Phu Bai Airport – Gateway to Hue
Phu Bai Airport has been around for quite a while. It was originally built by the French in 1940 and has gone through several upgrades since then. In 2005 it was officially allowed to handle international flights, though in reality the traffic has remained almost entirely domestic. A major renovation in 2013 improved the runway, and in 2023 a brand-new terminal opened, giving the airport a much more modern and comfortable feel.
The airport is located in Huong Thuy Town, about 15 km southeast of Hue city center. That translates to a drive of around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Despite being labeled an “international airport,” most travelers will find that Phu Bai mainly serves flights to and from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Overall, it’s a small but modern airport that is fairly easy to use. You won’t find the scale or variety of services you’d see at larger airports like Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, but its compact size also makes navigation straightforward, which many travelers actually appreciate.
Hue Airport flight connections
Phu Bai Airport is technically an international airport, but in practice it mainly serves domestic routes. For most travelers, it’s a straightforward gateway with just a couple of regular connections.
Hue – Hanoi
The busiest route is between Hue and Hanoi, with several daily flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air. Flight time is around 1 hour 20 minutes, making it the quickest way to cover the distance compared to the long overnight train or bus.
Hue – Ho Chi Minh City
The other major route links Hue with Ho Chi Minh City, served by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and sometimes Pacific Airlines. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Like the Hanoi connection, there are multiple departures each day, giving travelers flexibility.
Occasional International Flights
Although Phu Bai has the infrastructure to receive international flights, these are rare. In the past, there have been occasional charter flights from nearby countries, but they are not reliable or regular enough to plan a trip around. For international arrivals, most travelers still use Da Nang International Airport, about two hours south of Hue, which has far more overseas connections.
Facilities and Airport services
Phu Bai is not a large airport, but it has most of the basics that travelers need. Here’s what you can expect when passing through Hue’s airport:
Terminal Layout
The airport has a compact two-floor layout, which makes it easy to navigate. The first floor handles arrivals, baggage claim, check-in counters, and security. The second floor is for departures, with boarding gates, waiting areas, and access to lounges. Because it’s a single building, you won’t waste time walking long distances.
Food & Drinks
There are only a handful of options for food and drinks. Highlands Coffee and Lucky Coffee are the main names, along with a few smaller snack stalls. The quality is fine for a quick bite or caffeine fix, but prices are noticeably higher than what you’d pay in Hue city. If you’re on a budget, it’s better to eat before heading to the airport.
Shopping
Shopping is limited. You’ll find a couple of souvenir stands selling items like conical hats, ao dai, handicrafts, and packaged local snacks. Don’t expect duty free or much variety — this isn’t an airport for serious shopping.
Lounges & VIP Services
For a small airport, Phu Bai does fairly well on this front. There’s the Song Huong Business Lounge, which is part of the Priority Pass network, and some airlines provide access for business class passengers. A VIP service is also available, offering fast-track security and a private lounge, though it’s expensive and only really used by VIP guests or those wanting extra privacy.
Other services
- WiFi is free and works reasonably well.
- ATMs and cash machines are available on the first floor.
- A medical service room is located near the check-in area, with staff on call for emergencies.
- There are a few free water fountains, useful for refilling bottles.
- One thing missing is luggage storage — if you need to leave bags, you’ll have to make arrangements in Hue city.
Overall, facilities are basic but functional. You’ll find what you need to get by, but don’t expect the range of services that bigger airports like Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City provide.
Getting from Hue Airport to the City
Phu Bai Airport is about 15 km from Hue city center, which usually means a 25–30 minute ride. There are a few ways to make the trip, each with different levels of comfort, price, and convenience.
Taxi
Taxis are the most straightforward option. The ride into Hue costs around 220,000 VND (about USD 9), though you can save a bit by booking with services like Di Chung Taxi, which offers shared rides. Reliable companies to look for include Mai Linh, Thanh Cong, and Thanh Hung. These brands use meters, which is safer than agreeing to an off-the-books fare.
Grab (car or motorbike)
Grab is available, but coverage for Grab cars can be inconsistent, especially during busy Tet holidays. Grab motorbikes, however, are easier to find and much cheaper — around 70,000–80,000 VND to the city center. The pickup point is usually a short walk from the terminal, often near the motorbike parking lot. This option works best if you’re traveling solo and light on luggage.
Airport Bus
The official airport shuttle bus stopped operating around 2023–2024. If you want to take a bus, you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes to Highway 1, where you can flag down a Phuong Trang (Futa) bus heading toward Hue. It’s the cheapest method, but not particularly convenient if you have bags or are new to Vietnam.
Private car transfer
If you want a hassle-free and reliable transfer, booking a private car is the best option. It’s especially practical for groups, families, or anyone with larger luggage. You can pre-book through hotels or travel agencies, and the driver will be waiting for you on arrival. For more details, see our guide on how to book a private car in Vietnam.
Travel tips for Phu Bai Airport
- Opening hours: The airport often only opens about two hours before the first flight, so there’s no need to arrive too early. Check-in typically starts around 1 hour 45 minutes before departure.
- Air conditioning: Be aware that the AC is only switched on about 90 minutes before flights, so the terminal can feel hot if you arrive too early.
- Luggage storage: There’s no left luggage facility at the airport. If you need to store bags, arrange this with your hotel in Hue.
- Food and drinks: Prices for snacks and meals inside the airport are much higher than in Hue city. It’s worth eating beforehand if you want to avoid paying over the odds.
- Efficiency: On the plus side, processing is usually very fast. From plane to taxi can take as little as 15 minutes, thanks to the airport’s small size.
- Hotel transfers: Many Hue hotels offer airport pickup services, sometimes at competitive prices compared to taxis. Always ask your hotel in advance.
- Domestic flights: For more details on flying within Vietnam and how to book tickets, see our guide on domestic flights in Vietnam.
- Alternative routes: If you’re not flying, Hue is also accessible by train (the Reunification Express connects Hue with Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City) or by road from nearby hubs like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Phong Nha. These options can sometimes be more convenient than limited flight schedules.
