February 24, 2024

How to Get From Hue to Hoi An: 4 Best Ways and Directions

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The historic city of Hue and the charming town of Hoi An are two popular tourist destinations in Vietnam that are fairly close together. The distance between Hue and Hoi An is roughly 120 km or 74.5 miles. Many people go from Hue to Hoi An (north to south) or Hoi An to Hue (south to north), and there are several ways to travel between the two that are convenient and fast.

Here are the five ways to travel from Hue to Hoi An (and vice versa), although only four could be considered to be the best. For each transportation method, I’ve broken down how long it takes, how much it costs, and how you can book it so that you can choose the option that fits your preferences and budget.

Table Of Contents
  1. Bus/van
  2. Train
  3. Private car or taxi
  4. Motorbike
  5. Plane
  6. What is the best way to get from Hue to Hoi An?
  7. More resources for traveling Vietnam

Bus/van

Travel time: 2.5 – 4.5 hours

Cost: $7 – $16 USD

How to book: 12Go.Asia or ask your accommodation.

Buses are always a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. Getting from Hue to Hoi An, the bus is the cheapest method and one of the quickest. There are many companies that run shuttle buses or vans and frequent departures, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a time that works for you. The buses and vans are also fairly comfortable, as they’re equipped with air conditioning.

When taking the bus, just know that you’ll need to figure out how to get to the bus stop, which is usually the transportation company’s office. You’ll also need to get yourself from the drop-off point to your accommodation. Luckily, this isn’t challenging in Vietnam. Just use the Grab app to order a mototaxi or taxi to get you to your final destination.

Train

Travel time: 2.5 – 4 hour train ride + 40 minute taxi/mototaxi ride

Cost: $11 – 15 USD + cost of taxi/mototaxi from Da Nang train station to Hoi An

How to book: Vietnam Railways website or ask your accommodation.

Vietnam’s railway system offers a scenic way to travel between Hue and Hoi An. However, this may not be the ideal choice. The train doesn’t actually go to Hoi An because the town doesn’t have a train station. Instead, the nearest train station is in Da Nang, which is about a 40-minute drive from Hoi An. This means that you’ll need to take the train from Hue to Da Nang and then take a taxi or mototaxi from Da Nang to Hoi An.

So while on the surface, the train seems like a good option that’s pretty comparable to taking a bus or van, it actually isn’t so great once you understand that you need to transfer. The train can take longer than the bus and it’ll most likely cost you more (even if you choose the cheapest train seats).

Another downside of the train is there are only a few departures each day, and they happen either in the morning or at night. If you prefer to travel outside of those times or want more flexibility, opt for the bus instead.

If you decide to take the train though, make sure to book your tickets in advance. During domestic holidays, like Tet, or peak travel season, the train can fill up quickly.

Private car or taxi

Travel time: 2.5 hours

Cost: $46 – 80 USD

How to book: 12Go.Asia or ask your accommodation.

The fastest, most comfortable, and most flexible way to travel from Hue to Hoi An is by private car or taxi. It’s going to be the most expensive option, but you’ll get picked up and dropped off exactly where you want and you won’t have to share space with people who you don’t know. If you’re traveling with others, taking a private car can be a pretty good deal since you can split the cost.

Narrow side street in Hoi An with two parked motorbikes leaning against a yellow building

Motorbike

Travel time: 4+ hours, depending on how often you stop

Cost: $20+ USD

How to book: Ask your accommodation or walk around to find a motorbike rental store.

If you’re comfortable driving a motorbike and want to experience the scenic Hải Vân Pass, renting a motorbike and driving yourself is the best way to go. You’ll be able to see breathtaking views of the coast and mountains, and you can go at your own pace – stopping as many times as you want to take photos. Riding a motorbike between Hue and Hoi An is the most adventurous way to travel out of all these options.

Plane

Travel time: 4.5+ hours

Cost: $60+ USD

How to book: Vietnam Airlines website

Although you can take the plane between Hue and Hoi An, it doesn’t make sense to. Flying is one of the most expensive methods and takes nearly double the amount of time compared to a taxi or bus. This is because there are no direct flights between Hue and Hoi An. All flights have one layover, usually either in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh.

What is the best way to get from Hue to Hoi An?

While the best way to get from Hue to Hoi An ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style, a bus or van is the best option that balances cost, comfort, flexibility, and speed. This is the transportation method that I personally took most of the time when traveling throughout Vietnam. Plus, taking the bus works for most travelers, whether you’re solo traveling or with others.

More resources for traveling Vietnam

How to Get From Hue to Hoi An
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Hi, I’m Felicia. Ever since studying abroad in college, I’ve had a growing passion for travel. I love sharing those experiences with others, so you’ll find travel guides, packing lists, tips, and more here!