Train (sleeper)
Best balance of comfort, price, and overnight travel
Flight
Most convenient for long distance travel
Private car/taxi
Flexible road trip with stops along the way
Sleeper bus
Long journey with lower comfort and sleep quality
Quick answer: From Hanoi to Hue you can travel by plane, train, sleeper bus or private car. The fastest option is a direct flight, while trains offer comfortable overnight travel and scenic views.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 700 km by train or bus, about 600 km by plane.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1 hour | Train ~14 hours | Sleeper bus ~13-15 hours.
- 💰 Prices: Flights from $30 | Train from $20 | Sleeper bus from $14 per person.
- ✈️ Fastest option: Direct flight from Hanoi to Hue.
- 🚆 Best experience: Overnight sleeper train through central Vietnam.
Last updated in March 2026
How do I get from Hanoi to Hue?
1. TRAIN from Hanoi to Hue
👉 Scenic and popular and also cheap way to travel from Hanoi to Hue by train.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers & scenic journey
- ✔️ Duration: 13–14 hours
- ✔️ Price: $17–130 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (better with sleeper cabins)
- ✅ Best option: Sleeper berth in a 4-bed cabin or tourist sleeper train
- 💡 Tip: Choose an overnight train to save time and accommodation costs.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Bring earplugs for a more comfortable night’s sleep.
One of the most popular and cheap transport options from Hanoi to Hue in central Vietnam is by Vietnam Railways train or tourist luxury sleeper trains. Train travel is also an opportunity to see Vietnam from a slightly different perspective and is also ideal for low-cost solo travelers. Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station (120 Đường Lê Duẩn) and arrive at Huế Railway Station (Nguyen Tri Phường Street), both stations are relatively close to the center and easily accessible (see the Vietnam Railway Map).
There are standard Vietnamese trains in operation as well as more luxurious sleeper tourist trains such as Laman Express, Livitrans Express, Lotus Train and Violette Train. You can also buy food or light snacks and drinks on regular trains. These better sleeper trains offer good comfort and are mainly used by tourists and travelers. They are, of course, a little more expensive than regular Vietnam Railways trains. Tourist sleeper trains and their carriages are arranged in regular trains.
Since it is a relatively long journey, the train journey from Hanoi to Hue takes about 13-14 hours, it is better to choose sleeping beds either in regular trains, which are cheaper, or tourist trains. So you can get some sleep and rest if you ignore that the trains can be a little noisier. The price of tickets from Hanoi to Hue can therefore vary quite a bit, depending on what you choose, whether seats in ordinary trains or sleeping beds in ordinary or better tourist trains.
Regular trains to Hue from Hanoi range from $17-40/per person while tourist sleeper and better trains can cost from $65-130/per person. Tourist sleeper trains offer cabins for 2-4 people. You can easily search for train e-tickets from Hanoi to Hue online in advance, when ordering, read all additional instructions regarding the transfer.
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- You will receive your train e-ticket to Hue by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present when boarding the train in Hanoi Railway Station, read carefully the information before and after you book your train or bus tickets to Hue
| Train | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Hue | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SE1 (soft seat, sleeper) | 20:50 | 09:35 | From $22.00 |
| Train SE5 (soft seat, sleeper) | 08:55 | 22:38 | From $22.00 |
| Train SE11 (soft seat, sleeper) | 21:25 | 11:20 | From $22.00 |
| Train SE7 (soft seat, sleeper) | 06:00 | 19:53 | From $22.00 |
| Train SE9 (soft seat, sleeper) | 12:50 | 03:14 | From $22.00 |
| Train SE23 (soft seat, sleeper) | 13:55 | 04:28 | From $23.00 |
| Train SE17 (soft seat, sleeper) | 20:25 | 10:47 | From $23.00 |
| Train SE3 (soft seat, sleeper) | 19:20 | 07:59 | From $40.00 |
| Violette Trains SE1 (sleeper) | 20:50 | 09:35 | From $74.00 |
| Violette Trains SE3 (sleeper) | 19:20 | 07:59 | From $74.00 |
| New Livitrans Express SE3 (sleeper) | 19:20 | 07:59 | From $68.00 |
| New Livitrans Express SE1 (sleeper) | 20:50 | 09:35 | From $68.00 |
| New Livitrans Express SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 08:56 | From $68.00 |
| Damitrans Train SE3 (sleeper) | 19:20 | 07:59 | From $72.00 |
| Damitrans Train SE1 (sleeper) | 20:50 | 09:35 | From $72.00 |
| Damitrans Train SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 08:56 | From $72.00 |
| Charmy Express SE1 (sleeper) | 20:50 | 09:35 | From $72.00 |
| Charmy Express SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 08:56 | From $72.00 |
| Laman Express SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 08:56 | From $76.00 |
| Lotus Train SE19 (sleeper) | 19:45 | 08:56 | From $74.00 |
2. SLEEPER BUS from Hanoi to Hue
👉 Budget way to travel from Hanoi to Hue by sleeper intercity bus.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers & overnight transfer
- ✔️ Duration: 13–15 hours
- ✔️ Price: $15–33 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (varies by bus quality)
- ✅ Best option: Modern sleeper bus with better amenities
- 💡 Tip: Choose a night bus to save time and always check reviews before booking.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Bring a small pillow or blanket for better comfort on long rides.
