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How to get from Hoi An to Hue
The best way to travel the 120 km from Hoi An to Hue An is by riding a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass — often dubbed as the Great Ocean Road of Vietnam. Not a bike rider? You have 4 other options to get from Hoi An to Hue: a 4-hour train, a 3-hour bus, a 3.5-hour minivan, and a 3-hour private transfer. Fares range from 111,000 VND ($4.70) to 1,725,000 VND ($73).
The train is a great alternative to riding a motorbike from Hoi An to Hue. The train goes along the same coast and offers almost the same views. Also, it is the cheapest option with rates from 111,000 VND ($4.70).
The bus and the minivan are direct transfers — from Hoi An city centre to Hue city centre. They may be more convenient, but we still prefer the train. Both the bus and the minivan take a different route through a tunnel, so you will miss the route’s scenic highlight.
When travelling in a group, you can consider taking a private transfer from Hoi An to Hue. This takes you door-to-door with rates starting from 1,725,000 VND ($73) for a 4-seater car.
Travelling the Hai Van Pass by motorbike
We highly recommend booking a motorbike tour or renting a motorbike from Hoi An to Hue. The motorbike is the best way to explore the Hai Van Pass and is an unforgettable experience!
With its 21 km winding road overlooking the sea, the Hai Van Pass is one of the highlights of central Vietnam. There are several companies offering motorbike rental with a pick-up in Hoi An and drop-off in Hue. They also transport your luggage with their own van to Hue.
Itinerary from Hoi An to Hue
Hoi An to Hue by Train
If you’re not a fan of riding motorbikes, the train is a good alternative.
There is no direct train from Hoi An to Hue, but you can take one from Da Nang to Hue. This route offers almost the same views as a motorcycle ride.
To get to Da Nang, you can take a bus or a taxi from Hoi An.
Step 1: Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station by Bus
There are 2 ways to travel the 1-hour journey from Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station: by bus for 20,000 VND ($0.85) or by taxi with rates from 446,000 VND ($19).
If you decide to take the bus, just find Bus #1 at Hoi An Bus Station. This will take you up to 155 Le Duan Road. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to Da Nang Railway Station.
If you’re taking a taxi, we recommend booking one through BookAway, which offers spacious cars with trusted drivers.
See our page about Da Nang Railway Station for more details.
Step 2: Da Nang to Hue by Train
There are 4 trains operating from Da Nang to Hue, but only three of these travel during the day. Book a daytime train to enjoy the views of Hai Van Pass!
Ticket prices start from 91,000 VND ($3.85) for the 2.5-hour train journey.
Train schedules from Da Nang to Hue
You are to get off the train at Hue Railway Station, some 2 km away from the city centre. You can get to your hotel on foot or via a short taxi ride.
PRO TIP: Use the free N26 debit card to avoid the extra fees charged by your bank. This N26 debit card is becoming very popular among travellers, because they don't charge any fees on payments in foreign currencies (most banks charge 3%-5%). New members can order one for free on the N26 website
Hoi An to Hue by Bus
Travelling by bus is convenient because it takes you from the centre of Hoi An to the centre of Hue.
But there’s a catch, buses take a different route through a tunnel. This means that you will completely miss the amazing views from the Hai Van Pass.
Still want to take the bus from Hoi An to Hue? Camel Travel and Techbus VN JSC are among the main operators for this route.
Bus fares start from 132,000 VND ($5.50) and travel time is around 3 hours.
Departure and arrival station
Camel Travel departs from its headquarters in Hoi An, some 2 km east of the Old Town. It arrives at the Camel Travel Office in the centre of Hue, 2 km east of the Imperial City.
Techbus VN JSC leaves from its bus station in Hoi An, 1.5 km north of the Old Town. It parks along Doi Cung Street in Hue city centre.
Bus schedules from Hoi An to Hue
PRO TIP: Before you hop on the bus, get some delicious Phi Banh Mi! This is a few minutes walk from the Old Town.
Hoi An to Hue by Minivan
Another way to travel directly from Hoi An to Hue is by minivan. But like the bus, minivans take the Hai Van Tunnel instead of the Hai Van Pass.
Since you will miss the scenic views either way, we recommend taking the bus instead of the minivan. Buses are cheaper and more spacious.
Minivan fares start from 300,000 VND ($12.50) for the 3.5-hour journey.
Departure and arrival station
Dong Hanh Limousine, Barri Ann Travel, and April Adventure depart from their own offices in Hoi An, about 1 km north of the Old Town.
All minivans arrive at Qua Luu Niem in the centre of Hue, 2 km east of the Imperial City.
Van schedules of Hoi An to Hue
Hoi An to Hue by Private Transfer
With a private transfer, you can travel door-to-door from Hoi An to Hue.
Rates start from 1,725,000 VND ($73) for a car that can fit 4 people. We recommend booking your ride online through BookAway. They offer excellent customer service as well as spacious cars with polite drivers.
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Our favourite places to stay in Hue
Hong Thien Ruby Hotel
Hong Thien Ruby Hotel offers great value if you don't want to spent too much on an accommodation. Excellent breakfast, good location and friendly staff. What do you need more? Single beds incl. breakfast from $16 and double rooms from $24.
Hotel La Pere
Another hotel that offers great value for money is Hotel La Perle. This eco-friendly hotel is located in the same area and also offers an outstanding breakfast plus fresh fruit all day long! Double rooms start from $24.
Cherish Hue Hotel
Want to treat yourself? The experience you get a Cherish Hue Hotel would cost you over $100 in a Western country, but here it won't cost you more than $42! The staff is super professional and a breakfast buffet like this is hard to find anywhere else! The hotel also has a spa where you get a 30% discount as a guest and you can get a massage or other treatment for very reasonable prices.
Things to do in Hue
The online activity platform Klook offers many tours in Hue at great prices. I used it now for a couple of times and had great experiences. And the prices are often even lower than when you book with a local travel agent!
And most important, by booking the activity in advance, you avoid the problem of fully booked tours.
More routes to Hue
More routes from Hoi An
Most popular routes in Vietnam
About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
