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VietnamOverview of ways: how to get from Hanoi to Hoi An
The distance between Hanoi and Hoi An is about 770 kilometers. This is a popular route for travelers who want to see the contrast between the north and central Vietnam: from the bustling capital with its centuries-old history to the cozy, romantic Hoi An with its Japanese bridge and colorful lanterns (here is Hoi An on the map). This route is well-established but requires the right choice of transport depending on your budget and amount of time.
Briefly about all options:
- By plane: Fastest (about 1.5 hours flight + travel to airports). Price from 1.2 million dong. Ideal if you want to save time.
- By train: Classic and scenic way. You can go to sleep in Hanoi and wake up already near Hoi An (in Da Nang). Price from 800,000 dong.
- By bus (direct or with transfer): The most budget option (from 500,000 dong). There are both direct sleeper buses and options with a transfer in Da Nang. Travel time 14-16 hours.
- By taxi or private transfer: Maximum comfort "door to door", but also maximum price. Relevant for a group of 3-4 people. Price from 8 million dong per car.
We will analyze each method in detail below, but to start, here is our expert recommendation:
Our choice for balance of price and impressions: If you want to save a day and get there comfortably — fly to Da Nang (better to buy tickets in advance and round trip). If you want to feel the country and save money — get a ticket for the night sleeper train. If the budget is very limited — take the direct sleeper bus.
By plane (the fastest way)
There are no direct flights from Hanoi to Hoi An, because Hoi An does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), which is only 30 km from Hoi An. That's where you need to fly.
What it looks like in practice:
- Depart from Noi Bai Airport (HAN) in Hanoi.
- Arrive at Da Nang Airport (DAD). The flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An you need to take a taxi, transfer or bus (another ~30-50 minutes, 25 km).
Flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet and Bamboo Airways. There are several flights per day. Prices vary greatly depending on season and booking time.
| ЦЕНА | ПЕРЕСАДКИ | АВИАКОМПАНИЯ | ДАТА ВЫЛЕТА | ДАТА ВОЗВРАЩЕНИЯ |
| Купить от 9102 ₽ | Без пересадок |  |
30.05.2026 | 10.06.2026 |
| Купить от 7831 ₽ | Без пересадок |  |
10.06.2026 | 06.07.2026 |
| Купить от 7987 ₽ | Без пересадок |  |
28.07.2026 | 06.08.2026 |
| Купить от 8046 ₽ | Без пересадок |  |
18.08.2026 | 28.08.2026 |
| Купить от 5488 ₽ | Без пересадок | |
17.09.2026 | 07.10.2026 |
| Купить от 6180 ₽ | Без пересадок | |
12.10.2026 | 26.10.2026 |
How to get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An: The most convenient option is a taxi via Grab or Xanh SM apps. The trip will cost from 400,000 dong (about 15.18 USD). You can pre-order a transfer, then the driver will meet you with a sign. The budget option is to take city bus No. 16 to the final stop, then transfer to bus LK-02 to Hoi An. This will take 2-3 hours but will cost only 38,000 dong.
Keep in mind the total time: 1 hour to get to Noi Bai Airport from central Hanoi + 1.5-2 hours for check-in and waiting + 1 hour 20 minutes flight + 30-60 minutes to get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. In total, the "fast" flight will take from 5 to 6 hours.
By train (the most atmospheric way)
This is perhaps the most romantic way to get from Hanoi to Hoi An among independent travelers. The railway runs along the coast, and the window offers stunning views of the ocean, rice fields, Hai Van Pass and mountains. Hoi An does not have its own station, so you need to go to Da Nang Railway Station.
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Route and travel time
Trains depart from Hanoi Main Railway Station (Ga Ha Noi) or from Long Bien stop near the tourist quarter to Da Nang. Travel time is from 15 to 17 hours. There are day and night trains. We strongly recommend getting a ticket for the night sleeper train (Sleeper Train). You board in the evening (around 6:00-8:00 PM), sleep in your cabin or berth, and in the morning (around 10:00 AM-12:00 PM) you're already in Da Nang. You save time and money on a hotel night.
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Types of cars and prices
Main types of accommodations:
- Soft Sleeper: 4-berth compartment with air conditioning, locking door. The most comfortable option. Price from 1,300,000 dong (49.35 USD).
- Hard Sleeper: 6 berths in an open compartment. Comfortable but less private. Price from 800,000 dong (30.37 USD).
- Seat: Soft seat. For a 16-hour journey — a very tough choice. Price from 500,000 dong.
How to get from Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An: Taxi will take 30-40 minutes and cost from 400,000 dong. You can also take city bus No. 16 to the final stop and transfer to LK-02 to Hoi An (total ~1.5 hours and 30,000 dong).
Where to buy tickets: Tickets for trains from Hanoi to Da Nang are in demand, especially in high season. Better to buy in advance:
- At the station ticket office: Hanoi Main Station (Ga Ha Noi). Ticket offices open from 7:30 to 12:30 and from 1:30 to 7:30 PM. There's an electronic queue (get a ticket).
