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How to get from Hue to Hoi An
The best way to travel the 120 km from Hue to Hoi An is by riding a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass — often referred to as the Great Ocean Road of Vietnam. If riding a motorbike isn’t your thing, you have 4 other options: a 3.5-hour train, a 3-hour bus, a 3-hour van, and a 3-hour private transfer. Rates range between 230,000 VND ($9.50) and 1,725,000 VND ($73).
4 ways to get from Hue to Hoi An
The train is the best alternative to riding a motorbike from Hue to Hoi An. While there is no direct train between these two towns, you can take one to Da Nang and still get the same views as when you take the motorbike. Train fares start from 248,000 VND ($10.50), including the minivan transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An.
Taking a bus is easier than travelling by train because the bus brings you directly from the centre of Hue to the centre of Hoi An. But there’s a downside — buses take a different route through a tunnel. For us, the main attraction of this journey is the view and we don’t want you to miss it by taking the bus!
The minivan also departs and arrives at the centre of both Hue and Hoi An. But like the bus, minivans pass through the Hai Van Tunnel. This means that you will still miss the scenic views of Hai Van Pass when you take a minivan.
Travelling in a group? Taking a private transfer isn’t that much expensive when you split the cost. Prices start from 1,725,000 VND ($73) for a 4-seater car. If you’re travelling in a group of 4, that’s just 431,250 VND ($18) per person.
Travelling the Hai Van Pass by motorbike
The Hai Van Pass is a 21km mountain pass overlooking the sea and the lush forests between Hue and Da Nang. With its stunning views, the Hai Van Pass is one of the highlights of central Vietnam.
The most popular way to explore this area is by motorbike. There are several companies offering motorbike rental with a pick-up in Hoi An and drop-off in Hue. This includes transport of your luggage with their own van to Hue.
When taking the motorbike, we recommend that you depart from Hue early in the morning so you can take your sweet time throughout the ride. Time it well to arrive at the Marble Mountains by sunset, the perfect finale to this amazing journey.
Itinerary from Hue to Hoi An
Hue to Hoi An by Train
We highly recommend taking the train from Hue to Hoi An — that is, if you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike for this route.
There is no direct train between Hue and Hoi An. You will first take a train to Da Nang, from where you can transfer to a bus or taxi to Hoi An. Despite this not being a direct transfer, we still think the train is the best alternative to taking the motorbike.
With the train, you will still have a full view of Hai Van Pass. And we mean it when we say, this is one view you shouldn’t miss when travelling through central Vietnam!
Step 1: Hue to Da Nang by Train
There are four trains operating from Hue Train Station to Da Nang daily. We recommend taking one of the trains travelling during the day so that you can enjoy the view as it passes along Hai Van Pass.
Ticket prices start from 93,000 VND ($3.90) for a soft seat. Travel time is around 2.5 hours.
Train schedules from Hue to Da Nang (Soft seat)
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Step 2: Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An by Minivan
From Da Nang Railway Station, you can take either a minivan or a taxi to Hoi An centre.
Minivans are available every day from 07:00 to 21:00. Book your minivan seat beforehand to avoid any hassle on the day of your trip. Ticket prices start from 155,000 VND ($6.50).
If you’re travelling in a group or you’re carrying bulky luggage, you can also take a taxi. Rates from the train station to your hotel in Hoi An start from 440,000 VND ($18.50).
You can pre-book your minivan or private transfer via BookAway. See our guide for Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An for more details.
IMPORTANT: There used to be cheap public buses operating from Da Nang to Hoi An. But the last time we checked (February 2023), they were no longer available.
Hue to Hoi An by Bus
The bus is a direct way to get from Hue to Hoi An. This may make it seem like the more convenient option. But unfortunately, unlike trains, buses pass through the Hai Van Tunnel instead of the Hai Van Pass.
That means that when you take the bus, you will miss the splendid views this route has to offer.
Still want to travel by bus from Hue to Hoi An? Fares start from 230,000 VND ($9.50) for the 3-hour journey. Some of the companies operating on this route are TBus and Vietnam Travel Bus.
