How to get to Hoi An from Hue and Hue to Hoi An

Travelling from Hoi An to Hue and Hue to Hoi An can either be via a bus or a private car. Expect a long travel time, though you won’t necessarily get bored!. The travel time is relatively long, but the wonderful views you’ll see along the way makes it all worth it! Your smartphones should have enough battery power to capture the beautiful slices of time and space in your trip!

Hoi An and Hue are two of the most frequented places in Vietnam. Being home to historical sites and ancient temples, tourists from all over the globe flock to these two destinations just to get a glimpse of the beauty of the country. But how do you go out and about in an unfamiliar place? That’s what we’ll talk about in this blog, so let’s scroll down a bit!

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FACTS ABOUT HOI AND AND HUE

Because the two destinations have similar attractions, i.e., the waterways, many tourists go to either Hoi An or Hue, but never both. Time, space and even budget does not always permit. But if you’re the type of traveller who wants to see as much of a place as you can, and you have all the time and extra budget to spare, then you’ll definitely want to learn a few things about travelling from Hoi An to Hue, or from Hue to Hoi An.

TIP: Where to stay in Hoi An recommendation

Distance between Hoi An and Hue

Going from Hoi An to Hue is going to be a relatively a journey. The good thing about long travel hours is that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to mingle with other tourists and locals or read your favourite book while waiting for your car or bus to arrive. Enjoying the views is also another way to entertain yourself while on the road.

• Hours: 4 – 6 hours
• Distance: About 126 kilometers (78 miles)

Hai Van Pass

According to Top Gear, a popular program in the United Kingdom, Hai Van Pass may be one of the best coastal roads in the world when they visited Vietnam in 2008. After being popularized by the BBC show, a lot of tourists visited the 21-kilometre (13 miles) mountain pass which connects Hue to Hoi An. Up to this day, many backpackers still seek to be awe-inspired by the beauty of the Hai Van views.

Why these two towns are popular destinations

Hoi An and Hue are some of the most famous places in Vietnam because of the heavy cultural vibe these destinations have, as well as the fantastic views that may momentarily take your breath away. Of course, food and an interesting way of life are a given.

Hue is rich in history. It is where the famous Imperial Palace of Hue is located, and people from almost every corner of the world flock here. Hoi An, on the other hand, is best known for its beautiful lanterns lit in the evenings, which is a spectacular sight both for locals and tourists alike.

HOI AN TO HUE

There are several options to travel from Hoi An to Hue, and many travellers prefer riding a private car as they can request the driver to stop by the many interesting places along the way. But not all travellers are the same. Some would rather ride a train, a bus, or choose a more exciting option which is renting a motorcycle. Let’s explore these options below.

ALSO READ: What to do and what to eat in Hue and How to get to Hue

By bus

Although the least preferred mode of transport between the two towns, there are many bus companies that offer a direct ride from Hoi An to Hue. A bus won’t stop at some of the most iconic spots along the path, which is why this option is the least desirable for many, but it is still worth knowing the following:

• How long is the journey: Around 4 hours.
• How much is the fare: $8 USD per person.
• Bus companies: The Sinh Tourist, Khanh Sinh Tour, An Phu Travel, Hanh Cafe
• Retro Jeep Transfer

CHECK BUS SCHEDULE/PRICES

CHECK MINIVAN SCHEDULE/PRICES

By taxi

Renting a taxi is arguably the most preferred way to travel from Hue to Hoi An and vice versa. It offers tourists the freedom to visit beautiful places that they might otherwise miss when riding a bus or a train. Most of the taxi drivers speak basic English, and can also serve as tour guides.

• Cost: $55 – $75 depending on the seating capacity
• Travel time: 4 – 6 hours
• Taxi companies: Hoi An Transfer, Hoi An Private Car, Sky’s Hoi An Tours, Hoi An on the Go Transfer, Hoi An Da Nang Private Transfer, Hoi An Private Car Company

By Grab

Grab is generally a bit more expensive than a regular cab, especially because price surge can reach up to 1.7 times the regular rate. Despite the cost, there is no question that it is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Hoi An to Hue, thanks to the wonders of modern technology which allowed people to book a ride from any point that Grab operates.

• Cost:  $120 – $180
• Travel time:4 – 6 hours

By motorbike

Going on a motorbike from Hoi An to Hue is another popular option for travellers provided that Google Map’s default route is ignored; that route isn’t the best route.

The beauty of motorbiking your way from Hue to Hoi An is that you can go as fast as Vietnam’s speed limit permits (the feels of speed, if you know what I mean!), and you have the freedom to stop anywhere, anytime to enjoy whatever surprises the journey may have for you.

• Distance: 120 – 150 kilometres (193 – 241 miles) depending on the route
• What road/s to take: Ignore Google Map’s suggested route and pick Hai Van Pass
• Travel time: 4 – 6 hours

RELATED POST: Motorbiking in Vietnam – Everything you need to know

By train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Hoi An, hence, if you want to take the train and enjoy the scenery, you will have to take a bus to Da Nang Railway Station and take a bus from there to Hue.

