Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam, known for its historical architecture. In contrast, Hoi An is a peaceful ancient town with houses lining the riverbanks.
There are several transportation options to choose from when traveling from Hoi An to Hue. If you’re planning to explore these beautiful destinations and haven’t decided on a suitable mode of transportation, follow this article by Vietnamtour.in for guidance.
Hoi An to Hue at a glance (updated November 2026)
- The Hoi An to Hue distance is about 120–140 km by road, depending on whether you use the Hai Van Tunnel or the expressway.
- A private car takes about 2.5–3.5 hours and costs about 1,250,000–1,700,000 VND (≈ ₹4,579–6,227) one way for 4–7 seats.
- Tourist buses and limousines take about 3–4.5 hours and cost about 140,000–390,000 VND (≈ ₹513–1,429) per person.
- There is no train station in Hoi An; the nearest is Da Nang, about 30 km away, with trains to Hue from about 77,000 VND (≈ ₹282).
Distance From Hoi An to Hue
Hue is a centrally governed city in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam, located near the country’s center. Since January 2025, Hue has been one of Vietnam’s centrally run cities, and since July 2025 Hoi An has been part of Da Nang City.
Historically known as Thuan Hoa, Hue served as the capital of Dang Trong from 1738 to 1775 and of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. The city was the old Imperial City and administrative capital for the Nguyen dynasty, featuring significant historical sites and cultural heritage.
The route from Hoi An to Hue’s city center is about 120–140 km, taking about 2.5 to 3.5 hours by car. The shortest route uses the Hai Van Tunnel (about 120 km), while the scenic Hai Van Pass adds roughly 20 km and 30–45 minutes. There are several transportation options from Hoi An to Hue for travelers. Among them, buses are popular due to their affordability, frequent schedules, and convenience.
On the other hand, a private car or a motorbike is ideal for those who want flexibility, allowing them to stop at the Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Bay and other viewpoints. So, what is the most convenient way to travel from Hoi An to Hue? Let’s explore the options with Vietnamtour.in through the article below.
Here is a quick comparison of the main travel options:
| Option | Travel time | Typical cost (one way) |
| Tourist bus / open bus | 3 – 4.5 hours | 140,000 – 390,000 VND (≈ ₹513 – 1,429) per person |
| Limousine van | About 3.5 hours | From about 190,000 – 280,000 VND (≈ ₹696 – 1,026) per person |
| Private car with driver | 2.5 – 3.5 hours | 1,250,000 – 1,700,000 VND (≈ ₹4,579 – 6,227) per car (4–7 seats) |
| Taxi to Da Nang + train | About 4 hours in total | Train from about 77,000 VND (≈ ₹282), plus the taxi |
| Motorbike | 3 – 4 hours | Rental plus fuel |
Prices were checked in November 2026 and change with season and demand.
How do you get from Hoi An to Hue?
Open Bus
The distance from Hoi An to Hue is about 120–140 km by road, and taking a bus is the most affordable option. Many tourist bus companies run several departures a day from Hoi An, from early morning to the evening.
The journey takes about 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on the bus and the stops. Buses range in size, with larger ones being cheaper, while minivans and limousines are faster and more comfortable. Check-in is required 30 to 60 minutes before departure, and electronic tickets are accepted. Online booking through apps such as redBus or Vexere allows seat selection.
Sample bus companies on the Hoi An – Hue route (November 2026):
| Brand | Departure time | Journey duration | Price |
| Hanh Cafe (VIP sleeper) | Several daily | About 3 hours | From 140,000 VND (≈ ₹513) |
| Travel Bus | 08:00, 09:00, 12:00, 16:30 | 3.5 – 4 hours | 220,000 VND (≈ ₹806) |
| G8 Open Tour | Several daily | About 3 hours | From 280,000 VND (≈ ₹1,026) |
| VietNam Explore | 06:30 to 18:00 (8 departures) | 3.5 – 4 hours | 380,000 VND (≈ ₹1,392) |
| Barri Ann Travel | 08:00, 16:30 | 3.5 – 4 hours | 390,000 VND (≈ ₹1,429) |
Pros:
- Cheaper price
- Air conditioning and reclining seats
- Having the chance to enjoy the landscapes
Cons: Longer journey than a private car, and most buses use the tunnel rather than the Hai Van Pass
Shuttle Bus/Limousine Bus
The journey from Hoi An to Hue by shuttle bus or limousine van takes about 3.5 hours. These 9- to 24-seat vehicles have a high-class interior, bringing convenience and comfort to travelers throughout the journey, and many offer hotel pickup.
