How to get from Hué to Da Nang ? Bus, train, private car
Hue and Da Nang offer a rich cultural and historical experience for travelers seeking adventure and beauty. If you are planning your Vietnamese getaway, you may find yourself facing a crucial choice: how to travel from Da Nang to Hue?
In this article, I share my expat tips and practical advice to help you navigate between these two iconic destinations. Whether you’re looking for the fastest route, the most comfortable mode of transportation, or the journey with the most beautiful views, I guide you through the various options to make your trip between Da Nang and Hue as memorable as the rest of your stay in Vietnam.
Follow the guide and get ready for your journey between these two gems of central Vietnam.
Distance Between Hue and Da Nang
The distance between Hue and Da Nang is just 92 kilometers.
The journey between Hue and Da Nang can be as brief as it is picturesque, with a duration of approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on the mode of transportation chosen. For those who prioritize speed and privacy, opting for a private car or a motorcycle can reduce the travel time to about 2 hours, while offering the freedom to stop and admire the scenery at your leisure.
On the other hand, if you are in exploration mode and time is not a constraint, consider the train or bus for a more authentic and relaxed experience. These options allow you to immerse yourself in the Vietnamese landscape, with stunning views of the coast and mountains, turning the journey into an integral part of your adventure in Vietnam.
Best Ways to Travel from Hue to Da Nang
| Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 2h30 | From 81,000 VND to 186,000 VND |
| Bus | 2h to 3h | 199,000 VND per person |
| Private Car | 2h | 1,400,000 VND for a four-seater car |
| Shuttle | 2h | 300,000 VND per person |
| Motorcycle | 2h | 150,000 VND for a motorcycle |
1. Train
Because it follows a different route than the bus, the train is the preferred mode of transportation for those wishing to explore the breathtaking landscapes of central Vietnam.
For me, it is one of the best train routes in Vietnam.
Book your train ticket from Da Nang to Hue and choose the seating option that suits your comfort and budget needs. During your reservation, you will be faced with a variety of choices:
- Hard seats
- Soft seats
- Sleeping berths
Although hard seats are the most economical option, they are less recommended for long journeys. However, air-conditioned sleeping berths with soft seats promise comfort and serenity, allowing you to relax and admire the picturesque landscapes with ease.
Outside of the tourist season, it is often possible to secure your train tickets for the Da Nang-Hue journey with only a day or two in advance. The easiest and most convenient procedure is to go through your hotel, a local travel agent, or a reputable online site like Bao Lau (the site is in English).
For a few euros in commission, you will save time and money, avoiding the queue at the station. However, if you prefer autonomy, purchasing tickets directly at the station counter is feasible even a few hours before departure.
Traveling by train from Da Nang to the historic city of Hue may not be the fastest option, but it is undoubtedly one of the most memorable. By taking the route that winds through the famous Hai Van Pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sea and a unique opportunity to interact with the locals. This is not just a journey, it’s an invitation to experience the beauty and culture of Vietnam in an unforgettable way.
Touriste trains between Hué and Da Nang
Since March 26, 2024, there are 4 tourist trains HD1 and HD3 from Hue and HD2 and HD4 from Da Nang.
The 3 main differences between tourist trains and regular trains are:
- Traditional music performances
- Tasting of local products
- 10-minute stop at Lang Co station
Prices may vary depending on the period.
| Trains | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Soft Seat Price per person | 6-berth Couchette | 4-berth Couchette |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE1 | 10:04 | 12:32 | 92,000 VND | 124,000 VND | 129,000 VND |
| SE3 | 8:45 | 11:14 | 94,000 VND | 133,000 VND | 149,000 VND |
| SE5 | 5:42 | 8:30 | 93,000 VND | 111,000 VND | 123,000 VND |
| SE7 | 20:38 | 23:05 | 81,000 VND | ||
| SE11 | 11:38 | 14:53 | 94,000 VND | 168,000 VND | 186,000 VND |
| SE19 | 9:18 | 11:50 | 94,000 VND | 168,000 VND | 186,000 VND |
| HD1 | 7:45 | 11:05 | 150,000 VND | ||
| HD3 | 14:25 | 17:40 | 150,000 VND |
2. Bus
The bus journey from Hue to Da Nang is one of the cheapest methods. There are two different types of buses: public buses and tourist buses.
