Hue to Hoi An is among the most stunning travel routes in central Vietnam, where history, nature, and culture all come together. There are several ways to make this journey memorable, depending on your preferred mode of travel.
Overview Of Hue To Hoi An
The journey from Hue to Hoi An is a common part of many travel routes in central Vietnam. These two cities sit just a few hours apart, so it’s easy to visit both without rushing your schedule. Hue brings quiet, temples, and imperial history, while Hoi An is more relaxed, with lantern streets, tailor shops, and riverside cafés. Each place has its charm, and together they offer a balanced experience of culture, food, and local life.
Travelers often enjoy starting in Hue, then heading south toward Hoi An for a change of pace. The switch from royal tombs and citadels to colorful streets and beachside evenings feels natural. You don’t need to choose between tradition and atmosphere; you get a bit of both. That’s why this route works well for solo travelers, couples, and even families on short trips through Vietnam.
How Far Is It From Hue To Hoi An?
Hue and Hoi An are about 120 kilometers apart by road. Travel time usually ranges from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on which route and transport you choose. The most direct way is via National Highway 1A, which includes the Hai Van Tunnel. This is the fastest and safest option in bad weather.
If you prefer a more scenic ride, you can go over the Hai Van Pass instead of the tunnel. It adds extra time but offers beautiful views of the coastline and mountains. The route is popular among motorbike riders and travelers looking for a slower, more memorable trip. Travel time also depends on traffic, stops along the way, and weather conditions, especially if you’re not traveling during the best time to visit Hue.
How to Travel From Hue To Hoi An?
There’s more than one way to travel from Hue to Hoi An, and each route offers its own experience. Below are the most common ways to go, along with what to expect from each.
By Motorbike
Many travelers choose to go from Hue to Hoi An by motorbike because it gives them full control over the journey. The most scenic route goes through Lang Co Bay, up and over the Hai Van Pass, then down into Da Nang before reaching Hoi An. The ride usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, but it can be longer if you take breaks along the way.
But this journey is not for everyone. The road can be dangerous during rain or fog, and parts of the pass have sharp turns with no guardrails. Riding a motorbike for hours in Vietnam’s traffic can be stressful, especially for those unfamiliar with local driving habits. It’s also important to wear proper gear, check the bike carefully, and plan your stops.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route | The most popular route for travelers:
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| Distance | The total Hue to Hoi An distance is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles). |
| Travel Time | The average travel time is between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the weather, traffic, and how many stops you make. |
| Suggested Stop |
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By Bus Or Minivan
One of the most convenient modes of transportation between the two cities is by travelling on a Hue to Hoi An bus or a tourist minivan. The majority of tourists would take a tourist minivan or a shuttle bus, which would be around 5 hours or so door to door. These buses can normally collect you right outside your hotel in Hue and drop you right outside the old town in Hoi An.
There is a big difference in bus quality based on the company. Minivans are not especially slow compared to ordinary buses. However, space is relative, especially when you’re tall or are carried along with bulky bags. The less reliable options may be avoided by booking via your hotel or local agency.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| Standard bus (open-seat or soft-seat coach) | ~180,000 – 250,000 | 4.5 – 5.5 hours | These are the most affordable and widely available options. They may make more stops along the way and can be slower due to passenger pickups. Check if the operator includes hotel pickup/drop-off in Hue and Hoi An. |
| Tourist minivan (9 – 15 reclining seats) | ~250,000 – 350,000 | 3.5 – 4.5 hours | Tourist minivans are faster, more comfortable, and often include hotel pickup and drop-off. This is the most popular choice for travelers who value convenience and better air conditioning. |
| Sleeper bus (reclining berths, sometimes over 30 seats) | ~220,000 – 300,000 | 4 – 5 hours | Sleeper buses are less common on this short route, but still available. These are better suited for overnight travel from other cities. If you’re prone to motion sickness, a sitting seat might be a better choice. |
| VIP or limousine minivan (fewer seats, leather interiors) | ~350,000 – 450,000 | 3 – 4 hours | The minivans exude additional leg room, butter-smooth rides, and fewer passengers. Going to pick up at custom times or schedules may be permitted at some companies. Reservations should be made ahead of time, and this is most preferable on weekends and holidays. |
By Private Car
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, traveling from Hue to Hoi An by car is one of the most comfortable and flexible ways to go. It’s a good option for travelers who want to avoid busy buses, ride on their schedule, or make scenic stops along the way, like Lang Co Bay or Hai Van Pass.
