |
| Sleeper or cabin bus | 13–18 hours | Direct overnight journey | Check sleeper buses |
For a shorter trip, I’d fly and keep more time for Da Nang itself. If I had a relaxed itinerary, the overnight train would be my next choice.
Compare Hanoi to Da Nang transport →
Flying from Hanoi to Da Nang
Flying makes the most sense when you want to save time.
The direct flight is short, and Da Nang Airport is close to the city, so the whole journey is much easier than flying into destinations where you still have another long transfer afterwards.
If I only had two or three days in Da Nang, I’d choose this option. You can leave Hanoi in the morning and still have plenty of time to settle in, explore the city, or head to the beach later that day.
Check Hanoi to Da Nang flights →
Getting from Da Nang Airport into the city
Da Nang Airport is conveniently close to both the city center and My Khe Beach.
Grab and taxis are easy choices once you land, while a private transfer works well if you prefer to have the journey arranged before you arrive.
I’d normally use Grab for a simple daytime arrival. If I were traveling with family, carrying lots of luggage, or landing late, I’d book a transfer instead.
Book your Da Nang Airport transfer →
Hanoi to Da Nang by overnight train
The overnight train is the option I’d choose if I had more time and wanted to avoid losing most of a day to travel.
You can leave Hanoi in the evening, sleep on the train, and arrive in Da Nang the following day. Da Nang Railway Station is right in the city too, so you don’t have another long transfer after getting off.
I prefer the train to the bus for a journey this long because you have more room to move around. Being able to get up, stretch your legs, and sleep in a proper berth makes a big difference for me.
Which sleeper should you book?
For an overnight Hanoi to Da Nang train, I’d go for a 4-berth soft sleeper.
You get a proper bed and share the cabin with fewer people, so it feels a little quieter during the night. The 6-berth sleeper is another good option if you don’t mind sharing with more passengers.
If you’re traveling during the day, I’d simply book a soft seat instead. You’ll be awake anyway, and you can spend the journey watching the scenery change as you head south.
What is the overnight train like?
I don’t expect perfect sleep on Vietnamese trains, but I still find them comfortable enough for an overnight journey.
There will be some movement and station noise during the night, so I usually keep earplugs, water, snacks, and something warm close by. The air-conditioning can feel surprisingly cool once you’ve been lying down for a few hours.
My guide to traveling by train in Vietnam has more practical tips on sleepers, seats, and what to bring.
Check Hanoi to Da Nang train tickets →
Hanoi to Da Nang by sleeper bus
A sleeper bus is another good option if you’d rather travel overnight and avoid airports.
There are traditional sleeper coaches as well as newer cabin-style buses with more private sleeping spaces. You leave Hanoi and travel directly to Da Nang without changing transport along the way.
For such a long journey, I’d choose a cabin bus if the timing worked for me. Having your own little space makes the night feel much more comfortable.
Cabin bus or regular sleeper?
Cabin buses give you more privacy, while regular sleeper buses have reclining beds arranged in rows.
I’d look at the actual vehicle photos before booking, especially if you’re tall. The sleeping spaces can vary quite a bit, and that matters more to me than whether the bus is labelled “VIP.”
One advantage of the bus is that some services leave from central Hanoi, which can make departure day very straightforward if you’re staying around the Old Quarter.
Check Hanoi to Da Nang sleeper buses →
Which option is best for you?
If your Vietnam itinerary is short, flying is the easiest choice. You save a lot of time and arrive close to central Da Nang.
With more time, I’d choose the train. I like having a proper berth and more freedom to move around during such a long journey.
The sleeper bus works well if you prefer a direct overnight trip and you sleep easily on buses. Cabin coaches make this option much more comfortable than the older-style sleepers.
Once you arrive in Da Nang
I’d give Da Nang a few days rather than using it only as a base for Hoi An.
Spend some time at My Khe Beach, explore the city, and save another day for somewhere like the Marble Mountains or Son Tra Peninsula. Da Nang is easy to enjoy without packing every hour with sightseeing.
Ba Na Hills is another popular day trip, and I’d give it a full day if it’s high on your list.
My favorite things to do in Da Nang has more ideas for planning your stay.
Where to stay in Da Nang
My Khe Beach is my favorite area for a first stay in Da Nang. You’re close to the sea, there are plenty of restaurants nearby, and getting into the city center is easy.
Furama Resort Danang is a beautiful choice for a classic beachfront stay. I’d pick it when I wanted plenty of space to relax, easy beach access, and that proper resort feeling without being too far from the rest of Da Nang.
TIA Wellness Resort is the one I’d choose for a quieter, more indulgent stay. The private pool villas and wellness focus make it feel peaceful and a little special, especially after a busy few days of sightseeing.
Risemount Premier Resort Da Nang feels more fun and laid-back, with bright interiors, pools, and a great location near the beach. I like it for a stay that still feels like a holiday but keeps you close to restaurants and the energy of the city.
Da Nang to Hoi An
Hoi An is very easy to add while you’re in Da Nang, and I like combining the two because they feel completely different.
Da Nang gives you beaches and a bigger-city atmosphere, while Hoi An has its yellow streets, rice fields, cafés, and lantern-filled evenings.
My Da Nang to Hoi An transport guide covers the easiest ways to make the short journey.
Da Nang to Hue
Hue is another natural next stop if you’re traveling through central Vietnam.
You can make the journey quite quickly, but the route over the Hai Van Pass is worth considering if you want to enjoy the scenery along the way.
My Da Nang to Hue transport guide covers the different options.
Getting from Da Nang back to Hanoi
You can fly, take the train, or travel by sleeper bus for the return journey.
I wouldn’t feel like I had to use the same option both ways. Taking the overnight train south and then flying back to Hanoi can work really well if you want to try the train without spending two nights of your trip on it.
And if Da Nang is part of a longer Vietnam itinerary, you may not need to return to Hanoi at all. Hoi An and Hue both fit naturally around it, so continuing through central Vietnam often makes much more sense.