Another way to travel from Hanoi to Hue is to travel by sleeper tourist bus. Although there are relatively modern and even brand new luxury buses, this option of transport may not be so convenient and it is good to know that the bus transfer from Hanoi to Hue takes around 13-15 hours. You also have to take into account slight delays, so it can be longer. On the other hand, the advantage is the relatively low price of bus tickets, a bus transfer costs approximately $15-33/per person.
There are different bus companies on the route from Hanoi to Hue and it is advisable to read traveler reviews before ordering tickets, you will see them when ordering. Among the more well-known companies are: Techbus VN, Grouptour, Duc Duong, Viet Nam Travel Bus, Sapa Discovery Travel, Full Moon Party Tour, To Vietnam Travel, Hoang Long, Hung Thanh, Queen Café or Hey Travel.
Some buses run in the morning and then there are also night buses that will take you to Hue in the morning. Some very modern buses to Hue also offer LCD TVs and a toilet right on the bus, but not all buses have these amenities. Most of the time, the buses are clean and the beds are relatively comfortable for everyone.
Buses depart from various locations in Hanoi and arrive in Hue at various locations as well, you will see this information and a map before ordering tickets. Search and book Hanoi to Hue bus tickets online and read all additional transfer instructions carefully.
| Bus | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Hue | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| KT Travel Hue | 16:00 | 05:45 | From $18.00 |
| Techbus VN | 05:05 | 18:35 | From $28.00 |
| Techbus VN | 16:30 | 07:00 | From $28.00 |
| Techbus VN | 16:40 | 05:40 | From $20.00 |
| Duc Duong | 05:10 | 19:10 | From $29.00 |
| Duc Duong | 16:15 | 05:00 | From $22.00 |
| Viet Nam Travel Bus | 16:27 | 06:27 | From $26.00 |
| Hung Thanh | 18:30 | 07:30 | From $13.00 |
| The Sinh Tourist | 18:00 | 07:00 | From $13.00 |
| Queen Cafe | 18:00 | 07:00 | From $13.00 |
| Grouptour | 17:30 | 08:00 | From $13.00 |
| Grouptour | 17:50 | 08:20 | From $13.00 |
| Grouptour | 18:00 | 08:30 | From $13.00 |
| Full Moon Party | 17:30 | 05:50 | From $15.00 |
| Hey Travel | 18:30 | 06:50 | From $15.00 |
3. DIRECT FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Hue
👉 Fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Hue.
- ✔️ Good for: time-saving & comfortable travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour (flight) / ~4 hours total with airport transfer
- ✔️ Price: varies (often affordable with low-cost airlines)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft & services)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight with Vietnam Airlines or low-cost carriers
- 💡 Tip: Book flights in advance to secure the best prices and schedules.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Compare baggage policies, as low-cost airlines may charge extra.
A direct domestic flight from Hanoi to Hue is another option for traveling between these cities. It is certainly the most convenient and fastest type of transport from northern to central Vietnam, and sometimes there may be various cheaper tickets on sale. Another advantage is that you can see Vietnam from above and get a different perspective of the country.
It is therefore ideal for those who do not have much time when traveling and want to avoid long transfers by train or bus. The flight time from Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport to Hue – Phu Bai Airport is approximately 1 hour and flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways and Hanh Air Systems.
Together with waiting at the airport and check-in, this transport option can take about 4 hours. Phu Bai Airport is approximately 15 km from the city of Hue and you can reach the city from there by shuttle bus, private taxi or public bus.
