Travel Da Nang to Hue by Bus, Train, Taxi, Car, Motorbike 2024

Central Vietnam is blessed with having three must-see destinations within just 140km of each other: the vibrant beach city of Danang, sandwiched by the UNESCO-listed ancient port town of Hoi An to the south and the former imperial capital of Hue to the north.

Travelers heading to Hue from Da Nang have a variety of transportation options, each catering to different preferences. If you are uncertain about which mode of transport to choose, this article will guide you in selecting the most suitable one.

If you have already explored the beauty of Da Nang, why not extend your adventure in Vietnam by traveling to Hue? Located only 100 kilometers away, Hue is an ancient capital of Vietnam and is home to a wide range of cultural and historical attractions. Read on to explore the best ways to travel to Hue from Da Nang and discover some must-see destinations along the way.

=> How to travel from Da Nang to Hoi An?

Distance Da Nang to Hue and Vice Versa

As one of Central Vietnam’s top tourist destinations, Da Nang is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches. It draws millions of visitors annually, many of whom use it as a starting point to explore other popular spots in the region, including the historic city of Hue.

Hue, a former royal capital of Vietnam, has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. This historic city is renowned for its numerous landmarks, including the ancient citadel, royal tombs and palaces. These sites offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past and are a must-visit for those interested in history and culture. The distance between Da Nang and Hue is around 100 kilometres, and the travel duration depends on which type of vehicles you choose to go with. Particularly, Traveling by car is considered to be the quickest option which takes only 2 hours. If you are not in a rush, you can go by train, bus, or even motorbike if you are into some adventures (3 hours) . Depending on your chosen mode of transportation, the average travel time between the two cities varies from 2 to 3 hours. It is even possible to make a day trip to Hue city tour from Da Nang.

Best ways travel from Da Nang to Hue and Vice Versa

There are several ways to travel from Da Nang to Hue, including by bus, train, taxi / Grab, car or Motorbike . Each mode of transportation has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider your options and choose the one that best fits your needs. To help you make the right choice, we have outlined the details of each option below:

Da Nang to Hue by train: A great experience

Every day trains are running  between the North and South of Vietnam, so it is obviously easy to buy a train ticket from Danang to Hue. With a total length of 103 kilometers railway and takes 2.5 – 3 hours to go, you should take a train because the fare is so cheap and stable, Comfortable, even luxurious, private carriages tagged onto the back of trains offer a classy way of traveling, safe journey, simple procedure. Taking the Thong Nhat Train through Hai Van Pass, you will enjoy the sea view extremely poetically.

There are about 10 trains every day of Vietnam Railways. One-way train ticket costs about VND 100,000 – VND 150,000 (hard seat, soft seat, SE+NH trains, 1st+2nd class)

  • Train station in Danang – Danang Railway Station (791 Hai Phong)
  • Train station in Hue – Hue Railway Station (NguyenTri Phuong Street)

You can buy tickets in advance from the Vietnam Railways bookings site DSVNVietnamrailwayVR or you can also book online using the travel agency Baolau which has an efficient website, details seat and sleeper-berth availability, and accepts international cards. Most of the time you can book train tickets a day or two ahead without a problem, except during peak holiday times. For sleeping berths book a week or more before the date of departure. 

You should consider: Traveling by train still has disadvantages!

Traveling by train brings you a lot of great experiences and gives you the chance to explore the culture, life, humans of the country you come. But, compared to cars that provide the maximum flexibility, and planes that have much more time and travel alternatives, railways are not as flexible. They often have fixed schedule that cannot be tailored for a single individual. Moreover, It depends on the budget you have and the country you are traveling in. There are super expensive and brand trains, as well as super cheap alternatives.

If you chose to travel during the evening time, you will want to find the most comfortable option, especially if you are traveling for long hours on end. You must share your journey with strangers, which might not be so nice when the passenger next to you is a crying child or someone who speaks loudly on their telephone while you are trying to sleep or even you use the Toilets, bathrooms and other public areas on trains can often be dirty or non-functional. Although this is the low route, it would still affect you if you are a quiet and private person. The train is the least popular option if you are not the person who has time and health because Traveling by train can take longer.

