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Hanoi To Hue: From Bustling Capital To Peaceful Central Area

There are many ways for you to travel from Hanoi to Hue, like motorbike, bus, minivan, private car, train, and plane. Depending on your demand, favorite, and real-time cost, select the right way to have a convenient and exciting journey.

Overview Of Hanoi To Hue

Travelers usually combine Hanoi and Hue because they bring an attractive experience of Vietnam’s rich history and culture. Hanoi has a bustling, energetic modern life intertwined with old colonial architecture, ancient pagodas, and temples. Hue provides a peaceful and deep dive into Vietnam’s imperial past, with old royal tombs and tranquil pagodas. This trip will be a comprehensive view of rich Vietnam’s varied heritage.

overview of hue imperial city

How Far Is It From Hanoi To Hue?

The distance from Hanoi to Hue is about 660 to 700 kilometers by road, depending on the specific direction taken. This distance spans from the capital of Vietnam to the central area of the country, covering a tremendous part of Vietnam when seen as the long side. With the distance above, the common travel time from Hanoi to Hue is about 2 to 4 days (by motorbike), from 11 to 15 hours (by bus or minivan), about 12 to 13 hours (by private car), from 13 – 14 hours (by train), and about 1 hour and 15 minutes (by plane).

How To Travel From Hanoi To Hue?

Traveling from Hanoi to Hue, you can use many types of transportation, like a motorbike, a bus, a minivan, a private car, a train, or a plane. In this part of this blog, Seni World will show you how to get from Hanoi to Hue.

By Motorbike

Travelling from Hanoi to Hue by motorbike is an adventurous and thrilling experience for travelers who want to have a Northern Vietnam itinerary in a unique way. You can freely stop at hidden local villages and attractions alongside QL1A or QL15. This type of transportation is common for backpackers and thrill-seekers who want to enjoy this trip in a raw way.Travel From Hanoi To Hue by motorbike

However, riding a motorbike for a long time is physically annoying and time-consuming, regularly taking 2 to 4 days, depending on the actual path and stops. The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden heavy rain or extreme heat posing extreme dangers. Besides, riders need proper documents, like a legitimate license and journey insurance. For amateurs who are not skilled in long-distance driving, this option will be dangerous.

Aspect Details
Route
  • Option 1 (QL1A or also called the National Highway 1A): Hanoi → along QL1A (National Highway 1A) → Ninh Binh → Thanh Hoa → Vinh → Ha Tinh → Dong Hoi. This is the most direct and typically quick route for travelers, alongside the primary coastal highway.
  • Option 2 (QL15 or also known as the Ho Chi Minh Highway): Hanoi → along QL15 (Ho Chi Minh Highway) → Hoa Binh → Thanh Hoa → Nghe An → Ha Tinh → Quang Binh → Hue. This route goes further inland, with many beautiful mountainous areas, and is less crowded. You can go through stunning scenery to break and sightseeing like Mai Chau, Pu Luong, as well as Phong Nha – Ke Bang.
Distance
  • QL1A: About 660 – 680 kilometers.
  • QL15: About 700 – 750+ kilometers, depending on each real detour and loops.
Travel Time Based on the Hanoi to Hue distance, you need to take a 2-day to 4-day adventure for enjoyment, safety, and comfort. Among them:

  • 2-day trip: Very dangerous, and riders need about 8 – 10+ hours per day on a motorbike on QL1A, and you will have very little time for sightseeing. It is not recommended for most travelers.
  • 3-day trip: You can make some stops to break and see the beautiful scenery, especially around Vinh or Dong Hoi.
  • 4+ days trip: This travel time is suitable for the Ho Chi Minh Highway when you want to uncover many different locations in depth, like Ninh Binh or Phong Nha – Ke Bang.
Suggested Stop For 2 – 3 days on your motorbike through QL1A:

  • Vinh: You can stop in this city to have a day break with good accommodation and dining.
  • Dong Hoi: Stopping here one more day, you should visit Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.

For 3 – 4+ day on your motorbike through QL15:

  • Mai Chau or Pu Luong: Let’s enjoy wonderful mountainous areas one night, and experience unique culture here.
  • Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park: This suggested stop is known for its surprisingly amazing caves. You should plan at least one full day to discover this destination.
  • Khe Sanh (Quang Tri): This is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) for travelers who love to find out Vietnam War history.

By Bus Or Minivan

The Hanoi to Hue bus or minivan adventure is a handy and low-priced ticket choice, particularly for overnight accommodation. Many buses and minivans also have sleeper seats or beds, and some VIP or limousine services provide you with air-conditioning, wireless, and fewer passengers for a smoother journey.

travel from hanoi to hue by minivans

You can take direct routes and flexible schedules with no need to force yourself.