Noi Bai Airport is approximately 30 km from the center of Hanoi and can be reached by public buses, shuttle buses or private taxis (see also the map of airports in Vietnam). Up to 10 direct flights of Vietnamese airlines are operated every day. All flights from Hanoi to Hue can be searched online and booked in advance.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Hanoi to Hue
👉 Most comfortable but expensive private transfer from Hanoi to Hue.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups & door-to-door travel
- ✔️ Duration: 12.5–13 hours
- ✔️ Price: $390–550 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private cars, SUVs, minivans)
- ✅ Best option: Private car with driver and hotel pick-up/drop-off
- 💡 Tip: Choose a minivan if traveling in a group to reduce cost per person.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Plan a few rest stops to make the long journey more comfortable.
If you would like to use a private car transfer from Hanoi to Hue, this option is also available here. This is the most expensive option for transport between these cities and is offered by Hue Happy Travel. This company offers smaller classic cars or larger SUVs and minivans for more people on this route.
Minivans may be a suitable choice for you if you are traveling in a group of more people at the same time. The advantage of a private car transfer with a driver is that you can choose your departure point in Hanoi and your arrival point in Hue.
BOOK PRIVATE TAXI / CAR to Hue ➜
For example, you can choose your hotel in Hanoi as the departure point and the same is possible in Hue. Transport by private car/taxi from Hanoi to Hue takes about 12.5-13 hours, but this time may vary, depending on your travel route.
Transfer by private car/taxi to Hue from Hanoi costs between $390-550/car, these prices vary depending on the type of vehicle you choose. You will always pay less for a smaller classic car than for a larger SUV or minivan for more people. You can easily search and book your private car/taxi from Hanoi to Hue online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Travel route from Hanoi to Hue:
How to book tickets or flights from Hanoi to Hue?
- You can book flights, trains or buses online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Hue?
- Flights take about 1 hour, trains about 14 hours and sleeper buses about 13-15 hours.
What is the distance from Hanoi to Hue?
- The distance is about 700 km by train or bus and about 600 km by plane.
How much does travel from Hanoi to Hue cost?
- Flights cost about $30-150, trains about $20-130 and sleeper buses about $14-33 per person.
What is the best way to travel from Hanoi to Hue?
- The best and fastest option is a direct flight from Hanoi to Hue.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Hue?
- The cheapest option is usually a sleeper bus, but trains are more comfortable for long journeys in central Vietnam.
Are there luxury sleeper trains from Hanoi to Hue?
- Yes, you can use trains such as Laman Express, Violette Train, Lotus Train or Livitrans Express.
Should you choose the train or bus from Hanoi to Hue?
- Trains are usually more comfortable and better for overnight travel than sleeper buses.
Where can you travel from Hue?
- You can continue to Da Nang + Hoi An, Quy Nhon or travel by train to Mui Ne.
Which beaches are worth visiting in central Vietnam?
- Popular beach destinations include Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Hue and the Cam Ranh coast. Read also: The Best Beaches in Central Vietnam.
Is Vietnam good for solo travel?
- Yes, Vietnam is a great destination for solo travelers. Read more about solo travel in Vietnam.
From Hanoi to Hue you can travel by train, sleeper bus, plane or private car.
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- The travel distance from Hanoi to Hue is about 700 km by land. The fastest option is a direct flight from Noi Bai Airport to Phu Bai Airport, with a flight time of about 1 hour. Low-cost flights are often available and can be very affordable.
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- Another popular option is traveling by train. Sleeper trains from Hanoi to Hue take about 14 hours and are more comfortable than buses for overnight travel. Vietnam Railways operates regular trains and there are also tourist sleeper trains such as Laman Express, Livitrans Express, Lotus Train or Violette Train.
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- Hue is one of the most visited places in central Vietnam, famous for its imperial history, beaches and local cuisine. Before arriving in Hue, you can also visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Dong Hoi.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Hue
Traveling from Hanoi to Hue is a popular route in central Vietnam. You can travel by plane, train, sleeper bus or private car.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights from Hanoi to Hue take about 1 hour.
- Train Travel: Overnight sleeper trains are comfortable and offer scenic views of central Vietnam.
- What to Bring: Bring snacks, water, charger and a light jacket for air-conditioned transport.
- Avoid Cheap Offers: Very cheap tickets around Hanoi’s Old Quarter may include delays or extra stops.
- Book Early: Flights and sleeper trains can sell out quickly during holidays and weekends.
- Extra Stops: You can stop in Vinh, Da Nang or other cities along the route.
Tip: Flights, trains and bus tickets from Hanoi to Hue can be searched and booked online in advance.