About the route from Da Nang to Hue
Distance and travel time
The journey from Da Nang to Hue is around 100–110 km, making it a quick and accessible trip between two major highlights of Central Vietnam. The fastest transfers can take as little as 2.5 hours, depending on where you start and end, and on traffic. Both cities have train stations and airports, but there are no flights between them because the distance is too short — travelers either go by road or rail.
There are two main ways to travel between Da Nang and Hue by road: the scenic coastal route over the Hai Van Pass or the direct route through the Hai Van Tunnel. The pass is longer but rewards you with spectacular views of the sea and mountains, while the tunnel is faster and more convenient for direct transfers.
The Hai Van Pass (Scenic Route)
The Hai Van Pass is a legendary mountain road that winds for 20 km between Da Nang and Lang Co, offering panoramic views over Da Nang Bay, Lang Co Beach, and the surrounding peaks. It’s considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful drives and is especially popular with motorbike riders, jeep tours, and private cars doing sightseeing stops along the way. Choosing this route means adding time to your trip, but you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable scenery and photo opportunities.
The Hai Van Tunnel (Fast Route)
The Hai Van Tunnel, one of the longest tunnels in Southeast Asia, cuts directly through the mountain and bypasses the pass entirely. It’s a modern, well-maintained route that significantly reduces travel time and avoids the winding curves of the pass. Most buses, limousine vans, and quick point-to-point transfers use the tunnel to get you from Da Nang to Hue as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Quick overview: Which option to choose
If you’re unsure which way to go from Da Nang to Hue, here’s a quick comparison of all the main options:
| Transport Type | Why Choose It | Travel Time | Estimated Cost (VND / USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing Transfer – Private Car | Most comfortable way to see all major sights en route, flexible schedule. | 6–8 hrs (with stops) | 1,500,000–2,000,000 (~$60–80) |
| Sightseeing Transfer – Open Jeep | Unique, adventurous ride with open-air views over Hai Van Pass. | 6–8 hrs (with stops) | 1,800,000–2,300,000 (~$72–92) |
| Sightseeing Transfer – Easy Rider | Motorbike adventure without riding yourself; social and immersive. | 6–8 hrs (with stops) | 1,400,000–1,800,000 (~$56–72) |
| Scenic Train | Relaxed journey with great views, ideal for photography. | 2.5–3.5 hrs | 100,000–350,000 (~$4–15) |
| Limousine Van | Comfortable, affordable, door-to-door; fastest public option. | ~2.5 hrs | 150,000–250,000 (~$6–10) |
| Private Car (Direct) | Fast, private, flexible timing without sightseeing stops. | ~2.5 hrs | 1,300,000–1,600,000 (~$52–65) |
| Motorbike (Self-Drive) | Full freedom to ride Hai Van Pass and stop at will; best for experienced riders. | 3–5 hrs | 200,000–400,000 (~$8–16) + fuel |
Option 1: Sightseeing Transfer (Most Recommended)
What is a sightseeing transfer
A sightseeing transfer from Da Nang to Hue turns what could be a simple point-to-point journey into one of the most memorable travel days of your trip. Instead of heading straight to Hue, you travel with a private driver who stops at major sights along the way, combining transport and sightseeing into a relaxed day trip. This option lets you enjoy the region’s most scenic spots without the rush of a group tour and with full control over how long you spend at each stop.
Main stops along the route (South → North)
- Marble Mountains – A cluster of limestone and marble hills with caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints.
- My Khe Beach – A long stretch of white sand, perfect for a short walk or quick swim.
- Hai Van Pass – The famous mountain road with sweeping views of the coastline and lush hills.
- Lang Co Beach – A picturesque bay with turquoise water and a quiet fishing-town atmosphere.
- Lap An Lagoon – A peaceful lagoon surrounded by mountains, dotted with fishing huts and oyster farms.
- Elephant Springs – Natural rock pools and waterfalls where you can cool off.
