How To Get to Hue Vietnam: The Easiest Ways to Get to The Imperial City (2026)
Sitting on the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue is the country’s former imperial capital, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage city of moated citadels, royal tombs and some of the best food in the region. So, the good news is that it’s genuinely easy to reach, whether you’re flying in for a long weekend or rolling through on a north-to-south backpacking trip.
This guide breaks down exactly how to get to Hue by flight, rail and road, with up-to-date journey times, ballpark fares and honest pros and cons. Therefore, in this guide, I’ve organised it by where you’re coming from, so jump straight to your starting point, Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay or Ho Chi Minh City, or read the quick overview first.
Heads-up on prices and schedules: Everything below reflects research current to 2026. However, please be aware that fares, timetables and operators change often in Vietnam, so always confirm with the operator or a booking platform before you travel.
First, the basics: where is Hue and how do you arrive?
Hue has four arrival gateways. By air, you’ll land at the newly opened Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), about 15 km south of the city centre (roughly a 20–30 minute taxi). Taking the railways, the Reunification Express stops at Hue Railway Station, a short hop from the Imperial City. By road, sleeper buses, private cars and minivans drop you right in the centre, usually near the backpacker district or your hotel.
There are no international flights direct to Hue, so overseas visitors typically connect through Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City. From there, your choice comes down to time versus budget, and how much of Vietnam’s scenery you want to see along the way.
Quick comparison: getting to Hue at a glance
| From | Fastest option | Approx. time | Approx. fare (pp) |
| Hanoi | Flight to Phu Bai | 1h 20m flight | $50–150 air |
| Hoi An | Bus or train via Da Nang | 3.5–4 hrs total | $6–14 bus / $8–13 combo |
| Da Nang | Train over Hai Van Pass | 2.5–3 hrs train | $3–8 train |
| Ninh Binh | Overnight train or bus | 10–12 hrs | $13–35 |
| Halong Bay | Via Hanoi (no direct route) | From ~8 hrs + onward | $60–110 air leg |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Flight to Phu Bai | 1h 30m flight | $35–100 air |
How to get to Hue from Hanoi
Hanoi to Hue is around 670–700 km, so this is a long-haul domestic leg. You have three realistic choices: a quick flight, an overnight train, or an overnight sleeper bus. Most travelers pick the flight for speed or the overnight train to save a night’s accommodation.
By flight (fastest)
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways run direct flights from Noi Bai (HAN) to Phu Bai (HUI), taking about 1 hour 20 minutes in the air. One-way fares typically run $50–150 depending on how far ahead you book. Fares tend to be cheapest in October–December, and booking at least a month out helps. Factor in airport transfers at both ends, which eat into the time saving.
Book now: Cheap Flights from Hanoi to Hue
By train (most scenic overnight option)
Around seven daily trains (SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, SE11, SE19) make the run, taking 13–15 hours. Soft-seat fares start near 480,000 VND, with sleeper berths costing more. For an overnight trip a 4-berth soft-sleeper cabin is well worth it. Trains leave from Hanoi Railway Station, southwest of the Old Quarter, and you’ll arrive at Hue station near the Imperial City.
Book now: Train Tickets from Hanoi to Hue
By sleeper bus (cheapest)
Overnight sleeper buses cost from roughly $15–30 and take 12–14 hours. It’s the budget pick, but comfort and sleep quality vary, and many buses arrive in Hue very early, so message your hotel about an early check-in or book a hostel bed just to rest.
Book now: Sleeper Bus from Hanoi To Hue
Bottom line: fly if your time is tight, take the overnight train for the best balance of comfort and value, and choose the bus only if you’re counting every dong.
How to get to Hue from Hoi An
Hoi An doesn’t have its own railway station or airport, and the distance to Hue is about 130 km. The route crosses the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Your options are a direct tourist bus/minivan, a bus-plus-train combo via Da Nang, or a private car (often the best of both worlds).
By tourist bus or minivan (easiest and cheapest)
Direct tourist buses and minivans are the most popular choice, costing around $6–14 per person and taking 3–4 hours door to door.
Book now: Minivans to Hue from Hoi An
By bus + train via Da Nang
Since Hoi An has no station, take a short taxi or bus the 30–45 km to Da Nang Railway Station, then catch a train to Hue. The combined trip costs roughly $8–13 per person, and the rail leg itself is one of the prettiest in Vietnam. You’ll have to book each leg separately, so allow plenty of time to reach the railway station so you don’t miss your train!
Book now: Buses to Da Nang from Hoi An and Trains to Hue from Da Nang
By private car (most flexible)
A private car or taxi runs about $45–170 per vehicle and takes around 2 hours direct, but the real value is hiring a car for the day so you can stop at the Marble Mountains, Lang Co Beach and the top of Hai Van Pass for photos.
Book now: Private Transfer to Hue from Hoi An via Hai Van Pass
How to get from Da Nang to Hue
Da Nang is central Vietnam’s main transport hub and sits just 100 km south of Hue. This is the easiest leg of all, and the train over Hai Van Pass is rightly famous.
By train (the scenic favourite)
Vietnam Railways trains take 2.5–3 hours and cost as little as $3–8 for a hard or soft seat, astonishing value for what many call one of the world’s great rail journeys, as the line clings to the coast and climbs the pass. There’s also a dedicated heritage tourist train (HD2/HD4) with VIP seating and a live traditional music show, which stops at Lang Co station en route.
Book now: Train between Da Nang and Hue
By bus or van
Buses, vans and minibuses take 3–4 hours and cost around $6–14 per person which is handy if the train times don’t suit you.
