Train
Best balance of comfort, price, and reliability
Standard bus / minivan
Cheapest option with frequent departures
Private car / taxi
Fast door-to-door transfer via highway
Motorbike (for most travelers)
Longer ride on busy roads, only for experienced riders
Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa is easy, with trains, buses, private cars, and motorbikes available. The journey covers about 170 km and takes around 3–4 hours. The train is the most popular option thanks to its comfort and affordable fares, while buses offer frequent departures. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~170 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: 3–4 hours
- 💰 Price range: Train $5-13/pp • Bus/van $4-13/pp • Bus/van to Puluong $15/pp • Taxi/car about $90-330/car.
- 🚆 Best for comfort: Train (e.g., SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7)
- 🚌 Best for budget: Bus or minibus (e.g., Vietnam Travel Bus, Dai Thang, Daiichi Travel…)
- 🚗 Fastest option: Private car or taxi (~2.5–3 hours)
- 🏍️ For adventurers: Motorbike (requires experience and international driving license)
Last updated in March 2026.
From Hanoi to Thanh Hoa you can travel by train, bus, taxi or motorbike.
The travel distance from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa is about 170 km. You can travel by train, tourist bus or minivan, private taxi/car, or motorbike. The train is the most popular and affordable option, taking about 3–3.5 hours, while buses and minivans take around 3–4 hours.
Train and bus tickets cost about $5–13 per person, depending on the service. A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable option, offering direct hotel-to-hotel transfer, but it is also the most expensive way to travel.
Thanh Hoa offers beaches, nature and easy onward travel.
Thanh Hoa is a coastal province known for Sam Son Beach and the beautiful landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Although it is less visited than some other destinations in northern Vietnam, it is worth exploring if you prefer quieter places.
From Thanh Hoa you can continue by train or bus to central Vietnam and visit popular destinations such as Hoi An or Hue.
How do I get from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa?
1. TRAIN from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa
👉 Cheapest and reliable way to travel from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers & easy rail transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~3–3.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $5–15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (seats or sleeper cabins available)
- ✅ Best option: Regular train seat for this short journey
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
The most popular and affordable way to travel from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa is by Vietnam Railways train. Around 6–8 regular trains operate daily, offering comfortable seats and sleeper berths, although seats are perfectly adequate for this short 3–3.5 hour journey.
Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station and arrive at Thanh Hoa Railway Station before continuing to central and southern Vietnam. Ticket prices range from $5–15 per person, depending on the seat or sleeper you choose. See the Vietnam Railway Map for station locations and routes.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Thanh Hoa ➜
Train tickets can be booked online in advance and are accepted as e-tickets on your smartphone. Be sure to read the latest travel instructions for train travel in Vietnam and arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
| Train | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Thanh Hoa | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SE3 (seats, sleeper) | 19:20 | 22:37 | From $7.00 |
| Train SE1 (seats, sleeper) | 20:50 | 00:08 | From $7.00 |
| Train SE7 (seats, sleeper) | 6:00 | 09:26 | From $7.00 |
| Train SE9 (seats, sleeper) | 12:50 | 16:18 | From $7.00 |
| Train SE5 (seats, sleeper) | 08:55 | 12:20 | From $7.00 |
| Train SE17 (seats, sleeper) | 20:25 | 23:37 | From $7.00 |
| Train SE23 (seats, sleeper) | 13:55 | 17:27 | From $7.00 |
2. BUS / VAN from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa (Sam Son)
👉 Direct and comfortable way to travel from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa (Sam Son).
- ✔️ Good for: beach travelers & direct transfer to Sam Son
- ✔️ Duration: ~3 hours
- ✔️ Price: ~$13 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern minivans for small groups)
- ✅ Best option: Minivan transfer with direct drop-off in Sam Son
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and confirm your exact drop-off point with the driver.
If you are heading to Sam Son, one of the most popular beach destinations in Thanh Hoa Province, a tourist minivan is one of the best transport options. Sam Son is about 12 km from Thanh Hoa city and offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, and beach attractions.
Companies such as VietNam Travel Bus operate comfortable 9-seat minivans from Hanoi to Sam Son. The journey takes about 3 hours, tickets cost around $13 per person, and you can also arrange to be dropped off in Thanh Hoa city if needed.
BOOK VAN TICKETS to Thanh Hoa ➜
Minivan tickets can be searched and booked online in advance, making this a convenient and comfortable way to reach both Sam Son Beach and Thanh Hoa city.
3. BUS from Hanoi to Puluong Retreat
👉 Direct and convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Puluong Retreat.
