Hoi An Electric Shuttle Bus | Best Alternative to Taxis
Like in many tourist cities in Vietnam, Hoi An also offers an electric shuttle service. You’ll see these small vehicles regularly in the old town and near the beaches.
The service was launched in 2019 under the name Hoi An Shuttle Bus. Today, it’s known as Hoi An Go, but the idea is the same: small, electric vehicles that make it easy and quiet to get around the city.
The shuttles are brown-colored with a retro design, blending in with the charm of the old town. They’re not just convenient – they’re also part of a plan to reduce car and scooter traffic in pedestrian zones. The goal is simple: less pollution and safer travel for everyone in Hoi An.
Where to Find the Hoi An Electric Shuttle Bus
You can spot electric shuttles at key locations like Hoang Dieu Street, An Bang Beach, and Song Hoai Square. That said, they work just like a taxi – you don’t need to go to a pickup point. Just call them, and they’ll pick you up anywhere in Hoi An.
Hoi An Go offers two types of services:
- Organized tours to explore the city and surrounding areas by electric shuttle
- E-taxi service for short-distance trips within Hoi An
Useful Information
- Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Email: xinchao@hoianshuttlebus.vn
- Website: https://hoiango.com/
- Phone: +84 (0)905 663 616
1. Use the Shuttle Like a Taxi
How does it work and how much does it cost?
You can book a full shuttle, just like you would with a regular taxi. It will pick you up directly at your address and drop you off anywhere in Hoi An. That’s exactly how I use the service.
Each Hoi An electric shuttle bus can fit 6 to 8 passengers, which makes it ideal for families or small groups.
As for the price, expect to pay between 50,000 and 250,000 VND, depending on the distance and size of the vehicle.
Hoi An Electric Shuttle Bus Prices
Sample Fares
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay for a one-way ride with a Hoi An electric shuttle bus:
- Hoi An → Tra Que Village: 100,000 VND
- Hoi An → An Bang Beach: 150,000 VND
- Hoi An → Cua Dai Beach: 200,000 VND
Prices may vary slightly depending on the time of day and exact drop-off location, but these examples give you a good reference.
For rides over 10 km, it’s best to contact Hoi An Go directly to get an accurate quote.
From Hoang Dieu / Hoi An Center | Distance | Min. Price (6/8-seat vehicle) |
---|---|---|
Same area | < 2 km | Min. 50,000 VND or 10,000 VND/person (over 5 pax) |
Nearby zones | 2–4 km | Min. 100,000 VND or 20,000 VND/person (over 5 pax) |
Slightly farther | 4–6 km | Min. 150,000 VND or 30,000 VND/person (over 5 pax) |
Extended range | 6–8 km | Min. 200,000 VND or 40,000 VND/person (over 5 pax) |
Outer zones | > 8 km | Min. 250,000 VND or 50,000 VND/person (over 5 pax) |
2. Hoi An Electric Shuttle Bus Tours with Hoi An Go
If you want to explore Hoi An in a different way, these Hoi An electric shuttle bus tours are a great option. You choose the duration (60, 90, or 120 minutes), hop on board, and enjoy the ride – no stress.
There are 6 tour types available:
Heritage Adventure, Coastal Experience, Countryside Experience, Countryside Adventure, Nature Adventure, and Village Adventure.