Da Nang to Hue by Bus – Cheapest for backpacker

In all countries, the coach along with public transports are the most popular and convenient ways to move from place to place. Another reason for it to become everyone’s favorite transportation is its cheap price. A bus can make your trip much more comfortable and simpler. Especially if you’re not a good map reader yet an eager traveler, a coach is really helpful. The common route of all coaches is National Highway 1A. the journey is just about 2-3 hours long. The price for one-way tickets can vary from VND 70,000-VND 200,000 depending on the coach’s quality and size. You can ask the accommodation reception to help you book transportation or you can search for some reference information as below.

Travel by bus from Da Nang to Hue is one of the most popular and cheap ways. There are 3 different types of bus: public bus, tourist bus & limousine bus.

  • Public bus: is a popular option for the Hue to Da Nang route. Every day, many buses depart from Hue Southern Bus Station to Da Nang City Central Bus Station from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm, with 14 minutes per trip during rush hour and every 15 minutes during regular hours so you won’t have to wait too long if you miss a trip. The fare is relatively cheap, only 70,000 VND / trip. You can go directly to the Southern bus station to buy tickets without reservation.
  • Tourist open bus: The journey by open buses will take about 2 to 3 hours and they will depart from their offices in Da Nang to theirs in Hue city.
  • Limousine bus: Traveling from Danang to Hue on a limousine bus is a great option as you can experience high-quality and luxurious services for a really affordable price. It is usually a compact, high-quality bus, with a seating capacity ranging from 9 to 16 people, which allows you to have a more comfortable ride than a coach or a local bus. Furthermore, it includes some advanced facilities such as Wi-Fi, charging ports, and water on the bus. Cost for a limousine bus from 200,000 VND.

Some shuttle buses information:

NameTime departGiá véSĐT
Hoàng Đức LimousineĐà Nẵng: 7h – 17h30
Huế: 7h – 17h30
180.000đ1900 272 708
Hương Giang LimousineĐà Nẵng: 8h – 17h30
Huế: 8h – 17h30
160.000đ0964 202 094
Đồng Hành Travel BusĐà Nẵng:
8h45 -> 16h45
Huế:
10h45 -> 18h45
200.000đ0964 202 094
Duy Tân LimousineĐà Nẵng:
8h00 -> 16h45
Huế:
10h00 -> 20h00
180.000đ0947 535 537
Hưng Thịnh Phát LimousineĐà Nẵng:
7h30 -> 17h30
Huế:
9h00 -> 19h30
150.000đ0936 437 575
Dũng NhậtĐà Nẵng: 12h30
Huế: 9h30
100.000đ1900 272 708
Ray LimousineĐà Nẵng: 5h00 -> 17h00
Huế: 6h45
150.000đ0905705359
Văn ThôngĐà Nẵng: 20h40
Huế: 22h
110.000đ0096 4067 000
The Sinh TouristĐà Nẵng: 8h45; 14h30
Huế: 14h30
100.000đ0234 384 8626
PH LimousineĐà Nẵng: 7h; 15h
Huế: 15h
150.000đ0921 095 555
HAV TravelĐà Nẵng: 7h – 18h
Huế: 7h – 18h
140.000đ1900 888 684

Why not choose the Bus to travel from Danang to Hue?
In spite of all the advantages mentioned above, the coach is not a completely ideal transport to travel from Danang to Hue. The coach mainly serves local people. Consequently, most of the time, neither the salesman or saleswoman nor drivers can speak English. The language barrier will create a lot of difficulties in communicating and understanding. This will lead to big troubles if there’s any delay or you miss your stop.

