Da Nang to Hue: Best Way to Travel [UPDATED 2024]

Hue City is the main tourist destination of Thua Thien Hue province and because Da Nang is adjacent to Thua Thien Hue Province so these two cities are quite easy to reach each other. The distance between Da Nang and Hue is around 92 kilometres, and the travel duration depends on which type of vehicles you choose to go with. Regularly, it will take about 2-3 hours to travel. 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.

1. By Train

Because it takes a different route than the bus, the train is the preferred means of transportation for individuals who want to explore Central Vietnam's breathtaking scenery.

When making a reservation, you will be given the option of hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper berths. Hard seats are not much really a good option to go with, while these air-con soft-seated compartments will give you the peace and comfort to sit back and enjoy the view. 

Except during high holiday periods, you may usually book rail tickets a day or two in advance. The simplest method to accomplish this is through your hotel or a local tour operator; a couple of dollars in commission saved you a lot of money and time compared to travelling to the station and booking your own. However, you can still purchase the ticket directly from the ticket counter at the train station even a few hours before the departure time. 

Even though, travelling by train from Da Nang to Hue is not the most perfect choice as it takes a longer time to arrive (around 3 to 4 hours), taking the Thong Nhat Train across Hai Van Pass will provide you with a breathtaking view of the sea and a chance to interact with local people. 

2. By Bus

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: From the beginning of 2020, the Da Nang Department of Transportation has launched the new intercity bus line travelling from Danang to Hue and vice versa. The new bus intends to reduce the usage of personal vehicles decreasing traffic congestion and reducing environmental impacts. The operation time starts from 05:00 AM to 07:00 PM with a frequency of every 14 minutes during peak season and every 15 minutes during low season. The cost of a one-way ticket for passengers travelling the entire route is 70,000 VND. The bus operates following route:

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.

3. By Private Car

Travelling by private car from Danang to Hue is probably the best way to go. It will be a good suit for people who don’t want to follow the rules or carry along big pieces of baggage on their journey. It provides you with flexibility on your travel plan, which you can depart at any time you prefer. It also offers you the opportunity to stop and admire the beauty of some attractions on the way, such as Hai Van Pass, Lap An Lagoon, Lang Co Beach, which local buses or tourist buses cannot give to you. Not to mention, everyone can sit nicely and have more space of privacy for themselves. 

The free to rent one from Danang to Hue is fairly expensive as it ranged from 1,000,000 VND ($43.5) to 1,700,000 VND ($74). It is pricier than other modes of transportation due to the cost of renting a private car is calculated based on the vehicle, the car brand, the conditions of the vehicle, and waiting for time surcharge (if any). Therefore, it will be more suitable and affordable for groups of friends as well as families travelling with children. 

Travellers who take private cars can get to Hue in around 2 hours if they take a direct route through the Hai Van tunnel. However, if you would like to see the scenic Hai Van Pass on the way from Danang to Hue, you can let your driver know in advance. Most of the drivers from rental car companies can speak some basic English so you don’t have to worry about miscommunication. 

4. By Motorbike

Driving from Danang to Hue by motorbike is the most thrilling experience especially for travellers who would like to spice up their journey and want to discover the scenic route along with the spectacular landscape of Hai Van Pass. Travelling by motorbike may not be the most convenient option for a long trip. However, it would give you the complete flexibility of your schedule and the freedom to stop anytime or anywhere you like, exploring the surrounding area. 

The time it takes to drive a motorbike from Danang to Hue is about 3 to 4 hours. The duration may be less or more as it is affected by many factors such as traffic conditions, break time spent at each stop. 

It is easy to find a motorbike rental store in the centre of Da Nang city yet remember to double-check with them if you can return the motorbike in Hue. Also, have in mind what type of bike you prefer. Once you sort that out, you can ask to have a test drive on the bike you like. If you have no idea of which is the suitable bike for you then they will give you some suggestions based on your intention and driving experience. 

The cost to rent a bike is around 80,000 VND ($3.5) to 250,000 VND ($11). This fee does not include gasoline yet it is relatively cheap. With 50,000 ($2.2) to 80,000 VND ($3.4), depending on the bike you can fill up the tank and drive for more than 200 kilometres.

Frankly, traveling by motorbike may not be the most convenient option for a long journey but it’s totally worth a try. 

• 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.

Above is the detailed transportation guide taking you from Danang to Hue. Visit BestPrice and let us help you plan the best Hue tours or Danang tours and have the most authentic experiences in Vietnam.

Minah Trinh

Image Source: Internet