Hue Vietnam to Hoi An: Distance and How to Travel?

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is known for its ancient citadel, royal tombs, and the peaceful Perfume River. A few hours away is Hoi An, a beautiful old town with colorful lanterns, charming streets, and rich culture.

Both Hue and Hoi An are must-see destinations in central Vietnam. The trip between them is not just a journey - it's a chance to enjoy some of the country's most stunning views and cultural highlights.

So, how can you travel from Hue to Hoi An? Which option is best for you? Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip!

How far is it from Hue to Hoi An? Distance and Location

The distance from Hoi An to Hue Vietnam is about 126km, the two cities are both in central Vietnam. It can take between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the different transportation. From Hue to Hoi An, you can choose to take the train, taxi, bus, motorbike or even seaplane. And no matter which way you choose, you have to go through Da Nang.

Between Hue and Hoi An, Da Nang is a Must-See Place
Da Nang, which rests almost midway between Hue and Hoi An, is a major city known for its beaches and modern skyline. Hue is slightly north of Da Nang and Hoi An to the south, this creates an easy route for your journey. That’s why we recommend visiting the three places in one tour, and below we’ll go over exactly how to get there by each transportation and how to plan your trip.

The Location Map of Hue, Hoi An and Danang in Vietnam

10 Days Central Vietnam Beach Relaxing & Culinary Tour

Da Nang - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Mui Ne - Da Lat - Da Nang

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by Train: Scenic Route

During the train trip of Vietnam from Hue to Hoi An, you will have stunning views of the famous Hai Van Pass, and this route features breathtaking scenery, pristine waters, and views of the South China Sea at Lang Co Beach, a wonderland for photography enthusiasts. If you want to enjoy the most dramatic coastal vistas, sit on the right side of the train when heading south.

There is no direct rail from Hue Vietnam to Hoi An, despite the fact that the trains are quite pleasant and have comfortable seats. However, you can take a direct train to Da Nang and then take a bus or taxi to Hoi An. The distance from Hue to Da Nang is around 103 km and takes about 2.5–3 hours, you can choose the train that suits you best according to the train schedule below.

the beautiful Hai Van Pass view during Hue to Hoi An by Train

Hue to Da Nang train information:
This is a detailed schedule of train information based on Hue to Da Nang (the nearest station to Hoi An)

Transportation options from Da Nang to Hoi An
When you get to Da Nang station, there are multiple ways to continue the journey towards Hoi An.

Taxi:
Cost: Around $15 - $23
Duration: About 45 minutes, traffic dependent.

Local Bus:
Cost: Approximately $0.8
Duration: About 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Note: Taxi required from the train station to the bus station (~10-min drive).

Motorbike Rental:
Cost: Ranges from $4.3 to $8.7 per day.
Duration: About 50 minutes.

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by Taxi or Rental Car: Easiest Way

And if convenience and flexibility are your most important priorities, then hiring a taxi or renting a car is definitely the way to go.

Depending on traffic, it takes about 3–4 hours and a taxi costs between $60–80, or you can rent a car for about $50-$70/day plus gas. This means that you can stop at scenic sights such as Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, or Marble Mountains - making it more suitable for your families or groups. During the tour, you may customize your own experience by taking pictures or taking short hikes to make it more fun.

However, it is usually more expensive than buses and trains, plus there are traffic delays that can be expected, especially around Da Nang. For you to not get charged unexpectedly, negotiate a price with the taxi driver in advance, or book through a local travel agency.

At Indochinatour.com, we are a trusted local travel agency in Vietnam, dedicated to providing private car tour services from Da Nang to Hue and then to Hoi An, tailored to your budget and preferences - all at the best local prices.

Vietnam's green-look regular cabs

14 Days Highlights of Vietnam from North to South

Hanoi – Sapa - Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Can Tho – Phu Quoc

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by Bus: Exotic Way

Bus from Hue Vietnam to Hoi An: about $9–13 (3–5 hours), a budget option for travelers, and this would help you gain the kind of local experience at a very reasonable price. Different bus operators service comfortable, air conditioning, water, and blankets depart many times in a day, including sleeper buses for longer journeys. The scenic route travels through rural villages, allows you to interact with locals, and gives an authentic insight into Vietnamese day-to-day life.

Vietnamese buses waiting on the roadside to pick up customers

However, this option lacks flexibility in terms of time and may be slower because of traffic or stops. During peak seasons of Vietnam, it is better to buy tickets in advance, especially for sleeper trains. To make this process easier, you can either use some online booking platforms or contact the bus offices directly.

Bus Schedule

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by Motorbike: Adventurous Way

The motorbike tour of Vietnam from Hoi An to Hue Vietnam usually takes 4 to 5 hours, and the cost includes a motorbike rental of $10 to $20 per day and fuel costs of $5 to $10. It's an exciting choice for those who want to discover Vietnam's beauties on their own, and you can have the joy of exploring remote locations and immersing yourself in natural beauty, especially when riding at Hai Van Pass.

But you need to know how to ride a motorbike and have a motorbike driving license, plus there are safety concerns in busy traffic. Ensure you are in your protective gear (for example, a helmet), and recheck the motorbike before leaving.

Exciting motorbike route from Hoi An to Hue

Travel from Hue to Hoi An by Seaplane: Most Excited Way

If you want a very special experience between Hue and Hoi An, then you should consider booking a seaplane. One-way flights take about an hour and run $250-$300 per person. This option is the fastest way to travel with views from above that are amazing of Vietnam's coastline.

However, it's also the most costly choice and may not be as easy to get a seat, so you should book your tickets pretty early, as many people will already want to get those.

Beautiful scenery while taking a seaplane from Hue to Hoi An

More Insider Tips for Planning a Hue and Hoi An Tour

Best time to visit:
The clear skies of the dry season (March to September) allow for better views and safer road conditions.

Packing essentials:
Regardless of your travel mode, bring water, some snacks, and sunscreen, especially if traveling by motorbike or bus.

Book in advance:
If you are traveling by train and bus, then book your tickets well in advance because it is very important to choose your schedule, timing, and seat type according to your needs.

Road safety:
If you ride a motorbike, drive carefully, wear a helmet, and follow the traffic rules of local people (especially going through Hai Van Pass Road—this road is steep and winding).

Conclusion

There are a number of options available to you when traveling from Hue Vietnam to Hoi An. Your trip can be custom-made as per your needs, cost, and time, including the scenic charm of a train ride, affordable comfort in a car or bus, high-speed excitement, and more.

So enjoy the wonders in between these two amazing places. This route, with its cocktail of natural beauty, cultural locations, and adventure, is guaranteed to be a highlight of your Vietnam trip.