Departure and arrival station
TBus departs from its office at 7 Doi Cung in Hue city centre. It arrives at Hung Thanh Travel Office in Hoi An, 1.5 km north of the Old Town.
Vietnam Travel leaves from its terminal in Hue city centre and parks at the Vietnam Travel Office, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town in Hoi An.
Bus schedules from Hue to Hoi An
Hue to Hoi An by Van
Another direct option when travelling from Hue to Hoi An is the minivan. All minivans operating on this route depart and arrive at the city centre, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding your way to/from van terminals.
Like the bus, though, minivans travel through the Hai Van Tunnel. So you will still miss the impressive views along the way!
Prices start from 280,000 VND ($11.50) for the 3-hour minivan journey.
Departure and arrival station
All minivans depart from Qua Luu Niem in Hue city centre.
Dong Hanh Limousine arrives at its headquarters in Hoi An, while Barri Ann and April Adventure park at their terminal along Hai Ba Trung Street. You can find both offices 1 km north of Hoi An’s Old Town.
Van schedules from Hue to Hoi An
Hue to Hoi An by Private Transfer
Looking for a door-to-door ride? You can get a private transfer from Hue to Hoi An.
Rates for a 4-seater sedan start from 1,725,000 VND ($73) when you book with BookAway, which offers comfortable cars that come with professional drivers.
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Hoi An from Hue
What is the best way to travel from Hue to Hoi An?
The best way to travel the 120 km from Hue to Hoi An is by riding a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass. We highly recommend this option if you know how to ride a motorbike or don’t mind riding with a tour guide!
Check out our 3-day itinerary for Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An for the best way to explore Hai Van Pass.
What are the other options for travelling from Hue to Hoi An?
If you’re not into riding motorbikes, you can choose from 4 other options: a 4-hour train, a 3.5-hour bus, a 3.5-hour van, and a 3-hour private transfer. Fares are from 113,000 VND ($4.70) to 1,725,000 VND ($73).
Why is the train a good alternative to riding a motorbike from Hue to Hoi An?
The train is the best alternative to riding a motorbike from Hue to Hoi An because it allows you to experience the same scenic views. Also, the train is the cheapest option with prices from 113,000 VND ($4.70).
What are the pros and cons of taking the bus or minivan from Hue to Hoi An?
The advantage of taking a bus or minivan is that they operate directly from the centre of Hue to the centre of Hoi An. The downside is that they take a different route through a tunnel. This means that when you take a bus or a minivan, you will miss the views of Hai Van Pass.
What is the best time to depart from Hue to Hoi An by motorbike?
It’s best to depart early morning from Hue when taking a motorbike to Hoi An. Take your time, enjoy the view, and arrive at the Marble Mountains by sunset. From here, it’s a 30-minute twilight ride to Hoi An.
Our favourite places to stay in Hoi An
HaLo HomeStay
HaLo Homestay is an incredible budget option. You won't quite believe the standard of the rooms for the price you're paying. They're large, modern and very clean. The owners serve a delicious breakfast and will do everything they can to guarantee you a perfect stay. They even have free bikes for you to use. From the homestay you can reach the Old Quarter or beach within 5 minutes.
Double rooms from: $11
Flame Flowers Homestay
Expect a warm welcome when you arrive at Flame Flowers Homestay. The owners feel like family from the moment you meet them. Guests have been known to extend their stays here as they just can't face leaving. The spacious rooms provide you with everything you need - a good nights sleep and ultimate comfort!
Double rooms from: $25
Vina Beach Pool Villas
Dreaming of a luxurious retreat right next to the beach? Vina Beach Pool Villas tick all the boxes. There's a relaxing pool, lush gardens and it's only steps away from the beach. And after a hard day of relaxing, their super comfortable beds offer the best nights sleep. On top of that, the owners can't do enough to ensure you have an unforgettable stay.
Double rooms from: $40
Things to do in Hoi An
Things to do in Hoi AnThe online activity platform Klook offers many tours in Hoi An 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 Hoi An
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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.
