Hoi An to Hue

How to Get From Hoi An to Hue

4Options
2h 45mFastest
$9.50From
ElaMaartenWritten by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten · Updated 3 weeks ago

Train · Bus · Minivan · Private Transfer

Hue was Vietnam's imperial capital, 103 kilometres (64 miles) north of Hoi An. Its walled Citadel and royal tombs sit along the Perfume River. The cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Hue is the train at $9.50 (250,000 VND). The bus takes 3h - 3h 50m, and costs a little more.

DISTANCE

Distance from Hoi An to Hue

Hoi An and Hue are about 103 km (64 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 123 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h 45m and 7h 20m.

~103 km
Straight-line distance
~123 km
Route distance
COMPARE

4 ways to travel from Hoi An to Hue

There are four ways to travel from Hoi An to Hue. You can choose between the train, bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 45m–3h 25m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $9.50 (250,000 VND).

TrainVia Da Nang · 36 departuresDuration3h 25m+Pricefrom$10250,000 VND

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 Minivan

1-4h$5.70 (150,000 VND)

There are 2 ways to travel the journey that takes 1-4h from Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station: by minivan for $5.70 (150,000 VND) or by taxi with rates from $17 (440,000 VND).

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. Cheap local buses run from Hoi An to Da Nang every 20 to 30 minutes, from about 05:30 to 18:00. Touts at the stop still offer overpriced taxis, which is why it is best to book your minivan ahead. 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.

1hThuan Phat LimousineStandard10 Cao Hong LanhDa Nang Airport07:0007:3008:0008:3009:0009:30+9$6150,000 VNDTickets
1hAn Phu Hoi An TravelFord 16 ExpressHoi An Old TownMy Khe Beach Da Nang08:3509:3010:2511:3512:2913:21+7$6166,000 VNDTickets
1hThanh Thuy LimousineVIP Limo25 Hai Ba Trung97 Vo Van Kiet13:0015:00$7194,000 VNDTickets
4hHue TouristStandardDa NangHue15:20$12310,000 VNDTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 2: Da Nang to Hue by Train

2h 25m - 3h 20m$3.80 (100,000 VND)

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 $3.80 (100,000 VND) for the train journey that takes 2h 25m - 3h 20m.

2h32mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangHue00:56$4100,000 VNDTickets
2h30mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangHue12:57$4102,000 VNDTickets
2h24mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangHue13:55$4108,000 VNDTickets
3h8mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangHue10:30$5128,000 VNDTickets
2h40mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangHue15:43$5130,000 VNDTickets
Show all 14 companies
2h30mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangHue12:57$6148,000 VNDTickets
2h30mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangHue12:57$7184,000 VNDTickets
2h24mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangHue13:55$7186,000 VNDTickets
2h40mVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SleeperDa NangHue15:43$8200,000 VNDTickets
3hVietnam RailwaysSecond Class SeatDa NangHue07:5014:50$8206,000 VNDTickets
2h40mVietnam RailwaysFirst Class SleeperDa NangHue15:43$9244,000 VNDTickets
2h24mVietnam RailwaysCabin 2 XDa NangHue13:55$12325,000 VNDTickets
2h30mLaman ExpressShared Cabin for 4Da NangHue18:05$16430,000 VNDTickets
2h30mLaman ExpressFirst Class SleeperDa NangHue18:05$33860,000 VNDTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

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
Hue
Bus13 departuresDuration3h+Pricefrom$11285,000 VND

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?

There are one companies operating on this route. Bus fares start from $11 (285,000 VND) and travel time is around 3h - 3h 50m.

Departure and arrival stations

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 schedule from Hoi An to Hue

3hAn Phu Hoi An TravelVIP 22712 Hai Ba Trung99 Bui Thi Xuan06:3007:0007:3008:0009:0009:30+5$11285,000 VNDTickets
3h50mAn Phu Hoi An TravelVIP 32 Seats103 Ton Duc Thang62 Chu Van An12:45$13345,000 VNDTickets
3h50mAn Phu Hoi An TravelSleeping103 Ton Duc Thang62 Chu Van An12:50$13345,000 VNDTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Booking Tip

Before you hop on the bus, get some delicious Phi Banh Mi! This is a few minutes walk from the Old Town.
Hue
Minivan30 departuresDuration3h+Pricefrom$12320,000 VND

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 $12 (320,000 VND) for the 3-4h journey.

