How to Travel from Hoi An to Hue: Train, Car or the Scenic Route
Travelling from Hoi An to Hue is one of the most rewarding journeys in Vietnam — and thankfully, one of the easiest to organise. For first-time visitors, this short stretch of central Vietnam offers a gentle transition from merchant towns and rice fields to imperial history and river-lined boulevards.
Hue — Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
The distance between Hoi An and Hue is roughly 125 kilometres, and while it looks short on a map, the route is scenic enough that you’ll want to choose your transport carefully.
Here are the best options, depending on your travel style.
Private Car or Transfer (Easiest & Most Flexible)
Best for: comfort, photography stops, slow travellers
Travel time: 3–4 hours (plus stops)
For many mature travellers, a private car transfer is the most relaxed way to travel from Hoi An to Hue. You’re picked up directly from your accommodation and dropped at your hotel in Hue — no navigating stations, timetables, or luggage steps.
Most transfers travel via the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads. Along the way, drivers usually stop at:
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Marble Mountains
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Lang Co Beach
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Hai Van Pass viewpoints
It turns the journey into part of the experience rather than something to endure.
We chose this option using Exo Travel who provided airport transfers for our travel with Vietnam.
Your other option is to ask at your homestay or hotel if they have options to provide a private transfer.
Recommended Hotels
Hoi Ann – Ancient House Resort and Spa
Hue – Muong Thanh Holiday Hue Hotel
Train via Da Nang (Most Scenic & Authentic)
Best for: scenery lovers, rail fans
Travel time: 4–5 hours (including transfer to Da Nang)
There is no train station in Hoi An, so you’ll first need a short taxi ride (about 45 minutes) to Da Nang Railway Station.
The train journey from Da Nang to Hue is considered one of the most beautiful rail routes in Southeast Asia, hugging the coastline and cutting through the Hai Van Pass tunnels.
Choose a daytime train and, if possible, book:
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A soft seat or sleeper
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A window seat on the left-hand side when heading north
It’s slower than a car but wonderfully atmospheric.
How to Book the Train for Da Nang to Hue
While you can book at the station, the easiest option is to book online. Our suggestion is to use A21 Tours.
Which Train to Choose:
- Reunification Express
- The Heritage Train
You have the option of choosing the Reunification Express (SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8) or The Heritage Train (HD2 and HD4).
The Reunification Express is run by Vietnam Railways. The diesel engines pull modest carriages with shared spaces. We found, like the trains in Thailand, to book a middle cabin for a smoother travel.
Our recommendation: We would recommend the The Heritage Train (HD2 and HD4) which schedules a train in the morning and the afternoon from Da Nang to Hue.
The Heritage Train has a community carriage where you can enjoy local cuisine and activities. The train also stops at the stunning Lang Co Bay for a 10 sightseeing stop.
Location of Trains Stations:
Da Nang: 791 Hai Phong, Tam Thuan, Thanh Khe, Da Nang
Hue: No.1 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Duc District, Hue City
Bus or Minivan (Budget Option)
Best for: budget travellers
Travel time: 4–5 hours
Tourist buses and minivans run regularly between Hoi An and Hue. While affordable, they’re often:
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Less spacious
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More rushed
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Dependent on group schedules
If comfort is important to you, this is usually the least appealing option. Especially as some of the driving can be a bit hair raising depending on your driver.
Should You Stop Overnight Along the Way?
If you’re travelling slowly (which we recommend), consider a stop near:
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Lang Co Beach for a seaside break
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Da Nang if you want a city contrast
That said, most travellers are perfectly happy doing the journey in one day.
Arriving in Hue
Hue feels noticeably calmer than Hoi An. Traffic is gentler, streets are wider, and the Perfume River lends the city a quieter rhythm. This is where Vietnam’s imperial history truly comes alive — from the Citadel to the royal tombs scattered along the riverbanks.
👉 For a detailed overview of what to see and how to plan your stay, read our complete guide:
Hue, Vietnam: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to the Imperial City