Public Bus
Since the beginning of 2020, the city of Da Nang has launched a new bus line connecting Da Nang to Hue and vice versa.
The bus operates from 5 AM to 7 PM with a frequency of every 14 minutes in high season and every 15 minutes in low season. The cost of a one-way ticket for passengers traveling the entire route is 80,000 VND.
The bus starts at the Da Nang bus station (201 Ton Duc Thang – Da Nang) and drops you off at the Hue bus station.
From Hue, the bus starts at the South Hue bus station (57 An Duong Vuong, Hue).
Tourist Bus
The journey on the tourist bus takes about 2 to 3 hours, and they depart from their office in Da Nang and drop you off at their office in Hue city.
The price is 199,000 VND per person.
There are 2 departures per day:
- The first departure is at 8:45 AM
- The second departure is at 2:30 PM
Sinh Tourist
Address: 16, 3 Thang 2 Street – Da Nang
Tel: +84.236.3843259
Email: danang@thesinhtourist.vn
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
3. Private Car
Traveling by private car from Da Nang to Hue is probably the best option.
It offers flexibility in your travel plan, allowing you to leave at any time. It also gives you the opportunity to stop and admire the beauty of certain attractions along the way, such as the Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay, which local or tourist buses cannot offer. Not to mention that everyone can sit comfortably and have more private space for themselves.
The rental of a private car from Da Nang to Hue starts from 1,400,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND depending on whether you go through the Hai Van Pass or not.
By private car, the journey takes about 2 hours if you take the direct route via the Hai Van tunnel. However, if you want to see the scenic Hai Van Pass on the way from Da Nang to Hue, you can inform your driver in advance. Most rental car company drivers can speak basic English, so you don’t have to worry about poor communication.
Hoi An Transport Service
I often recommend Hoi An Transport Service (https://hoiantransportservice.com). Their strength lies in the fact that they speak English, their prices are fixed, so there are no extra charges.
4. Shuttle
Shuttles are 10-seat minibuses that take you directly from point A to point B without stopping to see the sights. You can take the shuttle from Travelbus, which is one of the best companies for shuttles.
Travel Bus has several departures per day and also has several departure and arrival locations. You will need to take a taxi to the departure point and another at the arrival to reach your hotel.
The cost is between 11 and 13 euros per person and you must not exceed 1 piece of luggage per person. You need to book 8 hours in advance.
Departures in Da Nang are from:
- Da Nang Airport
- 38 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Da Nang City
- 95 Nguyen Van Thoai, Da Nang City
- 233 Nguyen Van Thoai, Da Nang City
- 15 Thanh Luong 25, Da Nang City
One of the disadvantages of the shuttles is that they do not allow you to visit sites between Da Nang and Hue and they do not drop you off at your hotel. The two advantages are the price and the speed of the journey.
Travel Bus
Address: 15 Thanh Luong 25, Da Nang City
Email: Support@TravelBus.vn
5. Motorcycle
Driving from Da Nang to Hue on a motorcycle is the most exciting experience, especially for travelers who want to spice up their trip and wish to experience the scenic route as well as the spectacular landscape of the Hai Van Pass.
Like the private car, it gives you total flexibility in your schedule and the freedom to stop at any time or anywhere to explore the surroundings.
The time it takes to ride a motorcycle from Da Nang to Hue is about 3 to 4 hours. The duration can be longer or shorter as it is affected by many factors such as traffic conditions and the time spent at each stop.
It is easy to find a motorcycle rental shop in downtown Da Nang, but make sure to check with them if you can return the motorcycle in Hue.
The rental cost of a scooter is about 120,000 VND to 250,000 VND. These fees do not include gasoline, but they are relatively cheap. With 50,000 to 80,000 VND, depending on the bike, you can fill up and ride over 200 kilometers.
Frankly, traveling by motorcycle may not be the most practical option especially if you have a lot of luggage but it is definitely worth a try.
My Opinion
I do not recommend the buses as they generally have poor driving standards. If you look at the reviews on Google, you will see that they are often negative. Sinh Tourist is the least bad option in Da Nang.
If you are on a tight budget, opt for the train and enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.
The shuttle can be a good option for making the trip if you do not want to visit landmarks like the Hai Van Pass, Lang Co, etc.
Motorcycles and private cars are the two means of transportation that I recommend. You are free to choose your departure time and can take your time. If you want to stop at Lang Co Bay or visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, you can do so.