- Hue Countryside – Small villages, rice paddies, and rural scenery as you approach the city.
1. By Private Car
A private car with driver is the most comfortable way to do a sightseeing transfer. You’ll have air-conditioning, flexible departure times, and the ability to stop wherever you like along the route. Drivers for these trips often speak basic English but are not formal guides — entrance fees and meals are not included. Prices generally range from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 VND for a one-way trip, depending on vehicle size. You can book through local travel agencies, hotels, or reliable online operators.
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. By Open Jeep
For a more adventurous feel, you can travel in a vintage military jeep with an experienced driver. The open design gives you uninterrupted views along the Hai Van Pass and a sense of freedom that’s hard to match in a regular car. It’s noisier and less comfortable than an enclosed vehicle, but perfect for those who want the journey itself to be the highlight.
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. By Easy Rider
The Easy Rider option means riding pillion on a motorbike driven by a skilled local driver, letting you enjoy the Hai Van Pass up close without having to ride yourself. This is a highly social and immersive way to travel, as your driver often shares local insights and stops at viewpoints you might otherwise miss. It’s more exposed to weather and less comfortable than a car, but many travelers consider it the ultimate Central Vietnam road experience.
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: Scenic Train from Da Nang to Hue
How it works
Taking the scenic train from Da Nang to Hue is one of the most relaxed and visually rewarding ways to make the journey.
Trains depart from Da Nang Railway Station and arrive at Hue Railway Station, following the Reunification Line along the coastline and over the Hai Van Pass. The trip usually takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, giving you time to sit back and enjoy views of the ocean, mountains, and small fishing villages.
You can also read our complete guide about the train between Da Nang and Hue over the Hai Van Pass.
Train Options
All trains take the same scenic route, as this is the only track connecting Da Nang and Hue. The differences lie in comfort, schedule, and style.
- Standard daytime trains – Recommended for the best views, with soft seat (recommended) or hard seat options (never choose this). Air-conditioned soft seats are the most comfortable for this short journey.
- Night trains – Not ideal for this route since you’ll miss the scenery and the distance is too short for a proper night’s sleep.
- Heritage Express / luxury coaches – Premium train cars attached to regular trains, offering larger seats, upgraded interiors, and sometimes complimentary snacks or drinks.
Prices & How to arrange
Ticket prices generally range from about 100,000 VND ($4) for a hard seat to 250,000–350,000 VND ($10–$15) for a soft seat or luxury option.
Where to book:
- Online:
- Official Vietnam Railways website (dsvn.vn) – cheapest if you can navigate it.
- Booking platforms like 12Go Asia or Baolau – slightly higher cost but easier to use and supports foreign payment methods.
- Offline:
- Any travel agency in Da Nang or Hue – convenient but confirm the price first, as agencies add a small service fee.
- Directly at the station – best if you’re already in the city and want to avoid booking fees.
Book your scenic train journey
Let us help you arrange your train from Da Nang to Hue, with options to include sightseeing in Hue or connect it to a larger Vietnam itinerary. We’ll handle the tickets, transfers, and any activities so you can focus on the experience.
Option 3: Limousine Van
How it works
Traveling from Da Nang to Hue by limousine van is one of the most comfortable and convenient direct options. These modern, air-conditioned vans typically have spacious leather seats, plenty of legroom, and extras like free bottled water, Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports. The service is usually door-to-door, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Most limousine vans take the Hai Van Tunnel instead of the pass, which keeps the journey short — around 2.5 hours — and smooth.
Cost & Booking
A one-way limousine van ticket generally costs around 150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–10 USD) depending on the operator and level of service.
How to book:
- Online: Websites like Vexere or 12Go Asia list multiple operators with schedules, prices, and seat selection.
- Offline: Your hotel or a local travel agency in Da Nang can book for you, often at the same price or with a small service fee.
