The journey from Da Nang to Hanoi carries you north through mountains, rivers, and rice fields before arriving in the capital. It’s a long stretch, and knowing how to approach it can shape your whole travel experience.
Overview Of Da Nang To Hanoi
The stretch between Da Nang and Hanoi is one of the longest domestic routes in Vietnam, almost the full height of the country. It begins in a city shaped by beaches and new energy, then carries you north through farmland, rivers, and mountains until the old capital appears. The trip is not a short one, but it gives you a sense of how wide and varied Vietnam really is.
Travelers often put these two cities together because the contrast is hard to resist. Da Nang feels modern and laid-back, with open skies and fresh seafood, while Hanoi pulls you into a maze of temples, colonial houses, and sizzling street food corners. Moving between them is more than a transfer; it’s a shift in pace, from seaside ease to the heartbeat of the north.
How Far Is It From Da Nang To Hanoi?
The distance between the two cities is roughly 770 kilometers (about 480 miles). Da Nang is the starting point for this journey northward. For most travelers, that means at least a full day of overland travel if you don’t fly. The long stretch explains why flights are so popular, but other options like trains and buses are still chosen for their scenery and lower cost.
Travel time changes depending on the route and vehicle. A direct flight takes just over 1 hour and 20 minutes, while trains usually take 15–17 hours. Sleeper buses cover the road in around 16-18 hours, and driving yourself will fall somewhere in between. The numbers may seem daunting, but each way of getting there offers a different window into Vietnam.
How To Travel From Da Nang To Hanoi?
There are several ways to cover the long stretch between Da Nang and Hanoi, each offering a different balance of time, comfort, and budget. Each way of getting there offers a different balance of speed, scenery, and comfort, depending on the kind of journey you want.
By Motorbike
Riding a motorbike from Da Nang to Hanoi is the boldest way to take a journey. The route stretches nearly 800 kilometers and usually requires at least three to four days on the road. Along the way, riders cross coastal highways, mountain passes, and small towns, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding trips in Vietnam.
This option gives you freedom and the thrill of the open road, but it also demands stamina and experience. The weather can quickly change conditions, especially in the mountains, and carrying heavy luggage is not ideal. If you’re not confident in long-distance riding or short on time, this may not be the best choice — though for seasoned travelers, it’s unforgettable.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route | National Highway 1A: Da Nang → Hue → Dong Hoi → Vinh → Thanh Hoa → Ninh Binh → Hanoi. This is the most direct coastal route, busy with trucks and buses but dotted with services and towns.
Ho Chi Minh Highway: Da Nang → Kon Tum → Phong Nha → Tan Ky → Hoa Binh → Hanoi. This inland route is longer and quieter, with fewer facilities but more scenic mountain and forest landscapes. |
| Distance | Da Nang to Hanoi distance approx. 765 km by road. |
| Travel Time | Around 3-4 days with overnight stops. Some riders attempt it in 2 days, but it’s not recommended due to safety and exhaustion. |
| Suggested Stops | Hue: A good first break north of Da Nang, famous for its Imperial Citadel and royal tombs.
Phong Nha (Quang Binh): Known for its caves and national park, it makes an excellent overnight stop. Vinh (Nghe An): A convenient midway city with plenty of hotels and food options. Ninh Binh: A beautiful final stop before Hanoi, offering karst mountains and boat rides through rice fields. |
By Bus or Minivan
Taking a Da Nang to Hanoi bus to Hanoi is the most budget-friendly way to cover the long distance, with sleeper coaches running most evenings and arriving the next morning or midday. Expect 16–18 hours on the road, plenty of rest stops, and basic onboard amenities. If you want to save a hotel night and don’t mind a long ride, this is the sweet spot.
Minivans rarely run the entire route; they’re mainly used as connector legs (e.g., Da Nang → Hue/Dong Hoi) before you switch to a long-haul sleeper bus. Book ahead for weekends and holidays, confirm pick-up and drop-off (often Da Nang Central Bus Station, Nuoc Ngam or Giap Bat in Hanoi), and pack an eye mask, earplugs, a light layer, and water.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| Standard sleeper bus (40 – 44 berths) | ~450,000 – 650,000 | 16 – 18 hrs | Double-deck sleepers with AC; some have onboard WC. Most depart in the evening from city pick-up points or Da Nang Bus Station and drop off at Nuoc Ngam/Giap Bat or a tourist office in Hanoi. Choose a lower berth if you get motion sickness. |
| VIP cabin bus (private pods) | ~650,000 – 900,000 | 16 – 18 hrs | Single or twin “pod” cabins with a curtain, USB, and sometimes a small screen. Quieter and roomier than standard sleepers. Limited seats—book early in peak season. |
| Seated coach (day bus) | ~400,000 – 550,000 | 17 – 19 hrs | Cheaper but far less comfortable for such a long haul; limited recline and more daylight stops. This option is less popular and mainly used when sleeper berths are sold out. |
| Minivan connector (9 – 16 seats) | ~180,000 – 300,000 per segment | Varies | Minivans cover shorter legs, such as Da Nang to Hue or Dong Hoi, before passengers transfer to a long-haul bus. Handy if you prefer shorter rides, but requires coordination and adds total time. |
By Private Car
A private car is the most comfortable way to travel from Da Nang to Hanoi, giving you a direct ride without transfers or crowded stations. The journey takes around 15 to 17 hours, but with a driver at the wheel, you can sit back, rest, and decide when and where to stop along the way. Families and small groups often prefer this choice for the privacy and flexibility it offers.
