Traveling from Hanoi to Hue by train is the choice of many tourists when they want to explore the graceful imperial city. The journey is gentle and promises new experiences for travelers. If you’re planning on visiting Hue by train from Hanoi and you’re wondering if it’s the right choice for you, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be giving you details about train travel from Hanoi to Hue, including time, ticket prices, booking, and helpful tips. So without further ado, let’s get into it!

Why Travel from Hanoi to Hue by Train

There are multiple ways to reach Hue from Hanoi. First, there is the bus, which is the most common and affordable option. However, the downside of taking a bus is that it can get pretty uncomfortable sitting for too long. They do stop once or twice on the road but that makes the overall travel time longer, around 16 to 18 hours. Second, there is the airplane, which is convenient but more expensive. Finally, there is the train, where you get the best of both worlds. It’s not as stuffy as the bus and more affordable than flying. You’ll also get to look at the landscape through your window as you go. A train journey to Hue takes about 13 to 14 hours, which isn’t a lot faster, but if you opt for a compartment with air-conditioning and soft beds, then it would feel more comfortable and not as long.

Pros

Train travel is known for being very comfortable. Many people experience motion sickness in other vehicles but have no issues traveling by train, and some even sleep soundly.

It’s well-equipped. There is no need to worry about food or meal preparation. You can purchase snacks, drinks, and other essentials on a cart that they push around on the train. They also offer three meals a day; passengers can order and eat on the spot. 

The journey is enjoyable. There are charging sockets, curtains for privacy, bed compartments suitable for families, and bathrooms in each train car. Plus, the view you get on the way is nice.

Cons

It’s the more expensive choice than taking the bus, but only a few hours faster. Nowadays, buses are getting more and more comfortable; there are sleeper buses with TVs, air conditioning, power sockets, wifi, etc.

The train isn’t as flexible. Buses can pick you up or drop you off at many stops, which makes it easier for you to go to and from your accommodation. The train only picks up and drops off at the station and doesn’t stop along the way.

How to Book a Train Ticket from Hanoi to Hue

Currently, there are about 5 pairs of trains going between Hanoi and Hue. The Hanoi-Hue trains are marked by odd numbers—SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, and SE19—while the Hue-Hanoi ones are marked by even numbers—SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8 and SE20. 

Ticket prices range from $20 to $60 depending on the type of seat or cabin that you choose: soft seat, hard seat, 4-berth sleeper cabin, 6-berth sleeper cabin, or auxiliary seats (which will be sold when the other seats have all been sold out).

About the seats, “soft seats” are regular train seats, and “hard seats” are wooden benches, which can be a pain in the ass (literally) if you’re spending 13 hours on it. It’s also super cheap but we don’t recommend it unless you’re having a shorter journey. You also have the option between “soft beds” and “hard beds” for the cabins, but don’t expect super soft mattresses, because if you’ve been to Vietnam before, you’d know that Vietnamese people actually prefer harder mattresses because they don’t hurt your back.

4 ways you can book a Hanoi-Hue train ticket:

On the Vietnam Railways website: The website is pretty easy to navigate, and it offers more options compared to other websites. One drawback is that they don’t accept international credit cards, so make sure you’re paying with a Vietnamese card.

On 12Go Asia: They offer fewer options compared to Vietnam Railways, and you have to pay a little bit more for the tickets. But on the bright side, they accept international credit cards.

Through mobile banking apps: If you use Vietnamese banks, you can even book train tickets on the bank’s app. After booking, all information about the journey will be sent to you through SMS or email. This option applies to most banking apps, including Agribank E-Mobile Banking, VietinBank iPay Mobile, VCB Digibank, BIDV SmartBanking, OceanBank Mobile Banking, BAOVIET Smart, VietBank Digital, VietABank EzMobile, Co-opBank Mobile Banking, Eximbank Mobile Banking, Eximbank Omni, ABBANK Ditizen, PB engage VN, BIDC Mobile Banking, App HDBank, OCB OMNI, SacombankPay, Sacombank mBanking, SAIGONBANK SMart Banking, and VNPAY wallet. Make sure to check if they offer train tickets from Hanoi to Hue and vice versa.

Directly at the stations: You don’t have to pay a commission like on 12Go Asia and the employees do speak basic English.

Final Tips for Night Train from Hanoi to Hue

Here are some tips for the best booking experience. Book your tickets early, at least 2 days in advance, or sooner to dibs on the good seats, especially if you’re traveling on holidays or during peak season. 

You should also arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before the departure time to make time for necessary procedures such as ticket checking, information registration, and luggage inspection.

Well, there you go! Have a wonderful trip and time in Hue! 

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