Distance 80 km (50.0 miles) | |
Price range US$6-US$143 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 10m-3h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 17:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
A shuttle bus from Da Nang to Hue is very inexpensive and the travel time is short. Additionally, buses depart every 1-2 hours so you don’t have to stress about getting stranded. Bring your walking shoes and camera to Hue as there is lots of sightseeing to do. Hue is known for its many palaces and shrines which help make up its history. They’re also known for having great eateries around the city. The most comfortable season, and best time to visit, is the Spring.
Fastest bus: 2h
Cheapest bus: US$6
Hue isn't a place you see on everyone's itinerary. Located in central Vietnam, many travelers hop from north to south (and vice versa), skipping over what's found in the middle, Hue included.
If you're already in Da Nang, skipping Hue is a missed opportunity, especially if you're a history lover. It served as the Imperial Capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945 until the last ruler abdicated the throne in favor of Ho Chi Minh's communist government in Hanoi.
What's left behind is a legacy of grand palaces, temples and mausoleums. The fact that it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site suggests it's a city worth a visit!
Excited to learn more about Vietnam's history? There are four ways to cover the 90 km (55 miles) from Da Nang to Hue:
Minivan
Bus
Train
Car
The journey takes two to four hours, depending on the transport.
Continue reading to find out everything you need to decide which transport to take from Da Nang to Hue in Vietnam.
Hue isn't all about the past. Yes, the historical, political, and religious significance plays a big part in its story. But it also has creative cuisine, a vibrant atmosphere, and a bustling modern city that sits side-by-side with the old.
Explore the Imperial City. Once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Imperial City is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating place to spend a few hours. Inside the ancient city walls, you'll find ornate gates, palaces, temples, and gardens.
Pro tip: A guide isn't mandatory, but hearing the stories and history of this place really brings it to life. You'll also get to learn about the brutal fighting that happened here during the Vietnam War.
Visit the Royal Tombs. Scattered along the Perfume River are seven elaborate royal tombs — the final resting places for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Hon Chen Temple and The To Mieu Temple are considered the best to visit.
Cruise the Perfume River. Hop on a dragon-styled boat and journey along the Perfume River, which runs through the middle of Hue. The countryside is stunning, and the boat ride is a good chance to see life outside the city.
Drive the Hai Van Pass. Located between Hue and Da Nang, the Hai Van Pass is considered one of the most remarkable coastal roads in Vietnam, best experienced on a motorbike.
Shop the Dong Ba Market. With three floors to explore, it's difficult to know where to start. You can find almost anything here — fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, traditional clothing, designer copies, souvenirs and handmade crafts.
There are four ways to travel between Da Nang and Hue: by minivan, bus, train and car.
A minivan from Da Nang to Hue takes 2-3 hours, depending on the pick-up and drop-off locations. Some companies offer the ultimate convenience and provide a door-to-door service.
Making the journey even easier, they leave almost every hour of the day.
The minivans available in Vietnam may be some of the best you've ever taken. The limo and VIP vans are pure luxury with armchair-style reclining seats, lots of leg space, charging ports, air conditioning, and, if you're lucky, even a massage function.
And crazily, they're often not more expensive than the standard minivans, which start around $7.
There's no considerable difference in price or time between the bus and minivan. The bus takes 2-4 hours and has plenty of daily departures. Each company has multiple departure and arrival stations throughout Da Nang and Hue. Check those details before you book.
Prices start at $6.
Choose your bus carefully as there are several levels of comfort available and not always a difference in price.
Pro tip: Even if you're traveling during the day, the sleeper buses are a very comfortable way to travel.
The train can be a fun adventure and a handy way to avoid Vietnam's chaotic traffic and drivers.
Leaving Da Nang Train Station, you'll arrive at Hue Train Station within 2.5 hours, a similar journey time to the bus and minivan. The train is the cheapest way to travel from Da Nang to Hue; seats start at $5.
If you've wanted to try a sleeper train but don't actually want to spend a night sleeping on a train, the journey from Da Nang to Hue can be a convenient and affordable way to try it.
There are several classes to choose from:
Second class seat: upright seats, tables available, A/C, toilet
Second class sleeper: six beds per cabin, A/C, toilet
First class sleeper: four beds per cabin, more space, A/C, toilet
If you're heading to Hue from Da Nang International Airport, a private car might be the best option. Your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall, sign in hand, waiting to take you to Hue.
Private cars have a capacity of 2-4 people, perfect if you're traveling as a small family or group of friends and want the ultimate convenience. Prices for the car start around $62.
An efficient door-to-door service is also possible.
The journey from Da Nang to Hue is a nice change from all of the long journeys in Vietnam.
Before you know it, you'll have arrived at your new destination.
Those taking the train will have a toilet onboard, but toilet breaks are not guaranteed for those taking transport via road.
This journey is safe for solo travelers and females.
The best time to visit Hue is between January and April when rainfall is at its lowest and temperatures are comfortable at 20-24°C (68-75°F).
The rainy season runs from September to December. While you can still visit during these months, have an umbrella or raincoat handy. The chances of you getting caught in the rain are very high!
Hue isn't a huge place to explore. The star of the show and the main reason most people visit this city is the Imperial City, which can be easily seen in half a day. So, some people only stick around for a day before heading to their next destination.
We think two days is the perfect amount of time to tick off the most popular sites and make sure you've eaten enough of Hue's delicious and unique cuisine.
After Hue, continue your journey north and visit Ninh Binh, one of the prettiest places in Vietnam. Its extraordinary limestone karsts make you feel like you've stepped into Jurassic Park.
Spend your days here taking boat rides, watching stunning sunsets, exploring temples and embracing a less hectic city.
Unfortunately, Hue to Ninh Binh is one of the longer journeys in Vietnam, taking 7.5-12 hours, a journey that's best done overnight.
Based on 1695 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Da Nang to Hue
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Da Nang Train Station
Da Nang - Any hotel in the city center
Da Nang Airport (DAD)
28 D. 3 Thang 2
233 Nguyen Van Thoai
Hue - Any hotel in the city center
Hue Train Station
7 Doi Cung
Hue Train Station
14/42 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue
The journey from Da Nang to Hue with Huong Giang Limousine was quick and easy. Find out more about what you can expect here.
Looking to visit Hue, Vietnam? We explore the history of Hue, outlining the heritage and key places to visit in the former capital.
A lesser-known town in Vietnam, Hue offers a wide range of experiences that draw inspiration from its history, culture and bountiful nature.
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