Vehicle Type Price (VND) Travel Time Notes
Sleeper Bus About 400,000 – 600,000 VND (per person) About 12 – 14 hours This is a budget-friendly choice with basic comfort for you, like fundamental seating and some stops along the way from Hanoi to Hue for you to have a short break and sightseeing.
VIP Sleeper Bus About 500,000 – 750,000 VND (per person) About 12 – 13 hours VIP sleeper buses are more convenient than sleeper buses, with more comfortable seats, fewer passengers, free water, and some stops along the way from Hanoi to Hue for you to have a short break and see attractions.
Limousine Minivan About 700,000 – 1,000,000 VND (per person) About 11 – 13 hours A limousine minivan is very comfortable and suitable for a small group or families. This type of transportation has faster service, luxurious, wider, and extra secure seating, and modern amenities like USB charging ports for you.
Tourist Bus 450,000 – 700,000 VND (per person) About 13 – 15 hours This is also a popular choice for travelers because it includes lodging pick-up and drop-off and basic comfort. Tourist bus also has a low price, which is an economical choice for you.

By Private Car

Going from Hanoi to Hue by private car offers the most convenient, private, and versatile, very suitable for families, companies, or travelers who value comfort. You can freely set your agenda, take breaks as you want, and choose scenic routes or cultural stops along the way.

travel from hanoi to hue by private/ rent car

With a professional driver, you will have a perfect experience on the trip at your pace, whilst still covering an extended distance in a few days.

Car Type Estimated Price (VND) Travel Time Best For
4-Seater Sedan About 6,500,000 – 8,000,000 VND About 12 – 13 hours Solo travelers, couples, or small groups to 3 members with simple bags and luggage.
7-Seater SUV/MPV About 7,500,000 – 9,000,000 VND About 12 – 13 hours Small groups of up to members or families with standard bags and luggage, and want to have the convenience.
9-Seater Luxury Limousine Van About 8,500,000 – 10,000,000 VND About 12 – 13 hours Medium-sized groups (up to 8 members) or small companies, with more bags and luggage space, and they want to unwind on wider seating, as well as many modern amenities.
Luxury Car (Sedan) About 10,000,000 – 13,000,000 VND About 12 – 13 hours Business trips or tourists seeking comfort, large seating, and many modern amenities.

By Train

The Hanoi to Hue train adventure is a wonderful option that lets you unwind. You can enjoy views of Vietnam’s countryside and coastline, especially in Spring (February to April) and Autumn (September to November), which is the best time to visit Hanoi and Hue.

travel from hanoi to hue by train

It is a safe transportation, with fewer delays in comparison to buses or flights, and less complicated to get right of entry to lodging and local points of interest upon arrival.

Cabin Type Estimated Price (VND) Travel Time Required Documents Best For
Soft Seat About 350,000 – 500,000 VND About 13 – 14 hours Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) The soft seat train is a low-priced choice for budget travelers and short trips.
Hard Sleeper (6-Berth Cabin) About 400,000 – 550,000 VND About 13 – 14 hours Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) This type of Hanoi to Hue sleeper train is suitable for travelers who want to save costs, but still need to lie down to refresh.
Soft Sleeper (4-Berth Cabin) About 600,000 – 800,000 VND About 13 – 14 hours Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) It is perfect for families or travelers seeking more comfort to increase their energy.
VIP Sleeper (2-Berth Cabin, Some Trains) About 1,000,000 – 1,400,000 VND About 13 – 14 hours Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers) The VIP sleeper train is the best choice for couples, with high-end comfort and more privacy.

By Plane

Visiting from Hanoi to Hue via plane is the quickest and most time-efficient choice, suitable for travelers with limited time or tight schedules. Airports in both Hanoi and Hue are well-linked to city centers, and booking a ticket on them through various platforms is very easy.

travel from hanoi to hue by plan

For those looking for a convenient, no-tired adventure, flying is the most practical choice.

Aspect Details
Flight Duration About 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Airlines Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Airport in Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).
Airport in Hue Phu Bai International Airport (HUI).
Estimated Price (VND) 800,000 – 1,800,000+ VND (depends on the peak season or the particular promotion of each airline).
Best For Hanoi to Hue flight is perfect for travelers who are very short on time, with convenient connections.
Required Documents Passport (global travelers) or ID card (Vietnamese travelers).

Tips For Traveling From Hanoi To Hue

If you want to have a smooth, exciting, and memorable trip from Hanoi to Hue, you need to learn more about the travel tips in this itinerary. Seni World has collected them for you to have a wonderful adventure.

Book tickets in advance

Regardless of your choice, you need to book tickets from several days to weeks in advance, mainly in peak seasons like Tet holiday or summer vacation. This secures your spot and suitable costs for your adventure.

Bring essential items

They include a passport, battery chargers, basic medicines, water and snacks, a neck pillow, eye masks, earplugs for avoiding noise, a light jacket or scarf, and a small bag or a backpack.

The Abandoned Water Park in Hue opened in 2004

Arrive early at stations

You need to spend sufficient time (at least 30 to 60 minutes) to find your gate or platform, particularly at large bus or train stations. If you travel by plane, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours for enough time to complete all documents.

Be cautious of scams

At bus or train stations, or on some famous travel websites, a few people may try and overcharge or deceive you. Be careful when starting the next step with them.

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Hanoi to Hue, you can choose various types of transportation, like an adventurous motorbike, a low-priced bus or minivan, a comfortable private car, or a relaxed train or plane. It will depend on your favorite, demand, and budget. If you want to take an itinerary from Hanoi to Hue and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam. We are here to help you from A to Z on your Hanoi to Hue trip, and throughout wonderful Vietnam.

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