1. Heritage Adventure
- Duration: 60 or 90 minutes
- Starting point: Hoang Dieu Parking Lot
What you’ll see:
- Iconic views of Hoi An Ancient Town
- Traditional old houses
- Teochew Assembly Hall and Van Mieu monument
- The French Quarter on Phan Boi Chau Street
- Riverside scenes during the ride
2. Countryside Adventure
- Duration: 60, 90, or 120 minutes
- Starting point: Hoang Dieu Parking Lot
What you’ll see:
- Endless rice fields
- Cam Thanh Coconut Forest
- Scenes of local farming and fishing
- Basket boats in action
- And if you’re lucky… a buffalo or two
3. Nature Adventure
- Duration: 60, 90, or 120 minutes
- Starting point: Hoang Dieu Parking Lot
What you’ll see:
- Organic vegetable village of Tra Que
- Cua Dai and An Bang beaches
- Rice paddies, local neighborhoods, and river views
- A nice glimpse of daily life around Hoi An
4. Village Adventure
- Duration: 90 or 120 minutes
- Starting point: Song Hoai Square
What you’ll see:
- Local artisans at work: mat weaving, wood carving in Kim Bong, basket boat making, noodle production
- Quiet, authentic neighborhoods far from the tourist crowds
Tour Prices and Duration
Duration | 1–5 people | Additional person (up to 10) |
---|---|---|
60 minutes | 500,000 VND | 100,000 VND/person |
90 minutes | 750,000 VND | 150,000 VND/person |
120 minutes | 1,500,000 VND | 200,000 VND/person |
✅ Included in every tour
- Private electric shuttle bus with driver
- Free hotel pickup for tours of 90 minutes or more
➕ Optional Add-ons
- Pickup for 60-minute tours (priced by distance)
- Entrance fees, if required
- Tips for the driver (optional)
- Local guide: 500,000 VND
- Photographer (with digital images): 500,000 VND
Private Electric Shuttle Tours – Hoi An Go
Unlike the 4 previous tours, these two come with a professional English-speaking guide included.
5. Countryside Experience – Hoi An Go
A slow-paced, authentic immersion in Hoi An’s countryside, where you’ll meet locals and discover traditional skills.
What’s included in the tour:
- Visit to a traditional boatyard
- Meet a local family
- Panoramic view of Cua Dai and the Cham Islands
- Hands-on experience with fishing net repair
- Tasting local snacks and drinks
6. Coastal Experience – Hoi An Go
A journey between river and sea, with a mix of local life, markets, and natural landscapes.
What’s included in the tour:
- Visit to the lively Ba Le Market
- Meet a local family and take part in organic farming
- Learn about coconuts and mangroves
- Scenic views from the river to the sea
- Tasting local snacks and refreshments
Private Tour Pricing
Tour Type | Price |
---|---|
Private Tour (1–6 pax) | 205 USD |
Group (7+ people) | Contact Hoi An Go for a group rate |
✅ Included in every tour
- Private tour with a professional English-speaking guide
- Up to 6 participants max
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Flexible schedule, decided at the time of booking
- All entrance fees, snacks, and drinks included
➕ Optional Add-ons
- Photographer (with digital images): 500,000 VND
- Tips for driver and guide: optional
Electric Shuttle vs. Taxi in Hoi An: Which One Should You Choose?
Getting around Hoi An is simple, but choosing the right transport depends on your needs. Here’s a quick comparison between the Hoi An electric shuttle bus (Hoi An Go) and traditional taxis.
Category | Electric Shuttle (Hoi An Go) | Taxi |
---|---|---|
Eco-friendly | ✅ Yes – fully electric vehicles | ❌ No – gasoline or diesel powered |
Comfort | ✅ Open-air, quiet, great for short rides | ✅ Air-conditioned, enclosed – better in bad weather |
Capacity | ✅ Up to 6–8 passengers | ✅ Usually 4–7 passengers, depending on vehicle size |
Booking | Call or message via Hoi An Go | App or hotel call |
Flexibility | ✅ Good for short trips in and around town | ✅ Available anytime, anywhere (even long-distance) |
Cost | 50,000–150,000 VND (fixed pricing) | Varies by distance, usually more expensive |
Availability | ❌ Might have to wait, especially during busy hours | ✅ Grab and taxis are generally more available |
Coverage area | Old town and nearby beaches (up to ~10 km) | Anywhere: city, beaches, airport, even long-distance |
Local experience | ✅ Feels more in tune with Hoi An’s vibe | ❌ Just a standard ride |
Best for | Families, small groups, short city trips | Airport transfers, day trips, urgent travel |
My Opinion
I use them from time to time, especially when I’m in the old town and don’t feel like taking the scooter. They’re convenient, cheap, and save you from walking in the heat. That said, I don’t recommend them if you’re in a rush or on a tight schedule – they’re not built for speed.
They’re also a good option if you’re with kids or elderly people. No helmet needed, no traffic stress. Just keep in mind that the routes are limited to the city and nearby areas.
In short, they’re a great complement to other transport options in Hoi An, but not a one-size-fits-all solution. Use them for what they are: handy shuttles for short trips.