How to get from Hanoi to Hue
Our pick: Fly unless you specifically want the overnight-train experience. The bus only wins on absolute budget.
- Distance
- ~700 km
- Options
- 3
- Fastest
- Flight · 1h15
- Cheapest
- Sleeper bus · $18–26
Every way to make the trip
Flight
Fastest1h15 · $40–75 ppTo Hue (Phu Bai). Quickest by far once you count the alternative is 12+ hours.
Train
12–14h · $30–50 ppOvernight sleeper; the central stretch is genuinely scenic by day.
Sleeper bus
Cheapest12–13h · $18–26 ppCheapest, least comfortable. Fine for hardened backpackers.
One way, in USD. Bus, train and flight fares are per person; private cars and transfers are often quoted per vehicle. Shown for Hanoi to Hue — the trip back is usually similar.
Weather at each end
- Jan: Good
- Feb: Mixed
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Prime time
- May: Good
- Jun: Mixed
- Jul: Avoid
- Aug: Avoid
- Sep: Prime time
- Oct: Prime time
- Nov: Prime time
- Dec: Good
- Jan: Good
- Feb: Good
- Mar: Prime time
- Apr: Prime time
- May: Prime time
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Good
- Sep: Mixed
- Oct: Avoid
- Nov: Avoid
- Dec: Mixed
Uses the central-coast calendar.
Prime timeGoodMixedAvoid
Hanoi
The capital and the north’s hub — best explored on foot and through food.
Hue
The old imperial capital — the tombs and the food are the real reason to stop.
Hanoi to Hue — common questions
- What is the best way to get from Hanoi to Hue?
- Fly unless you specifically want the overnight-train experience. The bus only wins on absolute budget.
- How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Hue?
- By flight 1h15; train 12–14h; sleeper bus 12–13h.
- What is the cheapest way from Hanoi to Hue?
- The sleeper bus, at $18–26 per person. Cheapest, least comfortable. Fine for hardened backpackers.
- How far is Hue from Hanoi?
- About 700 km.