Conntinuing your journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue is the natural next step for travelers exploring Vietnam from south to north. As you leave the bustling energy of Saigon behind, Central Vietnam’s imperial heritage and stunning landscapes await. Whether you prefer the speed of flights to Hue Phu Bai International Airport, the scenic romance of overnight trains to Hue train station, or the budget-friendly coastal route by bus, each option moves you closer to Vietnam’s cultural heartland. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to make the best choice for your northbound adventure.
Ho Chi Minh City to Hue: Distance and Travel Overview
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue covers approximately 1,050 kilometers (652 miles) along Vietnam’s coastal corridor. You have three main transport options, each suited to different traveler priorities:
| Transport | Duration | Price Range | Suitable For | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1h 20min | $40-$120 | Families/Senior travelers | |
| Train | 19-24 hours | $30-$60 | Scenery see kers | Travelers with mobility issues, back problems, or those who need regular movement should strongly consider flying instead. |
| Bus | 20-22 hours | $20-$35 | Budget travelers |
Quick recommendations: Choose flights if you have limited vacation time, trains if you want vintage Vietnamese travel experiences, and buses if budget is your primary concern. Note that Central Vietnam’s rainy season runs from October to December, which can affect road travel conditions.
Flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue: Airlines and Schedules
Three major airlines operate flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue, each with distinct advantages:
Vietnam Airlines – Best Overall Choice
Vietnam Airlines offers 3-4 daily flights with modern A321 and A320 aircraft. They maintain the best on-time performance record among Vietnamese carriers, with professional service and reliable baggage handling. Fares typically range from $60-$120 USD.
This is our preferred airline when arranging tours for clients because your vacation time is precious, and flight delays can cascade through carefully planned itineraries.
Bamboo Airways – Solid Alternative
Bamboo operates 1-2 daily flights with newer aircraft and comfortable seating. Their service quality matches Vietnam Airlines, with competitive pricing from $55-$100 USD. The main limitation is fewer schedule options, which may not align with your itinerary timing.
VietJet Air – Budget Option
VietJet provides the cheapest fares at $40-$80 USD across 2-3 daily flights. However, they experience higher delay rates, especially during peak season, and operate smaller aircraft. Additional charges apply for baggage and seat selection, so factor these into your budget comparison. Best suited for flexible travelers prioritizing cost savings.
All Ho Chi Minh to Hue flights take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, with 4-6 total daily departures. Peak departure times are early morning (6-7 AM) and evening (5-7 PM).
Indochina Voyages Insider Tip: When we book Ho Chi Minh to Hue Vietnam flights for our tour guests, we prioritize Vietnam Airlines for reliability and peace of mind. We ensure smooth connections and stress-free travel throughout your journey.
Hue Phu Bai International Airport Guide
Hue Phu Bai Airport sits 15 kilometers south of the city center—a compact but modern facility serving domestic and select international routes. The 30-minute transfer to downtown costs $10-15 by airport taxi, though airport shuttle buses and private transfers are also available. We recommend pre-booking private transfers for convenience, especially if arriving late.
Booking Tip: Reserve Saigon to Hue flights 2-3 weeks in advance for the best prices, particularly if traveling during Vietnamese holidays or summer peak season.
Skip the Hassle of Booking Domestic Flights Yourself – When you book a tour with Indochina Voyages, we handle all your domestic flights, airport transfers, and travel logistics, letting you focus entirely on enjoying Vietnam.
Train Journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue
Hue Train Station and Reunification Express
The Hue railway station at 5 Bui Thi Xuan Street serves as the city’s main rail hub, located about 2 kilometers from the city center. Northbound Reunification Express trains (SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7) typically depart Saigon Station in the afternoon or evening (3-7 PM), arriving at Hue train station the following morning or afternoon after 19-24 hours of travel depending on the specific service.
The Hue train station Vietnam facilities include a ticket office, waiting area, and small café, though amenities are basic compared to modern airports.
What to Expect on the Ho Chi Minh to Hue Train
Train Classes: The 4-berth soft sleeper ($45-60) offers the best comfort-to-value ratio with air-conditioning and bedding. The 6-berth hard sleeper ($30-45) is more economical but less private. Avoid seat-only options for this overnight journey. Book through official websites, Baolau, or 12go.asia, especially during Tet holiday and summer months when trains fill quickly.