This option works especially well for families, groups with children or elderly travelers, or anyone who values comfort over price. Most private cars offer hotel pickup and drop-off. You can ask the driver to stop for lunch in Da Nang or take photos at the top of the pass before continuing on to Hoi An.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-seater sedan | Around 1,300,000 – 1,600,000 VND | 3 to 4 hours with stops | A practical choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a smooth and quiet ride. The car is small but comfortable enough for two people with light luggage. |
| 7-seater SUV or MPV | Around 1,600,000 – 2,000,000 VND | 3 to 4 hours with stops | A flexible option for families or small groups who want more space and better quality rides, especially if traveling with kids or elderly parents. |
| 16-seater van | Around 2,200,000 – 2,800,000 VND | 3.5 to 4.5 hours with stops | Best for larger groups wanting to travel together. There’s more luggage space, and the cost per person becomes affordable when shared among multiple travelers. |
By Train
Taking the Hue to Hoi An train is a good choice for travelers who prefer a calmer journey and want to enjoy the view along the way. Although the train doesn’t go directly to Hoi An, you can travel from Hue to Da Nang Station, then take a car or shuttle for the last stretch. Most travelers book a soft seat or a 4-berth sleeper cabin, especially if they want extra space. It’s worth choosing a daytime train so you can enjoy the views through the window instead of sleeping through it.
| Aspect | Details |
| Travel Time | The train from Hue to Da Nang takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the train type and number of stops. |
| Cabin Types or Options |
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| Estimated Price | Tickets range from 100,000 to 250,000 VND, depending on seat type and booking time. |
| Best For | A good choice for travelers who want a safe, scenic ride and don’t mind continuing by car from Da Nang. It’s also ideal for those sensitive to motion sickness. |
| Notes | You can book tickets at the station, through hotels, or online. From Da Nang Station, it takes about 45 minutes by taxi to reach Hoi An. Taxis and shuttle vans are readily available outside the station. |
Tips For Traveling From Hue To Hoi An
This short journey can become more pleasant and less hasty with a couple of minor things. These helpful tips are what other experienced travelers have discovered on their own.
- The roads over the pass are subject to fog or slippery roads after rain, thus you should check the forecast the previous night and, if necessary, change plans.
- The left side of the train seats will provide better views of the coast, particularly when on a day trip down the coast from Hue to Da Nang.
- Some minivans and tourist buses drop passengers off outside Hoi An’s old town, so it’s helpful to confirm your exact drop-off location before booking.
- Transport services can get fully booked on weekends or holidays, and many travelers choose to reserve tickets a day or two in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Long sleeves, sunglasses, and sunscreen are helpful for those planning to ride through the pass or stop frequently along the way.
- Some ride-hailing apps may not work well outside major cities, so it’s better to confirm transport details in advance instead of relying on last-minute booking.
- Basic phrases in Vietnamese, or a printed address in Vietnamese script, can make it easier to communicate with local drivers or when asking for directions.
- Gas stations are not available along the Hai Van Pass, so motorbikes should refuel in Hue or near Lang Co town before beginning the climb.
- Google Maps sometimes suggests the Hai Van Tunnel for the fastest route, but motorbikes are not allowed inside. Riders need to manually re-route over the pass.
- On certain train services, luggage space is limited and often fills up quickly. Passengers with large bags should arrive early to find a spot before the cabin fills.
- Tourist minivans may arrive 15 to 30 minutes later than scheduled, especially when picking up from multiple hotels. Keeping some flexibility helps avoid unnecessary stress.
Final Thoughts
Hue and Hoi An are both highlights of central Vietnam, and the journey between them offers more than just a transfer. With a bit of planning, the way you travel can become one of the most memorable parts of your time here. For route advice, transport booking, or a custom itinerary between Hue and Hoi An, feel free to check out Seni World. Our local team is happy to help you make the most of every stretch of the road.