Furthermore, most local coaches/minivans go from Danang to Hue through through the tunnel in Southeast Asia – Hai Van Tunnel. You will miss an opportunity to see some incredible sceneries of Central Vietnam, like Hai Van Pass, view of Danang and Lang Co beach from the mountain.

Da Nang to Hue by Taxi or Grab – Fast but most expensive

Grab (Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber) is a popular transport app that can be used to book taxis, ride-share cars and motorbikes in Vietnam. Grab works in Danang, so it is possible to book a ride to Hue through the app. To use Grab, you’ll either need to pick up a Vietnamese sim card or preferably an eSIM and download the app before you leave home and register with your usual phone number. There is free WIFI at Danang Airport, so you can get online to book a ride when you land. Expect to pay slightly less for a Grab taxi compared to a street taxi.

Finding a taxi in Da Nang is easy, as they are readily available. If you are arranging a transfer in advance the easiest way to get a taxi is by requesting it through your hotel reception. The hotel could also negotiate a set-rate fare on your behalf, especially for longer distances. If you are on the street, you can simply hail a cab directly by raising your hand in the direction of a taxi, or find one at a taxi stand. Local taxi ranks will be located outside main bus and train stations, as well as large shopping complexes. It is recommended to use reputable taxi companies exclusively, as scams can be quite common – with visitors often charged excessive prices or taken on longer journeys than necessary.

There are lots of different factors that determine the price of a taxi from Da Nang to Hue, including time of day, how much luggage you have, type car you want, and what kind of a mood the driver is in!
If you’re hailing a taxi off the street or at Danang Airport/station (which I don’t recommend!), it’s very easy to get talked into paying more than you should. Generally speaking, a taxi from Danang to Hue should cost somewhere in the neighbourhood of 1,350,000-1,650,000 VND ($60-$70). Some companies charge up to 1.800,000 VND.

Tips : Taxis in Da Nang: Prices, Useful Tips, Local Guides to Avoid Scams

The current Da Nang taxi rates are as follows:

Cab typesOpening (to less than 30km)Next 30kmAfter 30km
4-seat car11.000 VND14.000 VND/ km12.000 VND/ km
7-seat car12.000 VND15.000 VND/ km13.000 VND/ km
Waiting time90.000 VND/ hour

With Danang Transfer, we provide available options. Taxi prices will be calculated according to the travel route or hourly/day => Price list private cars in Da Nang by travel itinerary or by hourly/day

If you wish to phone up a local provider for pickup service, some of the most established and well-known Da Nang taxi companies you can call for on-demand assistance are:

Mai Linh: +84 (236) 356 5656

VinaSun Green Taxi: +84 (236) 368 6868

Danang Tien Sa Taxi: +84 (236) 379 7979

► Booking: If you don’t know how to use the app, you can call a traditional taxi instead. Taxis are available everywhere in Danang, and the most 2 popular companies that you should call are: Mai Linh Taxi or Vinasun Taxi

► Duration: around 2 hour

► Cost: around 1.300.000VND – 1.750.000VND (USD $60.00 to $75.00).

► Pros and cons: A taxi is almost like renting a private car, so you can place many stuff on the car, and the duration is short. However, Taxi prices will be higher than a private car you might not be able to stop for taking photos, and some taxi drivers may go around to get more money from you.

Da Nang to Hue by Private car: Nice Car & Professional Driver‎!

If the local coach, shuttle bus, taxi/ grab can’t satisfy you, private car can be your choice to travel from Danang to Hue. While private car/taxi is not really economical and also takes as much time as the local coach and shuttle bus, it will give you a carefree direct journey and more space of privacy in return. It suits with flexible travelers who don’t like to follow any rules or schedules. This is also a good choice for a small group of friends or family. In addition, everyone can sit nice and close to each other to have a chit chat or lean on each other sleeping. The private car is also ideal for a businessman who wants to work on the way without being disturbed.

