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Getting Around Vietnam: Trains, Buses, and Flights

Getting Around Vietnam: Trains, Buses, and Flights

I spent three weeks bouncing between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An, and figuring out the transport puzzle was half the adventure. Trains along the coast, budget flights between cities, and buses that run like clockwork—each mode has its sweet spot. Here’s what actually worked, what didn’t, and where to save your money.

Should you take the train or fly between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

This is the big question. The Reunification Express runs the full 1,726 km between Hanoi and HCMC, but it takes 30 to 36 hours. I did the overnight sleeper from Hanoi to Da Nang (about 16 hours) and loved it—but the full haul is brutal unless you’re a train nerd or on a tight budget. Flights are faster and, surprisingly, often cheaper.

  • Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air fly the Hanoi–HCMC route in under two hours. I booked a VietJet flight for $35 one-way, including a small bag. No frills, but it got me there.
  • The Reunification Express sleeper trains from Hanoi Railway Station to Saigon Railway Station cost $25–$50 for a soft sleeper berth. Book a lower bunk—it’s more stable and has more headroom.
  • If you do take the train, the stretch between Hue and Da Nang (through Hai Van Pass) is the most scenic. I stayed awake just to watch the coastline from the window.

How do you get from Da Nang to Hoi An?

Da Nang and Hoi An are only 30 km apart, so you’ll connect them multiple times if you base yourself in one. I stayed in Hoi An and day-tripped to Da Nang’s beaches and Marble Mountains. The bus is cheap, but a Grab or private car is worth the extra few dollars.

  • The local yellow bus (route 01) runs from Da Nang Bus Station to Hoi An Bus Station every 20 minutes. Cost: about $1.50. It stops at Da Nang International Airport, so you can hop on right after landing.
  • Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) costs $12–$15 for a private car. I used it twice—once when my bus broke down, and once when I was too tired to wait in the heat. Worth it.
  • For a scenic route, rent a motorbike from Hoi An Bike Rental on Nguyen Phuc Chu Street for $6/day. The ride along An Bang Beach road is flat and beautiful.

What’s the best way to travel between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay?

You’ll likely do this as a day trip or overnight cruise. The distance is about 170 km, but the road is slow—expect 3.5 to 4 hours each way. Buses are the standard choice, but I recommend booking through a reputable operator to avoid the cramped minibuses that overpromise.

  • Hanoi Open Tour buses depart from Hang Duong Street in the Old Quarter. I paid $12 round-trip, and the bus had AC and reclining seats. They drop you at Tuan Chau Marina.
  • Private cars via Grab or Klook cost $50–$70 one-way. I did this once when I had an early cruise departure—it cut the trip to 3 hours.
  • Avoid the street touts near Hoan Kiem Lake offering $5 minibus rides. You’ll end up on a van with no AC and four extra stops.

Which bus companies are reliable for long-distance routes?

Vietnam’s bus network is extensive, but quality varies wildly. I took sleeper buses from Hanoi to Sapa and HCMC to Da Nang. The “sleeper” part is a lie—you’re reclined, not flat—but it’s doable for overnight trips.

  • Sinh Tourist (formerly Sinh Cafe) is the gold standard. I booked their bus from HCMC to Da Nang for $18. Clean, on time, and they gave out water and a snack. Their office is at 246 De Tham Street in District 1.
  • Futa Bus Lines runs modern sleeper buses with individual AC controls. I used them for the HCMC–Da Lat route. Book online at their website or at 275 Pham Ngu Lao Street.
  • Hoang Long is fine for shorter hops like Hanoi–Ninh Binh ($5). Their buses leave from Giap Bat Bus Station in Hanoi.

Should you fly between cities in Vietnam?

Yes, especially for the long hauls. Vietnam’s domestic flight network is cheap and efficient. I flew three times: Hanoi to Da Nang, Da Nang to HCMC, and HCMC to Hanoi. Each flight was under $40, and the airports are manageable.

  • VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways are the budget kings. I booked a Bamboo Airways flight from Da Nang to HCMC for $32 including a 7 kg carry-on. No issues.
  • Da Nang International Airport is small and fast. I arrived 45 minutes before departure and still had time for a coffee at Cong Caphe in the terminal.
  • Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi is farther from the Old Quarter (45 minutes by taxi, about $12). Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCMC is closer to District 1 (20 minutes, $8). Factor in transfer costs when comparing flight vs. train prices.

Are night trains a good option for budget travelers?

Yes, if you value saving a night of accommodation. I took the SE4 night train from Hanoi to Da Nang in a 4-berth soft sleeper cabin. It cost $28 per person, and I woke up in the middle of the coast. Not luxurious, but it worked.

  • Book soft sleeper (4 berths) over hard sleeper (6 berths). I tried hard sleeper once—the top bunk was claustrophobic and the mattress was a plank.
  • Use Baolau or 12Go.asia to book online. I bought my ticket at Hanoi Railway Station on Le Duan Street, but the website saves you the queue.
  • Bring earplugs and an eye mask. The cabin lights stay on dim all night, and someone always snores.

How do you get around Hoi An without a motorbike?

Hoi An is small and walkable, but the Old Town is pedestrian-only during certain hours. For trips to the beach or An Bang, you’ll need wheels or a taxi.

  • Hoi An Cycling on Tran Hung Dao Street rents bicycles for $2/day. I biked to An Bang Beach in 15 minutes—flat roads, easy ride.
  • Grab motorbike taxis cost $1–$2 for trips within town. I used them when it rained.
  • The Hoi An Express bus runs from the Old Town to Cua Dai Beach every 30 minutes. $0.50 per ride.

FAQ

Is it safe to take night buses in Vietnam? Yes, with reputable companies like Sinh Tourist or Futa. I never felt unsafe, but keep your valuables in a small daypack you can hold. Buses make rest stops every 3–4 hours at well-lit stations. Avoid the open-tour buses sold by street touts in backpacker areas—they sometimes skip stops or change vehicles mid-route.

Do I need to book train tickets in advance? For the Reunification Express, yes, especially during Tet (January/February) and summer. I booked my Hanoi–Da Nang sleeper three days ahead and only got a top bunk. For shorter routes like Da Nang–Hue, same-day tickets are usually available at the station.

Can I use Grab for intercity travel? No, Grab is for within cities only. For intercity trips, use buses, trains, or flights. Some travelers arrange private cars through Grab drivers for cash, but it’s not officially supported and you lose insurance protection.

Conclusion

  • Take flights for Hanoi–HCMC or any route over 500 km; VietJet and Bamboo Airways are cheap and reliable.
  • Use night trains for scenic coastal stretches like Hanoi–Da Nang; book soft sleeper on the Reunification Express.
  • Rely on Sinh Tourist or Futa for long-distance buses; avoid street-tout minibuses.
  • In Hoi An, bike or Grab for beach trips; skip the expensive taxis.
  • Always factor in airport transfer costs when comparing flights to trains—Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat add time and money.