Hanoi to Hue Trip Overview

Hue to Hanoi
Distance
540 km (337.5 miles)
Price range
US$13-US$306
Ride Duration Range
1h 10m-16h
Earliest Departure
18:00
Latest Departure
23:00
Most Popular Operator

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Hanoi to Hue



























































































Taking a bus from Hanoi to Hue

Fastest bus: 8h 55m

Cheapest bus: US$13

The fastest: 8h 55m

The cheapest: US$13

Pros

Flexible cancellations/changes

Inexpensive

Time advantage

Luggage allowance

Comfortable seats

Cons

No WiFi

Few rest breaks

Bumpy roads

Traffic delays

Crowded conditions

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Blanket

Charger

Reclining Seats

Food

Wifi

WC

TV

The fastest: 13h 30m

The cheapest: US$29

Pros

Great value

Beautiful views

Overnight accommodation replacement

Clean cabins

Direct journey

Cons

Noisy speakers

Language barrier confusion

Bumpy ride

Overpriced food

Drop off/pick up not included

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

Wifi

WC

Blanket

A/C

Charger

Food

English Speaking Staff

The fastest: 8h 50m

The cheapest: US$306

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

English Speaking Staff

The fastest: 1h 10m

The cheapest: US$38

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

routes_hero-image-alt Hue

About the journey from Hanoi to Hue


Hanoi's enormous metropolis and friendly atmosphere make it one of the must-visit cities in Vietnam. But once you've seen the sights and sounds, it's time to experience some of the other Vietnamese gems — like Hue!


Hue is a spectacular coastal city in central Vietnam. Located between Hanoi and Hoi An, it's a great stopover place to break up the journey. However, take some time to get to know this great spot. With temples, historic landmarks, and lots of delicious food, there's something to impress all visitors. 


Before packing your bags, ensure you know how to get from Hanoi to Hue without stress. 


These destinations are separated by 661 km (410 miles), and the journey time can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 14 hours. Your main transport options include bus, flight, and train. 


There's lots to consider, but it doesn't have to be confusing. Keep reading to get expert advice. You'll be a pro in minutes. 


Top places to see in Hue


From learning about Vietnamese Dynasties to lakeside views, Hue has it all. Here are some notable destinations you should make time for:


  1. Ho Thuy Thien Lake and the abandoned waterpark

  2. Hue Night Market by Perfume River

  3. The Imperial City

  4. Tu Hieu Pagoda

  5. The Tomb of Khai Dinh

  6. The Temple of Literature

  7. Linh Mu Pagoda


You should make time to wander the city alongside these iconic sites. You can easily spend three days in Hue. With vibrant markets, mouth-watering restaurants, and a vibrant culture, there's lots to uncover.


Should you stay in Hue or Hoi An?


Hue and Hoi An are both popular spots in central Vietnam, but you might not know which to choose if you're on a short schedule. 


Hue is great for exploring Vietnamese history and cultural landmarks. Hoi An provides stunning views and is a more well-known destination. So, it depends on what you want to see.


How to get from Hanoi to Hue


The main ways to get from Hanoi to Hue include bus, flight, and train. There's a wide range of prices and journey times, so consider your needs before booking.


By bus


Buses are the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Hue but take the longest. 


The cheapest tickets start at $12 but can go up to $29 depending on the amenities/comfort level of the bus. Most journeys take between 12 and 14 hours. This isn't the best route if you're on a tight timetable, but it's great for those who want to save money.


Amenities on most buses include A/C, large luggage storage, toilet stops, chargers, blankets, and TVs. Some also offer reclining seats, WCs, and extra legroom.


While many buses have WCs, they are not guaranteed on all trips. If there is no bathroom onboard, the bus driver will make stops.


The bus pick-up and drop-off locations are usually large bus stations or travel offices in central Hanoi and Hue. Notable points include Sapa Discovery Travel Hanoi Office, Tran Quang Khai Street, and Hue Office.


Pro tip: Many of these buses run overnight. Booking an overnight bus can save you money as you don't pay a hostel or hotel fee. Bring your earplugs and sleeping mask!


By flight


Flights from Hanoi to Hue are the fastest way to travel. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes but costs significantly more than buses or trains, at $102 per person. 


Economy Flights provide WC access, A/C, and carry-on luggage. Checking luggage will incur an extra fee. 


Snacks and drinks are sometimes available on board, but you should grab some food in the airport before you board if you want to guarantee food for the flight.


By train


Trains from Hanoi to Hue also take 12 to 14 hours but can provide a more comfortable experience, especially if you're looking for a sleeper cabin. 


However, these cost a little more, with the cheapest option being around $27 per person for standard seats in the regular train carriage. Prices can go up to $143 for a private sleeper cabin for up to four travelers. This might not be the best option if you're on a strict budget, but the experience of traveling on a train is priceless.


Here's a quick lowdown on each train class:


Second Class Seat Train — Second Class Seat Trains don't offer the sleeper cabin experience but can be good for saving money. They include individual seats, A/C, and WC access.


Second Class Sleeper Train — These trains give you the classic sleeper experience. However, you don't get a private cabin. A/C, blankets, and WCs are available in this class.


First Class Sleeper Train — First Class Sleeper Trains provide soft berths rather than the hard ones in second class. You also receive blankets, A/C, and WC access. 


Shared Cabin For 4 Train — As the name suggests, a Shared Cabin For 4 Train ticket gives you a private sleeper cabin with four spaces. Snacks and drinks are provided alongside A/C and WC access.


Shared Deluxe Cabin For 4 Train — The Shared Deluxe Cabin For 4 Train ticket gives you a private cabin with WiFi, A/C, chargers, snacks and drinks, blankets and pillows, English-speaking staff, and WC access.


VIP or Premium Class Train — Premium Class Train tickets provide W/C, WiFi, and comfortable seating.


If you want to guarantee a sleeper-style bed space, make sure you book a "Sleeper" ticket.


About the ride from Hanoi to Hue


The ride from Hanoi to Hue is a longer one, with the average journey by bus or train taking between 12 to 14 hours. Flights take 1 hour and 15 minutes. 


This trek takes you south from Hanoi to Hue. 


While the route follows the South China Sea coastline, the views are limited. Most buses stay on the highway, and both buses and trains tend to travel at night. You might see some cool aerial views via plane, though!


Hanoi to Hue is safe for all travelers, including solo-ers, women, and beginners.


The best time to travel from Hanoi to Hue


The best time to travel from Hanoi to Hue is from February to August. In these months, the weather sits around 29°C to 34°C (84°F to 93°F) and is dry. Ideal for sightseeing without getting wet. 


From September to January, there's warm weather but a higher chance of rain. October to December are the wettest months, with 400 to 580 mm falling per month. Not great if you want to spend time outside.


Where to visit after Hue?


Once you've admired Hue's coastal bliss, why not continue to Hoi An? 


Only around 129 km (80 miles) south of Hue, Hoi An boasts a well-preserved ancient town, temples, French colonial buildings, and white sand beaches. 


Hue to Hoi An takes three to five hours via bus.

Companies Operating from Hanoi to Hue

Average time

14h 50m

Average price

US$29 - US$53

(240)

Average time

8h 50m

Average price

US$306

(77)

Average time

13h 34m

Average price

US$55

(74)

Average time

13h 30m

Average price

US$13 - US$17

(20)

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