Da Nang International Airport

Airport in Da Nang

Da Nang International Airport
Da Nang International Airport
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Dragfyre

Da Nang International Airport is the main aviation gateway to central Vietnam and a popular arrival point for travellers exploring Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and the region's beaches and UNESCO-listed heritage sites. Located only 3 km southwest of Da Nang city centre, the airport offers a quick and convenient arrival experience with two modern terminals and excellent onward transport options.

Whether you are visiting Da Nang for its coastline, heading to Hoi An for its historic charm, or travelling north toward the imperial sites of Hue, this guide explains everything you need to know about navigating Da Nang International Airport easily and efficiently.

Why This Airport Matters

Da Nang International Airport is one of Vietnam's busiest regional airports and a major hub for travellers exploring the central coast. Its close proximity to the city centre means that transfers are short, simple, and inexpensive, allowing visitors to reach their hotels or beaches within minutes.

The airport is especially convenient for visitors heading to Hoi An, My Khe Beach, and the Marble Mountains. For travellers who prefer smaller, calmer airports compared to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Da Nang offers a streamlined experience with shorter queues, quick baggage handling, and straightforward navigation.

History and Significance

Originally built during the French colonial era and later expanded by the US Air Force during the 1960s, the airport has long served as an important aviation and military base. In the post-war years it evolved into a major civilian airport catering to Vietnam’s growing tourism and domestic travel markets.

A major modernisation project in the 2010s introduced new passenger terminals, upgraded runways, and expanded international services. Today, Da Nang International Airport is a key entry point for travellers heading to central Vietnam's cultural and natural attractions.

Airport Layout and Quick Facts

Da Nang International Airport has two main terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international arrivals and departures. Both terminals are modern, compact, and designed for easy navigation. Walking distances are short, and services such as transport counters, ATMs, and SIM card stands are located near the exits.

Arrivals typically move quickly through immigration and baggage claim, with the process often taking less time than at Vietnam’s larger airports. Departures are straightforward, with clear check-in zones and efficient security screening.

Where to Stay Close to Da Nang International Airport

Travellers with early flights or short layovers will find several convenient hotels within a short drive of the airport. Popular options include Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills Airport Hotel (example name - replace as needed), along with mid-range hotels just a few minutes away offering quick access to both the airport and city centre.

For beach visitors, hotels along My Khe Beach such as Sala Danang Beach Hotel and Furama Resort Danang offer a combination of seaside relaxation and easy airport transfers. Travellers heading to Hoi An may prefer staying in the historic town, with the airport only 45 minutes away by car.

Getting To and From Da Nang International Airport

By Bus

Public buses connect the airport with Da Nang city centre and surrounding districts. While inexpensive, these services are less commonly used by international travellers due to limited luggage space and slower routes.

By Taxi

Taxis are readily available outside both terminals and provide the quickest transfer into the city. The journey to central Da Nang typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Fares are generally reasonable and metered, though flat-rate options may also be offered. Taxis are the preferred choice for visitors heading to beach resorts or the Marble Mountains.

By Train

There is no train station at the airport. Travellers heading to other regions can use Da Nang Railway Station in the city centre, easily reachable by taxi from the airport.

Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By Car

Travellers driving from the airport can reach Da Nang city centre within minutes via Nguyen Van Linh Street. Car rental companies operate inside the arrivals area for those planning road trips to Hoi An, Hue, or the Hai Van Pass. Parking options at the airport include short-stay and long-stay facilities near both terminals.

By Transfers and Shuttles

Private transfer services are popular for those travelling directly to Hoi An, the Son Tra Peninsula, or beachfront hotels. Many hotels also offer pre-booked pick-up services, which are convenient for late arrivals or travellers carrying luggage.

Arriving at Da Nang International Airport

Arrivals at DAD are generally smooth, with clear signage guiding passengers from the aircraft to immigration, baggage claim, and transport options. For international travellers, immigration queues are usually manageable, and baggage typically arrives promptly.

The arrivals halls include ATMs, SIM card stands, small cafés, and transport counters offering taxi and shuttle bookings. Because the airport is so close to the city, visitors can reach their accommodation within minutes of passing through the exit doors.

Money Exchange & Currency Tips for Vietnam

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong, and ATMs provide the most favourable exchange rates compared to currency counters. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall, though some machines may impose withdrawal limits.

Airport exchange booths are convenient but typically offer poorer rates than those found in the city. Card payments are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller shops and markets often prefer cash. Travellers should avoid dynamic currency conversion, which adds unnecessary fees. Wise or Revolut cards provide cost-effective withdrawals and payments in dong.

SIM Cards & Connectivity

Tourist SIM cards from providers such as Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone are available immediately after exiting customs. Packages typically include generous data allowances at affordable prices. Free Wi-Fi is available in both terminals, offering adequate speeds for general browsing and communication.

Departing from Da Nang International Airport

Departures are straightforward, with separate check-in areas for domestic and international flights. Security screening is usually efficient, and departure lounges offer cafés, small shops, and seating areas. While the airport is smaller than major hubs, travellers should still arrive at least two hours before international flights.

Shops and services are more limited in the domestic terminal, so travellers may wish to buy snacks or drinks before entering the secure zone.

Airport Services and Facilities

• Food and drink outlets
• Convenience shops and small retail stores
• ATMs and currency exchange counters
• Free Wi-Fi and charging points
• SIM card vendors and mobile service kiosks
• Family and accessibility facilities
• Medical and assistance points

Lounges at Da Nang International Airport

The airport offers lounges in both terminals, available to business-class passengers or through paid access. Lounges feature comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and quiet areas suitable for relaxing before a flight.

Da Nang Airport Hotels

While there are no hotels inside the terminal complex, several accommodation options are available nearby, including Iris Hotel Airport Danang and Gold Plaza Hotel. Beach resorts and city hotels are also only minutes away, making Da Nang one of Vietnam's most convenient airport regions for visitors.

Renting a Car at Da Nang International Airport

Car rental services operate inside the arrivals hall, offering vehicles suitable for city travel or longer journeys along the coast. Roads leading from the airport are generally well maintained, and driving routes to Hoi An, Hue, and other destinations are straightforward.

Flights and Airlines Operating at DAD

Da Nang International Airport hosts domestic flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major Vietnamese cities, along with international services to destinations across Asia. Airlines operating here include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and several regional carriers.

For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Da Nang on Booking.com.

Practical Tips for Using Da Nang International Airport

• Arrive early during peak holiday periods
• Use ATMs instead of airport exchange counters
• Purchase a SIM card upon arrival for easy navigation
• Keep small cash for taxis and local shops
• Expect limited service options late at night
• Allow extra time for traffic when travelling to Hoi An or the Son Tra Peninsula

Can You Sleep Overnight at Da Nang International Airport?

Da Nang Airport closes overnight, and the terminals are not generally open for sleeping passengers. Travellers with early flights should consider staying at a nearby hotel to ensure easy access in the morning. Overnight layovers are best handled in city or beach hotels rather than inside the terminal.

Final Thoughts

Da Nang International Airport offers a quick, efficient, and welcoming entry point to one of Vietnam's most scenic and culturally rich regions. Its compact layout, fast transport links, and modern facilities make it an excellent starting point for journeys to Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and the central coast.

The Da Nang International Airport appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Da Nang!

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Visiting Da Nang International Airport

Address: Da Nang International Airport, Hải Châu District, Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang: 1 km
Hoi An: 24 km

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