Limousine companies for tourists to choose from include:
| Brand | Departure time | Journey duration | Price |
| Le Gia | Several daily | About 3.5 hours | From 189,000 VND (≈ ₹692)/pax |
| Viet Luxury Travel | Several daily | About 3.5 hours | From 192,500 VND (≈ ₹705)/pax |
| HM Happycar (24-cabin limousine) | 17:00, 23:00 | About 3.5 hours | From 220,000 VND (≈ ₹806)/pax |
| Travel Bus (limousine) | Several daily | About 3.5 hours | 280,000 VND (≈ ₹1,026)/pax |
Schedules and fares change often, so confirm on the operator’s page or a booking app before you travel.
Pros
- Feeling comfortable during seating
- Offer wifi and water for passengers
- Enjoy scenery during the trip
Cons
- Fixed departure times
- Delays based on the traffic and weather
Rental Car
Travelling by car offers comfort throughout the journey. A private car with a driver is the most popular choice for Indian families, as it allows easy stops for sightseeing and rest breaks as desired.
If you rent a car from Hoi An to Hue, consider the following routes:
- Route 1: DT607 – Vo Chi Cong Street – Truong Chinh Street – Quoc Lo 1A – Hoa Phat – CT02 – Nguyen Tat Thanh Street – Huong Thuy – Hue
- Route 2: DT607 – Vo Chi Cong Street – Truong Chinh Street – Quoc Lo 1A – Hoa Phat – Nguyen Tat Thanh Street – Nguyen Luong Bang Street – Quoc Lo 1A – CT02 – Nguyen Tat Thanh Street – Huong Thuy – Hue
- Route 3: DT607 – C8 – Quoc Lo 1A – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street – DCT La Son/Tuy Loan – Hoa Nhon – CT01 – Kim Phung – CT02 – Quoc Lo 1A – Huong Tra – Quoc Lo 40 – Dien Bien Phu Street – Vinh Ninh – Hue
Pros
- Flexibility in timing
- Ability to stop and enjoy scenery
Cons
- Long drives can be tiring
- Potential traffic or weather delays
Private car with driver, one-way price (fuel, tolls and driver included)
- 4-seat car: about 1,250,000–1,600,000 VND (≈ ₹4,579–5,861)
- 7-seat car: about 1,350,000–1,700,000 VND (≈ ₹4,945–6,227)
- 16-seat van: about 2,500,000–2,700,000 VND (≈ ₹9,158–9,890)
Going over the Hai Van Pass instead of the tunnel usually adds about 100,000–150,000 VND (≈ ₹366–549) to the fare.
To self-drive a rental car, travelers need to prepare the following documents:
- Identification: Original passport for information verification.
- Driver’s License: A valid international driving permit. Vietnam recognises permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so Indian travellers should check that their permit is accepted.
- Rental Documentation: Request the rental company to provide the vehicle’s registration papers and other relevant documents.
Train via Da Nang
Hoi An has no train station, so train lovers first take a taxi or Grab car to Da Nang Railway Station (about 45–60 minutes), then ride the Reunification Express to Hue. The train journey from Da Nang to Hue takes about 2.5–3 hours and costs from about 77,000 VND (≈ ₹282), with beautiful views over the Hai Van Pass coastline.
Pros
- One of the most scenic train rides in Vietnam
- Low train fare
Cons
- Needs a transfer to Da Nang first
- Fixed train times
Motorbike
Riding a motorbike from Hoi An to Hue is an excellent choice for adventure lovers. The journey offers beautiful scenery over the Hai Van Pass, and you can easily stop to explore nearby attractions, take photos, and rest. The ride takes about 3–4 hours.