Although it is more expensive than buses or trains, many travelers find the cost worthwhile for convenience. Most providers include fuel and tolls in the fare, though it is always better to confirm before setting off. Being able to pause in places like Hue, Phong Nha, or Ninh Binh not only breaks up the trip but also turns a long drive into a chance to see more of Vietnam.
| Car Type | Estimated Price (VND) | Travel Time | Best For |
| 4-seater sedan | 6,500,000 – 8,000,000 | 15 – 17 hrs | A good match for couples or solo travelers who want privacy and comfort, with enough space for a few bags |
| 7-seater SUV/MPV | 7,500,000 – 9,000,000 | 15 – 17 hrs | Suitable for families or groups of three to four, offering more luggage rooms and a spacious interior |
| 16-seater minivan | 9,000,000 – 12,000,000 | 16 – 18 hrs | Best for larger groups who prefer to travel together and split the cost, with plenty of seating and storage |
By Train
The railway line from Da Nang to Hanoi stretches along the coast and through Vietnam’s countryside, making it one of the most scenic long rides in the country. The Da Nang to Hanoi train lasts around 15 to 17 hours, with departures both day and night. Many travelers prefer the sleeper train as it allows them to rest while watching the landscapes change slowly from central to northern Vietnam.
It is not the fastest option, but the train provides more space to move around and a steady rhythm that buses often lack. With different seat and cabin types available, the experience can feel basic or quite comfortable depending on your choice. For those who enjoy slow travel, the long ride becomes part of the adventure.
| Aspect | Details |
| Travel Time | Around 15 – 17 hours, depending on the train and the number of stops. Delays are possible, particularly in the rainy season. |
| Cabin Types | Soft seat (with AC): The most popular choice for daytime comfort, with air-conditioning and wide windows for enjoying the view.
Hard seat (fan only): The cheapest option, but often crowded and uncomfortable, especially in summer. Soft sleeper (4-berth cabin): Cabins with four beds provide extra space and privacy, suitable even for shorter journeys if you value rest. |
| Estimated Price | From 500,000 to 1,300,000 VND, depending on seat type, train service, and how early you book. |
| Best For | Ideal for travelers who want time to enjoy the scenery and don’t mind a slower pace. It’s a comfortable alternative to buses if you prefer more space. |
By Flight
A Da Nang to Hanoi flight is the fastest way to travel between the two cities. The Da Nang to Hanoi flight time is about 80 minutes, which saves an entire day compared with overland journeys. With multiple departures every day, flying remains the most convenient choice for travelers on a tight schedule.
Airfares vary depending on the season and how early you book. Low-cost carriers often run promotions that make flying surprisingly affordable, while full-service airlines include extra baggage and in-flight meals. For travelers with limited time or those who simply want to avoid a tiring bus or train ride, the convenience of flying is hard to beat.
| Aspect | Details |
| Flight Time | Around 1 hour and 20 minutes gate to gate. Add extra time for check-in, security, and travel from airports to the city center. |
| Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways all operate frequent daily flights. |
| Estimated Price | From 1,700,000 to 2,500,000 VND one-way, depending on airline, season, and how far in advance you book. Promotional fares can be lower. |
| Best For | Travelers with tight schedules who want to maximize time in Hanoi, or anyone who prefers the fastest and most convenient option. |
| Notes | Da Nang International Airport is close to the city center, while Noi Bai Airport is about 30 – 40 km from downtown Hanoi. Allow for transfer time when planning your itinerary, and book tickets early during peak holidays. |
Tips For Traveling From Da Nang To Hanoi
Traveling the long stretch between Da Nang and Hanoi can be tiring, but small preparations make the journey far easier. These tips are drawn from real experiences and help avoid the little problems that can spoil a long trip.
- Sleeper bus tickets are best secured in advance, since popular departures often sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Lower berths on overnight buses feel steadier, while upper ones tend to shake more on uneven roads.
- Flights arrive at Noi Bai Airport, which is 30-40 kilometers from central Hanoi, so it is important to allow enough time for the transfer into the city.
- Trains provide wide windows for enjoying the view, but the glass is sometimes dusty, so cleaning it early can make your photos clearer.
- A motorbike journey should be broken into several days, with overnight stops in Hue, Phong Nha, or Ninh Binh to rest and explore.
- Bus and minivan services may not always stop in the city center, so checking the exact drop-off point helps avoid late-night taxi rides.
- Roadside stalls along the highway sometimes raise prices for snacks and drinks, so carrying small bills makes payment simpler and avoids confusion.
Final Thoughts
Da Nang to Hanoi links two very different faces of Vietnam, from breezy beaches and countless things to do in Da Nang, to the busy streets and cultural landmarks of Hanoi. However, if you choose to make the journey, it adds another layer to the experience of crossing the country. Taking time to plan your route not only makes travel easier but also lets you enjoy the distance as part of the story. With Seni World, you always have the support to travel at your own pace and make the most of every stop along the way.