- Online: You can check schedules and buy on the official website dsvn.vn (payment with Vietnamese/foreign cards) or via the Russian-language aggregator 12go.asia.
- At travel agencies: In Hanoi's tourist district (around Hoan Kiem Lake) many agencies sell tickets, but often with a markup. Be careful: scammers may sell you a ticket in a cheaper class than you paid for.
Our advice: If you have never traveled by train in Vietnam, read our guide-instruction "All about trains in Vietnam". This will make it easier for you to prepare for the trip and understand the types of cars, seat classes, station layout and everything else.
By bus (the most economical way)
The cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Hoi An. Modern Vietnamese buses, especially sleeper buses (sleeping bus), are quite comfortable: with air conditioning, reclining seat-beds, sometimes with Wi-Fi. There are two main options:
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Direct bus Hanoi — Hoi An
This option is convenient because you don't need to think about transfers. Many tourist companies (The Sinh Tourist, Hanh Cafe, Hoang Long) and some major carriers offer direct sleeper buses. They depart from the tourist district of Hanoi (around Hoan Kiem Lake) and arrive in the center of Hoi An or at its northern bus station.
- Travel time: 14-16 hours (night trip).
- Cost: From 300,000 to 500,000 dong (11.39 - 18.98 USD).
- Where to buy: At any travel agency in Hanoi's tourist district, at hotel reception or online on 12go.asia.
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With transfer in Da Nang (more frequent and sometimes cheaper)
This route is more regular. You take a bus from Hanoi to Da Nang, then transfer to local transport to Hoi An.
- First stage (Hanoi — Da Nang): Depart from Giap Bat bus station or from the tourist district. Travel time 14-15 hours. Sleeper bus costs from 280,000 dong. Arrival at Da Nang Central Bus Station.
- Second stage (Da Nang — Hoi An): From the bus station by taxi (400,000 dong) or by buses No. 16 + LK-02 (30,000 dong).
Important! Direct buses from Hanoi to Hoi An are typically tourist services. Their schedule may change depending on season and demand. Always clarify the exact departure and arrival points when buying a ticket. Some take you directly to the hotel, others to a specific bus station in Hoi An.
Our advice: If you are not yet familiar with the system of sleeper, tourist, and intercity buses, read our guide-instruction "All about buses in Vietnam". We tell everything in detail and honestly about buying tickets, where to check schedules, which types of buses are more suitable for long trips.
Comparison of all ways: short table
| Way | Travel time | Cost (approx.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plane + taxi | ~5-6 hours (including travel to airports) | From 1.2 million VND + 400k VND for taxi (60.74 rub+) |
Fastest; comfort; saves time | Most expensive; several transfers; flight dependent |
| Night train (Sleeper) + taxi | 15-17 hours + 1 hour | From 800,000 VND + 400k VND (45.55 rub+) |
Scenic; saves a hotel night; romance of travel; reliable schedule | Long; need a transfer in Da Nang; tickets need to be bought in advance |
| Direct sleeper bus | 14-16 hours | From 300,000 VND (11.39 rub+) |
Cheapest; no transfers; departure from tourist area | Long journey; traffic dependent; not everyone finds it comfortable to sleep on a bus; schedule may change |
| Private transfer/taxi | 14-16 hours | From 8,000,000 VND per car (304 rub+) |
Maximum comfort; "door to door"; flexible schedule; can make stops | Very expensive for one person; price per car, not per person; long |
Tips and personal experience
When to choose which way?
- If you have little time (2-3 days for Hoi An): Only plane. Train and bus will "eat up" a day each way.
- For first acquaintance with Vietnam and adventure lovers: Night train. This is an unforgettable experience and beautiful views.
- For backpackers and budget travelers: Direct night bus. Maximum savings.
- For a family with children or a group of friends (3-4 people): Compare the cost of 4 plane tickets with the price of a private transfer. Sometimes a transfer turns out to be more cost-effective and comfortable.
- In rainy season (October-December in the center): Plane or train are more reliable. Mountain roads used by buses can be washed out.
Our main recommendations from our trips:
- Book in advance during high season (December-April, July-August): Especially for trains and good sleeper buses. Seats sell out quickly.
- Don't trust the first travel agency you come across in Hanoi: Prices can differ by multiples. Visit 2-3 agencies, compare conditions. It's best to buy bus tickets at the carriers' own offices or on 12go.asia.
- Take warm clothes and socks with you: Both on trains and buses, air conditioners often run at full blast. Blankets are provided, but your own clothes always help.
- Plan to arrive in Hoi An during daylight: Finding your hotel or guesthouse in the dark among the labyrinth of old town alleys is not for the faint-hearted. Especially after a long journey.
- Stock up on water and snacks: Even if meals are promised on the bus/train, they may be tasteless or unusual. Cookies, fruit, a bottle of water — must have.
Useful links for planning:
Conclusion: The journey from Hanoi to Hoi An is not just a move, but part of your Vietnamese adventure. The plane will give you time to walk around Hoi An, the train — unforgettable views and atmosphere, the bus — saved money for delicious food and souvenirs. In our opinion, whichever way you choose, you are in for an amazing city worth making this journey for. Happy travels!