How to get from Hoi An to Hue

Why visit Hue?

Hue in central Vietnam is a treat for history buffs. As the former national capital and seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is the best place to get to know Vietnam’s last imperial family. Explore the Imperial Citadel, cruise down the Perfume River, or sample an Imperial Banquet.

But if you ask us, the best thing to do in Hue is to ride a motorbike to the nearby Hai Van Pass — one of the greatest ocean roads in the world. This will reward you with some of the most jaw-dropping views you’ll see in Vietnam!

There are 4 ways to travel the 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Hoi An to Hue. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transfer and train. The journey takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 159,000 VND ($6.10).

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?

There are ten companies operating on this route. Bus fares start from 159,000 VND ($6.10) and travel time is around 1 hour 40 minutes to 5 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.

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.

There are 2 ways to travel the journey that takes 45m - 2h from Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station: by minivan for 68,000 VND ($2.60) or by taxi with rates from 440,000 VND ($16.90).

We recommend booking your minivan or private transfer through BookAway, which offers spacious cars with professional drivers.

See our page about Da Nang Railway Station for more details.

IMPORTANT: There used to be cheap local buses operating from Hoi An to Da Nang. But the last time we checked (February 2023), these buses were not available anymore. Some touts try to take advantage of this situation by offering overpriced taxis, which is why it’s best to book your minivan or private ride with a trusted company beforehand.

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 99,000 VND ($3.80) for the train journey that takes 2h 24m - 3h 20m.

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 320,000 VND ($12.30) for the 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes journey.

Departure and arrival station

Viet Nam Travel Bus, iVietnam, 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.

With a private transfer, you can travel door-to-door from Hoi An to Hue.

Rates start from 1,756,000 VND ($68) for a car that can fit 2 people. We recommend booking your ride online through BookAway. They offer excellent customer service as well as spacious cars with polite drivers.

Private Transfer options from Hoi An to Hue