How to travel from Hue to Hoi An – Complete first-timer’s guide

For anyone exploring Vietnam, the journey between Hoi An and Hue is a must — a route that beautifully weaves together the country’s culture, history, and cuisine. This guide highlights the most convenient transportation options between the two cities, helping you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip through Central Vietnam.

How far is it from Hue to Hoi An? 

The distance between Hue (Thua Thien Hue Province) and Hoi An is about 126 kilometers, taking you through a route filled with beautiful coastal scenery, mountain passes, and cultural landmarks. Along the way, travelers can also stop to enjoy local specialties and authentic Central Vietnamese cuisine.

Because it’s not a short trip, it’s best to plan ahead—research transportation options, scenic stops, and places to rest to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

How many ways are there to travel from Hue to Hoi An?

By motorbike

For travelers who crave adventure and freedom, taking a motorbike is one of the most exciting ways to journey from Hue to Hoi An. It allows you to set your own pace, stop wherever you wish, and fully experience the beauty of Central Vietnam. The route passes through a series of stunning landmarks such as Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Bay, and Da Nang City — each offering breathtaking views and memorable photo stops.

From Hue City Center, take An Duong Vuong Street and continue on Nguyen Tat Thanh toward National Highway 1A. Then, from Ly Thanh Tong Street, turn left into Phuoc Tuong Tunnel. After exiting the tunnel, turn right to stay on National Highway 1A until you reach the Hai Van Pass intersection. Here, you have two choices: Either ride through Hai Van Pass for a scenic mountain experience or take the Hai Van Tunnel via the shuttle bus service.

Once in Da Nang, you can continue to Hoi An via several routes — either from Nga Ba Hue intersection onto Truong Chinh Street, or along the Nguyen Tat Thanh coastal road for a more scenic drive.

Travel Tips:

If you decide to cross Hai Van Pass, drive carefully — avoid traveling too early in the morning or too late at night as visibility and safety may be compromised. If you opt for the tunnel, park your motorbike at the tunnel management office. It will be transported by truck to the other side while you take a free shuttle bus, where you can collect it upon arrival.

By Taxi

Taking a taxi is another convenient option for traveling from Hue to Hoi An, covering a distance of just over 100 kilometers. Taxi services are widely available and ideal for those who prefer comfort, privacy, and flexibility. However, this is one of the more expensive options, so sharing a ride or booking a carpool can help reduce costs.

Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and chosen route.

Cost: Around 1,700,000–2,200,000 VND (≈ $75–95) per car.

A taxi offers a safe, comfortable, and personalized journey, perfect for families or travelers seeking convenience. You can relax, take photos, or stop to enjoy fresh seafood along the coast. The only drawback is the higher cost compared to other modes of transport.

By Bus

Taking a bus is one of the most popular and practical ways to travel from Hue to Hoi An. With affordable fares, reliable service, and short travel time, this option is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Several reputable companies operate along this route, including Thu Sinh Tourist, Camel Travel, Phuong Trang (Futa Bus Lines), Hanh Café, and Hoi An Express.

You can easily check schedules, prices, and vehicle types and book tickets directly on the operators’ websites. Most buses travel straight to Hoi An without any stops, making the trip quick and convenient. The journey usually takes about 1.5 hours, and fares range from 115,000 to 185,000 VND (approximately $4.80–8) for a one-way ticket.

Traveling by bus is a fast, economical, and hassle-free option, especially for those who prefer comfort and simplicity. However, since most buses pass through the Hai Van Pass Tunnel, passengers will miss the opportunity to admire one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking mountain roads.

By Train

Traveling by train is a wonderful way to take in the scenic beauty of Central Vietnam, especially the views along the Hai Van Pass. However, there is no direct railway line to Hoi An, so you’ll need to take a train from Hue to Da Nang, then continue by bus or taxi to reach Hoi An.

Vietnam Railways operates around seven trains daily from Hue, offering hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper berths. Tickets can be purchased online via the official website or directly at Hue Railway Station (2 Bui Thi Xuan Street). The train journey to Da Nang Station takes about 2.5 hours, followed by a one-hour transfer to Hoi An.

The combined cost is roughly 100,000–120,000 VND ($3–5) for the train and 150,000–200,000 VND ($5–8) for the bus or taxi. While this option is safe, affordable, and scenic, it can also be time-consuming and slightly uncomfortable due to the train’s noise and motion.

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