Van schedules of Hoi An to Hue

3-4h$12 (320,000 VND)
3hHAV TravelLimo445 Hai Ba Trung60 Chu Van An, Hue05:0007:3009:3010:3013:3015:30+1$12320,000 VNDTickets
3hRay LimousineLimo445 Hai Ba Trung18 Le Loi, Vinh Ninh04:3005:0005:3006:0006:3007:00+24$13345,000 VNDTickets
3hHung Thinh Phat LimousineLimo1 Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An Ancient TownHue - Any hotel in the city center08:0010:0012:0014:0016:0018:00$14370,000 VNDTickets
4hiVietnamLimoBap Homestay14/42 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue05:0006:0007:0008:0009:0010:00+9$16420,000 VNDTickets
3hBarri Ann TravelShuttle30 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An45 Le Loi Hue07:0014:00$20530,000 VNDTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
Hue
Private Transfer9 departuresDuration2h 45m+Pricefrom$16410,000 VND

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 $16 (410,000 VND) 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.

Hoi An
iVietnam
iVietnam
SUV Car 5 PAX
$55 (1,440,000 VND)
$11 (290,000 VND) per person
Mango Travel
Sedan Car 2 PAX
$57 (1,520,000 VND)
$29 (760,000 VND) per person
Mango Travel
SUV Car 4 PAX
$66 (1,740,000 VND)
$17 (435,000 VND) per person
Hue Happy Travel
Standard Car 5 PAX
$79 (2,060,000 VND)
$16 (415,000 VND) per person
Hue Happy Travel
Standard Car 5 PAX
$79 (2,060,000 VND)
$16 (415,000 VND) per person
Hue Happy Travel
Standard Car 5 PAX
$79 (2,060,000 VND)
$16 (415,000 VND) per person
Available atBookaway
Hue

Reach out to our Community

5

Hi Marteen,
Do you think I can buy the train tickets directly when I arrive at Danang station or is it better to book in advance ?

M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Alex, I think you can still buy them at the railway station. At least when it's not around national holidays. But what's the reason you want to wait? If you buy the ticket in advance, you don't have to worry about missing the train anymore and can make a plan around that. The more you book in advance, the less stress on the day itself.

0
1

Hi, thanks for your tips! Is there a way to rent a motorbike in hue and leave it in Hoi An without doing the way back? Thanks!

M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Nicole, yes it's very easy to organize such a trip They will even bring your luggage to Hoi An. See this page for some idea's for your itinerary:
(geckoroutes.com)

0
1

Hi Maarten

How do I book an easy rider tour with a driver so we don't have to ride the bikes ourselves!!
Thanks

M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Charly, there are several tours that include a local driver. HAMA (motorbiketours-hoian.com) receives good reviews, but I am going to do some research to give you more options!

0
1

I never drove a motorbike before, is this a problem or can I still rent one?

M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Hi Andrew, in that case I strongly recommend to take the train or jump of the back of an easy driver.

Driving a motorbike will put yourself and others at risk. Also will your insurance probably not cover any accidents as most international driver licenses are not accepted in Vietnam.

The train journey offers great view as well and if you want a more adventurous experience you can also join an easy rider tour.

0
1
M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Thanks for the suggestion! Looks like they offer great experiences!

0
1
STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Hue

Here are our favourite places to stay in Hue for every budget.

Budget

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 (420,000 VND) and double rooms from $24 (630,000 VND).
Check availability
Budget

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 (630,000 VND).
Check availability
Mid-Range

Cherish Hue Hotel

Want to treat yourself? The experience you get a Cherish Hue Hotel would cost you over $100 (2,650,000 VND) in a Western country, but here it won't cost you more than $42 (1,100,000 VND)! 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.
Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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!

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Hoi An to Hue, roughly 103 kilometres (64 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $9.50 (250,000 VND). The quickest trip takes 2h 45m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Hoi An to Hue?

The distance from Hoi An to Hue is 103 kilometres (64 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Hoi An to Hue?

Journey times from Hoi An to Hue overlap: train 3h 25m - 7h 20m, bus 3h - 3h 50m, minivan 3-4h, private transfer 2h 45m - 4h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

What is the cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Hue?

The cheapest way to get from Hoi An to Hue is by train with ticket costs starting from 250,000 VND.

CHANGELOG

Route Update History

  • Updated Bus by selene
  • Updated Train by selene
  • Updated Minivan by selene
  • Updated Private by selene

About the Authors

Ela
Ela

Senior Travel Writer

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.

Maarten
MaartenReviewer

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

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