- ✔️ Good for: nature lovers & off-the-beaten-path travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~4.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: ~$15 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (minivans or small buses)
- ✅ Best option: Direct minivan transfer from Hanoi
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check if pickup from your hotel or airport is included.
Pu Luong Retreat is one of the most popular eco-resorts in Thanh Hoa Province, surrounded by rice terraces and peaceful countryside. Located about 130 km from Thanh Hoa City, it is an excellent destination for travelers looking to escape the busy cities.
You can travel directly from Hanoi to Pu Luong Retreat by minivan or bus with companies such as Techbus VN, Daiichi Travel, and Luxury Van Limousine. The journey takes about 4.5 hours, tickets cost around $15 per person, and some services also depart from Noi Bai Airport.
BOOK TICKETS to Puluong Retreat ➜
Bus and minivan transfers can be booked online in advance and are the easiest way to reach this remote area. If you plan to stay overnight, you can also reserve your accommodation directly below.
BOOK Your STAY in Puluong Retreat ➜
4. TAXI / CAR from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa
👉 Most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa.
- ✔️ Good for: private travel, groups & door-to-door service
- ✔️ Duration: ~3 hours
- ✔️ Price: $90–330 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern cars, SUVs or minivans with AC)
- ✅ Best option: Private car with driver for direct hotel transfer
- 💡 Tip: Ideal for groups – split the cost and book online in advance for best availability.
The most comfortable way to travel from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa is by private taxi or car with a professional driver. The journey takes about 3 hours and offers a convenient door-to-door transfer directly between your hotel in Hanoi and your destination in Thanh Hoa.
Companies such as VT Travel and Linh Chau Transport operate modern sedans, SUVs, limousines, and minivans for small groups or larger parties. You can even book private minibuses for up to 15–25 passengers, making this option ideal for families or groups.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Thanh Hoa ➜
Private transfers cost about $90–330 per vehicle, depending on the type and size of the car. Although this is the most expensive transport option, it provides maximum comfort, flexibility, and a stress-free journey. Tickets and private transfers can be booked online in advance.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| VT Travel | 03:00 | From $106.00 / Standard 2 pax |
| VT Travel | 03:00 | From $117.00 / Standard 4 pax |
| Linh Chau | 03:30 | From $90.00 / Comfort 3 pax |
| Linh Chau | 03:30 | From $94.00 / SUV 5 pax |
| Linh Chau | 03:30 | From $132.00 / Van 10 pax |
| Linh Chau | 03:30 | From $284.00 / Minibus 15 pax |
| Linh Chau | 03:30 | From $284.00 / Limousine 7 pax |
| Linh Chau | 03:30 | From $332.00 / Minibus 25 pax |
❓ FAQ + Travel tips – Travel from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa:
How to book tickets from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa?
You can book tickets from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa?
Travel by train takes about 3–3.5 hours. Bus or van transfer takes about 3–4 hours.
What is the distance from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa?
The travel distance from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa is about 170 km.
How to rent a motorbike in Hanoi?
You can search and book motorbikes online with BIKESBOOKING ➜.
How much does transport from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa cost?
Train tickets cost about $5–13/pp. Bus or van tickets cost about $4–13/pp.
What is the best transport option?
Travel by train is the most comfortable and popular option for this route.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Thanh Hoa?
The cheapest option is a Vietnam Railways train with hard or soft seats.
Is there a direct flight from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa?
No, there are no useful direct flights between Hanoi and Thanh Hoa.
Where to stay in Thanh Hoa?
You can search hotels and beach resorts in Thanh Hoa on Agoda.
Where can you travel from Thanh Hoa?
From Thanh Hoa you can continue by train or bus to Dong Hoi, Hue, Vinh or Da Nang.
How to travel solo in Vietnam?
Read this guide about solo travel in Vietnam with tips for transport and local culture.
Practical Travel Tips for Hanoi to Thanh Hoa
Traveling from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa is an easy and popular route in northern Vietnam. You can travel by train, tourist bus, limousine van or private car.
- Best Option: Vietnam Railways trains are comfortable, reliable and affordable.
- Bus Transfer: Limousine vans and buses are slightly faster and operate frequently.
- Start Early: Morning departures usually avoid heavier traffic leaving Hanoi.
- Avoid Cheap Offers: Use trusted companies and avoid unofficial buses in Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Rainy Season: Heavy rain can occasionally affect road travel times.
- Book Early: Train and bus tickets may sell out during weekends and holidays.
Tip: Train, bus and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.