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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 120 kilometre distance from Hoi An to Hue. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 4 ways to get from Hoi An to Hue. You can choose between the bus, train, minivan, private transfer. The most affordable option is by bus, starting from $6. The fastest route is by bus (1h 40m).
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1h 40m
$6
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2h
$68
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3h
$12
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3h 9m
$6
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Travelling by bus is convenient because it takes you from the centre of Hoi An to the centre of Hue.
But there’s a catch, buses take a different route through a tunnel. This means that you will completely miss the amazing views from the Hai Van Pass.
Still want to take the bus from Hoi An to Hue?
There are ten companies operating on this route. Bus fares start from $6 and travel time is around 1h 40m - 5h.
Techbus VN JSC leaves from its bus station in Hoi An, 1.5 km north of the Old Town. It parks along Doi Cung Street in Hue city centre.
If you’re not a fan of riding motorbikes, the train is a good alternative.
There is no direct train from Hoi An to Hue, but you can take one from Da Nang to Hue. This route offers almost the same views as a motorcycle ride.
To get to Da Nang, you can take a bus or a taxi from Hoi An.
Another way to travel directly from Hoi An to Hue is by minivan. But like the bus, minivans take the Hai Van Tunnel instead of the Hai Van Pass.
Since you will miss the scenic views either way, we recommend taking the bus instead of the minivan. Buses are cheaper and more spacious.
Minivan fares start from $12 for the 3h - 3h 20m journey.
All minivans arrive at Qua Luu Niem in the centre of Hue, 2 km east of the Imperial City.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Hue in central Vietnam is a treat for history buffs. As the former national capital and seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is the best place to get to know Vietnam’s last imperial family. Explore the Imperial Citadel, cruise down the Perfume River, or sample an Imperial Banquet.
But if you ask us, the best thing to do in Hue is to ride a motorbike to the nearby Hai Van Pass — one of the greatest ocean roads in the world. This will reward you with some of the most jaw-dropping views you'll see in Vietnam!
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With a private transfer, you can travel door-to-door from Hoi An to Hue.
Rates start from $68 for a car that can fit people. We recommend booking your ride online through BookAway. They offer excellent customer service as well as spacious cars with polite drivers.
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Carbon Footprint
This 120 km journey produces approximately 11 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
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