About the route from Hoi An to Hue
Distance and Travel Time
The distance from Hoi An to Hue is around 126–130 km, depending on your exact start and end points. Travel time is typically about 3 hours using the fastest route, or longer if you choose the scenic coastal road. There are two main ways to travel: over the Hai Van Pass, a winding mountain route with spectacular views, or through the Hai Van Tunnel, a modern shortcut beneath the mountains. Hue has both a train station and an airport, while Hoi An has neither—Da Nang serves as the main transport hub for flights and trains.
The Hai Van Pass (Scenic Way)
Taking the Hai Van Pass means following a mountain road that curves high above the coast, offering panoramic views of the sea, hills, and small fishing villages. This route is slower but far more memorable, making it a favourite for travellers who enjoy stopping for photos and soaking up the scenery.
The Hai Van Tunnel (Fastest Way)
The Hai Van Tunnel is the quicker and more practical option, taking you directly beneath the mountains and saving about 30 minutes compared to the pass. It’s safer in bad weather and avoids steep climbs and sharp bends, but you’ll miss the dramatic landscapes that make the coastal route famous.
Quick overview: Which option to choose
| Transport type | Why choose | Travel time | Estimated price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing transfer by car | Comfort and flexibility with stops at scenic spots along the way | 6–8 hrs (with stops) | from 1.5–2.5 million VND per vehicle |
| Sightseeing transfer by open jeep | Unique open-air experience, adventurous but comfortable | 6–8 hrs (with stops) | from 2–3 million VND per vehicle |
| Sightseeing transfer by Easy Rider | Adventure of the open road without driving yourself | 6–8 hrs (with stops) | from 1.2–1.6 million VND per person |
| Scenic train (from Da Nang) | Relaxed ride with stunning Hai Van Pass views | 3–4 hrs (plus 45 min to Da Nang) | 80,000–300,000 VND per ticket |
| Limousine van | Comfortable, affordable, and direct | ~3.5 hrs | ~250,000 VND per person |
| Hue day trip from Hoi An | See Hue’s highlights without overnight stay | Full day | from 900,000–1.4 million VND per person |
| Private car (direct) | Fastest and most convenient door-to-door transfer | ~3 hrs | from 1.5 million VND per vehicle |
| Self-drive motorbike | Maximum freedom and adventure | 4–6 hrs | from 400,000–600,000 VND per bike |
Option 1: Sightseeing Transfer (Most recommended)
If you take the coastal route over the Hai Van Pass rather than the tunnel, it opens up the chance to turn your trip from Hoi An to Hue into a full day of sightseeing. This type of journey is often called a “sightseeing transfer” — it’s still a one-way trip between the two cities, but with planned stops at highlights along the way. Instead of simply getting from A to B, you’ll enjoy some of Central Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, viewpoints, and cultural sites.
What is a sightseeing transfer?
A sightseeing transfer from Hoi An to Hue combines transport with short visits to major attractions along the route. You’ll be driven by someone who knows the road well and can time stops for the best experience. Common stops, in order from Hoi An to Hue, include:
- Marble Mountains – limestone peaks with pagodas, caves, and city views
- My Khe Beach – wide, sandy beach popular with surfers
- Hai Van Pass – panoramic views from winding mountain roads
- Lang Co Beach – quiet stretch of sand between mountains and sea
- Lap An Lagoon – scenic fishing villages with a mountain backdrop
- Elephant Springs – natural pools and small waterfalls in the forest
- Hue countryside – rice paddies and rural villages before reaching the city
1. Sightseeing transfer by private car
This is the most flexible and comfortable option. You’ll have an English-speaking driver (not a full tour guide) who can adjust timing to your preferences. Meals and entrance fees are not included, giving you the freedom to choose where and what to eat.
Sightseeing transfer Hoi An – Hue via Hai Van Pass
- Highlights Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, stone-carving village.
- Includes Flexible pick-up/drop-off and private vehicle for a relaxed journey.
2. Sightseeing transfer by open jeep
A more adventurous way to make the journey, using vintage military jeeps with an open-air design. It’s a fun and immersive experience, though less comfortable in bad weather.
Military Jeep Hai Van Pass Tour
- Highlights Hai Van Pass, Marble Mountain, Lang Co Beach, village visit.
- Includes Private vintage jeep, lunch stop, and flexible route.
3. Sightseeing transfer by Easy Rider
For those who want the thrill of the open road without driving themselves, an Easy Rider transfer puts you on the back of an experienced motorbike driver. It’s one of the most popular ways to travel this route for adventure seekers.
Hoi An – Hue Easy Rider Tour: 5 Stops
- Highlights Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, Lap An Lagoon, Marble Mountain.
- Includes English-speaking rider, lunch, and scenic motorbike journey.
Option 2: The scenic train (from Da Nang)
If you want a relaxed journey with some of Vietnam’s best coastal views, combining road and rail is a great way to travel from Hoi An to Hue. There is no train station in Hoi An, so you’ll first need to get to Da Nang (around 45 minutes by car, shuttle, or motorbike).
From there, the railway line follows the Hai Van Pass, winding along the mountains with uninterrupted views of the sea and fishing villages below. The train from Da Nang to Hue takes about 2.5–3 hours, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery from your seat.
You can also read our complete guide about the Hai Van Pass train.
How it works
- Travel from your hotel in Hoi An to Da Nang Railway Station.
- Board a northbound train towards Hue—every service on this section of the Reunification Railway takes the same scenic coastal route.
- The track hugs the mountainside through Hai Van Pass, offering long stretches of sea views, forested hills, and glimpses of small bays.
