Quick answer: The best ways to get from Hanoi to Hoi An are by flight to Da Nang followed by a short transfer, by train to Da Nang, or by sleeper bus. The total journey takes 1.5–17 hours depending on the transport mode. Flying to Da Nang is the fastest and most convenient option, while trains and sleeper buses offer scenic routes along Vietnam’s coast. It is also possible to book a private modern car/taxi with a driver.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 800 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: 1.5–17 hours (depending on transport)
- 💰 Price range: 400,000 – 1,500,000 VND
- ✈️ Fastest option: Flight to Da Nang + 45-min transfer to Hoi An
- 🚆 Best for scenery: Regular or tourist sleeper train to Da Nang
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper bus from Hanoi to Hoi An
Last updated in October 2025
How do I get from Hanoi to Hoi An?
1. TRAIN + BUS / TAXI from Hanoi to Hoi An
Traveling by train and bus from Hanoi to Hoi An via the city of Da Nang, which is only 20 km from Hoi An, is the most used transport option among solo travelers heading to Central Vietnam. It is a transport that has 2 steps – by train to Da Nang and by bus from Da Nang to Hoi An. This is a popular and busy railway route, trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Da Nang Railway Station in the city center.
Trains from Hanoi do not go directly to Hoi An city, but go to Da Nang city and from there you can continue by e.g. bus / minibus or taxi to Hoi An. So if you want to explore Da Nang city as well, these transports can be ideal and are among the cheapest options, but they will take a lot of time. Train tickets from Hanoi to Da Nang vary, ordinary trains from Vietnam Railways about $20-50/per person (2nd class seats or sleeper beds) and tourist luxury sleeper trains are more expensive, about $60-80/per person, according to the type of train.
Of course, the most expensive are always the sleeping berths, which can definitely be recommended, because the train journey time to Da Nang from Hanoi is approximately 15-17 hours, depending on the type of train. Sleeping tourist and more comfortable trains Laman Express, Violette Train, Livitrans Express, Damitrans or Lotus Train are classified as trains of the Vietnam Railways and are always marked with either an inscription or a logo of the operating company.
1. BOOK TRAIN TICKET to Da Nang ➜
Tourist sleeping berths are usually more comfortable, better and also offer light refreshments and cabins, which are usually for 4 passengers. Train timetables from Hanoi to Da Nang usually offer 5-6 train connections every day and even on holidays, however, the number of trains may change during the seasons. You can find and book tickets to Da Nang easily online and in advance, which is recommended.
After you arrive in the city of Da Nang, it is possible to continue the transfer to Hoi An by e.g. buses, minivans, minibuses, taxis or you can also use Grab taxi. But if you go here, it is definitely advisable to explore the city of Da Nang first and then go on a trip to Hoi An.
From Da Nang to Hoi An by bus or taxi, it takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the bus and carrier, Hoi An is about 20 km away. Various companies operate here, such as Barri Ann Travel, April Adventure, Techbus VN, Queen Cafe, Hoi An Express and others, and tickets from Da Nang to Hoi An cost about $6-17/person, depending on where you go from and what type of bus you choose , modern private minivans are usually more expensive.
On the route between Da Nang and Hoi An, there are very modern luxury minivans or minibuses, but also ordinary seater and sleeper buses. You can use the same mode of transport on the return trip from Hoi An to Da Nang or directly from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport. Again, you can easily find tickets for these bus routes to Hoi An online.
2. BOOK TICKET / CAR to Hoi An ➜
| Train | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Da Nang | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SE1 (seats, sleeper) | 20:50 | 12:12 | From $25.00 |
| Train SE5 (seats, sleeper) | 08:55 | 01:31 | From $25.00 |
| Train SE23 (seats, sleeper) | 13:55 | 07:05 | From $25.00 |
| Train SE7 (seats, sleeper) | 06:00 | 22:43 | From $25.00 |
| Train SE11 (seats, sleeper) | 21:25 | 14:40 | From $25.00 |
| Train SE9 (seats, sleeper) | 12:50 | 06:14 | From $25.00 |
| Train SE3 (seats, sleeper) | 19:20 | 10:36 | From $35.00 |
| Train SE17 (seats, sleeper) | 20:25 | 14:15 | From $25.00 |
| Violette Trains SE1 (sleeper) | 20:50 | 12:12 | From $78.00 |
| Violette Trains SE3 (sleeper) | 19:20 | 10:36 | From $78.00 |
| Violette Trains SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 11:45 | From $78.00 |
| Laman Express SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 11:45 | From $78.00 |
| Livitrans Express SE1 (sleeper) | 20:50 | 12:12 | From $75.00 |
| Livitrans Express SE3 (sleeper) | 19:20 | 10:36 | From $75.00 |
| Livitrans Express SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 11:45 | From $75.00 |
| Charmy Express SE1 (sleeper) | 20:50 | 12:12 | From $75.00 |
| Charmy Express SE3 (sleeper) | 19:20 | 10:36 | From $75.00 |
| Charmy Express SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 11:45 | From $75.00 |
| Damitrans SE3 (sleeper) | 19:20 | 10:36 | From $75.00 |
| Damitrans SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 11:45 | From $75.00 |
| Lotus Train SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 11:45 | From $74.00 |
2. FLIGHT + BUS / TAXI from Hanoi to Hoi An
By far the fastest and most convenient way to get to Hoi An from Hanoi is to take a direct flight to Da Nang and a bus or private transfer to Hoi An from the airport. This method of transport therefore has a total of 2 steps, but is significantly more comfortable. However, this option is more expensive than traveling by train or bus to Da Nang, but on the other hand, you will save more of your time, enjoy the comfort, and sometimes the flights are relatively cheap.
