Contents
Hoi An Ancient Town[1] and the Complex of Hue Monuments[2] are both UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the road between them crosses the Hai Van Pass or passes under it through the Hai Van Tunnel. There is no rail station in Hoi An, so the choice is between a direct bus, a van or a private car, or a bus or taxi to Da Nang for the train.
Hoi An to Hue by Bus
On booking platforms, buses from Hoi An to Hue cost roughly $7 to $10 and take about 3 hours 30 minutes (October 2026).[3] Sleeper and cabin buses are common even on short daytime trips.
Hoi An to Hue by Van
On booking platforms, shared vans cost about $18 and take about 3 hours 20 minutes (October 2026).[3] Vans are smaller than buses and often offer hotel pick-up, but luggage space is limited, so mention large bags when you book.
Hoi An to Hue by Private Transfer
Private transfers start at about $44 for a standard car and reach about $174 for larger vans, with travel times from 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes (booking platforms, October 2026).[3] A private car lets you choose the route over the Hai Van Pass rather than through the tunnel, which is the scenic option.
Hoi An to Hue by Train (via Da Nang)
Take a taxi or bus from Hoi An to Da Nang station and board a Reunification Express train to Hue. The Vietnam Railways timetable lists 5 northbound trains from Da Nang to Hue, taking between 2 hours 33 minutes and 3 hours 16 minutes.[4]
| Train | Departs Da Nang | Arrives Hue |
|---|---|---|
| SE8 | 23:41 | 02:17 (next day)[4] |
| SE6 | 02:01 | 04:49[4] |
| SE10 | 08:59 | 12:15[4] |
| SE4 | 12:28 | 15:10[4] |
| SE2 | 13:21 | 15:54[4] |
Vietnam Airlines describes the section between Hue and Da Nang as one of the most scenic train routes in Vietnam, with coastal views.[5] Tickets can be bought on the official website or app of Vietnam Railways, and tickets bought online can be refunded online or at the station.[6]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Fare on booking platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | About 3h 30m[3] | About $7 - $10 |
| Van | About 3h 20m[3] | About $18 |
| Private transfer | 1h 40m - 3h 30m[3] | From about $44 |
| Train (from Da Nang) | 2h 33m - 3h 16m[4] | See the Vietnam Railways ticket website |
Tips for Traveling from Hoi An to Hue
- Choose the Hai Van Pass: If you travel by private car, ask the driver to take the pass instead of the tunnel for the coastal views.
- Book ahead: Trains and the better buses can sell out on weekends and public holidays.
- Luggage: Vans have limited luggage space compared with a large bus, so mention oversized bags when you book.
- Arrival in Hue: Have your hotel address ready for a taxi or motorbike ride from the drop-off point.
Timetable
| Bus Hoi An - Hue $ 6.52–9.91 3h 30m | |
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| Taxi Hoi An - Hue $ 44.01–173.33 1h 40m – 3h 30m | |
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| Van Hoi An - Hue $ 17.67 3h 20m | |
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| Train Da Nang - Hue $ 6.82–17.63 2h 30m – 4h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Hoi An to Hue, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option, at roughly $7 to $10 on booking platforms in October 2026.
A private transfer is the fastest, taking from 1 hour 40 minutes on booking platforms. A van takes about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Private transfers take 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, vans about 3 hours 20 minutes and buses about 3 hours 30 minutes. The train from Da Nang to Hue takes 2 hours 33 minutes to 3 hours 16 minutes.
By private car you can ask the driver to take the pass instead of the tunnel. The train from Da Nang to Hue also runs along a scenic coastal section.
If you want coastal views, yes: Vietnam Airlines describes the Hue to Da Nang section as one of the most scenic train routes in Vietnam. You first need a taxi or bus from Hoi An to Da Nang station.
No. For the train, go to Da Nang station first, then board a Reunification Express train to Hue.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Hoi An Ancient Town. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [2] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Complex of Hue Monuments. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: Hoi An to Hue timetable. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [4] Vietnam Railways (Duong sat Viet Nam): Vietnam Railways timetable: Reunification Express (SE) trains. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [5] Vietnam Airlines: Overnight Train in Vietnam: Ticket Classes, How to Book & Notes. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [6] Vietnam Railways (Duong sat Viet Nam): Vietnam Railways online ticket sales. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.