Best Ways to Get from Hue to Hoi An and Vice Versa

Getting from Hue to Danang, Hoi An and Vice Versa: Distance from Hue to Danang is approximately 100 km, to Hoi An is approximately 130 km. However it can range from a three-hour of train ride. 4 -5 hours of open bus, to a full day motorbike tour with driver. Partially through flat terrain, then on to narrow cliffside roads overlooking Central Vietnam’s coastline. 

Luckily there are quite a few ways to get to Hue from Danang and Hoi An. Depending on your budget, and time constraints, you can opt for a bus, train, private car or even motorbike with driver - all of which come with pros and cons.

Bus, private car and motorbike will get you directly into Hoi An, while the train will get you to Danang city, just about 30 kilometres north of Hoi An Ancient Town. From Da Nang, you are a short ride away (45 to 90 minutes) to Hoi An, either by local bus, express shuttle bus, taxi, or private car.

We have put together everything you need to know about each mode of transport, along with some tips and common traps you need to avoid, so you can make an informed decision and get the most out of your journey!

Scenic Route Options from Hue to Danang, Hoi An and Vice Versa

1: By Train: Train Hue to Danang then Car/Taxi/Bus Transfer Danang Train Station to Hoi An:

Anyone can go from point A to point B. But for a long trip why not add some beauty to it? We think that one of the best and most affordable routes is by taking a train with Vietnam Railways. Above all, the train journey is spectacular, complemented with a beautiful view of Vietnam’s coastline. From Hue, the train ride is a comfortable and scenic option to head to Hoi An. On the right side of the train, you’ll see expanses of beautiful countryside, and on the left side, there’s the beautiful coastline and secret beaches (Read More >>>).

A train ticket ranges from 40,000 to 90,000 VND (1.70 to 3.90 USD) depending on the seat you choose. You can purchase them at the train station or via a third-party service. The train ride varies from 2.5 hours to 4 hours depending on the time of day.

Yes, you read Da Nang, but unfortunately, there isn’t a train station in Hoi An yet. However, if you don’t mind adding another 45 to 60 minutes to your trip, this would be a great, safe, scenic route to take. Because getting to Hoi An from Da Nang train station isn’t too difficult

Da Nang Train Station: 791 Hai Phong St – Duration: 2.5-4 Hours (depending on departure time)

Hidden Hint: If going by train, then sit on the right side to have a clear view of the coastline.

Da Nang to Hue Train Timetable

Hue to Da Nang Train Timetable

2. By Bus from Hue to Hoi An (Direct Bus or Sightseeing Bus):

There are several direct bus options to get to Hoi An. We’d suggest using The Sinh Tourist or Hanh Cafe services, they are notably good buses to use. Costing around 100,000 VND (4.30 USD), The Sinh Tourist bus has two schedules: one departing at 8:30.a.m and arriving around 12:30.p.m;. The second departing at 1:45.p.m and arriving around 5:15.p.m. You can book your ticket and pay online for 99,000 VND (4.30 USD).

Sinh Tourist – Address: 38 Chu Văn An – Business hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., daily – Duration: 4-5 Hours (depending on traffic)

Shuttle Bus from Hue to Hoi An

Hue Shuttle bus offers a service to Hoi An and is a good option if you are a group or want to take a small bus (they limit passengers to a maximum of 10). They pick you up at your hotel in Hue and drop you off at your hotel in Hoi An. However, the price is 240,000 VND (10 USD). Also if the shuttle bus is not full, then they may pick up people on the way. The ride will take around four to five hours. The first departure is at 7.a.m and the second at 2:30.p.m. This would be the best option if you wanted quick and easy travel without the need to go to a pickup location.

Hoi An Express – Duration: 4-5 Hours (depending on traffic) – Address: 11 Nguyen Cong Tru St, Hue 

3: Private Car Transfer from Hoi An to Hue: Check here

Why not make a day trip out of your travel from Hoi An to Hue and visit some of the most popular tourist spots along the way?  Including Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, the Hai Van Pass, and Lang Co Beach. Turn a potentially dull four-hour trip into a six-hour adventure.