Flights are operated from Noi Bai Airport to Da Nang International Airport, which is approximately 30 km from Hoi An and approximately 3 km from the center of Da Nang (you can see Vietnam Airport Map). Noi Bai Airport is accessible from Hanoi by public buses, shuttle buses or private taxis. From Da Nang Airport to the city center you can use shuttle buses, private minivans, taxis or Grab.
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines and Vietravel Airlines offer direct flights from Hanoi to Da Nang. These are Vietnamese airlines and sometimes there are cheap promotional low-cost flights (such as flights from VietJet Air), by default these direct flights cost about $50-200/pp, sometimes they can be cheaper and the flight time from Noi Bai airport is approximately 1.5 hours.
For such a short flight, you will need Economy class on the plane. From Da Nang Airport, you can travel to Hoi An by bus, minivan or private taxi. Various private transport services operate between Da Nang Airport and Hoi An, and bus or minibus transfer tickets cost approx. $4.50-7.00/per person, depending on the type of bus or minivan, prices can sometimes be a little higher, e.g. a private taxi costs approx. $15- 20/car.
This trip will fly by quickly, the transport to Hoi An from the airport takes about 1 hour and some verified companies that offer these transfers are April Adventure, Hoi An Express or iHome Transfer. The timetables of these private minibuses to Hoi An can be found easily online and you can book tickets in advance. Before booking tickets to Hoi An, always carefully read all instructions related to the transfer.
3. SLEEPER BUS from Hanoi to Hoi An
Another way to get to Hoi An in central Vietnam from Hanoi is to travel by sleeper tourist bus, of which there are plenty in both directions. Most of these tourist sleeper buses also go through Da Nang city and then continue to Hoi An, some even go further into southern Vietnam. By tourist bus to Hoi An, this is a cheap transport option, but it may not be very comfortable for such a long route.
And it takes a lot of time. There are modern tourist sleeper buses from Hanoi to Da Nang and Hoi An, travel time is approximately 15-19 hours and bus tickets cost approximately $16-40/pp, depending on the type of bus and services offered. Older buses are the cheapest and luxury buses are the most expensive. Various transport companies travel from Hanoi to Hoi An, among which the following are more well-known: Techbus VN, To Vietnam Travel, Sapa Discovery Travel, Viet Nam Travel Bus, Queen Café, Grouptour, Futabus, HK Buslines, The Queen Tourist, Quang Dung, Tuan Trinh, An Phu Hoi An Travel, Thuan Hung Travel, Cua Ong Limousine, Tan Kim Chi, Ninh Binh Interbus, King Express Bus, Travel Holic Bus, G8 Sapa Open Tour, Camel Transport, Duc Duong Bus and others.
The disadvantages of bus transportation in Vietnam can be that the buses may not be comfortable for longer journeys and that the buses often stop at other places before arriving at the destination. Buses depart from various locations in Hanoi and arrive at various locations in Hoi An or Da Nang as well.
You will always see this information when ordering bus tickets online, so you can book tickets in advance and be sure of your transfer. Always read all additional information regarding these bus transfers to Hoi An when ordering your tickets.