Private car with driver

There are a lot of agencies or individuals providing this service promoting themselves on the internet. You can check out the Danang TransferNhan Vy Travel or Hoian Private Car to book and get the updated price. The driver normally can speak English. You don’t have to worry about miscommunication too much. They may make your journey less boring if you travel alone or give you a lot of interesting facts along the way. The experienced drivers can be helpful in giving you recommendations of accommodations or services to take.

Trip4 seats7 seats12 seats
Da Nang to Hue (one way)50$60$95$
Da Nang to Hue city tour (round trip / 1 day)85$95$125$
Da Nang to Hue city tour ( 2 day 1 night)160$170$215$

Extra stops for Danang to Hue private car

  • Hai Van Pass, Lang co beach , Lap An Lagoon : 10USD
  • Elephant Spring – Suoi Voi : 10USD
  • Bach Ma park : 25USD

The price for the private car to travel from Danang to Hue is in such a wide range. There are many factors affecting the price of this journey. A few to mention are the size, the brand and status of the car, if it’s one way or round trip, waiting surcharge, etc. The average price is about USD50 – USD75(VND1,150,000 – VND1,700,000 for one way including parking fee, tolls, petrol, driver. 

If you get a private car you could probably negotiate a cheaper rate for roundtrip. Private cars have the option of taking a tunnel that saves a bit of time on the pass but you tell the driver not to, at least one way so you get to see the whole pass.

=> One way transfer from Da Nang to Hue by Private car

=> Day trip from Da Nang to Hue city tour with private car

A private car without driver

The private car without driver can be a choice for you but it’s not highly recommended. The process to hire a car is too complicated. You have to have the B1 driving license, original identity card, original household and a bike with registration certificate (or cash instead). The price varies from USD25-USD65(~VND500,000-VND1,500,000) per day and can be higher on the weekend and holidays. There are a lot of choices for you which are available at Thuexetulaidanang.com . Honestly, to be easy to rent a private car without driver in any country, you’d better have your friends or other travelers who will give the best guarantee for car owners

Da Nang to Hue by Motorbike

There’s no denying that the road from Danang to Hue is incredibly scenic. On the Danang coast, there’s a long stretch of ocean with circular boats bobbing on the waves, while on the Hue side, there’s beautiful Lang Co Beach as well as endless fields of rice as you approach the imperial city.

Although motorbike is not convenient for the long journey, yet to the eager travelers who want an adventure and explore, it is such a great means of transport. With a motorcycle, you can be completely flexible and active with your schedule. The total time to travel from Danang to Hue by motorbike is about 2.5 – 3 hours. However, you can stop wherever you want, spend time studying local lives. You can challenge yourself with non-stop driving and feel the air blowing through your hair. The price of gasoline is fairly cheap that you don’t mind going the round way to see more and learn more. Especially when you get to Lang Co Bay, the feeling of achieving something will definitely satisfy you. The process of renting a motorbike is much simpler than a car.

It’s not hard to find a bike renting store. A lot of them are available in the Central of Danang City. Most of the owners can speak English fluently, so you can communicate with them easily. Once you go to the shop, you can ask to try the bike that you like. They will also give you some suggestions of which one is suitable with your driving experience and aim.

There are many kinds of bike available which are Honda Win, Honda Wave, Airblade and even more powerful motorbike. After having chosen the one will accompany you, the last step of the process is giving the owner the photocopy of your passport, the deposit, and the renting fee. Some owners may ask you for the original passport. However, it’s recommended to try to make a deal with them. The renting fee is VND80,00-VND300,000/day respectively and no need to deposit if you rent in an accomodation you stay

Some motorbike rental shop: 

