The Heritage Train runs daily between Hue and Da Nang, crossing the Hai Van Pass rail corridor—one of Vietnam's most dramatic coastal stretches. Travelers using the hue to hoi an hai van pass train typically book the Hue–Da Nang leg, then continue by road to Hoi An. This guide covers schedules, fares, and what to expect on the route.
Quick answer
The Heritage Train operates daily from 07:05 to 18:15, departing Hue Railway Station at 02 Bui Thi Xuan Street and arriving at Da Nang Railway Station at 791 Hai Phong Street. Tickets cost 300,000 VND per person. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and crosses the Hai Van Pass, offering views of the coastline and Lang Co Bay. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure for station check-in and boarding.
The Hai Van Pass railway was completed in 1936 under French colonial administration, engineered to link the imperial capital at Hue with the port city of Da Nang. The line climbs through 21 tunnels and crosses viaducts that cling to mountainsides above the South China Sea. Unlike the modern Hai Van Tunnel used by road traffic, the rail route follows the original alignment, exposing passengers to unobstructed views of the peninsula's cliffs, fishing villages, and tidal flats. The hue to hoi an hai van pass train is a misnomer in the strictest sense: the Heritage Train terminates in Da Nang, not Hoi An. Passengers bound for Hoi An disembark at Da Nang Railway Station and transfer to a taxi, shuttle, or bus for the remaining 30 kilometers south. The Da Nang–Hoi An leg takes 40 to 50 minutes by road. Many travelers book the train for the scenic value of the Hai Van Pass crossing rather than for point-to-point efficiency; the journey is slower than express coach services but offers perspectives unavailable from the tunneled highway. Departures run throughout the day, with the earliest train leaving Hue at 07:05 and the last at 18:15. The Heritage Train uses refurbished rolling stock with air-conditioned carriages and picture windows. Seats are assigned, and the 300,000 VND fare includes onboard service. The route's middle section—between Lang Co station and the pass summit—is the most photographed. Eastbound trains descend toward Da Nang Bay in the late afternoon, when the light strikes the water at a low angle. Booking opens through Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn) and authorized agents. Reserve at least 48 hours ahead during summer weekends and Vietnamese public holidays, when domestic travel peaks. The train does not accept standby boarding; tickets must be purchased before departure. Onward connections to Hoi An are arranged independently—Da Nang station has a taxi rank and shuttle desks outside the arrivals hall.
“The line climbs through 21 tunnels and crosses viaducts that cling to mountainsides above the South China Sea.”
The Heritage Train service operates on a consistent schedule throughout the week, providing daily rail connections between Hue and Da Nang.
The Hue to Da Nang rail connection operates between the primary railway stations in both cities. Travelers can access Hue Railway Station or Da Nang Railway Station easily via taxi or local transport services.
Direct to Hue Railway Station (02 Bui Thi Xuan Street)
Direct to Da Nang Railway Station (791 Hai Phong Street)
From city center to station
Plan to arrive at the station 30–45 minutes before your scheduled departure. This window ensures sufficient time for station check-in and boarding procedures.
Booking the Heritage Train from Hue to Da Nang requires advance reservation through the official railway operator, followed by station check-in before departure. The entire process from online booking to boarding typically takes 30–45 minutes on the day of travel.
Visit dsvn.vn to reserve your seat on the Heritage Train service between Hue and Da Nang. Select your preferred departure time and complete payment online to secure your booking.
After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with your ticket reference number and departure details. Print this confirmation or save it to your mobile device for station presentation.
Reach Hue Railway Station (02 Bui Thi Xuan Street) at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This buffer allows for ticket validation and platform access.
Present your booking confirmation at the Heritage Train counter inside the station. Staff will verify your details and direct you to the correct platform for boarding.
Locate the Heritage Train carriage on the platform—it's visually distinct from standard carriages. Take your assigned seat before the scheduled departure time.
Travelers arriving in Da Nang via the Hue to Da Nang route often continue to Hoi An, located approximately 30 kilometers south. This transition allows visitors to combine the coastal rail experience with the heritage atmosphere of the ancient town.
30 min drive
These limestone hills feature caves and pagodas that offer a geographical midpoint between Da Nang station and Hoi An.
15 min drive
This expansive coastline is easily accessible from the station and provides a relaxed atmosphere before departing for Hoi An.
50 min drive
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its preserved architecture and riverfront, serving as the logical final destination after the train journey.
Everything you need to know about hue to hoi an hai van pass train
There is no direct train connection to Hoi An, but you can take the scenic Heritage Train Da Nang - Hue to enjoy the coastal views before transferring. Many travelers use the hue to hoi an hai van pass train logistics to experience the rail journey between these two major cities. Once you arrive at the Da Nang station, you will need to arrange separate road transport to reach Hoi An. The entrance fee for the Heritage Train service is 300,000 VND per person. This price covers your seat on the journey, which provides coastal rail access through the mountain pass. Please note that all official bookings should be managed via the official site. To ensure a smooth experience when taking the hue to hoi an hai van pass train, it is recommended to arrive 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure. This window allows ample time for station check-in and boarding procedures. Planning your visit within the 07:05–18:00 window helps avoid unnecessary rush at the station. While the train travels between Hue and Da Nang, the final leg to reach Hoi An requires a taxi, private car, or bus transfer. Because there is no rail link into Hoi An, passengers often organize their onwards connection in advance. This ensures seamless travel from the railway platform to your final destination in the ancient town.