Flight
Fastest and most convenient way with direct flights between the cities
Train
Comfortable long-distance journey with sleeper cabins and scenic central Vietnam route
Private car/taxi
Flexible door-to-door transfer with option to stop along the way
Sleeper bus
Very long journey with lower comfort and unpredictable travel conditions
Quick answer: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hue is possible by plane, train, or sleeper bus. Flights are the fastest and most convenient, while trains and buses are more affordable but take longer. It is also possible to travel by private car, but with stopover in Nha Trang or Da Nang. Boook tickets or flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue online.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 1050 km by land, ~650 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1.5 hours • Train ~20–23 hours • Sleeper Bus ~19–23 hours
- 💰 Price range: from ~$23 (bus/train) to ~$100 (flight)
- ✈️ Best for comfort: Flight to Phu Bai Airport
- 🚆 Best for budget: Sleeper bus or train
Last updated in March 2026
From Ho Chi Minh City to Hue you can travel by plane, train or sleeper bus.
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hue is about 1,050 km. The fastest option is a direct flight, with several daily connections and flight times of around 1.5 hours. Travelers can also use Vietnam Railways trains or long-distance sleeper buses. Train travel takes about 20–23 hours and is generally more comfortable than traveling by bus.
Train tickets from Saigon to Hue start at approximately $25–35 per person, while flights are often available at competitive prices. Sleeper berths are recommended for overnight train journeys. Bus, train and flight tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
Hue is one of the most popular destinations in central Vietnam, famous for its Imperial City, royal tombs and rich cultural heritage. The city is also an important transport hub with an airport, railway station and major bus connections. From Hue, you can continue to destinations such as Ninh Binh, Hanoi or Da Nang.
| Transfer Mode – Ho Chi Minh City to Huê | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 1.5 hour | $35-100 per person |
| Train | 20-23 hours | $25-90 per person (depends on train type) |
| Sleeper Bus | 19-23 hours | $23-50 per person |
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue?
1. TRAIN from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
👉 Train is the cheapest and most popular land option from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and train lovers
- ✔️ Duration: ~20–23 hours
- ✔️ Price: $25–90 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (seats or sleeper berths)
- ✅ Best option: Vietnam Railways sleeper train or Violette Express
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online; choose a sleeper for long trip.
Traveling by train is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue. Trains depart from Saigon Railway Station and arrive at Hue Railway Station on Vietnam’s main north–south railway route.
The journey takes about 20–23 hours, so a sleeper berth is highly recommended for comfort. Travelers can choose between regular Vietnam Railways trains and the more comfortable Violette Express tourist sleeper train.
Train tickets cost approximately $25–90 per person, depending on the seat or sleeper class selected. E-tickets are accepted, so you can simply show the QR code on your smartphone before boarding.
If you prefer a more relaxed journey, consider breaking the trip into two parts and visiting destinations such as Quy Nhon before continuing to Hue.
| Train | Departs in Ho Chi Minh | Arrival in Hue | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SE8 (soft seats, sleeper) | 06:00 | 01:59 | From $25.00 |
| Train SE2 (soft seats, sleeper) | 20:35 | 16:03 | From $30.00 |
| Train SE4 (soft seats, sleeper) | 19:25 | 15:12 | From $28.00 |
| Train SE6 (soft seats, sleeper) | 08:40 | 04:31 | From $25.00 |
| Train SE12 (soft seats, sleeper) | 20:55 | 18:56 | From $28.00 |
| Train SE10 (soft seats, sleeper) | 13:20 | 12:59 | From $28.00 |
| Violette Express Train SE2 | 20:35 | 16:19 | From $80.00 |
| Violette Express Train SE4 | 19:25 | 15:12 | From $80.00 |
2. BUS from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
👉 Sleeper bus is a cheap alternative from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who don’t mind long journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~19–23 hours
- ✔️ Price: $23–50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low–medium (long sleeper bus ride)
- ✅ Best option: Futabus – Phuong Trang or other reliable companies
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online; expect possible delays.
Traveling by sleeper bus is another affordable way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue. Several companies operate on this route, including Futabus, Hoang Long, VietNam Travel Bus, Techbus VN, Hanh Cafe and others.
Most buses depart from major stations in Ho Chi Minh City and arrive at various locations in Hue. Departure and arrival details are always displayed when booking tickets online.
The bus journey takes about 19–23 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Modern sleeper buses offer reclining beds and basic onboard amenities, but train travel is usually considered more comfortable for such a long route.
Bus tickets cost approximately $23–50 per person. Tickets can be searched and booked online in advance, especially during holidays and peak travel periods.
3. FLIGHTS from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
👉 Flight is the fastest and most convenient way from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time and avoid long land journeys
- ✔️ Duration: ~5 hours total (flight ~1.5h + airport transfer & waiting)
- ✔️ Price: $35–100 per person (Economy class)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft, quick and smooth transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight with VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance; allow time for airport transfers and check-in.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue is by direct flight. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways operate regular flights on this route.
Flights depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and arrive at Phu Bai International Airport near Hue. A direct flight takes about 1.5 hours, while the total transfer time, including airport procedures, is usually around 4–5 hours.
Direct flights typically cost between $35–100 per person for Economy class. Prices vary depending on the airline, season and booking date, so early booking is recommended.
If you want the quickest transfer without long hours on a train or bus, a direct flight is the best option. Flight tickets can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue:
How to book tickets or flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue?
How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue?
Direct flights take about 1.5 hours, trains about 20–23 hours and sleeper buses about 19–23 hours.
What is the travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue?
The distance is approximately 1,050 km by train or bus and about 650 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue?
Flights cost about $35–100, trains $25–90 and sleeper buses $23–50 per person.
What is the best way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option. For overland travel, the train is usually more comfortable than the bus.
What is the cheapest transport option?
The cheapest option is usually a sleeper bus, with fares starting from about $23 per person.
Are there tourist sleeper trains on this route?
Yes, besides regular Vietnam Railways trains, you can also use the tourist sleeper Violette Express Train.
Where can you travel from Hue?
What are the top attractions in Hue?
The most popular attractions are the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, royal tombs and the Perfume River.
When is the best time to visit Hue?
The best time to visit Hue is from February to April, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is lower.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue covers over 1,000 km and you can travel by plane, train or sleeper bus.
- Choose Flights for Speed: Direct flights to Hue take only about 1.5 hours and are the fastest option.
- Use Sleeper Trains: Train journeys take 20–23 hours, so a sleeper berth is recommended.
- Consider Overnight Buses: Sleeper buses take about 19–23 hours and are usually the cheapest option.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper berths can sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, chargers and a travel pillow for long journeys.
- Arrive Early: Reach airports, train stations or bus terminals at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
- Plan Your Arrival: Taxis, Grab and hotel transfers are available from Hue Airport, train station and bus terminals.
Tip: Flights, train and bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue can be searched and booked online in advance.