NAMEPHONE NUMBERADDRESS
MEMORY HOSTEL – MOTORBIKE RENTAL SERVICE(+84) 0511 3 747 797 http://memoryhostel.com3 Tran Quoc Toan, Danang
DANANG BIKE RENTAL SERVICE – SMALL MOTORBIKE FOR RENT(+84)91 292 77 44 http://thuexedulichdanang.com.vn/129A Dong Da, Danang
DANANG BIKE RENTAL SHOP – PRODUCT/SERVICES(+84)90 567 06 90 http://khachsanphuongbinh.com.vn/14 Ha Bong, Danang
XE THUE DANANG – BIKE RENTAL SHOP – HOTLINE: 093 797 11 11(+84)93 797 11 11 http://xethuedanang.com/14 Nguyen Thien Ke, Danang
MOTORBIKE FOR RENT DANANG(+84)125 512 51 27 http://www.xemaythue.tk/Slot 6 B9 Area South of Tuyên S?n Bridge
DAT PHAT – BIKE RENTAL SERVICE(+84)94 708 00 83 http://xemaydanangchothue.com75 Huynh Tan Phat, Danang
HOANG LONG – BIKE RENTAL SERVICE092 655 53 33 http://thuexemay.danang.vn85A Ly Thai To, Danang

The only route for going by motorbike to Hue from Danang is through Hai van Pass or Hai Van Tunnel. The Hai Van Pass can be ridden as a day-trip from any of the three main cities on either side of it: Hoi An, Danang, and Hue. Alternatively, the Hai Van Pass is a great way to ride all the way between these 3 cities via an extended coastal route, which avoids busy Highway 1 for the vast majority of the way, and uses quiet, scenic coast roads instead. Although this route is slightly longer than taking Highway 1, it’s far more scenic, more rewarding, and quieter (not to mention safer)

What are the disadvantages of the motorbike?

There are actually many disadvantages todriving a motorbike. With the distance of 200 kilometers, it requires you to have good health and driving skill. Otherwise, you will easily get tired and have no energy left for other activities. A bigger obstacle for you is when your bike breaks down. If you’re in the middle of the highway, the chance that you can find a store to fix it is almost zero. Another disadvantage could be the weather, especially when it rains heavily. It’s challenging to drive under the rain, followed by the chance of an accident. Therefore, using a motorbike to travel from Danang to Hue could be really dangerous for people having no experience. Easily getting lost is also one of the disadvantages. The messy, chaotic traffic can confuse you and lead you in the wrong direction.

Brief summary of all vehicles

As an ancient capital of Vietnam, Hue boasts a wealth of cultural and historical sites for travel enthusiasts to explore. If you are planning to spend your holiday in Da Nang, you should definitely consider booking a trip to Hue from Da Nang. Hopefully, this article will help you make plans for a fantastic journey to Hue from Da Nang.

VEHICLEDURATIONPRICEDEPARTURE TIMEADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Train2,5-3hoursvnd, VND100,000 VND150,000Earliest: 6 a.m Latest: 10 p.m– More luggage
– Use time more Productively
– Safety First
– Best Value for Money
– Helping the Planet
Coach/Shuttle Bus2-3hoursVND100,000-VND300,000Earliest: 6 a.m Latest: 10p.m– Cheap and convenient
– Closer look at local life and landscape
– Language barrier – Time
– Consuming
Private Car/Taxi2,5hours and more depend on the rest timeVND1,150,000-VND1,700,000Any time you want– Carefree and comfortable
– More privacy
– More space for luggage
– Time consuming
– Unnecessary charge
Motorbike3hours and more depend on the rest timeVND80,000-VND300,000/dayAny time you want– Flexible and active
– Cheap
– Adventurous
– Time consuming
– Inconvenient
– Risky and dangerous
– Not allowed to drive without Vietnamese driving license

4 Beautiful Landscapes You Shouldn’t Miss when you travel from Da Nang to Hue

Central Vietnam is known for both delicious and authentic Vietnamese cuisine and awe-inspiring natural and man-made landscapes. There are three famous cities to visit within Central Vietnam : Da Nang – Hue – Hoi An and when traveling within these three historical and modern cities, there are landscape you just can’t afford to miss.

Lang Co is located in Phu Loc District about 65 kilometers away from the city center of Hue, beautiful bodies of water gives refreshment to the day. Lang Co has no specific tourist destination but it is known for Lap An Lagoon and Lang Co beach.