Book now: Buses between Da Nang and Hue
By private car or taxi
A private car takes 1.5–3 hours (around $26–150 per vehicle) and lets you stop at Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Beach along the way.
Book now: Private Transfer from Da Nang to Hue
How to get from Ninh Binh to Hue
Often called “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a natural stop on a north-to-south route. It’s about 570 km from Hue, and you have two main options: the overnight train or the sleeper bus. There are no direct flights.
By train
Six daily trains (SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE19 and the slower TN1) pass through Ninh Binh on the way south, taking 10–12 hours. Fares run roughly $13–35 depending on seat or berth, with morning and evening departures so you can travel overnight or enjoy the daytime scenery. Most travellers go for a sleeper to arrive rested.
Book now: Train to Hue from Ninh Binh
By sleeper bus
Night buses typically leave Ninh Binh around 8 PM and reach Hue near 6 AM, with fares around 200,000–400,000 VND. Cheap and time-efficient, though you’ll see little in the dark.
Book now: Sleeper Buses to Hue from Ninh Binh
How to get from Halong Bay to Hue
Here’s the key thing: there is no direct train, bus or flight from Halong Bay to Hue. You’ll route through Hanoi (or sometimes Ninh Binh) first. It’s very doable, just plan it as a two-stage trip.
Via Hanoi, then fly (fastest)
Travel from Halong Bay to Hanoi by shuttle or private car (about 2.5–4 hours), then fly Noi Bai to Phu Bai. The Hue air leg runs roughly $60–110, and it’s the quickest way to cover the distance.
Book now: Private Transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi and Flights from Hanoi to Hue
Via Hanoi or Ninh Binh, then take the train
Alternatively, transfer to Hanoi and catch an overnight Reunification Express to Hue, or stop in Ninh Binh first and board the train there (10–12 hours to Hue). Combined train journeys can total 16–24 hours but let you bundle in another destination.
Book now via Hanoi: Private Transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi and Trains from Hanoi to Hue
Book now via Ninh Binh: Private Transfer from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh and Trains from Ninh Binh to Hue
By private transfer
A direct private car is possible but long (13–15 hours, $200–400 per vehicle), generally only worth it for groups who value door-to-door convenience.
How to get to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the farthest of these starting points, well over 1,000 km by land. Flying is overwhelmingly the most sensible choice, though the train is a memorable adventure if you have the time.
By flight (strongly recommended)
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways and Pacific Airlines fly Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to Phu Bai (HUI) roughly hourly, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. Fares range from around $35 to $100 one-way, and low-cost seats can start near $25 if you book early. For this distance, flying is the clear winner.
Book now: Cheap Flights from Ho Chi Minh to Hue
By train (for the journey itself)
The Reunification Express runs the southern leg about five times a day, taking 19–22 hours for roughly $25–90 depending on seat or sleeper. It’s a true slow-travel experience down the spine of Vietnam. I reccomend, choosing a soft-sleeper berth and treat the ride as part of the holiday.
Book now: Train tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
By sleeper bus
Sleeper buses (Phuong Trang, The Sinh Tourist and others) are the cheapest at $20–35, but the 20–22 hour ride is long and far less comfortable than the train. Most travellers skip this for such a distance.
Book now: Sleeper Buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
Getting from Phu Bai Airport and Hue station into the city
However you arrive, the final hop is short. From Phu Bai Airport, a taxi or pre-booked transfer into central Hue takes 20–30 minutes; airport shuttle buses and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Be are also available. From Hue Railway Station, the Imperial City and riverside hotels are only a few minutes away by taxi or motorbike taxi.
For the most convenience and stress-free option, I would recommend booking a private airport transfer from Phu Bai Airport.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Hue
What’s the easiest way to get to Hue?
For most international visitors, flying into Phu Bai International Airport via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is the easiest option. If you’re already in central Vietnam, the train from Da Nang is hard to beat for ease and scenery.
Does Hue have an airport?
Yes, Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), about 15 km south of the city. It handles domestic flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other hubs; there are currently no direct international flights, so you’ll connect within Vietnam.
Is the train to Hue worth it?
Absolutely, especially the Da Nang–Hue stretch over Hai Van Pass, widely rated one of the most scenic rail journeys in Southeast Asia. For longer routes from Hanoi or Saigon, an overnight soft-sleeper saves a night’s accommodation and is a genuine highlight.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Hue?
Overnight sleeper buses are usually the cheapest from distant cities, while the local train is the best-value short hop from Da Nang at just a few dollars.
How far in advance should I book?
Trains and the heritage tourist train sell out fast in peak season and around Vietnamese holidays, so book a week or more ahead. Flights are cheapest when booked at least a month out.
Final thoughts
Wherever you’re starting, getting to Hue is straightforward once you match the transport to your priorities: fly to save time, take the train to save a night and soak up the scenery, or hire a car to turn the trip into a sightseeing day. With its imperial citadel, royal tombs and legendary cuisine waiting at the end of the line, the journey is more than worth it!
Check Out my Other Hue Guides
Hue Itinerary: The Perfect Guide for your visit
Is Hue Worth Visiting: My Honest Review
Where to Stay in Hue: The Best Hotels & Areas
Best Time to Visit Hue: Month-by-Month Guide
Hue Food Guide: What to Eat in Hue
How to Get to Hue: Guide to All Transport Options
Check Out My Other Vietnam Guides
2 Week Vietnam Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First Time Visitors
What is the Best Halong Bay Cruise?: Options for All Budgets
