Taxi vs Grab vs Xanh SM — Which Is Best for Getting Around Đà Nẵng?
When visiting Đà Nẵng, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “What’s the best way to get around town?” Whether you’re heading from the airport to your hotel, cruising along My Khe Beach, or exploring Marble Mountains, Đà Nẵng offers several transport choices — traditional taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab, and newer electric services like Xanh SM. Here’s how they compare.
🛺 1. Traditional Taxi — Reliable & Simple
Traditional taxis from established companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun are everywhere in Đà Nẵng. You can hail one from the street, call their hotline, or find them at major locations like the airport, Dragon Bridge, and Han Market. These taxis are meter-based and are generally straightforward for short city trips.
Pros
- Easy to hail and familiar to most travelers.
- Metered prices mean transparent fares without surprises.
- Drivers often know the city well.
Cons
- Slightly more expensive for short rides compared with ride-hailing apps.
- Some travelers have reported occasional over-metering or communication challenges.
Best for: Quick short rides, arriving from airports, or if you prefer a traditional taxi experience.
📱 2. Grab — Convenient & App-Based
Grab is one of the most popular ride-hailing services not just in Đà Nẵng but across Vietnam. It works similarly to Uber: you book via the app, see the fare upfront, and track your driver in real time. Grab offers cars, larger vehicles, motorbike taxis, and sometimes even food delivery.
Pros
- Transparent pricing displayed before booking.
- Wide range of options (car, bike, express).
- English-friendly app — great for foreign visitors.
Cons
- Prices can rise during peak hours, bad weather, or high demand.
- Occasionally you may encounter no-shows or cancellations — something some riders find frustrating.
Best for: First-time visitors, anyone who wants total fare transparency, and travelers comfortable with smartphone apps.
⚡ 3. Xanh SM — The Green, Electric Alternative
Xanh SM is a newer mobility service that’s quickly gaining traction across Vietnam, including in Đà Nẵng. It operates 100% electric vehicles — mainly VinFast models — offering quiet, eco-friendly rides. The service includes standard and premium car options and even bike services in some areas.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and quiet: Electric cars mean no fumes or engine noise.
- Competitive fare structure, often similar to or lower than traditional taxi rates.
- Booking through the Xanh SM app or hotline is easy.
- Good for travelers who value sustainability.
Cons
- App and network are still expanding, so availability may vary.
- Some users report occasional app glitches or service hiccups.
Best for: Environmentally conscious travelers, those who want a fresh alternative to traditional taxis or ride-hailing apps.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Taxi | Grab | Xanh SM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking | Street hail / call | Mobile app | Mobile app / call |
| Pricing transparency | Metered (no upfront fare) | High (fare shown before booking) | Medium–high |
| English support | Limited | Excellent | Improving |
| Eco-friendly | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ Yes (100% electric) |
| Availability | High | High | Medium–High |
| Best for | Simple, traditional rides | App-based convenience | Green & modern travel |
Tips for Visitors
- Download apps before you arrive — Grab and Xanh SM work best when set up in advance.
- Watch for dynamic pricing on Grab during peak times.
- Electric is gaining steam — Xanh SM is expanding and building a strong presence nationwide, sometimes even outpacing Grab in market share.
Final Thoughts
- Taxis are reliable and straightforward, ideal for straightforward city travel.
- Grab offers comfort, transparency, and app-based convenience for tech-savvy travelers.
- Xanh SM brings a fresh, electric option that’s both sustainable and competitive, perfect for travelers looking to try something new and eco-friendly.
No matter your choice, Đà Nẵng’s transport options make getting around easy and enjoyable — so you can focus on the beaches, street food, and adventure that await!