Lap An Lagoon is both scenic and useful for locals and tourists. The lagoon is for oyster farming, it is the main source of income of the residents. Make sure to look at this beautiful lagoon at the foot of Bach Ma mountain as it is picture perfect most especially during sunset. Another must see landscape on the way to Hoi An from Hue is the Lang Co Beach. A good beach to chill and swim as it is not crowded like the other beaches in Central Vietnam. This white sand beach looks amazing at the starting point of Hai Van Pass. It sets expectation to what other things to see upon reaching the Hai Van Pass viewpoint.

Hai Van Pass is located along the Annamite Range between Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang. It is approximately 20km long and highest pass in Vietnam. The winding road gives excitement to adventure seekers, expect to see number of motorbike riders on the way to the viewpoint of the pass. Upon reaching the viewpoint of Hai Van Pass, take a good look of the beautiful landscapes of Danang and Hue.

Then Marblem Mouintain – Danang is the biggest city in the central of Vietnam. In the middle of this modern city, the wonderful landscape of the Marble Mountain still stuns visitors. This is why it is the top visited site within the city. The mountain overlooks the city buildings and the famous My Khe Beach. The five mountains are considered as holy and locals set up grottoes and shrines to honor their gods that dates back thousand of years ago.

Local tips to get from Da Nang to Hue 

  • If you are planning to travel by train, select a seat on the right side of the train in order to catch an excellent view of the coastline along the Hai Van Pass. 
  • If you are renting motorbikes to travel from the local store, remember to check the bike carefully before hitting the road. Test the engine, the brake, the horn if it’s working well.
  • When renting a motorbike, the owner will ask you to deposit your original passport however it’s highly recommended to make a deal with them to just keep a copy file. 
  • Follow the local traffic rules and do not drive over the speed limit.
  • Check the weather before starting the journey as it is very dangerous to drive in the rain, following the chance of an accident, particularly for people who have less driving experience.

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Da Nang to Hue?

There are several ways to travel from Da Nang to Hue, including by bus, train, taxi / Grab, car or Motorbike . Each mode of transportation has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider your options and choose the one that best fits your needs.

What is the fastest way to get from Da Nang to Hue?

The quickest way to get from Da Nang to Hue is to private car which costs $50 – $75 and takes 2 hours. It is pretty hard to get to the buses from the train station, airport, so if you prefer not to catch a taxi (they are crazy drivers!) it would be best to pre-organize your transfer with private car or grab.

What is the most cost-effective way to get from Da Nang to Hue?

The cost-effective way to get from Da Nang to Hue is to bus via Da Nang Central Bus Station, which costs $1 – $7 and takes 2h 30m.

Is there a train from Da Nang to Hue?

The railway from Danang station to Hue station is about 103 Kilometers. There are 4 trains including SE2, SE4, SE6 and SE8 (which belong to Reunification Express train) on this route. They daily depart and take over 2 to 3 hours (From Danang to Hue or return).

Can I do a day trip to Hue from Da Nang?

Yes, you can do that in one day! Travel to Hue from Danang for a full-day tour of the ancient city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and other monuments. Visit the royal mausoleum known as Tu Duc tomb, the Imperial City, the Perfume River, and the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Should tip to my taxi driver?

Tipping is a big part of the culture in Vietnam. Although it’s not mandatory, it is increasingly expected – especially from foreign tourists.
If you’re travelling from Da Nang to Hue by private car, taxi, or as part of a guided tour, it would be customary to leave your driver and/or guide a small tip (50K–100K VND) – provided you are happy with the service.
It’s not necessary to tip on buses, the shuttle, or when using Grab (although Grab drivers do appreciate it if you round the fare up to the nearest 10K VND).

Above is the detailed transportation guide taking you from Danang to Hue. Visit Danang Transfer and let us help you plan the best Danang Tours with private car and have the most authentic experiences in Vietnam.