- Arrive in Hue’s city-centre station, from where you can take a short taxi or Grab ride to your hotel.
Train options
Every train between Da Nang and Hue follows the same route and offers the same scenery, but the comfort level depends on the type of carriage:
- Standard train – Soft seats (air-conditioned) are the most comfortable for daytime travel. Hard seats are cheaper but less comfortable for a few hours.
- Sleeper carriages – Usually meant for longer journeys; for this short trip you won’t get much sleep, and you’ll miss the best views if travelling at night.
- Heritage Express – A themed tourist service running during the day with upgraded interiors and a more comfortable, classic feel.
Prices & how to arrange
Ticket prices are usually between 80,000–300,000 VND depending on the seat class and train type. You can book in several ways:
- Online – Try the official Vietnam Railways website dsvn.vn first for the lowest fares. Third-party booking sites like 12Go and Baolau are easier to use and accept international payments, but may add a small service fee.
- Offline – In Hoi An, any travel agency or hotel can book tickets for you (usually with a small markup). They can also arrange your transfer to Da Nang Railway Station.
Plan your scenic train journey
We can arrange the entire trip from Hoi An to Hue by train, including your transfer to Da Nang station, comfortable seating, and even sightseeing in Hue when you arrive. If you’re travelling through Vietnam, we can also combine this with other destinations and activities for a hassle-free, fully customised itinerary.
Option 3: Limousine Van from Hoi An to Hue
How it works
Limousine vans are a popular mid-range option for travelling from Hoi An to Hue. These 9–18 seater vehicles are designed for comfort, often with reclining leather seats, air-conditioning, and sometimes extras like WiFi or USB charging ports. Most services offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, making the journey straightforward. The route typically takes the Hai Van Tunnel rather than the pass, so travel time is around 3.5 hours.
Cost & booking
Fares are usually around 250,000 VND (about US $10) per person. You can book:
- Online – through platforms like Vexere or 12Go, which let you compare schedules and operators.
- Offline – via your hotel or a local travel agent in Hoi An.
Option 4: Hue Day Trip from Hoi An
How it works
A Hue day trip from Hoi An is ideal if you’re short on time but still want to see the highlights. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning, travel to Hue (often via the Hai Van Pass for the scenery), spend the day visiting key sites, and return to Hoi An in the evening. It’s a long day—expect around 6–7 hours of driving in total—but you’ll cover a lot in one trip.
Hue Historic City Tour from Hoi An
- Highlights: Imperial City, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, Lap An Lagoon.
- Experience: Day trip with local guide, door-to-door from Hoi An or Da Nang.
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What you’ll see
Most day trips include Hue’s main landmarks such as the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and one or two of the Nguyen Dynasty tombs. Some itineraries also include local markets or a short boat ride on the Perfume River.
Is a day trip enough?
A day trip gives you a solid overview of Hue’s history and atmosphere, making it a good option if you can’t stay overnight. However, if you have more time, spending at least one night in Hue is recommended so you can explore at a slower pace and visit more of the city’s cultural sites.
Option 5: Private Car from Hoi An to Hue (Direct Transfer)
How it works
A private car from Hoi An to Hue is the most straightforward option if you simply want to get from one city to the other without making sightseeing stops. This is different from the sightseeing transfer described earlier—here the focus is on speed and convenience. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hoi An and drop you off at your accommodation in Hue, with no unnecessary detours. The journey usually follows the Hai Van Tunnel route, keeping travel time to about 3 hours. Prices start at around 1.5 million VND for a standard 4-seater, with higher rates for larger vehicles.
Book a private car transfer
We can arrange a direct, door-to-door private car from Hoi An to Hue at a time that suits you. Enjoy a comfortable, hassle-free ride with an experienced local driver, and arrive in Hue ready to explore.
Option 6: Driving a motorbike yourself
How it works
Riding a motorbike from Hoi An to Hue is one of the most adventurous ways to make the trip. Many rental companies offer one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up the bike in Hoi An and drop it off in Hue. They can also arrange to transport your large luggage separately so you can ride light. This option gives you full freedom to tackle the Hai Van Pass at your own pace and stop whenever you want for photos or short visits.
Considerations
- Insurance – To be fully covered, you should have a valid motorbike licence from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Riding without these often voids insurance.
- Police – Licence checks are rare, but fines are possible if you don’t have the correct documents.
- Safety – The Hai Van Pass is a winding mountain road with light traffic, but you’ll also pass through busier sections around Da Nang and on smaller highways. Experience and confidence in handling a motorbike are essential.
Tips for traveling from Hoi An to Hue
How long to spend in Hue
Plan to spend at least one full day in Hue to see its major highlights such as the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and one or two of the royal tombs. If you’re a history enthusiast or want to explore more of the surrounding countryside, allow two or more days. Extra time also lets you include day trips to places like Bach Ma National Park or the DMZ.
Where to go next
- Phong Nha – Famous for its enormous caves and river landscapes inside Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. From Hue, you can take a train to Dong Hoi and continue by taxi or bus, or arrange a direct bus or private transfer.
- Ninh Binh – Known for limestone karsts, rice paddies, and boat rides through Trang An or Tam Coc. Reachable by train or bus from Hue, but it’s a long trip; many travellers break the journey in Phong Nha.
- Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital with a mix of colonial architecture, street food, and museums. The quickest way from Hue is by flight from Phu Bai Airport, though train and bus are also available (both long journeys).
Hue travel guide
Hue is known for its imperial history, royal tombs, and riverside temples. For detailed sightseeing suggestions, itineraries, and insider tips, see our complete Hue travel guide.
