Hanoi to Hoi An Train: Schedule & Price

Hoi An is a small town in central Vietnam, possessing the beautiful historical heritage, architecture, and tranquil atmosphere of the ancient town which make it worth visiting. Many people traveling to Hoi An are coming from Hanoi and consider taking the railway. Since traveling by train is one of the most popular methods among locals and the best way to meet other like-minded travelers. Read along to find useful information on traveling from Hanoi to Hoi An by train.

The distance from Hanoi to Hoi An is 800 kilometers. Thanks to the development of infrastructure, visitors can get to Hoi An by plane, train, or car. Following, We will give you detailed pictures of traveling to Hoi An by train.

Getting from Hanoi to Hoi An by train

Hoi An does not have a train station and Vietnam’s railway does not pass through the town. The nearest railway station is in Da Nang city. Da Nang station is one of the most important train stations in the Vietnamese Railways System. It is located in the center of the city and receives many trips from Hanoi as well as other cities.

So if you want to travel from Hanoi to Hoi An by train, you have to take the train from Hanoi to Da Nang station. Then from there to Hoi An, you need to take different methods of transportation which will be mentioned in the article below.

Hanoi to Hoi An by train

The route from Hanoi to Hoi An by train (which stops in Da Nang) offers spectacular scenery and excellent coastal views. Especially, the section between Hue and Da Nang which runs along the East Sea, you will see beautiful beaches and islands, and then the train heads through the lush green mountains via Hai Van Pass to reach Da Nang.  This method of transportation gives travelers a chance to see the Vietnamese countryside in the most comfortable way.

Hanoi to Hoi An train schedule and price

Train Schedule from Hanoi to Da Nang

Travel time by train will be around 16 – 17 hours in total. Currently, there are two trains still operating the route from Hanoi to Hoi An (via Da Nang) which are SE7 and SE3. These trains are operated by Vietnam Railways System which offers a reliable, affordable, and relaxing way to travel not only to Da Nang but also across the country. The SE7 departs at 6:00 AM and arrives at Da Nang station at 11:27 PM. While the SE3 departs at 07:25 PM and reaches the station at 12:24 PM the next day. 

Train Ticket Fee

The ticket price is different depending on the train you take and the type of seat you choose. The lower berth is the most expensive, while the upper berth is the cheapest. 

Transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An

From Da Nang to Hoi An, tourists have various choices of transfer methods.

Taxi

The easiest transfer option is by taxi as there are many taxies stands by and ready outside the train station. Pay attention to these reputable brands like Mai Linh Taxi, Vinasun Taxi, or Tien Sa Taxi which are green, white, and yellow respectively. Make sure the meter is working before you leave the station or you can negotiate and agree on a fixed price. Regularly, a taxi ride from Da Nang railway station to Hoi An town is approximately 300,000 VND – 450,000 VND ($15 to $23) and it takes around 45 minutes, depending on the traffic situation.

Local Bus

Another option is taking a bus. However, the bus to get to Hoi An is not located at or near the train station, so if you would like to take the local bus, you should take a taxi from the train station to the city bus station, which is about 10-15 minutes driving. The bus fare is very inexpensive, only 18,000 VND ($0.8), and the trip duration is around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The bus will stop at Hoi An Bus Station which is the final stop and from there, you can either walk to the town’s center or take a motorbike taxi (xe ôm) to your booked accommodation. Don’t forget to haggle the price with them.

Local Bus from Da Nang to Hoi An

Motorbike

Traveling by motorbike is the most fascinating transfer option because it gives you the most flexibility and freedom on the road. It is no doubt the preferred transportation of Vietnamese locals. The route from Da Nang to Hoi An is pretty straight, flat, and easy to navigate. The traffic here is not as chaotic as in the big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City so it’s more comfortable to drive. Not to mention, you can explore then travel around the area at your own pace and comfort.

Motorbike rental prices for one day vary from 100,000 VND ($4.3) to 200,000 VND ($8.7) depending on the bike type you want, if you rent for a week or longer, then they could give you a discount. Most rental shops in Da Nang will have their motorbikes delivered to you at the train station so you can call, rent ahead and arrange the pickup time accordingly.

Nevertheless, this travel option is not advisable for travelers who have big luggage as it could be inconvenient to carry.

Local tips for traveling from Hanoi to Hoi An by train

For someone who is making the trip for the first time, arranging the way to come here can be a little bit confusing as many of the transportation routes are not direct. Following are some tips that might come in handy:

• Even though you can purchase the ticket one day or within 24 hours before the departure time, it is highly recommended to book your seats in advance and even earlier if you want to get a better price, also allow more time especially during peak travel seasons and holidays. This is a guarantee that you can get your preferred seat at the most suitable schedule. 
• You take your bags - of whatever size - onto the train with you and store them near your seat or berth, so you have access to them throughout the journey. There is no limit, but be ready to carry them!
• If you book a soft sleeper, consider taking the lower berth as it is the most comfortable place, since it has more space for your legs, a higher ceiling so you don’t have to bend your neck, spacious luggage storing at the bottom, and you can easily move around without bothering other passengers. 
• The trip duration is quite long, about 16 to 17 hours so it is ideal to choose the evening train as you will not feel so tired after a good night's sleep. In case you are a light sleeper, remember to bring along eye masks and travel earbuds or noise-canceling headphones, they will definitely come in handy when you want to take a nap on the train.
• Bear in mind that you will not be able to redeem the ticket within 12 hours before the train departs. Therefore you have to make sure about your plan and itinerary to avoid any last-minute changes.

Traveling from Hanoi – Da Nang - Hoi An by train is a great journey throughout time and landscape. Visit BestPrice and join our Hoi An tours to enjoy the unforgettable travel experiences of your life. 

Minah Trinh

Image Source: Internet