| Bus Service | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Hoi An | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Cafe | 17:30 | 10:00 | From $21.00/pp |
| Queen Cafe | 17:30 | 10:00 | From $21.00/pp |
| King Express Bus | 17:00 | 11:00 | From $16.00/pp |
| Hk Buslines | 17:00 | 08:00 | From $34.00/pp |
| Hk Buslines | 19:30 | 10:30 | From $34.00/pp |
| Travel Holic Bus | 18:00 | 10:30 | From $21.00/pp |
| G8 Sapa Open Tour | 18:45 | 09:30 | From $31.00/pp |
| Camel Transp. | 19:00 | 11:30 | From $18.00/pp |
| Sapa Disc. Travel | 06:45 | 21:45 | From $34.00/pp |
| Sapa Disc. Travel | 19:45 | 10:45 | From $31.00/pp |
| Tuan Trinh | 18:00 | 08:30 | From $22.00/pp |
| Vietnam Travel Bus | 17:00 | 09:00 | From $35.00/pp |
| Vietnam Travel Bus | 19:50 | 18:35 | From $34.00/pp |
| Quang Dung | 17:00 | 05:15 | From $24.00/pp |
| The Queen Tourist | 17:00 | 10:00 | From $21.00/pp |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 14:00 | 06:00 | From $36.00/pp |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 18:00 | 10:00 | From $38.00/pp |
| An Phu Hoi An Travel | 20:00 | 11:00 | From $36.00/pp |
| Thuan Hung | 09:00 | 22:30 | From $26.00/pp |
| Binh Hoai | 16:00 | 07:15 | From $30.00/pp |
| Duy Khanh Trans. | 16:00 | 09:30 | From $27.00/pp |
| Tuan Trinh | 17:15 | 09:45 | From $22.00/pp |
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Hanoi to Hoi An
One of the options for traveling from Hanoi to Hoi An in central Vietnam is a private transfer by a modern car/taxi with a driver. This transport option is offered by Hue Happy Travel, which has smaller classic cars and larger SUVs and minivans for more people.
The advantage of a private transfer is that you can choose your departure point in Hanoi and your arrival point in Hoi An, but the disadvantage is the higher transfer price. Transportation by private car/taxi from Hanoi to Hoi An takes about 15 hours, but the stated travel time may vary and depends on your travel route.
Transfer by private car/taxi with a driver from Hanoi to Hoi An costs between $400-640/car, prices vary depending on the type of car you choose. However, you can divide the fare and calculate it for each person in the vehicle.
You can easily search, view and book your private vehicle with a driver to Hoi An or Da Nang online in advance. When booking, also read all the information and follow all the conditions of the private transfer given by the company. A private transfer may not be a suitable transfer option for low-cost travelers due to the higher fare prices.
If you’re planning how to travel from Hanoi to Hoi An, here’s a clear comparison of all main options — flight, train, sleeper bus, and private car — including prices, comfort, and travel times. This helps you choose the best way for your budget and travel style.
▶️ Journey modes & what to expect:
| Route | Cost range | What it’s like / pros & cons |
|---|---|---|
| Train + bus/taxi via Da Nang (Hanoi → Hoi An) | $25–$150 | Take the train from Hanoi to Da Nang, then a short transfer to Hoi An. It’s a scenic route through mountains and coastline, ideal for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, authentic journey. Overnight trains are available and let you save on accommodation. |
| Flight + bus/taxi via Da Nang (Hanoi → Hoi An) | $40–$100+ | The fastest and most convenient option. A short flight from Hanoi to Da Nang followed by a 30–60 min ground transfer to Hoi An. Perfect if you want to save time and avoid long overnight trips. Slightly higher cost, but less fatigue. |
| Sleeper bus from Hanoi → Hoi An | $16–$40 | Usually the cheapest way to travel from Hanoi to Hoi An. Overnight buses vary in comfort — choose a reputable company for safety and punctuality. Expect multiple stops and limited privacy compared to train or plane. |
| Private car / taxi from Hanoi → Hoi An | $400–$640 per vehicle | The most expensive but also the most flexible option. Great for families or groups with luggage who prefer direct, door-to-door travel. You can stop at scenic spots in Central Vietnam along the way. |
👉 What the travel feels like
Night travel is common on the cheaper/land routes, which can mean interrupted sleep and variable schedules. The train offers attractive scenery through central Vietnam — mountains, coast and countryside — especially if you travel by day, though many long rail legs run overnight. Transfers matter: even the flight option requires a short but necessary ground transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An.
Comfort depends heavily on class and operator: tourist sleeper trains and modern coaches are noticeably more comfortable than older buses or hard-seat trains. Cheaper options save money but cost time and energy; paying more buys time and better rest.
🔍 Real travel recommendations for Hanoi to Hoi An
- Fast & low fatigue: Take a flight from Hanoi to Da Nang with a quick transfer to Hoi An — the best choice if you want to arrive fresh and maximize sightseeing time.
- Scenic & balanced: Choose the train + bus combo — one of the most popular and relaxing ways to travel from Hanoi to Hoi An. Book a sleeper berth to rest overnight and enjoy coastal views during the day.
- Budget option: Sleeper buses can work well if you book a reliable operator. Bring earplugs, a neck pillow and water for more comfort during the night trip.
- Group comfort / flexibility: A private car or taxi makes sense when sharing costs among friends or family and when you prefer a direct, door-to-door journey.
- Practical travel tips: Book train or flight tickets in advance, reserve your Da Nang–Hoi An transfer before arrival, pack essentials for overnight trips (snacks, water, light clothing, small pillow), and keep valuables close.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Hanoi in northern Vietnam:
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These are the most popular travel routes from Hanoi for visitors exploring Vietnam.
