How to get from Hanoi to Hue

For almost a thousand years, Hanoi has been the capital of Vietnam. Its rich architecture and culture, influenced by the French and Chinese, make this beautiful city unique. If you have enjoyed the centuries-old architecture after visiting Hanoi, your next stop in Vietnam should be in Hue.

Its massive 19th-century citadel is certainly the main attraction. The fortress keeps the Forbidden Purple City, palaces, and shrines safe from attack. Today, however, there is no threat from enemies and the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Ways to travel from Hanoi to Hue

It may not look too far on the map, but it's actually about 670 kilometers (420 miles) between the two cities, so it will be a long trip!
The good news is that there are several different ways you can get from Hanoi to Hue, including buses, trains and planes, with the shortest travel time being about an hour if you are flying.

Flying is not without its disadvantages. As we will see below, buses and trains take a long time, but they can be significantly cheaper. Read on for complete information on all of these options.

Planes from Hanoi to Hue

As you can imagine, the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Hue is by plane, but fast is not the best! A plane is optimal if you value your time and want to get from Hanoi to Hue as quickly as possible. However, you have to consider the fact that no airport is particularly close to the city, so add the time it takes to get to and from the airport to the flight time.

In Hanoi, Noi Bai International Airport is about 35 kilometers from the city center and Hue Phoubai International Airport is about 15 kilometers from the center. Nevertheless, the total transfer and flight time is still considerably less than what it would take you to travel from Hanoi to Hue by bus or train, and when you consider the cost of the flight, it can be quite economical depending on which airline you are flying with.

Vietnamese airlines are very expensive, while their only competitor on this route, VietJet Air, is quite affordable. Ticket prices are sometimes cheaper than some train rides. So, by all means, don't neglect flying.

From Hanoi to Hue by bus

If you are an experienced traveler in Southeast Asia, you know that usually buses get to your destination faster than trains, however, this is not the case in Vietnam! Road conditions are notoriously bad, so buses have to go slower, and as a result, it takes just as long to get from Hanoi to Hue by bus as it does by train. So, if you don't save time by traveling by bus, why travel that way at all?

Well, the main reason is to save money. Traveling by bus from Hanoi to Hue is the cheapest. So if you are traveling on a budget, the bus is probably your first choice. The good news is that although it takes about 12.5 hours, the buses offer sleeping accommodations so you have a chair that folds out like a bed, allowing you to stretch your legs.

These VIP buses are also well-equipped, including toilets and TVs on board, and there is a steward and snacks. You'll see a lot of great scenery along the way, and you can choose your departure time options, including morning and evening.

But a 12.5-hour bus ride is not a good option for people who like space, like to walk. Still, it's a long time sitting cooped up, so keep that in mind when choosing the best way to travel from Hanoi to Hue.

Train from Hanoi to Hue

The train from Hanoi to Hue is a good compromise: you can buy train tickets cheaper than the cost of the flight (although there are certain trains and compartments that will cost more), and although the train takes a long time, the comfort level should be better than on the bus. If only because you can walk whenever you want.

When traveling by train, there are many different options covering a wide range of prices, so you can find the right ones, ranging from about double the price of a bus ticket, all the way up to expensive options that cost more than a flight with VietJet Air. However, keep in mind that if you're in a sleeper car, you're essentially getting an overnight stay, and that saves the cost of a hotel in Hue or Hanoi. When you look at it this way, even the more expensive places are perfectly acceptable.

All trains are operated by Vietnamese Railways, but private companies run the cars on some of these trains, so look carefully at what you get for your money before you make your final decision. Livitrans Express and Violetta Express are two private companies, and both provide VIP sleeping compartments that accommodate four people.

They are more comfortable than standard compartments, plus you get a better level of service. Yes, it is more expensive, but if you take the train from Hanoi to Hue and you like a higher level of comfort, it is worth it.

Standard sleeping compartments - both 1st and 2nd class - are available for booking with Vietnam Railways, and if you want to travel during the daytime to be able to enjoy the scenery passing by, you can get a seat rather than a compartment on a Vietnam Railways day train. The train journey can take anywhere from 12.5 to 14.5 hours.

So there are many different options for travel from Hanoi to Hue, from the cheapest buses to the most expensive planes or trains. What will you choose?