So get out of the car and stretch your legs, walking up the 156 stone steps at Marble Mountain. After that grab a quick dip in the ocean at My Khe Beach.

4. Motorbike Tour from Hoi An to Hue: Check here

In the land of motorbikes, scooters, and organised-chaos traffic, why not make the ride to Hue by motorbike? The trip is on partially flat terrain on Hwy 1, but do note that this is a truck-filled highway, which can be a bit hair-raising at times. We wouldn’t recommend this route for new drivers.

From there, you head up the narrow, winding, cliff-side road through the Hai Van Pass.  A magnificent ride—full of scenic lookouts. The direct trip from Hue to Hoi An is approximately three hours. But we recommend that you take it slow. Stop a few times at the top along the way and take in the captivating beauty of Central Vietnam.

5. Renting a Motorbike:

If you don’t have a motorbike, there are a few rental companies in Hue that let you rent one-way and then drop off in Hoi An or vice versa.

Hidden Hint: If you have luggage or a backpack, then some companies will transport your belongings to your hotel in Hoi An. It will be ready and waiting upon your arrival in the evening.

Style Motorbikes has offices in Hoi An and Hue with various motorbike rental options ranging from 300,000 VND (13 USD) to 1,000,000 VND (43 USD) per day. If renting for the one way trip Style will transport your luggage to your end destination for free. Hidden Hoi An used Style Motorbikes when researching our Hoi An to Hue Self Riding Guide and were impressed with their service and their bikes.

Hidden Hint: Style Motorbikes will transport bags for non-customers at the cost of 100,000 VND/bag.

6. Vespa Adventures Tours:

Those new to riding or unable to ride a motorbike are not excluded from this adventure. Booking an adventure tour and sit pillion on a motorbike with an experienced local driver. This is the perfect way to get the Hai Van Pass motorbike experience without the risk of driving yourself. You also get a built in tour guide and can focus on the scenic views. Most adventure tours will take your luggage and drop it off at your end destination.

Vespa Adventures offer tours around Hoi An and all through Vietnam and Cambodia. If you want to cruise your way up the Hai Van Pass on the back of an authentic Vespa, then look no further. Their tour through the Hai Van Pass to Hue is a full day adventure and starts at 4,150,000 VND (179 USD). This tour can also be done in the other direction, travelling from Hue to Hoi An.

Vespa Adventures Website – Address: 134 Tran Cao Van

7. Easy Rider Tours Hue to/from Hoi An: Check here

A day tour by Easy Rider motorbike costs around 1,300,000 VND (55 USD). But it should be noted that ‘Easy Rider’ has become a generic term for independent drivers offering tours on large cc bikes. Picking a good, and safe, driver can be a bit of a lottery. Our Easy Riders have been doing this route since 2004 with 5 Star Rating on TripAdvisor.

The trip starts with an 8 a.m. pick up at your hotel. From there you’ll head to Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and go through the Hai Van Pass. You’ll also stop for lunch and a lookout here. After that you make your way to Lang Co Village and Elephant Springs, where you can also swim.

8. Jeep Tours of the Hai Van Pass

If two wheels isn’t your style, then consider cruising up the Hai Van Pass on a retro jeep tour. The jeeps can take three or four passengers so it is a great option for groups or families. Most of the jeeps are convertible or open-top, so you still get to enjoy the wind in your hair without having to ride a motorbike.

Hoi An Jeep Adventures offers a Hai Van Pass & Coast tour from Hoi An to Hue. The full day trip costs 3,360,000 VND (145 USD) per person. Tours require a minimum of two people to run however there are often groups for solo travellers to join.

In conclusion: From safety with a view on a train or bus to an adventure on a guided or self-guided motorbike ride, experiencing the beautiful Hai Van Pass is unforgettable. Because the view overlooking Vietnam’s coastlines, secret beaches and rice paddies is just breathtaking.

But if you’re running short on time and are a solo traveller or a couple on a budget, take the bus. Then you won’t have to worry about getting to Da Nang to catch the train. However if your budget can stretch a little more, opt for a shuttle bus. The added convenience of having a hotel pickup and drop off and only 10 passengers can’t be overlooked for double an already low price.

Adventure Journey Vietnam