• Distance: 120 – 150 kilometers (193 – 241 miles) depending on the route
• Travel time: 45 mins

CHECK TRAIN SCHEDULE/PRICES

HUE TO HOI AN

For those coming from the South, if you are in Hoi An, your next destination to make your way up the north will be Hue, the food capital of Vietnam. It is believed that the most popular and delicious Vietnamese food originated from Hue.

This is also the town where you can join a lot of cooking classes and food tasting tours.

RELATED POST: How to get to Hoi An from north and south of Vietnam

By bus

For those coming from the South, if you are in Hoi An, your next destination to make your way up the north will be Hue, the food capital of Vietnam. It is believed that the most popular and delicious Vietnamese food originated from Hue.

This is also the town where you can join a lot of cooking classes and food tasting tours.

• How long is the journey: Around 4 hours.
• How much is the fare: $8 USD per person.
• Bus companies: The Sinh Tourist, Khanh Sinh Tour, An Phu Travel, Hanh Cafe, Sleeper bus
• Tour: Private Transfer with Sightseeing, private transfer via Ba Hills and Da Nang

CHECK BUS SCHEDULE/PRICES

CHECK MINIVAN SCHEDULE/PRICES

By taxi

If you prefer comfort, you can take a taxi from Hue to Hoi An. The other beauty is that you can ask your taxi driver to stop along the way when you have a stunning destination, place to eat, or a comfort room stop.

Obviously, it’s not the cheapest option but if you can spare the money, it’s not the worse option as well.

• Cost: $55 – $75 depending on the seating capacity
• Travel time: 4 – 6 hours
• Taxi companies: Hue Private Cars, Huracars, Suntaxi Hue, Hue Transfers, Hue Friendly Cars

By Grab

Grab is a transportation booking app like Uber. You can book a car, taxi, or bike from Hue to Hoi An. It is convenient because it only takes a few minutes to get yourself a ride, it also shows the fixed fare amount (apart from the taxi which provides a ballpark).

• Cost:  $120 – $180
• Travel time:4 – 6 hours

By motorbike

The best way to get to Hoi An with a great adventure is to ride or drive a motorbike from Hue and cross the famous Hai Van Pass. If you don’t have your own motorbike, you can rent a bike from Hue, the company can take care of your bags, once you reach Hoi An, you can drop off your bike and pick up your bags from the company’s office.

This is a great way to enjoy the scenery, stop and find some hidden gems, eat in a little local restaurant, and more likely get a shot of rice wine.

• Distance: 120 – 150 kilometres (193 – 241 miles) depending on the route
• What road/s to take: Ignore Google Map’s suggested route and pick Hai Van Pass
• Travel time: 4 – 6 hours

RELATED POST: Motorbiking in Vietnam – Everything you need to know

By train

The only way to get to Hoi An from Hue by train is to take a train to Da Nang then take a bus from Da Nang to Hoi An.

• Distance: 120 – 150 kilometres (193 – 241 miles) depending on the route
• What road/s to take: Ignore Google Map’s suggested route and pick Hai Van Pass
• Travel time: 4 – 6 hours

CHECK TRAIN SCHEDULE/PRICES

DAY TRIPS FROM HOI AN

Another convenient way to enjoy your travels between the two destinations is by going on a day trip. You won’t have to plan your itinerary, the day tour will take care of all the thinking for you, so you’ll only be busy enjoying the activities, sceneries, and socializing with your fellow tourists. Here are some day trips you might want to join in:

• My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Tour: Visit the Hindu sanctuary My Son, sunrise watching, learn about the Champa Kingdom
• Cham Island Snorkeling Tour: Vietnamese boat ride, snorkelling, traditional Vietnamese seafood lunch
• Retro Jeep Transfer from Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van Pass: roam the Vietnamese coastline on a retro jeep, City of Ghosts visit, lunch by the sea
• Basket boat trip and cooking class, Impression show, 

RELATED POST: What to do in Hoi An – Things to do in Hoi An and Where to stay in Hoi An

DAY TRIPS FROM HUE

Like Hoi An, Hue has a ton of interesting day tours that you can join. If your approach to touring a country is more enjoying and less planning, you will definitely enjoy being part of the following day tours:

• Around the Hue City, Hue street food tour, city tour with lunch
• Top Gear Hai Van Pass Motorbike Adventure: Go on a motorcycle ride in Hai Van Pass, swim in Elephant Springs, trek on Marble Mountain
• DMZ Vinh Moc Tunnels Tour: learn more about the Vietnam war at the Demilitarized Zone
• Tam Giang Lagoon Full-Day Tour: See the traditional; Vietnamese fishing, watch artisans create bamboo crafts, mingle with the locals, boating, fishing, bicycling along with the rice fields
• Phong Nha Cave – visit and explore the most beautiful caves in Vietnam
• Looking for accommodation in Hue? Check our Hue accommodation post
• More tips about things to do in Hue

Hoi An and Hue are some of the best places to be in Vietnam; these towns are rich in culture, scenic offerings, and thrilling activities. It isn’t a wonder why you’re planning to go on a tour in these parts of the country. Your next step is to secure your plane ticket, pack your things up, and be where your heart wants to be.

The journey between Hoi An to Hue, and Hue to Hoi An is just as enjoyable as arriving in these towns if you pick the right route coupled with your preferred mode of transportation. So, where do you want to ride during your journey? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop us a comment below!