Pros:
- Save one night’s accommodation cost
- Scenic coastal views near Nha Trang and Da Nang
- Authentic Vietnamese travel experience with local cuisine in the dining car
- Meet fellow travelers in shared cabins
- Comfortable sleeper cabins with provided bedding
Cons:
- Time-consuming: Full 19-24 hours of travel time
- Loses an entire day from your itinerary
- Sleep quality varies due to train noise, frequent stops, and track conditions
- Limited privacy in shared cabins
- Not ideal for travelers on tight schedules
What to Bring: Pack snacks and water to supplement dining car options, entertainment like books or downloaded movies, a travel pillow and eye mask for better sleep, a light jacket (air-conditioning can be cold), and toilet paper with hand sanitizer.
Travel Time Reality Check:
- Flight: 1h 20min + airport procedures = ~4 hours total
- Train: 19-24 hours
- Bus: 20-22 hours
Our Take: The train offers a romantic and memorable experience, but losing 20+ hours makes it impractical for most travelers on 1-2 week Vietnam trips. We recommend flights to maximize your time experiencing Hue’s attractions rather than viewing them through a train window.
Bus and Road Travel Options
Sleeper buses operated by Phuong Trang, Hanh Cafe, and Sinh Tourist provide the most economical way to reach Hue, with fares ranging from $20-35 for the 20-22 hour overnight journey. These services offer limousine, sleeper, and semi-sleeper configurations, departing from Ho Chi Minh City’s Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area and arriving in Hue city center.
Pros: Cheapest option and convenient city-center-to-city-center service without airport transfers.
Cons: Less comfortable than trains or flights, with limited legroom even in sleeper configurations.
Important Safety Note: Bus, private car, and motorcycle options are not recommended for families and senior travelers due to safety concerns on Vietnam’s highways, particularly for long-distance overnight travel.
Sample Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh City to Hue and Beyond
Most travelers following the Ho Chi Minh City to Hue route continue their journey from south to north through Vietnam. Here’s a practical 4-day itinerary capturing the best of Central Vietnam:
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City to Hue – Imperial Discovery
Morning: Depart Tan Son Nhat International Airport on a morning flight (recommended 7-8 AM). After the 1h 20min flight to Hue Phu Bai Airport, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel (30 minutes, arranged by your tour operator). Check in and freshen up before beginning your exploration.
Afternoon: Take a half-day city tour of the Imperial City (Citadel), this UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a scenic Dragon Boat cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda on the Perfume River. Enjoy traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening: Explore Dong Ba Market or relax at riverside cafés, soaking in Hue’s gentle evening atmosphere.
Day 2: Hue – Royal Tombs Discovery
Dedicate a full day to Hue’s magnificent royal tombs. Visit Khai Dinh Tomb (the most ornate), Minh Mang Tomb (an architectural masterpiece), and Tu Duc Tomb (the most romantic setting with lotus ponds). Break for a royal cuisine experience featuring Bun Bo Hue specialty. In the evening, consider attending a Hue Imperial Court Music performance, a UNESCO-recognized art form.
Day 3: Hue to Hoi An – Scenic Hai Van Pass
Depart your hotel at 8 AM for the drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass—one of Vietnam’s most spectacular coastal routes. Stop for photos at Lang Co Beach and explore the Marble Mountains near Da Nang. The 3-4 hour journey delivers you to Hoi An ancient town by early afternoon. Take a walking tour of the Old Quarter before experiencing the lantern-lit streets and riverside dining that make Hoi An magical.
Day 4: Hoi An Free Day
Choose Your Adventure:
- Relax at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach (5km from town)
- Join a countryside bicycle tour through rice paddies
- Take a cooking class with market visit
- Explore My Son Sanctuary (Champa ruins, UNESCO site)
- Shop for custom-tailored clothing
- Release lanterns on Thu Bon River in the evening
From Hoi An, most travelers continue to Da Nang (30 minutes) or fly to Hanoi (1h 20min) to complete their Vietnam journey.
>>> Explore Our Expertly-Crafted Vietnam Tour Packages including Ho Chi Minh City and Hue
Conclusion
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue is more than just getting from point A to point B, it’s an integral part of your Vietnam adventure. Whether you choose the convenience of a quick flight to Hue Phu Bai International Airport, the nostalgic romance of an overnight train arriving at Hue train station, or the budget-friendly sleeper bus, each option offers its own rewards. The key is matching your transport choice to your travel style, timeline, and budget.
Let Indochina Voyages craft your perfect itinerary with all domestic flights, transfers, and accommodations seamlessly arranged. Contact our Vietnam Travel Experts here or drop us an offline message on the screen for personalized advice on your Ho Chi Minh City to Hue journey.