Suggested Route: Vo Chi Cong Street – Truong Chinh Street – Quoc Lo 1A – Hoa Phat – Nguyen Tat Thanh Street – Nguyen Luong Bang Street – Quoc Lo 1A – CT02 – Nguyen Tat Thanh Street – Huong Thuy – Hue
Pros
- Flexibility in timing
- Ability to stop and enjoy scenery
Cons
- Long drives can be tiring
- Potential traffic or weather delays
Motorbike Rental Prices: A basic scooter is inexpensive to rent for local use, while one-way rentals with drop-off in Hue, manual touring bikes and “easy rider” tours with a local driver cost more. Agree on the total price and drop-off point before you leave.
Some Motorbike Rental Locations in Hue
| Brand | Address |
| Hue Motorbike Rental | 29C Chu Van An Street, Hue City |
| Hidibike | 11 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hue City |
| Cuong Hue | 6/3, Alley 128, Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Hue City |
| Dong Xanh Motorbikes Rental | 201 Tran Phu Street, Hue City |
To rent a motorbike, travelers need to prepare the following documents:
- Identification: Original passport for information verification.
- Driver’s License: A valid international driving permit (1968 Vienna Convention) with a motorcycle category.
- Rental Documentation: Request the rental company to provide the vehicle’s registration papers and other relevant documents.
Recommended Itinerary
Are you still deciding the best way to travel from Hoi An to Hue? Look no further than our best Vietnam tour package for guidance.
With Vietnamtour.in, your trip can be easily customized, and our experienced English-speaking local guides will accompany you. We’ll choose the best transportation method for your itinerary, saving you time and money. A popular central Vietnam plan for Indian travellers is 2 nights in Hoi An, a private car over the Hai Van Pass, then 1–2 nights in Hue, before flying from Hue or Da Nang to Hanoi.
Want to see what a full trip costs? Check our guide to the Vietnam 6 day trip cost from India, or add a beach finish with a Phu Quoc trip package.
Which Is the Best Way to Get From Hoi An to Hue?
For most Indian travellers, a private car with a driver is the best way to get from Hoi An to Hue, taking about 2.5–3.5 hours and allowing stops at the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay. Budget travellers can take a tourist bus or limousine, while train lovers can ride from Da Nang to Hue.
When you arrive, plan your days with our list of top places to visit in Hue, from the Imperial City to the royal tombs. Staying in Da Nang instead? Read our guide on Da Nang to Hue.
Tell us your travel dates, group size and food preferences, and our team will arrange your transfer with Indian-friendly stops on the way:
FAQs About Travelling From Hoi An to Hue
How far is Hue from Hoi An?
Hue is about 120–140 km from Hoi An by road, or about 2.5–3.5 hours by car. The distance from Hue to Hoi An is the same in the other direction.
How long does it take to travel from Hoi An to Hue by car or bus?
A private car takes about 2.5–3.5 hours, while a tourist bus or limousine takes about 3–4.5 hours.
How do I get to Hue from Hoi An?
The easiest way to get to Hue from Hoi An is a private car (2.5–3.5 hours); cheaper options are a tourist bus, a limousine van, or a taxi to Da Nang followed by the train.
Is there a bus from Hoi An to Hue?
Yes. Several tourist bus and limousine companies run daily, with fares from about 140,000 VND to 390,000 VND (≈ ₹513–1,429) per person.
Is there a train from Hoi An to Hue?
No direct train runs from Hoi An. Take a taxi to Da Nang Station, then the 2.5–3 hour train to Hue.
Should I take the Hai Van Pass or the tunnel?
Take the Hai Van Pass if you want views and photo stops; it adds about 30–45 minutes. Take the tunnel if you want the fastest trip.
Fares and schedules in this guide were last checked in November 2026.
Conclusion
Traveling from Hoi An to Hue offers a variety of transportation options to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you are making a plan to choose the affordability and convenience of a bus, the scenic and adventurous route by motorbike, or the comfort and flexibility of a private car, each mode of transport has its unique advantages.
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