Option 4: Hue Day Trip from Da Nang
How it works
A Hue day trip from Da Nang is ideal if you want to see the city’s main highlights without staying overnight. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Da Nang in the morning, travel to Hue (often via the Hai Van Tunnel or Pass), spend several hours sightseeing, and return to Da Nang by evening.
Hue Historic City Tour from Da Nang
- 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 cover Hue’s best-known attractions, often with a local guide:
- Imperial City – The historic walled citadel and palace complex.
- Royal Tombs – Such as the tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh or Tu Duc.
- Thien Mu Pagoda – Iconic riverside temple with a seven-storey tower.
- Perfume River – Often included as a short boat ride or as part of the scenery while visiting pagodas and tombs.
Is a day trip enough?
If your time in Central Vietnam is limited, a day trip offers a good overview of Hue’s imperial heritage. However, Hue deserves at least one full day on its own, ideally with an overnight stay, so you can explore at a slower pace and visit less crowded spots. With more time, you can even add side trips to Bach Ma National Park or the DMZ.
Option 5: Private Car (Direct Transfer)
How it works
Booking a private car from Da Nang to Hue is the fastest and most straightforward way to travel without any sightseeing stops along the route. It’s a door-to-door service, meaning your driver will pick you up directly from your hotel or chosen location in Da Nang and drop you off at your accommodation in Hue. Departure times are completely flexible, and most drivers take the Hai Van Tunnel to keep the journey short — around 2.5 hours.
Prices for a standard 4-seater car typically start from 1,300,000–1,600,000 VND (~$52–65 USD), with larger vehicles costing more. To ensure a fair rate, confirm the total price in advance and check whether toll fees are included.
Book your private car transfer
We can arrange a reliable private car from Da Nang to Hue with professional drivers, comfortable vehicles, and flexible departure times. It’s a hassle-free option whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with family.
Option 6: Driving a motorbike yourself
How it Works
Riding a motorbike from Da Nang to Hue is a popular choice for travelers who want full freedom over their journey. Many rental companies offer one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up a bike in Da Nang and drop it off in Hue. They can also transfer your large luggage separately, so you only carry a small day bag while riding. This option lets you tackle the Hai Van Pass at your own pace and stop wherever you like along the way.
Considerations
- Insurance – To be fully covered, you’ll need a valid motorbike license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Riding without these may void insurance coverage.
- Police – License checks are rare, but possible. If you’re stopped without the correct documents, you could be fined.
- Safety – The Hai Van Pass has winding roads but generally light traffic, used mostly by locals and sightseeing travelers. However, you’ll also ride through stretches of city traffic in Da Nang and small sections of highway, so experience and caution are important.
Tips for traveling from Da Nang to Hue
How long to spend in Hue
Plan at least one full day in Hue to explore the Imperial City, royal tombs, and main temples. If you’re interested in Vietnam’s imperial history or want to visit less crowded sites, two days will feel more relaxed. With extra time, you can also add side trips such as Bach Ma National Park (mountain trekking, waterfalls, and viewpoints) or the DMZ (historical war sites along the 17th parallel).
Where to go next
- Phong Nha – Famous for its vast cave systems and lush national park. From Hue, you can travel by train or bus to Dong Hoi, then transfer to Phong Nha by shuttle or taxi. Private transfers are also possible.
- Ninh Binh – Known for limestone karsts, rice fields, and boat rides in Tam Coc or Trang An. The journey is long, best done by train from Hue to Ninh Binh or Hanoi, then onward by local transport.
- Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital with a mix of history, street food, and cultural sights. The fastest way from Hue is by domestic flight, though trains and buses are also available (long journey times).
Travel guide to Hue
Hue is best known for its UNESCO-listed Imperial City, royal tombs, and peaceful riverside atmosphere. There’s much more to see beyond the main attractions, from traditional garden houses to bustling local markets. Check out our complete Hue travel guide for detailed tips, things to do, and itinerary ideas.
